Serenaded by Charmaine Blackman, Lianne Williams, Vibart DeSouza and the Circle of Love, ten mothers were suitably honoured at the Bernice Mansell Foundation (BMF)’s luncheon at Le Meridien on Mother’s Day.
The honorees Leila Austin, Rohini Bonar, Ursula Bearam, Cheryl Chase, Carmen Jarvis, Latchmin Khan, Karen Livan, Sharon Mansell, Duane Pratt and surprise honoree Bernice Mansell are involved in saving lives, building communities, educating and homemaking. They were described as mothers who have made tremendous sacrifices to bring comfort, hope and relief to those in distressing circumstances, working behind the scenes, seeking no reward but the satisfaction of knowing that through their kind acts; life is made a little brighter.
Austin, who retired as vice-principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education after 34 years in the teaching profession, is Provincial President of the Mother Union Province of the West Indies, and serves on the National Commission on the Family and the Medical Termination of the Pregnancy advisory board.
Bonar is a volunteer social worker and member of the welfare committee of the Guyana Relief Council. She is past president of the Jaycees of McKenzie.
Bearam, a registered nurse and midwife, served as matron at West Demerara Regional Hospital, for ten years at the ophthalmic department at the Georgetown Public Hospital and is currently at the Palms, Geriatric Home as ward sister and functions as matron.
Chase is a teacher, church leader, member of the Lions Club and student of the University of Guyana, who has raised two schoolteachers, one public service worker, and one pursuing medicine in Cuba.
Jarvis served as Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association for 61 years. She is a current member of the Olave-Baden Powell Society; former teacher and principal of Bishops High School; former secretary-general of the UNESCO Commission in Guyana and former deputy chief education officer.
Khan, who is involved in social work for many charities, is an everyday activist for peace and a devout religious and devoted homemaker.
Karen Livan is the longest serving female geologist in Guyana. She is also a prolific writer; an intercessory prayer warrior for her church – South Ruimveldt Church of the Nazarene and ardent worker for the building of the church community.
Sharon Mansell is a qualified registered nurse having served with the St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital for over 28 years and was attached to the Guyana Cancer Society. She is also a Coordinator of the Marriage Encounter Movement, student of the University of Guyana, counsellor, and homemaker.
Pratt is a professional social worker and civil society specialist.
Bernice Mansell, whose name had been synonymous with the Radio Needy Children’s Fund for years, founded BMF in July 1999. The foundation focuses on, among other things, providing material support for the poor and needy, providing support for the educational progress of underprivileged children and establishing and maintaining training in the field of education for early school leavers.
In a programme chaired by BMF Director Gloria Livan, the mothers were each presented with a trophy, a hamper, a floral arrangement and a corsage. Hampers were donated by DeSinco Trading, Bryden and Fernandes, New GPC, Colgate Palmolive Guyana Ltd, Ricks and Sari, and Continental Group of Companies. A huge hamper from Ansa McAl was auctioned off. Other gifts were donated by The Gift Centre, Salon Classique, Seepersaud Maraj and Sons, Nalini Hairdressing Salon, Distribution Services Ltd, Bounty Meat Centre, Noble House Seafoods, and Prittipaul Singh.
The surprise item of the proceedings was the honouring of Bernice by members and staff of the BMF, a well-kept secret which left her flustered and speechless.
Among those in attendance to support the work of the foundation were Minister Jennifer Webster, Justice Desiree Bernard, Bishop Francis Alleyne of the Roman Catholic Church and others.
