The Tribune

EIGHT Bahamian women – considered matriarchs and legends for their outstanding community work – are to be honoured next weekend at the inaugural Events of a Lifetime evening.

Under the patronage of Bernadette Christie, wife of the prime minister, the event will feature the highly respected women and a fashion show by Javotte Bethell and her team at Events of a Lifetime, a bridal, formal wear and couture fashion house.

The women to be honoured are Pastor Ruth Munroe (posthumously) of Bahamas Faith Ministries International; Elder Minalee Hanchell, Great Commission Ministries International; Melanie Griffin, Minister of Social Services and Community Development; Sharon Wilson, President of the Senate; Loretta Butler-Turner, MP for Long Island; Apostle Lee Watson of Trinity Assembly “City of Praise”; Helen McPhee, of Agape Church; and designer Rachel Turnquest-Garcia.

Ms Bethell said: “It is our belief that the honouring of these women, whom we consider to be matriarchs and legends for their outstanding performance in the community, may inspire other women and young girls. Our selection of the honourees by the committee of Events of a Lifetime was based on a three main criteria: social contribution in their particular field, community consensus and their overall personal evolvement.”

She said she was inspired to create the evening after hearing Darrold Miller on the radio speaking about making contributions to certain charities. “What struck me was the conversation he had with viewers and guests about children with special needs. Because that is a personal story, as I have a young son who is highly creative, however, early on he was faced with certain cognitive challenges. And over the course of time, in working with some of his challenges, he is developing brilliantly.

“In fact, I considered many charities for children, and finally decided upon the REACH organisation which focuses on children with Autism. So, essentially this entire project of the honourees and the two events in one evening really stemmed from my desire to give back. I trust that our Bahamian people, especially, women and mothers are encouraged to come out and support the event.”

The second part of the evening – at the Meli� Nassau Beach Hotel, Cable Beach, on Sunday – will be Ms Bethell featuring her 50-piece fashion collection. “The theme of Events of Lifetime’s inaugural fashion show represents the inspiration that was taken from the concept of the Alpha and Omega’” she said. “Part one will feature the national flower in their variations of horticulture couture fashion that will represent bloom; part two will carry that through into the flamingo theme that will represent life. These national symbols represent a kind of patriotic tribute that I always wanted to do.

“Because I don’t see a strong enough emphasis being interpreted or placed in our people, when it comes to knowing our national symbols, they are beautiful and under appreciated, I think. The finale, part three, ‘Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End’, represent the blood and resurrection. “