Sujue Davis
At five o’clock in the evening on International Women’s Day, an appreciative gathering of patrons and invitees gathered at the Olveston House, where they witnessed Mrs. Sujue Davis, honoured, as in the words of one of the Olveston House hosts, Mrs. Carol Osborne “to pay tribute to a very special person…”
The event was organised especially as surprise for the occasion. Mrs. Osborne opened with Richard Aspin as co chairman for the event, recognizing that in some countries the observed day is a holiday. “International Women’s Day started in 1911 as a day to recognize women’s roles and achievements and to highlight the continued struggle for equal rights…” she began.
She said that she and Margaret Wilson decided to make this International Women’s Day special and that Mrs. Sujue Davis “has agreed to grace us with her presence and to say a few words.” That she did, unaware it is was in her honour, only with the knowledge that she was to declare an International Day Women’s event open.
In her remarks as she opened the event, she said: “I have attended many International Women’s Day in the past in Beijing in particular, I’m really pleased that Mrs. Carol Osborne and Mrs. Margaret Wilson have taken the initiative to hold this function
“…International Women’s Day is a time when the International Community reflects on the progress made, calls for change and celebrate acts of courage and determination,” she said, as she concluded her reflection on the education of women and girls, “…Education helps girls and women who know their worth and to gain the confidence to claim them.” She then declared the event open, “with these brief remarks, I would like to declare open this event celebrating International Women’s Day.”
As Carol thanked Sujue for her opening remarks she immediately revealed the surprise. “I would like to thank Suju
e for joining us today…,” she began, “but I must confess that we did not really come together today to celebrate International Women’s Day…but rather to pay tribute to a very special person, Sujue Davis.”
She explained, “… Margaret and I decided to make this International Women’s Day special. Very kindly, our First Lady, Mrs. Sujue Davis has agreed to grace us with her presence and to say a few words.
We decided that International Women’s Day would be a perfect day to express our appreciation to you and to highlight the incredible impact you have made on our tiny country during your short time here.”
In honour of the occasion, a few students of her Chinese speaking class paid tribute in a song ‘The Moon Represents My Heart’ done in Chinese, along with a framed quote as, “a little token of our appreciation, from all of us,” which included the children who are also learning the Chinese language.
In making the presentation: “I want you to know on behalf of the all of our fellow students, MAPS (Montserrat Animal Protection Society) in particular, the difference you’ve made is nothing short of legendary…, we’ll be talking about you forever.”
There were greetings from the Golden Years Home (GYH) where Sujue is a regular with th
e singing group there. Mrs. Beth Breuer and Mrs. Siddell sang the song “I did it my way” changing words to suit, as a tribute on GYH’s behalf.
Carol acted on behalf of Dr. Kimbugwe who sent in a tribute, read in his absence as he was all the way in Shang Hai attending a wedding. In his tribute he wished to have been present. it began, “…you have single handedly transformed the role of Governor’s Wife. You have demonstrated with you indefatigable spirit and actions what it means to be a true citizen on this earth, your love of people of all persuasions has done more for the UK’s Diplomatic Relations with Montserrat than what could have been achieved through Financial and Political means.”
Kato expressed his personal experience, ”…your love extends beyond your family to those like me who are miles away from their loved ones..,” you are a true embodiment of selfless love…” he concluded.
Some others brought tributes on the occasion. Mrs. Sarita Francis, Montserrat National Trust Executive Director, was on hand and in her tribute said: “…Sujue has a heart of gold and a special touch when it comes to Montserrat and the many fund raising initiatives of NGOs on island,” concluding, “She and Adrian actively support and promote the work of the Montserrat National Trust. Sujue is a great role model for
women and we are pleased to salute and honor her for International Woman’s Day.”
Nurse Brenda Daley, paid tribute on behalf of the Pink Ribbon Charity. ”…a big thank you to Mrs. Davis,” she said explaining that when they needed to raise more funds so that we can have the mammogram fund going, “she graciously agreed to help us with the fund raiser in January.”
She referred to the very successful concert event at the Governor’s residence, “and we’ve raised $15,000 (fifteen thousand dollars) and this is all through the hard work and the main efforts of Mrs. Sujue Davis,” concluding, “I pray that God will continue to bless her and to give you her the strength to continue in helping other organizations within Montserrat and wherever she may go in the world.”
Margaret Wilson read a tribute from WSG
10, who at the moment were conducting a day-long program honouring women. The tribute highlighted, “Mrs. Sujue Davis has given new meaning to word Service – Mrs. Sujue Davis fits the profile of the theme for International Women’s Day 2014 which is – Inspiring Change,” adding along the way, “Montserrat is lucky to have a person of Sujue’s stature domiciled with us at this time.”
Describing her actions, the tribute continued: “She has a full understanding of the benefits of achieving community cohesion that would help lessen conflicts, misunderstandings and dissatisfaction and instead create greater public safety, individual wellbeing and greater productivity.
“It is our view that it is that understanding that motivates her actions in hosting her weekly Coffee Mornings that are mentally stimulating, physically relaxing and socially all e
mbracing, finally expressing their pride, “WSG 10 is proud to consider Mrs. Davis as a partner in our efforts to provide excellence in Service to our community.”
Adrian and Sujue Davis
Anne Marie and Chadd Cumberbatch also submitted a tribute. “Sujue Davis has made a very significant contribution to the development of the PEOPLE of Montserrat, by her generosity in giving her time and efforts to promote educational, entertaining and charitable causes within our community.”
“Mrs. Davis, one of your special talents is in bringing people together from all walks of life – people who probably would not otherwise mix and mingle,” the tribute continued, as they thanked her, “for your generosity in opening the doors of your residence to
local groups w
ishing to raise funds and promote worthwhile causes.”
Not least, Dr. Ingrid Buffonge joined in the tributes, and on behalf of the Casualty Department at the Glendon Hospital she recalled that last year, Mrs Davis donated an automated external defibrillator (AED).
I believe that within the very moment of her realizing the urgent equipment need she was ready to help. She had already been in the process
of acquiring AEDs for the island from funds raised in her work with the Red Cross.
Mrs. Davis donated an AED which is an automated device and is
easy to use – it is of excellent quality and can be used for both adult and child cardiac arrest.
She expressed gratefulness, “because this means that defibrillation can be performed by all levels of staff at Glendon Hospital who have been trained in its use.”
