Let’s respect our elders and appreciate persons with disabilities!

WE are going from young people to the senior citizens. The Living with Intention mission, under the auspices of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Art recently reignited its Love Revolution campaign, spreading the philosophy of love for each other and for the environment, as a proactive practice of bettering sustainable life chances, as well as promoting an empowering vision for a progressive future.

This initiative was timely for, at this Golden Jubilee celebration of our status as a republic, we ought to change the narrative for a more harmonious and integrated coexistence, as a citizenry. In keeping with this movement, we need to integrate an all-inclusive premise to spread the word of love among a wide cross-section of our society.

Against this backdrop, the SNFCA has partnered with Tower Suites Hotel to host a luncheon for senior citizens and persons with disabilities at the Tower Suites.

My excitement grew leading up to this event because they have cemented a special place in my life. When I looked at the seniors all dressed up (my mom included) and chatting and hugging each other it was a great sight. My mom seldom attends my events because she lives at Bartica, so having her there was special and she even shared some inspiring bible scriptures with us. During my brief remarks, our eyes met and one of my favourite quotes came to mind. “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”- Abraham Lincoln
She is a truly phenomenal woman and inherited her heart for caring and sharing.

They were not many activities suitable for seniors and people with disabilities for the Jubilee Anniversary, so we were intentional about creating an event with an atmosphere they will enjoy.
The National Steel Orchestra set the pace with some pan music, welcoming the invitees. Richard Young who is one of the members of the SNFCA hosted the proceedings. Sister Beverley from Love and Faith opened with prayers followed by dramatic poetry by my talented cousin Clemencia Goodette. I experienced a very emotional moment when Joanne Forde sang, ‘Great is Your Mercy’ by Donnie Mc Clurkin. A few years ago I listened to that song many times a day through some difficult times and that brought back many memories. Tower master chef Pretti prepared the delicious meal we all enjoyed. A big thank you to the Beharry Group of Companies and Sterling Products for the hampers given to everyone who attended. Uttamkumar Isurdeen is a young man who impressed and inspired me after a few minutes. He is in a wheelchair because of a mini-bus accident 10 years ago. He was the first to arrive and light up the room with his smile and warm greetings. His story motivated me and he will be joining me on the Living with Intention Tour.
Former Minister Benn expressed how happy she was to join us and encouraged me to keep my light shining, because I am making a difference. She said the initiative was relevant and timely.
It was a pleasure to see persons chatting about why love is important while pinning the Love Revolution buttons sponsored by Pastor Persaud’s Liberty Church New York. Dr Raquel Thomas, to whom I refer as the ‘Love Ambassador’ and Sabanto Tokoroho enjoyed sharing the pins with the attendees. Raquel is responsible for Iwokrama partnering with us for the love campaign.

I must commend Tremane Thomas who is a young talented photographer; he volunteered his time to capture these memorable moments.
I am still receiving messages and calls from persons who attended and they expressed how special and wanted they felt. They shared some of their plans with me, which reminded me of the Henry Ford quote: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” I have been enjoying the presence of the seniors for decades and it adds so much value to my life with the love always expressed.

It’s all part of the Love Revolution’s campaign to instill notions of compassion, empathy and benevolence to the marginalised in the community on the threshold of the second half of a century as a Cooperative Republic.

Let’s respect our elders and appreciate persons living with disabilities, as we continue to celebrate this journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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