Barbados 2008!

Report on conference by Sue Pridmore, Programme Action and voting delegate.

Well we did it, we went to Barbados. Our new Regional President Hilary, Gordina, Anne, Sue and I. It was quite a do! I thought I would give you an overview of what happened.

We had all arrived at various times and on various planes but we all gathered on Thursday evening for the welcome service followed by the Prime Ministers Reception at Ilaro Court. It was wonderfully warm and all around was the whistling of frogs and crickets (not to mention the whining of some voracious mosquitos!) There was a band playing and a speech or two welcoming hundreds of us to the beautiful island of Barbados and as you can imagine lots of chatter.

Next morning the proceedings of the conference started and Wales South were all there in their red tee shirts, carrying our huge daffodils. After some milling around for our voting key pads we sat down ready for the day. The Prime Minister made an entrance and a whole conference hall full of women went silent – quite a thing to behold. All the flags were then drummed in accompanied by young cadets in immaculately pressed uniforms looking very proud to be part of such an official ceremony. They were received by the Federation President Marguerite Woodstock-Riley whose welcome speech talked of the conference in Barbados being a dream come true for her. She acknowledged all the great work done in the Federation but reminded us all that there was still much to be done in the world to improve the lives of women and girls. Her theme of ‘Be Bold, Think Big and Make a Difference’ was then echoed by the Prime Minister in his speech in which he congratulated Soroptimists for the good works they do. He aligned his own policy of empowerment and development of the people of Barbados with our aims for women around the world.

The Federation President then talked of the realities we face, losing members, ignorance of our organisation etc. She urged everyone to spread the word.

The Director of Membership then talked about recruitment of new members, treating our fellow members with respect. Encouraging new members and doing activities that will attract new members both older and importantly younger people.

We had a coffee break, well actually everyone wanted juice or water as it was SO HOT. They ran out, think they had underestimated our need to rehydrate!

Next came voting on the various motions. There were 10 but only 3 caused any debate. The Constitution and change of legal entity caused the most controversy with some last minute (literally) objections to the changes proposed. Eventually it was carried by 82%.

There was an uncomfortable debate about bringing in a grievance procedure to deal with members conduct issues. Apparently there are instances where a mediation process is required! This was carried by 75% with the hope that the existence of such a procedure would make members think carefully about how they treat each other.

The only motion that was rejected was the one seeking to align us with a specific charity, the International Diabetes Foundation. Whilst the conference applauded the work of this charity it was felt that we wanted to be open to support many and varied charities.

As voting delegate for SI Carmarthen I voted with the majority on all the motions.

At the end of day one we caught the buses back to the hotels, past the Emancipation statue and rushed in for a quick shower and change before getting back on the buses for the Caribbean evening. A joyous occasion with a steel band, limbo dancing and lots of rum punch -  think we all developed quite a taste for rum punch while we were there.

Day two of the conference was all about the work we have been doing around the SIGBI Federation. A very uplifting session seeing what is being done. A school in Jamaica built with SI assistance, Project Pink for Breast cancer. Cementing futures with Friendship links and perhaps the most memorable presentation from the club who have bought a camel and a load of books and provide a camel library to outlying villages. There were many more ALL doing great work.

This was followed by the SIGBI awards and an update on Project Sierra. We were reminded that we can access the Project Sierra website to see the up to date position. This also holds an ideas section for us to use.

At lunchtime Wales South got together in their tee shirts for a Kodak moment and an emotional rendition of the Welsh National anthem. Pure Magic.

We then had a number of speakers.

·         The manager of the National Council on Substance Abuse who encouraged us to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others.

·         Lord Anthony Gifford Barrister and Head of Chambers but practising in the Caribbean. He was a truly motivating speaker and a champion for Justice for all and Human Rights. He is a particular advocate of the equal rights of women throughout the world. He believes women need to be empowered to act as a counter agent to male chauvinism and to promote peace in the world. He is an Optimist – if not a Soroptimist- and believes we can change our world if we keep striving.

So on to the evening and the inaugaration of Regional President Hilary and our new Federation President Carwyn Wynne-Howells. An emotional occasion and a proud one for both ladies. This was then followed by a wonderful banquet with everyone in their finery and a get together for Wales South to finish the proceedings with a few more rum punches.

A great time.

Looking forward to an even better do at Cardiff next year.