Mrs. Valerie Lynch meantime was re-elected as the president of the Montserrat Diabetes Association (MDA) along with several of her old executive, at the Association’s annual general meeting. The AGM was held at the Lookout Elderly Community Centre on World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2012.
The Association conducted a week of activities joining in the observance of World Diabetes Day on which they held the AGM. Under the theme: “Diabetes Education and Prevention” it was joined with “Protect Our Future”, the International Diabetes Federations World Diabetes Day theme for 2012.
Mrs. Lynch gave the report for the past year and began by revealing that “apart from being World Diabetes Day, it marks the 7th anniversary of the official launch of the MDA.”
In her report she pointed out to her members and audience that despite challenges encountered, the Association saw some measure of success in meeting these objectives, which were set as follows.
- Promote interest in the management and control of diabetes.
- Assist persons with diabetes to manage their condition.
- Disseminate information and create awareness about diabetes.
- Collaborate with other groups which have similar aims, (ie. prevention & management of diabetes).
She reported on various Conferences, Workshops and Training that the Association had been involved with touting the diabetes self-management course which was sponsored by the Social Security Board.
Retired nurse Cathy Buffonge chaired the AGM, with Headmistress Edith Duberry providing entertainment as she ran through a story-tale of an old lady in Cork Hill with a school girl learning all about living with diabetes. She skillfully incorporated the dangers of diabetes and learnt how to prevent it and live with it, should you have to.
Social Security director Kenneth Scotland presented Certificates to the successful participants at the diabetes self-management course.
Mr. John Lynch after conducting the AGM election, delivered the vote of thanks.