Webster-Roy: Men must help at home

Webster-Roy gave this assurance in the face of current economic challenges during her address at the graduation ceremony of the Defining Masculine Excellence, Women in Harmony and Home Management and Food Preparation for Men and Boys Programmes at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), O’Meara Campus. She said the need for training and developing of citizens is even more crucial in these challenging times, such that these programmes will remain on the Government’s agenda.

Webster-Roy said the specific training and the life-skills learnt by all participants will help them to defend society’s most vital institution, the family.

“Do what is right for your family so that your family can survive in these challenging times,” the Minister urged.

She touched on specifics of each programme.

She said the Defining Masculine Excellence programme had allowed men a safe space to discuss the impact on their own lives of society’s definitions of masculinity, leading to deep reflection and even healing. Since inception in 2003, over 2,000 men have had their lives changed by this programme.

Webster-Roy said the Home Management and Food Preparation had refuted the idea that the kitchen is no place for a man, and will help men gets jobs in the food preparation sector to close their gap behind female employment there.

“Nobody could make a sauce like my father, or make a stewdown like my baby brother,” added the Tobago East MP sharing a personal aside.

She keenly anticipated a day when teams of men from each of Trinidad and Tobago would face off in a culinary contest.

Saying the Women in Harmony programme gives women marketable skills to become more employable, she urged, “Take your certificate and let it work for you. Dream big. Create a vision for yourself and don’t lose focus.” Valedictory speeches came from Alicia Diaz, Paul Francis and Mervyn Herbert, and remarks from Gender Division head, Antoinette Jack-Martin