PILOT CLUB OF ABACO

July 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

PILOT CLUB OF ABACO

The spirit of sisterhood was fully demonstrated at the Charter Banquet of the newly formed Pilot Club of Abaco held at Touch of Class, Treasure Cay, on 30th May. In a delightfully intimate setting for such an occasion, President Charlamae Fernander received the Charter on behalf of the Club from Lily Tatafu Moore, President of Pilot International.

Pilot International is a service club with a predominantly, though not exclusively, female membership. Spouses of members are referred to as 'Co-Pilots'. Members are exhorted to be exemplary and caring members of their community. The main project supported by Pilot International is the promotion of an awareness of brain-related disorders and the improvement of the lives of those affected.

It was less than two months prior to the ceremony that members of the Pilot Club of Nassau visited Marsh Harbour and encouraged the ladies of Abaco to consider forming their own chapter. In very short order the ladies organised themselves, elected officials, and prepared for their installation.

Present at the celebration to support their new sisters were many members of the Pilot Club of Nassau. Guests included Senator and Mrs Michael Bethel, Hon Robert Sweeting MP and Island Administrator Everette Hart.

The guest speaker for the evening was Pamela Bridgewater, US Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting Ambassador to the United States. Ms Bridgewater briefly touched on the six countries of the world in which Pilot International operates and its workdin the field of brain-related disorders. The main thrust of her comments was directed at encouraging the new members in their venture into Pilothood. "The two most important words for you," she said, "are compassion and community."

Ms Bridgewater noted the problems of the workplace. Even women in high office are shown a lack of respect, she said, and all women should show a high degree of professionalism. Every job should be done with diligence and commitment. Every woman should fight for equality in the workplace, stand up for her rights and meet sexual discrimination head on. "When one woman's rights are not respected, or overlooked, it takes us all backwards. Each one of us should make our workplaces, homes and communities places where barriers are torn down and bridges of communication are established."

The final words of admonition to the new members were: "Be good to you; be yourself truthfully; accept yourself gratefully; value yourself joyfully; forgive yourself completely; treat yourself generously; balance yourself harmoniously; bless yourself abundantly; trust yourself confidently; love yourself wholeheartedly; empower yourself prayerfully; give yourself enthusiastically, and express yourself radiantly."

The new officers of the Pilot Club of Abaco were installed by Ironica Baker, Past President Pilot International, assisted by President Sybil Hanna. They were: President - Charlamae Fernander; President-Elect - Veronica Edwards-Nairn; Vice President - Giselle Salandy; Recording Secretary - Zallimoon Chu; Corresponding Secretary - Theresa Pinder; Treasurer - Michelle Chandler; Directors - Bettyann Woodside, Neulessa Lundy-Major, Peggy Cooper and Ellen Meldor. Other Club members are Monica Adderley, Barbara Duncombe, Sharon Dorsette, Charlene Fernander, Debbie Jones, Louise Rose, Adrienne Spicer, Jan Ingraham, Ethelee Wilson and Nakia Williams. Each of the new members signed the charter and Giselle Salandy read the Code of Ethics which governs the conduct of Pilots.

The evening ended with presentations to the distinguished guests and a plethora of door prizes and surprises. It was an inspiring evening and the Abaco Journal hopes the members of the Pilot Club of Abaco will keep us all informed of their progress as they move their focus away from the formation of the Club towards productivity in the community.

This Issue Table of Contents - - Previous Issues

Other Abaco Bahamas Links
Home Page (oii.net) - Message Board (AbacoBoard.com) - Latest Happenings (AbacoToday.com)