Tuesday 7th June, 2011: Women of the New National Party (NNP) came out in vast numbers on Monday June 6th, to support a women’s conference spearheaded by the Women’s Arm of the NNP; at the Grenada Trade Centre Annex. Hundreds of women from all corners of the island came out to discuss the way forward; at the first in a series of women’s leadership seminars.
The activity featured discussions on areas of Communication, Leadership and Attitude. Janis Cuffie, the Team Leader for the St. David’s Constituency and with a background in PR, Marketing and Communication; delivered a presentation on Communication; St. Andrew South East Team Leader and former Minister of Youth Development, Mrs. Emmalin Pierre, spoke on Leadership and Parliamentary Representative for the constituency of St. Mark, Dr. Clarice Modeste, made a vibrant presentation on Attitude.
Dr. Modeste, now in her third term as Member of Parliament, said she was very proud of the numbers of women who turned out to the activity, as well as their energy and vitality. She spoke of the NNP Women’s Arm as being the vanguard of the party that is being counted on to go out and do the work of the NNP.
Each speaker called on the women to continue to rally around the NNP and work toward the development of their country and party. Many issues such as the social situation of single mothers and programs to assist these mothers were discussed. Several of the women who attended the forum, spoke of the many problems they are presently experiencing due to the horrible state of the Grenadian economy and during the interactive session, they called on the opposition to continue to plead their cause in the parliament of the nation.
Former Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell addressed party-faithful and newcomers on several issues such as the importance of women to the process of change in the society. He called on the women to continue leading the way; as women have always been the ones leading the work, in the change process. The NNP Leader also warned against complacency calling on NNP women to never underestimate the NDC and to continue doing the work in the various constituencies; such as monitoring the voters list and ensuring only the names that should be on these lists are there.
This was the first in what will be a continuing series of seminars by the Opposition New National Party; as the party continues to empower women and prepares itself to face the electorate.