Outgoing Barbican Pines Optimist Club president, Jacqueline Lloyd (left), with former deputy White House Counsel, Cheryl Mills, visit with one of the children of the National Children's Home. Ms. Mills was special guest for its official charter in March.THE first all-female Optimist Club in Jamaica and the Caribbean region was chartered in March with Jacqueline Lloyd as president. A year later, Barbican Pines Optimist Club is 66 members strong and the outgoing president has much to be proud of.
Under her watch, the club has formed the Knutsford Optimists of St. Andrew -- an all male club, because of the importance of working with boys who need strong male role models.
"We were also instrumental in installing a physiotherapy unit at the National Children's Home, assisted the Shortwood United Basic School, organised personal development opportunities for the women of the club and provided groceries and other assistance for the elderly in Grants Pen and Cassava Piece monthly," Mrs Lloyd said.
"I think we have been quite successful for a new club, we were just getting to know each other's strengths and weaknesses but the personal development programme made us better equipped to help others, particularly the troubled, mentally and physically disabled," she said.
Also the Executive Director of the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF), Mrs. Lloyd, who will be succeeded by Dawn Vaz, will be the next District Chairperson for conferences and hospitality in Jamaica and the region.
And what has she gained from the experience? "An appreciation for the fact that Jamaica has so many bright, alert children whose spirit and creativity are sometimes killed by adults who have a greater responsibility to them."
Barbican Pines Optimist Club meets the first Tuesday monthly at Terra Nova Hotel. On the third Tuesday of the month, members meet for fellowship at various venues. One has to be invited to become a member, attend three meetings to learn about the club, fill out the application form, pay dues and be approved. After acceptance, new members must become actively involved in the club's activities.
Contributed
