The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

KEEPING hearts happy for those she holds dear is what a mother does, says Bahamas Mother’s Club president Freida Johnson, who likened a ‘mother’ to the words love, compassion and care.

At the Pre-Mother’s Day Annual Awards Presentation service at St Gregory’s Anglican Church on Sunday, three mothers believed to have embodied that function were on the receiving end of those words when they were honoured, awarded and showered with gifts by the organisation established by the mother of the Bahamas’ first Governor General.

Sybeline Ferguson, Carilee Rolle and Naomi Lightbourne joined scores of mothers who were honoured over the past 33 years by the Bahamas Mother’s Club, which was founded by the late Frances Manester Butler, mother of Sir Milo Butler.

They were thanked by Lady Joan Foulkes, wife of the Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, for their service to the community, who said there were many challenges for the country but ‘all was not lost.’

“Mothers, today our country faces many challenges. Some of our children are in great need of help,” Lady Foulkes said.

“Some did not have the benefit of responsible mothers with steady handed, rocking the cradles and running the households.

“Too many of our children are being caught up in anti-social behaviour and find themselves before the courts or worse, meeting an early and violent end when they should just be starting their journey through life.

“However, all is not lost and we can see that in the theme of this year’s celebrations ‘Women Keeping the Christian Faith’.”

She told the honourees and all mothers present that their work and efforts would help to save the nation.

“I thank you for your service and wish you all the best,” Lady Foulkes said.

Naomi Lightbourne, a 93-year-old of Hard Hill, Acklins, and current member of Annex Baptist Church based in Nassau, was recognised first of the three honourees, being named ‘Oldest Mother of the Year 2013-2014.’

From her marriage with Vernal Lightbourne, she gave birth to four children, two sons and two daughters. From her children came 15 grandchildren and then eight great-grand children.

The second award and the title, ‘Unselfish Mother 2013-2014,’ went to Carilee Rolle, BMC’s Public Relations Assistant.

The 54-year-old mother of three, from Inagua, was honoured for her efforts in helping to build the community including her volunteer work with youth institutions like the Simpson Penn for boys.

Sybeline Ferguson, a 62-year-old mother of seven, received a standing ovation from those attending the service when she was named ‘Mother of the Year 2013-2014’.

On receiving her awards and gifts, and enjoying the moment with her family, who stood at her side, she thanked the club’s members and God.

The Bahamas Mother’s Club, situated at the top of East Street Hill, was established by ‘Mother Butler’ to foster a sense of community, service and self-sufficiency.

Each year, the organisation highlights exceptional women who continue to serve their community and extend motherly love to all those in need.