According to the modelling agency’s Artistic Director, Mrs. Telca Wallace, mothers are to be celebrated and acknowledged on a programme that will speak to the unique contributions of women throughout the history of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Awards will be presented,” Mrs. Wallace states, “including the ‘Mother of the Decade’ prize, which will be awarded to someone who is determined to be a woman of substance.”
Other awards to be presented on the 10th Anniversary Gala include the annual trophy for “Most Elegant Hat”, Most Outrageous Hat” and “Oldest Hat”. Reign of Elegance is dedicated to the development of the Federation’s young people, focusing on deportment, effective speaking, adolescent reproductive health and self esteem, through a variety of exercises that include workshops and other skills training activities. Their models have taken part in a number of local, regional and international events, since the agency’s inception and will take part of this year’s programme.
As part of the 2011 anniversary line-up, which extends beyond the annual Mother’s Day festivity, the agency’s thrust is to highlight personal development, particularly among young people whose lives have been touched by violence. To this end, mothers who have been affected by gun violence are especially invited to attend this year’s Reign of Elegance, which holds a special message for them. Mrs. Wallace says that it is intended to offer support and an opportunity to take action against the threats that are robbing our society of our young men and women.
“These issues are heavy,” Mrs Wallace says, “and though our aim is not to sugar-coat the immense pain and suffering of mothers who are mourning a child, our remit is to join hands and hearts with them all so that solutions can be found to end this tragedy, while providing hope to us all whether we are mothers by giving birth, or by caring for a child.”
A “Mother of the Year” Award will also be given out as well as other gifts and tokens for the models participating in the event. The agency also extends gratitude to its sponsors, for their continued commitment to their efforts:
Family Health International, for funding the Behaviour Change Communication
MAJE of St. Vincent, for hosting our models in productions there
Miss Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen, for their support
UNESCO 100TH Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade
Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Brown Sugar Clothing Company, Carib Crafts & Graphics, Island Hopper, FND, Corporative Credit Union, SUGARS, St. Christopher Club, St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, Ashbury’s, First Class Jewelry, KRIBHANA Trading Ltd. , National Insurance, KDMB Caribbean, Consultants Ltd.