Charlestown-Nevis—As part of the activities to celebrate international men’s day, which was observed on Thursday 19th November, the Gender Affairs division of the Social Services department in collaboration with the Methodist Men’s Commission, held a night out, strictly for the men on Nevis.
It was dubbed ‘A night to remember.’
The activity was held at the Franklyn Browne community center and was very well attended by men across the island.
There was a brief opening ceremony, ably chaired by Pastor Wayne Maynard, Probation officer at the Social Services department.
The invocation was delivered by Mr. David Daniel and the national anthem was uniquely played on mouth organ by Mr. Charles Sutton.
Including those addressing the gathering was Miss Lorraine Archibald, Coordinator of the Gender Affairs division. She urged the men present to live by the theme: ‘Man up-take a stand-lead by example.’
She also listed the activities that had been organized to celebrate international men’s day for this year:
Profiling of two men on VON radio
Church service at the Shiloh Baptist church-Sunday 15th November
Night to remember-Thursday 19th November-International men’s day
Health walk in collaboration with the Masters’ Cricket team-Saturday 21st November-with breakfast sponsored by TDC
Men’s cook out day at Paradise beach-Saturday 28th November-11am to 5pm
Chairman of the Methodist Men’s Commission, Mr. Alsted Pemberton, also addressed the gathering. He gave an outline of the make-up of his organization and noted that they were happy to collaborate with such an endeavour. He stated that the main objective of the group was to enhance the social and spiritual wellbeing of men and boys in order to enable them to contribute positively to the welfare of their individual communities and by extension, the entire island.
Minister responsible for Social Development, Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, pointed out that she was impressed with the gathering and opined that she would be seeing many more similar ‘meetings of the mind’ in the future.
She highlighted the significant roles to be played by the men within the society and asked those present to ‘man up’ and take their responsibilities seriously.
She also pleaded with them to effect social change and stop the violence against women.
Another feature of the evening was the presentation of certificates and a bottle of apple cider to five men—one from each parish, for ‘their invaluable contribution in the society.’
The men receiving the awards were: Oral Jeffers; Ron Daniel; Joseph Wiltshire; Egbert Clarke and Kenneth Warner.
The men then engaged in a host of fun games which generated quite some hilarity and through which some of them won handsome gifts as well.
Then there was the food and the drinks…..
All present, expressed the view that it was indeed a night to remember.