BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Today marks the commencement of the 10th month of the year (October) and with that comes the beginning of a number of observances, some of which span the entire month.
The observances are designed to heighten awareness among citizens of the land about a wide range of issues while engendering an appreciation for the contribution and plight of different groups in society.
Financial Information Month (FIM)
Each year, the Eastern Caribbean Central Union (ECCU) leads the charge to promote financial literacy amongst territory members.
The programme was established in 2002 and the month, according to information provided by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), “forms part of an ECCU public education and awareness programme coordinated by the ECCB. The programme promotes awareness and understanding of general financial and economic awareness and understanding of general financial and economic issues.”
This year’s theme for FIM is “Growing Your Savings” and the ECCB has prepared a calendar of activities which would “involve a heightened focus on the importance of building financial reserves (savings) as a critical foundation for financial strengthening, financial risk management and financial prosperity.”
Month of the Elderly
To alleviate what some may consider the lack of appreciation and lack of respect of the elderly while highlighting their contribution to the fabric of our society, the Department of Social and Community Development established a programme which puts the older matriarchs and patriarchs of our society in the fore, giving them their flowers while they are yet alive.
The month usually commences with a speech by the Minister of Social Development and features a number of activities which highlight the elderly, their skills, talents knowledge and experiences.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Essence of Hope, a breast cancer awareness promotion group, has informed of a number of activities which it will be spearheading during the month. The activities are aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of the disease while raising funds to assist persons afflicted by the disease and to aid the promotion of prevention of its occurrence.
During the month, and generally, emphasis is placed on the importance of early detection and in the absence of that, the availability of treatment options to battle the disease.
The activities which the Essence of Hope will be hosting include a church service to be held on October 16, a Pink and White Fundraising Gala slated for October 22 and a Breast Cancer Walk to be held on October 29.
St. Kitts Society for the Blind Anniversary
Almost 30 years ago, a Society for the Blind was established in St. Kitts which seeks to address pressing issues affecting the visually impaired.
According to president of the society, Rockliffe Bowen, the society will be celebrating its 29th anniversary on October 18. He said the observance will span over one week.
International Teachers’ Week
Hundreds of local teachers from across the island will join their international counterparts in commemorating this year’s International Teachers’ Week.
It will run from October 1-8 under the theme “Teachers for Gender Equality” and the week will feature a number of activities including a Teachers’ Day March and Rally, Teachers’ Appreciation Day, a panel discussion focussed on the theme and the official opening by the Union’s president.
Two particularly interesting events which are planned for the week are the turning of the sod for the Teachers’ Union’s headquarters and the celebration of the organisations 20th year as a registered union.
Brethren Assemblies Celebrate Diamond Anniversary
In 1936, the Brethren Assemblies movement began in St. Kitts when missionaries from Canada and England arrived here. It began with Sunday school sessions with up to as many as 500 persons and that led to the establishment of the first Gospel Hall in St. Kitts in that year, the Olivet Gospel Hall.
Over time, 10 other Gospel Halls were established throughout the island.
During this month the Brethren Assemblies are celebrating their 75th anniversary and the commemorating activities include a Street Block which was held on Friday (Sept. 30) at Princess Street, a United Breaking of Bread Service, a United Prayer Meeting and an Awards Banquet.
October provides a golden opportunity for individuals to educate themselves on various issues, institutions and characters which have either formed part of or have affected our local community.
It behoves us then to seize these opportunities, for it is with the tool of knowledge that many challenges are won.
More information on these and any other observances taking place during the month of October will be posted via this medium throughout the month.
