The sea of red - always a welcome sight. Thanks to all those who participated and supported this very important event. I counted 21 Sunset Optimist of Kingston members all of whom are not in this picture

Police Escort

One of our outriders - I was trying to encourage him to become an optimist but he just said glad to be of help and went on his merry way. 

Our Torch Deliverer

She brought the torch to us 

The Sunset of Kingston Drama group performing the poem Faithless - from the play - Reality Check! - and theatrical production in poetry about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse by Gina Rey Forest 

Ashe in Performance

The group Ashe performing one of their relevant pieces on AIDS 

Diane

Diane gives her testimonial 

Optimists in attendance

 

And Chaos reigned as we tried to keep the last tent from collapsing

As you can see the complete choas which reigned during the freak storm. The over turned chairs, the mussed hair styles. See Diane gamely hugging our Torch and by the way - those footprints on the fence are just being held there by the wind. One thing for sure - judging from the smiles - it is obvious that we optimists can find the humor in any situation. 

Three cheers to the Mayor of Kingston - His Worship Desmond McKenzie who was kind enough to help us hold up our remaining tent during the freak storm 

Motorcade

Yes my dears - we even had a motorcade from the airport to the Police Officer's Club where the official ceremony was held - complete with police escort.

Arrival of the Torch at the Norman Manley International Airport - Kingston Jamaica - July 1, 2006

Well we are optimist but that does not mean we are not to be prepared. Here we are posing with the substitute torch just in case the real one got stuck in customs

Scenes from the Receival of the Torch Ceremony - July 1, 2006

Seen here - L-R, Top - Bottom: Pres Faith, Sec Paulette, Opt Sharron Christie, Pres Elect Lorna and Opt Kerri-Jo nailing down the footprints, JOOI Club President - Sanchez, Opt Shara (decorations) Opt Edna (peeking out from behind Pres.)

Footprints in the Race Against AIDS

These footprints represent our Race Against AIDS and were created with the help of Opt. Kerri-Jo Lyn 

AIDS TORCH RELAY RECEIVAL CEREMONY - JULY 1, 2006

It felt very solemn when I finally held the torch, a symbol representing the involvement of the Optimists in the Caribbean District who assist with education about and reduction in the stigma associated with the disease. By the time it arrived in Kingston, it had done the rounds in the other Caribbean countries where Optimists reside.

It was indeed a team effort by the Planning Committee to ensure that the torch was welcomed in an auspicious manner. Paulette Champagnie, Club Secretary, Sylvia Straw, Conroy Rose, Past President Margarietta St. Juste , Keri Jo Lyn, Jodi Ann Bennett, Shara Anderson-Grant and Asst. Secretary Edna Lindo, worked alongside with me. On the day, other Sunsetters came out to give their unfailing support.

The motorcade of ten cars, departed the Norman Manley International Airport, ably guided by two outriders from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, who provided an impressive look into the life of an outrider throughout the trip to the Poolside at the Police Officers Club.

The Sunset Guard of Honor, including the President of our JOOI Club, were in place, alongside the footprints which were nailed into the ground. On these footprints were written statistics and policy decisions relating to the HIV/AIDS Virus. And then it happened. A freak wind storm, none like which we have experienced. The tents collapsed, the banner blew away, the footprints flew, the exhibitors flyers etc in their tent flew, the chairs slid on their merry way and in order to keep one tent above our heads, Sunsetters and guests braced themselves against the posts, inserting them as they were displaced. And then the rain fell briefly. It was fun to see DOIPG Cecile Hale, holding on to the tent post for dear life!!.

Our programme got underway, and we were all laughing and in good spirits.

Mrs. Rheima Hall, wife of the Governor General, kindly consented to be Patron for the event. His Worship the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Desmond McKenzie brought a Welcome Message and a Priest from the Missionaries of the Poor, an organization which runs an AIDS hospice asked the Lord’s blessings on our function. The Governor’s message was ably read by Gov. Assistant Sandi Taylor and then I addressed the audience.

It was heartwarming to see LTG’s, Club Presidents and other members from other Zones and clubs. We would like to take this medium to thank them for their support.

ASHE an artistic performing group who write a number of works focused on educating the youth about HIV/AIDS did two pieces, which were well received both in the message and artistic form. The Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston has many talented members within its midst. Opt. Lillian Davis catered, Shara Anderson-Grant did the decorations and Sylvia Straw who is a writer, wrote a piece which the Sunset Optimist Drama Group (VP Lorna Gooden, Opt. Conroy Rose and Edna Lindo) performed.

The torch was then handed over to LTG Jean Nash from Zone 2 and the Vote of Thanks given by Opt. Paulette Champagnie. We have included some pictures to whet your appetite. See you at Convention when you can see them all. Thanks to all who attended and to the Sunsetters who assisted in any way.

Submitted by: President Faith McFarquhar-Gordon

Respect for Law Week - May 1 - 7 , 2006

“Learn From Home……….Practice for Life”

May 1 to 7, 2006 marked an exciting and eventful week in the lives of the children at the Duhaney Park Primary School, Hope Valley Experimental Primary School, Calabar High School and the Visions of Hope Recreational Centre.

A flurry of activities were carried out by the members of the Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston which involved:

- A Poster Competition on “What Peace Means to Me” at Duhaney Park, Hope Valley and Visions of Hope
- Calabar High School boys got a chance to see the insides of an Adult Correctional Centre
- Movie evening spent with the children at Visions of Hope
- The boys at Hope Valley also had a chance to interact with a member of the security forces
- Fellowship at the Meadowbrook United Church

We also had a chance to make presentations to the winners of the poster competition in the various institutions.

Approximately 2500 children were reached during the week’s activities.

Report submitted by:
Sec Paulette

Apology from Opt Sylvia

Please accept my apology for the delay in updating this particular item due to the intense activities leading up to the Arrival of the Aids Relay Torch - pictures relating to this event will be posted at a later date

More pictures from the Fundraising Olides Party

A night to remember and indeed it was! The rain clouds came and we watched as they rolled away. The party animals came out in their numbers and partied the night away. DJ Gladdy was there to provide us with music down the memory lane. The outfits were georgeous and sexy.. WOW the pictures will tell all.

By 3:00 am we were on our way home... with smiles on our faces.

The event was the success we envisioned, as we realized the net income anticipated. We look forward to working as a team for the next fundraising event which we promise to be bigger and better!

Yours in Optimism,

Sharron Christie
Fundraising Chairperson

Note from Optimist Sylvia:

Please pay special attention to President Faith and Pres Elect Lorna and Tres Rosie. Unfortunately I could only get the back of GA Asst Sandi - you will have to guess who it was

Scenes from our fundraising oldies party - June 3, 2006