SI Port of Spain

Soroptimist International of Port of Spain was founded in 1959 and is the founder Club of Soroptimist Clubs in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Soroptimist International of Port of Spain is a member of Soroptimist International which is a “worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.”

It is also the founder Club of Soroptimist Clubs in the English – Speaking Caribbean.

Soroptimist International Port of Spain headquarters is located at:
15 Nepaul Street, St. James, Port of Spain.

Email:soroptimistinternationalpos@gmail.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/soroptimist-international-of-port-of-spain

Our organization, Soroptimist International Port of Spain (SI Port of Spain) is one of 7 Trinidadian clubs of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, an International Organization with General Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Our clubs are committed to inspiring action and creating opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls across the world.

The SI Port of Spain club is embarking on The Imagine Project, which is an art competition for secondary school students in recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th. This year the theme for the campaign is Embrace Equity with an emphasis on equity not being just a nice to have, but a MUST have for women and girls around the world. This year, SI Port of Spain aims to draw awareness to the issue of violence against women and girls by allowing our nation’s secondary school students to produce artwork that demonstrates what a society free of violence against women and girls looks like.

For any further information, please email us at soroptimistinternationalpos@gmail.com

Soroptimist International Port of Spain held their 64th AGM

SI Port of Spain held their 64th AGM on the 30th of May 2023 at the Chapel of Ease Anglican Church Hall, Maraval.

Guest Speaker at the meeting was Ms. Akai Webster-Program Manager of Girl Be Heard Trinidad and Tobago who gave a very interesting and dynamic talk on their organization which has a similar mission to Soroptimism.

The Executive for 2023/2024 remains the same:-

President – Girlie Sulaman, President Elect- Donna Jackman Wilson, Secretary- Victoria Forgenie, Treasurer- Pat Adams, Project Action Officer- Donna Scoon Moses, Membership Officer- Patricia Forgenie, Communications Officer – Carolyn James

We welcome the executive for the 2023/2024 terms of office and wish them all the best in their respective areas of remit.

It was also farewell to Wendy Rocke who is leaving after 30 plus years of service to SI Port of Spain due to pressing demands of her job. Pat Adams gave a farewell message and President Girlie presented her with a gift of appreciation on behalf of the club. To Wendy we say a BIG THANK you for her contribution over the years and look forward to keeping in touch .

Following the AGM we had a lovely curry lunch and camaraderie in keeping with Indian Arrival Day.

Upcoming event

SI Port of Spain

DATE: 25th November, 2023

Our treasured members, Merle Latchman, Norma Inniss and Norma Demas were each conferred the title of Honorary Member by the Soroptimist International Trinidad and Tobago, National Association at the Annual General Meeting held on the 9th September 2023, in appreciation of their unwavering dedication, commitment and exceptional service.

They have all been past Presidents of SI Port of Spain. Merle Latchman -1975-1978, Norma Demas – 1978-1981 and Norma Inniss -1996 to 1997.

Also honoured were Dorothy Callender, Elsa Ferguson and Ursula de Castro who were conferred Honorary Life Membership and Dr Martha Frederick-Franklin and Fay Nobrega who were conferred Honorary Membership

SI Port of Spain extends hearty Congratulations and best wishes to all.

SI Port of Spain Members at the Soroptimist International Trinidad and Tobago National Association AGM on the 9th of September 2023., at the Royal Hotel, San Fernando.

SI San Fernando Delegates –

Renata Ramsayway-Lalla and Sandra Dieffenthaller stand in front of their club’s global “Patches of Peace” quilt at the Soroptimist International convention in Dublin.

SI Port of Spain Contribution to SI San Fernando’s global “Patches of Peace” quilt which was on display at the Soroptimist International Conference in Dublin

Trinidad Delegates at the 2023 Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin

SI Port of Spain delegates to the 2023 Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin on the 27th to 29th July

L-R – Donna Scoon-Moses – Project Action Officer

Girlie Sulaman – President

SIBGI Day of Action- 15th July, 2023

“Suit Me Up” Workshop

SI Port of Spain “Suit Me Up” Workshop held on the 15th July , 2023 was a success. This was in commemoration of SIGBI Day of action which coincided with the United Nations World Youth Skills Day, with a focus on girls and doing something around young people.

The workshop was geared for the underprivileged females leaving the school system, with a focus on proper dress and grooming in the workplace and preparation for a business interview.

The students experienced very informative and enjoyable sessions presented by some of our members and prospective members.

Cathyann -Moderator

Pat- Opening prayer and history of SI Port of Spain

Donna SM- Introduction of students and dressing for the business interview.

Victoria- General Hygiene and hairstyles for the work place.

Donna SM and Victoria -appropriate and inappropriate dress in the work place

Oleisa- History and Importance of dress and grooming.; women in the workplace; three types of female business attire (formal, professional and casual)

Rysha-Rae Jennings- Guest makeup artist.

At the end of the sessions the students were well prepared with skills for conducting a business interview and tools to help them transition from secondary school to the workforce. They thoroughly enjoyed the sessions which was evident by the various positive feedback received from the students and their parents. They were very elated when presented with their hampers of a nice assortment and mix and match of work clothes.

Sincere thanks to all who worked very hard to bring this project to fruition.We would also like to acknowledge our new prospect Oleisa Scott who took the lead on this project.

Also, A BIG THANK YOU to our SI Clubs, family, friends, colleagues who donated work clothes and shoes which were greatly appreciated and assisted in the success of the workshop

SI Port of Spain “Suit Me Up” Workshop on the 15th July, 2023

Preparation of hampers for SI Port of Spain “SUIT ME UP” project

Membership Month

In celebration of Membership Month, SI Port of Spain had the pleasure of welcoming 4 new members to the club this afternoon following their AGM.

Culleen Ramdass Layne

Keeley Ashby

Venessa Baboolal

Dr. Wanda Chesney

President Girlie Sulaman presented them with certificates and Soroptimist pins.

L-R- Keeley Ashby, Girlie stood in for Dr. Wanda Chesney and Venessa Baboolal who were unable to attend, Culleen Ramdass Layne

SI Port of Spain presentation for movie fundraiser

SI PORT OF SPAIN MOVIE FUNDRAISER “THE LITTLE MERMAID”

SI Port of Spain extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who attended or supported in anyway our Fundraiser Premiere Movie “The Little Mermaid which was successful. We were so delighted to see so many persons and also members from our other SI Clubs which really meant so much to us.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

(Front row: L-R) Sarah Rajkumar, first place winner in the junior category; Naomi Adams, First place and overall winner in the Senior category, Isaiah Sobers, 2nd place winner in the Junior category, Madison Herde, 3rd place winner in the Senior category, Shannon Alonzo, Art Teacher at Maple Leaf International (missing from picture, Taylor Burns, 2nd place winner in the Senior Category and T’Keya Boynes, 3rd place .winner in the Junior category)
(Back row: L-R) Some of SIPOS Members- Donna Scoon Moses -Project Action Officer,
Patricia Adams- Treasurer, Carolyn James- Communications Officer; Culleen- Member of SIPOS

Sara Rajkumar from St. Augustine Girls High School placed first in the Junior Category from SI Port of Spain club. She also received a Certificate of Merit from the SITT National Association judging. Sara stands next to her wonderful art piece which caught the judges attention.

Naomi Adams from Bishop Anstey High School East winner in 1st Place from SI Port of Spain Club and overall winner from the SITT National Association judging. Naomi is in the middle flanked by her parents who are so proud and elated by her achievements. Above Naomi is her wonderful painting and synopsis which showed not only her creativity but critical thinking in tandem with the theme of the art competition

SITT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IMAGINE SCHOOL ART COMPETITION

Winners in the Senior and Junior categories from SI Port of Spain

IMAGINE- School art competition.

SI Port of Spain extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the schools who participated in the SITT National Association School Art Competition. The theme of the competition was “IMAGINE what a world without violence against women and girls would look like.” The creativity and imagination of ideas were impressive and inspiring and shows how talented these young budding artists are.

The exhibition is at the Rotunda of the National Library and Information Systems Authority (NALIS) and will run until the 3rd of April. Other Soroptimist International Clubs’s art pieces are also on display.

The first and second winners from the SI Clubs who participated will be eligible for level 2 of judging facilitated by SITT National Association.

Lisa Marcano proved that she was ENDO strong having completed the entire course at SI San Fernando’s (SISF) 3K Obstacle Race at Skinner Park today. Her tenacity and determination were very evident throughout the race. This was part of an Endometriosis awareness campaign by SISF for those who struggle with the “invisible illness”

She received her well-deserved medal having completed the entire course which was a great challenge. From the official results, Lisa placed 16th out of 200 participants. What a great achievement

Congratulations Lisa. We are proud of your achievement

SI PORT OF SPAIN MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN FRIENDSHP DAY

SI Port of Spain members enjoyed the wonderful Friendship Day hosted by SI San Fernando at La Vega, Gran Couva on Sunday 19th March 2023. We were delighted to meet out sister Soroptimists and participate in all the fun events thoroughly enjoyed by all. The theme was the sixties and there were various combinations of outfits resembling that era.

SIPOS was enthralled to be the 2nd place winners for the song and dance competition. In addition, one of our members Jamila won the egg and spoon race. All in all, we had a great time.

Thank you SI San Fernando.

SI Port of Spain, SI Chaguanas, SI Esperance clubs

#soroptimistsinsolidaritywithwomensorganisationsembraceeveryone

SI Port of Spain’s Contingent at the IWD March.

#siposstandsinsolidaritywithwomensorganisationsembraceeveryone

Soroptimists participate in IWD March 2023

SI Port of Spain, SI Chaguanas and SI Esperance participated in the Women’s Rights Alliance Annual Solidarity March on the 11th of March 2023 around the Queen’s Park Savannah. This was organized by the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, UWI, the network of NGOs, WINAD, CIWILTT among others. The theme for the event was “Embrace Everyone.” This event which was well attended by various women organizations in the country was in commemoration of IWD, 8th March, 2023. There were speeches at various stops around the Savannah.

Happy International Women’s Day 2023

Theme: DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity

Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid.

Source: www.internationalwomensday.com

CELEBRATING 64 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SERVICE

In commemoration of the 64th Anniversary of the Charter of SI Port of Spain, Soroptimist members from the Port of Spain club and also our sister clubs were invited to attend a brunch at the Cascadia Hotel on the 15th of January 2023.

President Girlie gave the opening address and reflected on the inauguration of SI Port of Spain on the 16th of January 1959. Founder and first President of the Port of Spain Club, Dame Audrey Jeffers, a national icon received the Charter for the club from the Federation of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. This became the first Soroptimist club in the English-Speaking Caribbean.

There was great friendship and camaraderie experienced and everyone had an enjoyable time.

We thank all our Sister Soroptimists for supporting our function and those who sent us greetings which helped to make it a memorable one. We also acknowledge the members who wanted to attend but due to the tickets being sold out, were unable to be accommodated.

Creating and Growing Safe Spaces using Spoken Word Poetry and Agriculture to address Gender-Based Violence

Soroptimist International of Port of Spain (SIPOS) in collaboration with two organizations – ROOTS Foundation TT and Agronomics Inc designed and implemented a project entitled “Creating and Growing Safe Spaces” which sought to foster a climate of peace in our communities, and a healthier world beginning with the children.

The project incorporated a series of workshops geared to address the issues of bullying and Gender-Based Violence at two schools in the St James and Woodbrook areas- namely, St Agnes Anglican Primary School and St Crispin Anglican Primary School.

Using the growth of plants and the concept of a safe green environment, this project aimed to help children between the ages of 9-12 years understand themselves and others and explore ideas of living harmoniously by creating safe spaces for each other. The project strives to create and evoke the emotions of peace building through caring and nurturing seedlings of various types and studying the impact of the environment on growing plants. Through this, participants gained an appreciation of safe spaces, while becoming knowledgeable of the causes and the effects of Climate change. Students were exposed to strategies to navigate “Peace building” to counteract the scourge of crime, bullying and gender-based violence in our communities.

The methodology included the use of their strengths in spoken word and practical agriculture, respectively.

SIPOS intends to implement the program in other schools in its’ continuing efforts of curbing gender base violence.

SI PORT OF SPAIN UNITES WITH RCS IN A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

SI Port of Spain UNITED with the Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago (RCS) in a Candlelight Vigil on Sunday 4th December in solidarity with all the women and girls affected by gender-based violence.

Prior to the walk speeches were given by RCS President, Marion Taylor, and Project Manager, Kimiko Scott. Guest Speaker was Nadella Oya, founder and CEO of Createfuturegood.

A poem entitled “This Woman” was read by 2 of the RCS administration staff which reflected different women and how they conceal their abuse that they have experienced.

#OrangeTheWorld

#EndGenderBaseViolence

#UNITEagainstGBV

World Aids Day

Theme for 2022 -EQUALISE

UNITE for equality- leave no one behind

Every year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS

The “Equalize” slogan is a call to action. It is a prompt for all of us to work for the proven practical actions needed to address inequalities and help end AIDS.

SI Port of Spain in collaboration with the National AIDS Coordinating Committee commissioned 4 HIV Anti Stigma Videos collectively titled “Let’s Stop HIV Together

The video attached is entitled “JUST A DRINK”

You cannot pass on HIV/AIDS from sharing drinks.

So join us in our drive to raise awareness and remove HIV/AIDS stigmatization.

#JustADrink

#Knowthefacts

#EndAIDSby2030

#Endviolenceagainstwomenandgirls

#Detenerlaviolenciacontralasmujeresylasninas

#Respectwomen

#orangetheworld22

Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and Creativity

The World Intellectual Property Organisation Campaign Theme for 2023 is “Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and Creativity”

To kickstart this theme Gayatri Dass of SI Port of Spain had the privilege of engaging with young persons from Bishops Anstey High School and Signal Hill Secondary School in the beautiful island of Tobago about the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) rights and how to maximize the IP system to accelerate their innovation and creativity.

It was a very fulfilling experience for the students and Gayatri.

SI Port of Spain Jewelry Making Recycling Project

SI Port of Spain had their Jewelry Making Workshop Recycle Project at their premises in St. James on the 23rd of October 2022 for women and girls. Participants learnt how to be creative in making beautiful necklaces and earrings in different sizes and shapes from recycled cardboard, fabric and beads. It was a fun afternoon filled with excitement and participants were all pleased with their achievement.

We extend a heartfelt thanks to all the participants who attended and to Jewelry Making Instructor, Yolande Thomas

SI Port of Spain’s contribution to SI San Fernando’s “Patches of Peace”

On November 23rd 2022, Soroptimist International of San Fernando (SISF) will be celebrating their 60th anniversary of charter.

Their theme is ‘Celebrating the Past, Pursuing a Peaceful Future for Women and Girls’. They invited Soroptimist clubs around the world to join them in celebrating this milestone by contributing squares of fabric to their commemorative ‘Patches of Peace’ patchwork sheet.

This is Soroptimist International Port of Spain’s contribution to SISF “Patches of Peace”

SISF will display the sheet of patches at their Anniversary Dinner & Dance on the 3rd of December 2022.

World Development Information Day

Each year the United Nations marks October 24th as World Development Information Day. This day is observed to create awareness towards the problems surrounding development in different nations and how to overcome them.

The day is marked on the same day as United Nations Day, which was formed on October 24, 1945.

With many countries being burdened with insufficient resources, infrastructure, education, capacity, investment, and connectivity, World Development Information Day aims to address these issues. Spreading awareness and mobilizing public opinion to draw people’s support is one to start addressing and resolving these global problems.

Global Media and Information Literacy Week (24-31 October)

Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2022 is observed from October 24 to October 31. UNESCO has announced the theme for this year’s MIL week as “Nurturing trust: A Media and Information Literacy Imperative

Misinformation, political polarization, and contradictory messages create confusion and unrest among people. This is why Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week was conceived with the public’s well-being and the need to empower them with the right information in mind. The initiative aims to ensure and assess progress toward Media and Information Literacy around the world. Its goal is to skillfully alleviate the difficulties associated with misinformation and a lack of information.