Regal honour for Pentecostal women

It was virtually impossible for aspiring and functioning leaders to leave that awesome atmosphere without being indelibly affected by the tremendously impacting spirit of motivation that emitted from the lives and legacies of the honourees.

Chief Executive officer of Radio ISAAC 98.1 FM Margaret Elcock, her senior announcer (project co-ordinator) Nicole Larsen, member of staff Vidia Betancourt and the rest of the organising committee which put together last Sunday’s Evening of Tribute — Honouring Outstanding Women of the Kingdom event, certainly did justice to the term “honour.” The programme, which was held at Christ Castle, Miracle Ministries, Chaguanas, showcased an event impressively decorated with the sparkle, splendour, pomp and ceremony that could almost rival an Oscar, Grammy or Emmy awards function. It was evident that a cadre of meticulous organisers had observed every punctilio in their quest to keep their evening of excellence uncontaminated by an extrinsic matter of mediocrity. Their apparent punctiliousness in planning and execution, rewarded every effort with lucrative dividends, and, of course, heartfelt satisfaction.

The 21 distinguished honourees who held the spotlight in the three-hour ceremony, were serenaded and celebrated with some of the finest in Gospel music, deafening cheers from the huge audience and classy tokens (plaques) plus a lavish dinner. Oceans of accolades, in recognition of meritorious service, were showered upon the awardees for their decades of hard and fruitful work. This was detailed in profiles read by master of ceremonies Nicole Larsen and Dyer Ottley, whose media experience and sheer professionalism, gave a distinct international flavour and fragrance to the proceedings. Both presenters, decked in attire immaculately appropriate for the stately occasion — Dyer in dark mohair-type suit and Nicole in a sericeous royal purple — maintained a versatility that created the ideal mood for the history-making event. I think by now everyone knows that you can always depend on the sanguine Nicole to eviscerate you with laughter.

No one can accuse her of being meretricious — the girl just has it natural! Everyone, whether among the honourees or in the audience, appeared to have taken that extra bit in wardrobe pride that afternoon. There was nothing tawdry or gaudy in sight. The programme was the brainchild of Elcock who said that she “felt the time had come to pay tribute to women who had laboured hard and long, over the years, making invaluable contributions to humanity, as they fulfilled their purpose in the Kingdom of God.” Elcock’s brief “pro-woman” speech brought loud responses of approval from the gender-balanced audience. The crowd comprised many pastors, other church leaders, dignitaries and lay members. According to Elcock, her initial list of prospective or nominated honourees included 40 names. She said short-listing was an extremely difficult task. She indicated though, that the honouring of a second group was definitely on the cards.

Many of the honourees were highly accomplished wives of prominent pastors. Others were themselves pastors and there were those who were co-pastors and/or social workers. Quite a section of the audience appeared to be pleasantly surprised by what one person referred to as “the lifelong industry of the women.” There were a few women in the vicinity of their eighties, and still very active and productive “in the fields.” There was one, Ivy Collingwood, who is 91 but possesses a sharp and agile mind, flaunts vivacity with a bounce in her steps and is actively involved in ministry service. One could hear her self affirming quips, ably supported by matching body language, as she basked in the thick cloud of admiration that enveloped her. Another 71-year-old took time to make it clear that she was single “by choice, and not because of lack of opportunity!” On the intellectual side, there were a few women in their fifties and early sixties who were pursuing postgraduate studies. Several professionals were among the honourees.

Live music from Michelle Modeste, Earl Phillip, Errol Lewis and Renaissance, Isreal Bachew, Pastor Angela Williams and Harvest Praise and Grace Notes added some infectious spice to the evening’s affair. The honourees were: Rev Selma Ballosingh, Rev Joycelyn Nelson, Pastor Angela Cuffie, Ivy Collingwood, Merle Ali, Rita Sairsingh, Lula Alexander, Rev Claire Salandy (posthumously), Ruth Eversley, Pastor Norma Hart, Rev Joyce Edwards, Rev Margaret Crandahl, Pastor Brenda Cooper, Rev Pearl Noriega, Edna Nicholas, Margaret Sammy-Guilarte, Dr Marilyn Chankersingh, Ruby Thompson and Jean Lenore Stewart. Special awards were given to Margaret Elcock and her very youthful-looking mom, Edna Toppin (widow of former Police Commissioner Russell Toppin). Inherent in the Evening of Tribute, by virtue of the character and legacy of the honourees, was an inspiring and challenging demonstration of vision, resolve, passion, purpose and professionalism — core attributes of the 21 high achievers.

It was virtually impossible for aspiring and functioning leaders to leave that awesome atmosphere without being indelibly affected by the tremendously impacting spirit of motivation that emitted from the lives and legacies of the awardees. Also participating in the programme were Rev Dr Turnel Nelson, General Superintendent of The Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies; Asaf Pirali, Managing Director of the School of Accounting and Management and Chairman of FBN; Bishop Dr Carlyle Chankersingh, Dr Levi Duncan, Prophet Laymouth Sandy; Collin Ferreira, Managing Director of Ferreira’s Optical; Jennifer Roderique and well-known designer Lori de Jesus. We must conclude that while we give honour to men/women, the glory belongs to God. So we say, “To God be the glory, great things He has done!”