Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 26, 2019 (SKNIS):The Honourable Senator Wendy Phipps, Minister of State within the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender Affairs and Social Services, commended the Mothers’ Union of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA) for the exemplary role they play in society, especially as they strive to reform the organization in the region.
Senator Phipps was at the time delivering remarks at the official opening of the Triennial Conference of the Diocesan Council of the Mothers’ Union of NECA which convened in St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, April 25, at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Multipurpose Centre in Palmetto Point.
“As I researched the concerted efforts being made to restructure the Mothers’ Union in our region, I note that your membership appears to have made steady progress over the past two years in re-designing and articulating your mandate and identity,” said the minister. “My research illustrates that you are now at a pivotal moment in terms of confirming the new game plan. I gather that these new standard operating procedures will enable you to achieve the fresh mission via Listening, Observing and Acting, as laid out in your revised Framework and Narrative and, by extension, in the theme of this year’s conference which is “Listen, Observe, Act – in Step with God”.
The minister touched briefly on the theme, noting that “at first blush, it is easy to adopt a very rudimentary take on the theme for this year’s conference”.
“It can also be taken for granted that for most of us who consider ourselves mature and sane adults, we already know the merits of listening and observing before taking decisive action in anything. Many of us who are in a walk with God will even venture to declare that before we do anything in life – especially major activities that could be life-altering – we take it to God in prayer. Yet, how many of us can truthfully say that we follow this process AT ALL TIMES for the various decision-making activities in our lives?” Senator Phipps asked.
Senator Phipps wished the delegates a successful conference 2019.
“On behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, and specifically the Ministry of Social Services, Gender Affairs and Community Development I wish you every success with the 2019 Triennial Conference of the Mothers’ Union of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba,” she said. “May your deliberations be frank, fruitful and results oriented as you continue to chart the way forward for a revitalized Mothers’ Union movement in our region. I look forward to hearing about and perusing your new strategic plan with a view to exploring possible areas of governmental collaboration via our Departments of Gender Affairs and Community Development, and the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs.”
St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the event in 2008. Over 100 delegates from at least six islands are attending this year’s conference which will conclude on Sunday, April 28.