TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: September 02, 2007
Posted: September 21, 2007
 | | Presenter Dr. Phaedra Pierre
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The National Women's Action Committee held their event titled "Women are Emancipators Too: Rebuilding the Family" at the SWWTU Hall in Port of Spain on Sunday 2nd September, 2007. On this evening several families were honoured for their exemplary contributions. These families were: the Hosein family, the Caesar family, the Codrington family, the Rougier family and the Singh family.
As guests streamed in the venue, Pan Elders Steelband, who despite their name were quite youthful, provided some entertainment as they played a string of popular songs.
At the formal beginning of the event, Dela Obika, Servant President of NWAC welcomed guests to the programme and highlighted that history seldom highlights the role that women play in the development of various struggles all over the world. She remarked that over the years, they have realized that intense pressures are placed on the families of the nation to survive and live together.
MC Dr. Phaedra Pierre, building on Dela's introduction, remarked that the family is thought of by sociologists and psychologists as one of the most important institutions and, as such, it follows that if the family is strong, the community and nation will be strong. Dr. Pierre noted that some of the support systems that traditionally helped the family stick together and be strong, have changed. One such support system is the extended family, she said. Outlining the need to refocus and recreate systems of family support, she said that recognizing the strong families that are getting it right would be good to present to the public for others to follow.
The family of Merle and Farouk Hosein
The family of Merle and Farouk Hosein was the first family to be honoured on the evening. The presenter Naema Khan read out a brief biography of the family, outlining how Merle and Farouk met, and how commitment and determination during difficult economic times helped to create a sense of peace, togetherness and unity in the home. Describing Merle and Farouk as having a deep concern and love for the people of Trinidad and Tobago, she hailed them as exemplars, worthy of emulation. Ragin Ali of the National Muslim Women's Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago presented the award to the family.
Following this presentation, budding Calypsonian, young Necoda Francis, was impressive in the rendition of her song "My Freedom Song" while Megan Waldron treated the audience to a family-oriented song titled "Rise up Children'. Kizzie Ruizz performed the gospel song "One Day at a Time", followed by the dynamic Reflex Dance Company who drew rapturous applause from the audience with their limbo dance.
Darren Robinson and the Caesar family
The second family to be honoured was the Caesar family headed by James and Rita Caesar who are now deceased. Presenter Ayanna Gellineau mentioned that James and Rita were married via an arranged marriage, and they were well suited for each other, being married for many years before they passed away. James was a forest-ranger and took pride in taking his children on many trips across the country while Rita was strong, well-read and independent and ran the household single-handedly; she was an excellent cook and a renowned seamstress. One of their accomplishments, she declared, was successfully raising seven children, of whom she spoke about briefly. The children included Ronald Caesar, Peter Caesar, Marcia Caesar, Eugene Caesar, Lynette Caesar, and the late Terrence Caesar, otherwise known as the Calypsonian 'Puppet Master'. The children of 'Puppet Master' then treated the audience to some Kaiso, with Jervae Caesar singing "Caribbean Woman" and Shereen Caesar singing Ella Andell's "Missing Generation".
Sevika Mayawti Maharaj makes a presentation to Awardees Nidhi and Indra Singh
The third family to be honoured was the family of Nidhi and Indra Singh who have been married for twenty-nine years. Presenter Meera Ramtahal outlined the humble beginnings of the couple where Nidhi worked as an upholsterer and a carpenter while Indra built her skills in the area of pottery, becoming very successful in this area. Meera expressed that the struggles of this family are a testimony to how love and understanding of each other and the knowledge that their life together must be an example to their children; where patience, honesty and perseverance will bring the happiness and success that all families desire. Sevika Mayawti Maharaj of the Hindu Prachar Kendra presented the award to the family and remarked that in this age of materialism people forget that they belong to the family of the nation.
Glenda Edwards recited one of her poems titled "Drinking House Over the Way" that drew attention to the damaging consequences of substance abuse.
Amrika Mutroo then gave a solid performance of her Calypso "Wake Up Parents" in which she encouraged parents to show love and to be sensitive to children.
Wilfred Edwards makes a presentation to the Codrington Pan Family
The fourth family to be honoured was the Codrington Pan Family who comprise of parents Karen and Cary Codrington and their six children Keisha, Kareem, Kizzi, Kamau, Khari and Kaijah. Presenter Jennifer Green read a biography of the family, and highlighted the love of pan and music that characterizes this dynamic and multi-talented family. Wilfred Edwards presented the award to the Codrington Pan Family. The Condrington Pan Family, following the acceptance of their award, delighted the audience with a well-executed Pan song.
Rev. Pam Padarathsingh and the Rougier family
The fifth family to be honoured was the Rougier family headed by Alreada and (the late) Nicholas Rougier. Hailing from Sobo Village in La Brea, they raised fourteen children and now have thirty-eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Nicholas and Alreada were described as livewires in their community with Nicholas being known as the Prime Minister of Sobo Village, being at the forefront of several community initiatives such as lobbying for roads, lights and a community center. After the death of her husband, Nicholas, Alreada Rougier worked hard to support her children emotionally and otherwise, and now at the age of eighty-three, still resides in the village of Sobo.
The North West Laventille Dance Company
Numerous performances, in-between the presentation, lit up the evening. Karen Eccles paid tribute to the families being honoured while also remembering the late Tobagonian, Calypsonian Beulah "Lady B" Bobb, in song. Jael Paul was impressive in her rendition of "African Woman", a song that speaks of the distinction and proud traditions of empowered African women. Cindy Alleyne followed and moved the audience with her rendition of Ella Andell's "Rhythm of a People". Also performing was Singing Sonia who warned of the threat of HIV/AIDS in her song "The Invasion". Rounding off the performances were the North West Laventille Dance Company who gave a fantastic and rhythmic drumming and dancing performance.
NWAC - Women are Emancipators Too in pictures:
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