Hon. Germaine Wade represents Minister Riley in delivering award
Endorsing the theme, ‘Women as Agents of change’, on Commonwealth Day, Miss Ersiline Allen of Baker Hill was honoured with an Award by the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services, remembering International Women’s Day.
The simple and brief ceremony took place at the Windsor Restaurant on Monday, March 14 at 6.00 p.m. Members of a Commonwealth Day Planning Committee under the chairmanship of Miss Joy M Ponde put on the event which began Pastor Toney Allen, who invoked God’s blessings on the “on this special occasion to recognize and award Lord my dear sister…for all the abilities and all that she has accomplished over the years …” thanking God also, “for blessing her with health and strength , wisdom, knowledge and understanding to execute her tasks and her chores to the best of her ability…”
The master of ceremony was Dr. Sheron Burns who continued by calling in turn on Mr. Charles Kirnon, Minister of Communications and Works, followed by Mr. Eugene Skerritt, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and then a rendition titled is ‘His Strength is perfect,’ presented by Miss Ronel White.
The MC opened by referring to the occasion and Miss Ersiline as a ‘very humble and unassuming member of our Community, who realises we all have a role to play in nation building.’
Hon. Minister Kirnon, best known friend of Ersiline
Hon. Minister Kirnon introduced as a ‘friend of Ersi…’ gave brief remarks and began by expressing his pleasure that Ersiline was being honoured as he knows her from way back, attending church as children. He went on cite the many occasions when she was on time, every time to do everything and anything, involving herself in everything around her children and activities, not forgetting Cudjoe Head day celebration. She was out front with all the preparations. She was present to help prepare all the breakfast, up to now if there was one person you can count on.”
He took the opportunity to thank her for all she has done and continues to do in the community. In part the Minister said: “She has been a stalwart in this community and I believe it is only fitting that she be recognised for her work as youth within the youth community, the church, the youth group and every other group formed in the community…girl guides, brownies…and I do hope that other parents in the community and in Montserrat at large will take a leaf from her book and so emulate…that we continue that kind of spirit…it was always without pay…thanks and God bless you.”
Permanent Secretary Eugene Skerritt
Permanent Secretary Skerritt gave details highlights of many of the activities mentioned by the Minister as he has witnessed many of her services and support she to that day continues to deliver. He recalled she did not only work for the school her children attends, but for any occasion; that the idea of finding someone who has made meaningful contribution…”when I learned it was Ersi who was going to be our special person and awardee, I said they couldn’t find a better person, a more deserving person…” Addressing the special lady he said: “ your work Ersi, is priceless…”
Following the rendition by Ronel, Ersiline’s mother Christobelle Allen gave brief remarks reminding how happy she was to be present, not wanting to be in England where she leaves to return to the UK shortly and hear about the proceedings. She refers to her daughter as a queen, reminding also that Minister Kirnon said a lot, but she will speak as the one who ‘born Ersi’. “She is a very strong lady, she doesn’t eat any and anything but if you bother her, she is going to heist you up…”
Ronel White
Christobelle Allen (Mother)
She noted they (her children) took in the training at home and from the teachers at school. She noted, “you got to train them in the home, you cannot leave everything for teachers …she will leave herself back and go on the mountain for anyone…am so glad you gave her flowers tonight while she is alive…we give God thanks, the honour and praise.”
Nurse Violet Browne read a citation, which said: Ersi is one of eight children to her mother ‘Christie’. “Her formal education began at Brades Primary School, continued at Junior Secondary School and culminating at the University of Life, where she is still a very ardent student. A proud, persistent mother…blessed with eight daughters, she refused to be denied the privilege of mothering her own son…boasts of having an eleven year old son.
The citation saw her as being involved as a masquerade, cricketer, she supported every house sports colour, brownies, guides, support the scouts especially at their Bonfires (she was the champion worker at the recent one). The words ‘goodwill’ and ‘service’ are synonymous with ‘Ersi’. Ersi can be called upon at any time to give support to any group, particularly children’s groups.
Nurse Violet Brown
She ‘works’, the word used loosely, since no amount of money can adequately compensate her unflinching loyalty and support in times of need, at the Day Care Centre, the Nursery School and the Brades Primary School and the Montserrat Secondary school; dedicating her spare time to assisting service organisations such as the Shamrock Lions Club; the Montserrat Cricket Association; the Montserrat Nurses Association and at Lydia’s Bar. ….first to arrive at every sports day event and of course, she is the last leave ensuring that all is well. Mention made already of Cudjoe Head Community Action Group, she is involved in every sphere of activity. She joined the Ministry of Health in April, 1979 and has worked consistently since then.
Shows interest in the welfare of those in her care, expressing concern about the care of the housebound clients and persons living alone…is present and supportive to those left behind after death…no place for sadness when she is present. She is a jovial person with the young and elderly. She is not one to pretend or play hide and seek with the truth, she will tell it as it is or say what is on her mind in one minute and be your friend again the next. One of the greates champions of the cause of women. She is a living example that inspires other women to recharge their spirit and move forward amidst any storm. She is there spiritually, mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, going the extra mile to ensure that whatever she is involved in is a success. “Fitness”, was the answer given when asked to describe her. “She mek me sick how she fit so…she more fit dan most people her age,” a friend explained.
Audience
Ersiline finally responded and said: “I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff of MYACTS and the Commonwealth Day planning Committee for nominating me to receive this award here tonight. I am indeed grateful to be the recipient of such a prestigious award/ Keep up the good works and to champions for the powers of women on Montserrat.”
She thanked her family, “for supporting and tolerating me over the years. My friends who are here with me tonight to witness me achievement…The committee of Montserrat has been with me throughout my life I do appreciate their guidance and supports … thank you to all, I look forward for your continued support through the rest of my life, thank you.“
Committee chairperson Joy Pond gave a fitting vote of thanks to all present. These included Miss Edris Wade who opened the evening’s proceedings with a welcome. The award trophy came through collaboration with the Civil Service Association. Offering special appreciation to invited guests to participate in the honour of a “phenomenal woman”. The PS also received special thanks, “…call on Mr. Skerritt at any time, he is the rock in the MYACTS (Ministry of Yourth Affairs, Community Services and Sports.
The celebration continued with a mix and mingle, with ‘a little eating’ of ‘something dry and something wet,’ according to the MC Dr. Burns
