Peridot Foundation highlights awareness, merchandising plans
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Source: TODAY Thursday November 25, 2004
MARIGOT—In creasing awareness and fund-raising are the two immediate
goals of Peridot Foundation as it observes, with French St. Martin and the rest
of the world, today as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against
Women.
Speaking at a press conference in the Mairie yesterday, founder of Peridot
Foundation and leader of People's Progressive Alliance (PPA) Gracita Arrindell
said shortage of funds had prompted the foundation to set up a Website to sell
merchandise based on the universal theme "Guarding Loved Ones You May Lose."
Proceeds will be distributed to local police organisations, schools, or other
appropriate bodies that have education, strengthening of family ties or setting
up of projects as their objectives.
The slogan and the foundation's symbol, the statue at Le Grand Marche
roundabout, will form the basis of the merchandising effort. "Our aim is to set
up a project in the Dominican Republic to reproduce mini-statuettes in bronze,"
explained Arrindell. "It is symbolic to do it there because that is where the
whole movement concerning violence against women started. Financially it is
cheaper to start it there, then move it to St. Maarten and continue production
here."
She added that once merchandising was in full swing, soliciting money from local
businesses would be unnecessary. In addition to the statuettes, coffee mugs,
T-shirts, caps, postcards, umbrellas, etc., all inscribed with the slogan, will
be sold. In what promises to be a giant step forward, Arrindell disclosed that
United Nations ambassador to the Dominican Republic Luisa Vicioso had pledged to
help make the foundation's theme and symbol the international symbol for 2006 or
2007.
"We are confident that with her influence, this will be a positive contribution
from the people of St. Maarten to bring awareness worldwide," she continued.
Commenting on domestic violence, Arrindell said she felt it was her duty as
someone in her position to speak out, and she urged other women in prominent
positions to do likewise.
"It has personal meaning for me. If someone like me doesn't have the courage to
speak out against violence, what message are we sending to those who can't? We
have to be strong enough as leaders to walk the walk and not keep silent."
Deputy Mayor of Arts and Cultural Affairs Nicole Piper noted that silence was
the biggest enemy in domestic violence.
"The more silence is kept, the more the virus spreads," said Piper. "We have to
educate our young men to respect themselves, their bodies, and others around
them. Symbols must be turned into action, driven into the consciousness of
society, because there is no excuse for violence."
Mayor Albert Fleming briefly offered words of encouragement during the press
conference.
Activities this week include a wreath-laying ceremony this morning and a
function at the Cultural Centre in Sandy Ground on Sunday a 5:00pm where
speakers will include Aileen Choisy, psychologist Anthea Guy, and the Ehrb
family who lost loved one to violence.
Some of the merchandise to be sold to support organizations active in combating
violence against women was displayed at the press conference.
