News and Events 2022

December 2022

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Barbados had their Annual Christmas Luncheon at the picturesque Atlantic Hotel and Restaurant.

October 2022

The 25th Anniversary of the Multiple Sclerosis Society was celebrated in the month of October
and gave thanks at the Berean Bible Church in Hothersal, St. Michael.

We ended our celebrations with our Anniversary Dinner Awards at Mahogany Ridge under the theme “Through the years” Master of Ceremonies for the event was Dr. Allyson Leacock. For the first time the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Barbados had the “John Harper Memorial Awards” where members celebrating 15 years and over received an award.

The awardees were:

Maria Holder-Small 
Diana Callender 
Debra Ward 
Sandra Carter 
Patricia Straker 
Mark Alleyne 
Glynis Thompson 
Terry Hope 
♥ 
Celia Beckles 
 

MSSB 25TH ANNIVERSARY VOTE OF THANKS
Dr Allyson Leacock who is an exceptional class act and to date has never said no to us, even with her busy schedule. We thank you for sailing us through our evening smoothly and with the elegance and professionalism that you always bring.

» Malicia Forde thank you for leading us in prayer to start our evening off in an uplifting way.

» Our President Maria Holder-Small for your warm welcome and taking us through the years as we learnt the history of the Society is a meaningful and compact way.
» Professor David Corbin thank you for being here to bring remarks, it means so much to us . Your topic on the Waves of MS in Barbados definitely set us on the path for the evening, while enlightening us about the different paths that this condition can take.
» Dr. Arnoldo Soto from the time you were contacted about our Anniversary it was only the question of when. Your input reminds us of the progress in time regarding MS and with more treatments coming on stream, there is renewed hope for a cure. You are indeed special to us as you flew in just for our event.
» Laura-Ann Clarke of Roche, the President has already said there are not enough words to thank you. From the first conversation you sprung into action and you stayed until the end. So much details of tonight is due to you. Truly a woman of your word, every promise you delivered. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts . If only the world had more Laura-Ann’s… you are definitely an angel.
» Ricardo Ward of Barbados Business Machines Warrens for the lovely programs. Designed and printed in one.
» Barbados Council for the Disabled who contributed towards the awardees gift tokens.
» Errol Griffith of Best E Villas and Angela Brooks for their special donations.
» Makeisha Eastmond of Sage B Events for the decor design and installation. A MSian herself she always kicks in to ensure our event surroundings are fabulous. With the help of her friends such as: Dr. Alexander J’n Pierre – A Brighter Smile Dental Clinic who donated the orange ribbons.
» Robert Carter of Petals Paradise for the centerpieces.
» Leigh Rivero of EBL Rentals for the table runners and backdrop fabric.
» Shonelle Braithwaite of The Stationay Bouque for the prints on ribbons.
» Tracey Holdipp of Envision Rental for providing the butterfly photo backdrop once again.
» We want to thank Sonia Mswana for taking the time to share her part of the history.
» Roseanna Tudor for the time you spent doing the beautiful picture slides and your willingness to assist in any other way.
» Karon Trotman and Stephen Small for running the many errands on our behalf. We sincerely appreciate you.
» Shane Headley for readily agreeing to serenade us with your cool and awesome vocals.
» DJ Al’s for providing the sound system for the evening.
» Ryan Alleyne of Vid Pic Visual Media for recording tonight and we cant wait to see the finished product of our memories.
» Heather Corbin of Corbin’s Catering for your usual exceptional service always rendered with patience and a smile. Of course the entire Mahogany Ridge evening staff for your service.

» Our host facilitators for the evening Karon, Emily, Mavis, MS 25th Anniversary Planning Committee chaired by President Maria Holder-Small who worked tirelessly was complimented by the Planning Committee of Nickaela Cumberbatch, Claudia Thomas who are both members and Janelle Skinner a volunteer who designed the fabulous invitations and tickets. These members gave of their time and service and we thank you. One member who must be commended tonight is our Treasurer Mr. Innocent Norbert though not a physical body on the Committee was always readily available to complete and assist in any way. Thank you Innocent for doing such heavy lifting to make tonight happen.

To all our members who provided any information and ideas, you helped made our event possible.
To all these fantastic persons or Companies once again we sincerely thank you.

August 2022

In August the Members took a scenic ride to the north of the island to Speightstown in the beautiful parish of St. Peter. After spending some time chilling and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. We all ventured to Fisherman’s Pub for a sumptuous lunch where everyone reported having a wonderful time.
These are a few pictures of our outing.

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May 2022

May was a busy month for us. Read all about it below. 

St George Primary School Multiple Sclerosis Awareness.

 The St George Primary School made a presentation to representatives of the Society at their school for World MS Day in which the children designed beautiful envelopes about MS and also put monetary donations in them. Treasurer Innocent Norbert and President Maria Holder-Small attended the presentation.

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Beach day.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Barbados celebrated World MS Day 2022 having a beach day on May 30th with picnic at Pebbles Beach. With the kind assistance of the Barbados Coast Guard through Barbados Defence Force the members were able to have a sea bath which many have not been able to enjoy in years.

Minister of People Empowerment Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Parliamentary Secretary Corey Lane and Director of National Disabilities Unit also paid a visit and had lunch with the group and a great time was had by all.

We want to thank all concerned who helped us make this a special and memorable occasion.

Living life with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Barbados held its first ever public event on the 23rd May 2022 at Golden Sands Hotel, Under the theme “Living life with MS; through the eyes of a loved one” . Mr. John Hollingsworth Director of National Disabilities Unit and Honourable Corey Lane in his role as Acting Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs addressed our gathering with brief remarks.

Through the eyes of a loved one, MS Society of Barbados.
See the video here >>

Mr Adrian Green Spoken Word Artist and National Transformation Initiative Artivist. delivered an eye opener poem written just for the event called “Through the eyes of Loved Ones” This touching piece stirred much emotion from the audience.

We also took the time to honor two of our long standing Associate members. They were presented with awards and floral bouquets as a small appreciation. Dr. Allyson Leacock Director of National transformation Initiative made the presentations.

Mrs. Mavis Sealy as our first Honorary Member. Truly a faithful volunteer and mother of our Msian Debra Ward, Mavis is always willing and available to help any member wherever possible. The Society is truly thankful for her.

Ms Shirley Bailey for still attending our meetings when possible even though she lost her niece who was a longtime member a couple years ago.

The guest speaker for the event was Reverend Paul Leacock who shared his personal journey of living life with his wife of many years who had Multiple Sclerosis. His story was riveting and brought much laughter but totally brought home the challenges Ms Warriors face with their loved ones. He was indeed the perfect fit for our event.

We also used this day to launch awareness of our World MS Day theme for 2022, which was “Go Orange for MS”. Our aim was to spread the word throughout Barbados to support us on that day by wearing orange.

 

A picture of our mask designed just for our members and supporters.

Members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Barbados having their monthly General Meeting at Golden Sands Hotel on May 12th 2022.
This Meeting was putting the final touches to the planning of their upcoming “Living Life With MS;Through The Eyes of A Loved One” Event with comes off on the 23rd May. Also wrapping up details for World MS Day May 30th which is anticipated to be a great day at the beach.