Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

The new executive of the American Women's Group (back row, from left) Trefina Asiedu, Amy Flohr, Rila Haq, Renelda Connell, Joy McHugh and President Dawn Woodstock. (Front row, from left) Lucy Ramel, Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson and Janet Heg. - photo by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The new year for the American Women's Group (AWG) got off to a great start last Thursday under balmy skies at the residence of host United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson. The annual ritual is much anticipated by members of the AWG who come prepared to introduce the new executive, fellowship, make plans and welcome a special guest.

This year's guest was Lorna Golding, wife of Prime Minister Bruce Golding. She spoke on the theme of 'Family Life Engineering' saying that, "we have an opportunity to develop and strengthen the stability and harmony of the family which provides the basis for healthy, socially motivated and productive children".

Mrs. Golding made reference to the African belief that it takes a village to raise a child and stressed that all must play their part. She lauded the AWG for their tremendous contribution to local education through scholarships and books but said her dream for Jamaican children is one she shared with her husband. "I dream of a Jamaica where no child is left illiterate and without hope; where no child knows hunger, irrespective of their economic means, where we all might not be rich but no one has to be poor."

highlights

The meeting's other highlights included reports from last year's executive and an introduction to the historic Carib Cinema by director Melanie Graham. This is where the AWG will hold a gala premiere of the movie American Gangster in November, one of the group's two major fund-raisers this year. The film stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe and tickets are now on sale for $3,000 and $3,500 each. The package includes shuttle service from New Kingston and cocktails before the show.

Judith Douglas of J. Wray and Nephew gave an overview of the Appleton Rum Tour that AWG members have been invited to take. A Norma Harrack original was presented to Ambassador LaGrange Johnson and Mrs. Golding received a copy of Joanne Simpson's book celebrating Jamaican women, as well as a straw hat from Ecuador's Consul General Clelia Barrieto de Hunter.