SAYLEJoseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer
Gleaner Honour Award recipient 2005, and pioneer of the local volunteerism sector, the late Elsie Sayle, gave 40 years to social work. Her soft voice and dignified demeanour hid her steely determination to bring a 'ray of hope' to the less fortunate.
In her own words, "Volunteering brings out the best in people, because it's giving of yourself, and when it's towards achieving a good end, that makes it all the more worthwhile."
This peculiar devotion to social work will be missed, says project manager of the National Registry of Volunteers at Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), Joan McDonald.
She expressed sorrow at Mrs. Sayle's recent passing, adding that up to the time of her death (Monday of this week), Mrs. Sayle was still attending executive meetings and was still an avid devotee to CVSS social projects.
Order of Distinction
The philanthropist earned the esteemed position of officer of the Order of Distinction in the field of Social Work. Asked by The Gleaner during an interview in 2001, about slowing down, the then 76-year-old laughed, replying, "I don't know about that. There is so much to do that I can't help getting involved, and as long as the Lord gives me strength, I'll continue to volunteer my time whenever I'm needed."
This outlook usually prompted deeds like this article to The Gleaner in March 2005: "We know that life is difficult here in Jamaica at this time. In downtown Kingston, our roads are bad, but we are optimistic about the reported plans for the city. In the meantime, it is hazardous to make that right turn from East Street into Barry Street. Can anything be done to make that right turn into Barry Street a little more user friendly?"
stone-breaker
She was one of the stone-breakers at the CVSS, established in 1940, and was chief executive officer for 20 years. Consequently, she wrote the book The Council of Voluntary Social Services, the First Fifty Years, explaining that the "CVSS is essentially about people, and people pass from the scene taking their memories with them. Therefore it's important that the story be captured while it can be told."
Current president of the CVSS, the Hon.Rex Nettleford, co-founded the Standing Confer-ence of Youth Organisation, (CVSS Youth Arm) with Mrs.Sayle in 1960.
He says, "She is a dear departed social worker, with a generous spirit and sustained faith in her Jamaican people. She lived a life creatively and rewardingly lived, as one of Jamaica's most dedicated social workers."
