THE first month of the last quarter has been great to me, and we have a couple of days remaining that can make it even greater. After the pandemic, it was awesome to connect with the team and exhibitors from the Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo.
It brought back fond memories of when I encouraged some of the exhibitors from the Women in Business Expo to participate in FITCE. I am looking forward to our participation again next year, God willing, and connecting with friends like Megan and Wilma, and clients while setting that foundation for next-level elevation.

Attending church with my friend Lidca wearing one of my versatile outfits that was converted in a few minutes to go to brunch with my friend Janice reminded me of why my designs are unique and special, and have received people’s positive reactions after all these years. Coming back on the flight was memorable, because of the youngster sitting next to me. Allistair Parks and I had a profound conversation that manifested in value-adding to many lives. He shared his journey from St. Joseph High School and navigating studies in the United States, trying to identify his purpose. I was so impressed with his story that I encouraged him to go back to his old school and share it with the students.

I made contact with the headteacher, Nathram Raghubansi, who was excited for him to visit his alma mater. He shared with the students his desire to be a pilot, and how he became an engineer in the oil-and-gas industry. I am proud of him, and it was an honour to introduce him to the students, who were very interactive and curious to know more about the industry.

My friend Richard Young returning to Guyana after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus was a blessing, because we hosted several programmes in collaboration with Tower Suites that added value to many lives. The Other Side of Fear was a phenomenal event, featuring breast cancer survivors, doctors and others on the panel. Nayrini Seepersaud is an accomplished legal professional holding dual diplomas in law and accounting. This young lady wore many hats, and was one of the competent panellists. She shared her feedback below:

“I recently had the honour of partaking in a panel discussion centred on the theme of ‘Exploring the Other Side of Fear’. This enriching experience reinforced the significance of perceiving fear as a catalyst for personal evolution and well-being. It underscored the importance of embracing life’s challenges as stepping stones for growth and empowerment.

“In my contribution, I emphasised the transformative power of leveraging one’s voice to interpret fear as a signal for heightened awareness and an impetus to conquer obstacles. I stressed the importance of taking ownership of our fears and channelling them proactively to aid ourselves and others. Techniques such as meditation, fostering a strong support network, and cultivating resilience and adaptability were highlighted as effective tools for personal development and communal encouragement.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a profound discussion; one that bolsters courage and amplifies voices within our community. Such platforms serve as crucial instruments for nurturing a culture of empowerment and growth, and I eagerly anticipate further engagements aimed at fostering collective resilience, empathy, and empowerment.”

Clemencio Goddette shared how it made a difference to her diagnosis the way Dr. Gooding (we are both Berbicians), who was also on the panel, broke the news to her about her status. I must commend Dr. Gooding as not only an Ontologist but also someone who cares about her patients. My aunt Corin is her patient, and she echoes the same sentiments.

“I am very happy that we attended the event, which was very inspirational, motivating hope and encouraging people to find the other side of fear,” said the beautiful daughter.

Dr. Leroy Hendricks, who recently completed his studies, is a young man I admire from the indigenous community and a mentor to many. I was happy when he accepted the ‘invite’ to join us, and he shared takeaways.

“Being a part of ‘the other side of fear’ was such an enlightening experience for me. It allowed me to really examine and appreciate the steps that I have taken to overcome some of my own insecurities, low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Too many times we keep ourselves from going forward because we’re afraid of what others might say. Nonetheless, they will have a say whether it’s negative or positive. We’ve got to find our own positivity in everything we do.
Listening to the stories of the others as well as an enriching moment as the biggest question I have is, “How are you still here?” The medical field can only provide some answers; faith and divinity do the rest. There’s so much to living an intentional life.”

Three-time breast cancer survivor Anna D Morias, who is also a patient of Dr. Gooding, shared her journey and had us in tears. October is the month with more awareness, but we have to be more intentional for this to be through the year because it affects us all.

My gratitude goes out to everyone who made this possible, and a big thank you to our moderator, Richard Young, who was exceptional.

“Moderating a dynamic panel of eclectic, proactive persons was quite enriching to my soul, and I am sure it was absolutely invigorating for those in attendance.

The panellists themselves spoke of its empowering nature and the capacity to transform lives through its relevant and engaging ethos. Deciding to take risks is part of our human condition, which arouses fear in its myriad of permutations. The win is in addressing the fear head-on, overcoming its prohibitive stranglehold and unleashing a liberating spirit that fosters sustainable action, responsible life choice and true, unadulterated human freedom.

This is evidently the way we rise above debilitating occasions to seize opportunities and distill processes to set us apart from instinctual animal life. Human life and fulfilling life chance begins on the other side of despair, for he who is not every day conquering fear has not learned the secret of life!”

I did declare October as a growth month, but I am extending that to the entire last quarter as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.