Oh what a night!!!! Yesterday evening saw the official opening of the Treasure Beach Women's Group Benevolent Society's new home . . . and what a night it was.

In speaking with various guests, the feeling of the evening was total amazement at the phenomenol accomplishments of TBWG. In less than one year the group house went from total devestation to a large, professional meeting house equipped with space for a medical clinic. Overwhelming!

The ceremonies started with the MC for the night, Paulette Kirkland; Director of Research, Training & Development for the Department of Co-operative & Friendly Societies, Ministry of Commerce, Science & Technology, recalling her first meeting with the TBWG when they were sitting on cement blocks in the small board house.

Pastor Ebanks follwed with a prayer. Then we all joined in with singing the theme song for TBWG, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."

The long awaited moment of cutting the ribbon was performed by Peace Corp. Volunteer Patti Shannon and the president of TBWG, Vivette Taylor.



What a beautiful house!







The lovely craft room.





The very popular thrift shop.



The kitchen in use.



Large meeting hall.



We are awaiting examining tables, etc. for the medical clinic. Once those are in place I will provide photos of this area.

Once the ribbon cutting was complete, there was an introduction of officers by Vivette Taylor and recognition made to all TBWG members. Special mention was made of Celeste Anderson who unselfishly contributes to the group with so much of her time. She is currently off the island and was truely missed last night.



Jeanne Genus then gave us a brief run down of the history of TBWG which started in September 2000 with their first meeting being held in the TB Church of God, then holding monthly meetings at the Sandy Bank School, starting on the foundation for the 1st group house in September of 2002 opening the shop in January of 2003. Then having the shop and house totally destroyed in September of 2004 . . . until the proud moment of today!



The guest speaker of the night was Dr. Glenda Sims, Director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs from 1996. Dr. Sims is a St. Elizabethian having been born in the Malvern area and, therefore, has taken TBWG under her wings and helped us to fly.



Her speach was rivoting, invigorating, stimulating, rousing, and mostly inspiring. She spoke of the importance of the roll of women in Jamaica's society and how women need to take control of their destiny; how sisterhood is key and we must practice democracy and respect for all especially including the poor, elderly and young. Her hopes and dreams for this house were to "make it a house of healing, where women make the decisions reaffirming their womenhood - liking yourselves from the top of your head to the souls of your feet - where your spirits will rise empowering yourselves and each other to be strong, positive women making this place a model for community development by caring, sharing and reaching out to others. And most importantly passing on this building to the young women, teaching and guiding them along the way."



At the end of this amazing motivational speech Dr. Sims announced this was her last official appearance as the Director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs after holding the position for 9 years letting the TBWG know that they were the wind beneath her wings. She was given a standing ovation lasting several minutes! Thank you Dr. Sims.

Our favorite local writer, Dr. Glaceta Honeyghan entertained us with the reading of three of her poems, two with the subject matter of strong women, and the third appropriately a poem on Hurricane Ivan.

Special thanks and mention were given to:

Ralph James for donating the land which the TBWG house sits on.

Axel & Andrea Wichterich owner's of Marblue for donating the architectural plans, plumbing and electrical supplies and labor, and the beautiful tile floors.



Erik and Janet MacPeek for bringing down a crew of professional workers from the States to jump start the whole construction project, motivating all of us to move on, as well as their financial backing.

Jason Henzell for allowing the TBWG to use the Island Gifts shop located at Kingfisher Plaza for the eight months they had no home.

Breds Organzation for their donations.

TB.Net for bringing attention to TBWG needs.

The Wiersma/Nywening/Bajema/Harpie family (my fabulous family) for their financial support.

Lisa Ginzel for sponsoring her work crew for a week's worth of mason work, and further financial support.

Pastor Perkins from Top Hill for donating the windows, doors, and shingles.

The United Way of Jamaica with the ever present help of Winsome Wilkins giving us our largest grant.

and, of course, all who contributed in cash and kind, the numerous volunteers, TB guests, residents, etc. who showed that coming together, there is nothing we can't accomplish.

The ceremonies ended appropriately with the singing of the National Anthem. I believe the walls were rattling with the sound of our voices. What better way to celebrate this great country's birthday!

The following are photos of some of the wonderful members of the TBWG.











Approximately 150 guests attended the ceremonies last night and the meeting room was filled with the cool night breezes. Let's hope this is the first of many important meetings to be held here!



To learn more about The Treasure Beach Women's Group click on the appropriate link below

Low bandwidth (dial-up) without sound, www.treasurebeach.net/guide/misc/tbwg/tbwg_low.html

High bandwidth with sound,
www.treasurebeach.net/guide/misc/tbwg/tbwg_high.html

I honestly must say that I love Patti and Joe Shannon. I still cannot believe how completely they gave the Treasure Beach Community everything they had, straight from the heart.

We are so blessed to have had them with us for the last two years. I pray that this will be the beginning of a lasting friendship. I will miss them so much, and can only pray that we as a community can continue the good works that they helped us start. One Love, One Heart, One World

What a wonderful sight! So good to see the Women's Group Success in all it's Glory.
A fine example to the whole community and the world. Wishes of happy communal days and sweet and sharing nights.
All the best and thanks for the photos, I could truly imagine being there. So nice to see the wonderful women of Treasure Beach.
So many involved in positive productivity and progression.
Heartfelt Greetings to all.

I just ran across some pictures of the building of the new TBWG House and thought I'd post the link here in case you missed it first time around.
http://treasurebeach.net/guide/misc/tbwg-ss/tbwg-ss.html

And here's the link to the TBWG's slideshow (and music) which outlines what they do, what they need, and how you can help.
(low bandwidth) http://treasurebeach.net/guide/misc/tbwg/tbwg_low.html
(high bandwidth) http://treasurebeach.net/guide/misc/tbwg/tbwg_high.html

Enjoy!
-TBNet