Peridot intends to increase awareness programs from once or twice a year to a more regular format. The increase of violence against women and increase of aggression in general on St. Maarten is cause for great concern to many in our society as well as to our Foundation. Obviously, we have to remain vigilant and guard against the trend of venting our frustrations against each other in a violent manner. Awareness against violence in all forms must remain on the front burner of our attention if we are to remain a peaceful and friendly island. In this respect, our guest for the month of June 2009 is Ms. Varshnie Singh, the former First Lady of Guyana, who is visiting St Maarten for the first time. Ms. Singh will share with us her views regarding domestic violence and what lessons we can learn from her experience as a high profile female. Ms. Singh, founder of the Kids First Fund has a mission of fundraising for children who cannot afford but are in "need of life saving heart surgery."
"With all the outward physical aggression and silent suffering by many, there is obviously also a need for an uplifting and positive soul searching message. Therefore, we are very excited to welcome to our shores, Attorney Barbara Washington- Franklin author of the well-respected inspirational book captioned; ‘When You're Down to Nothing, God is up to Something.' Attorney Washington-Franklin is also a first time visitor to Sint Maarten who will reach out in her presentation to warm our spirits with her messages based on her life experiences and biblical principles. Attorney Washington-Franklin is a well-respected attorney and outstanding businesswoman in Washington, DC. She has been featured in several newspapers and magazines, among others, Washington Women Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Vogue Magazine as well as the Washington Afro-American Newspaper. The author will also do a book signing at the upcoming August event. We are looking forward to giving both illustrious personalities a warm and friendly St. Maarten welcome."
"Peridot foundation takes this occasion as well to launch our ‘Power of the Pen' project. Briefly, the main purpose of this project is to encourage authors' female and male, to write why it is important to protect our women and children against domestic violence, and what needs to be done to eradicate this form of violence from our society. Writers who have published before from Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, Saba and Statia are asked to submit an essay of 500 words to our foundation at www.Peridot Foundation.com under the heading Essay. We have also spoken with our contacts in Statia in respect of furthering the cause for the awareness of domestic violence. The intention is to have the submitted works published by House of Nehesi Publisher with whom we have already established discussions regarding this project. Submissions must be in no later than June 25th 2009."
"We use this opportunity to ask our esteemed public to work individually and collectively toward having a more ‘Kinder and Gentler Society' and refrain from what we regard lately as a worrying trend towards a ‘Wolf Pack' behavior. Sint Maarten and its people and our visitors deserve better." Arrindell concluded.
