LEADING WITH A PARENTAL HEART: GLOBAL WOMEN’S PEACE NETWORK IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Global Women's Peace Network (GWPN) was the last organization formed by the founders of WFWP on July 16, 2012 in Seoul, Korea. At that time, there were four members representing Trinidad and Tobago in Korea. They were Dawn Bacchus-Horan, Susan Sinanan-Ganness, Nobuko Sakasi, and Misae Yasusaka.
On July 15, 2014, WFWP President Angelika Selle appointed Dr. Dawn Bacchus-Horan vice chair of GWPN USA, with the goal of targeting VIPs in Washington. Dr. Horan's thoughts immediately went to also setting up a similar GWPN in Trinidad and Tobago, as there is already a good foundation there.
On Sunday, November 9, over 40 people gathered for the inauguration of GWPN in Trinidad and Tobago. The emcee, Mrs. Marcia Belgrove, opened the ceremony with a prayer. Then, after an interlude of music, "One Family Under God," there was a steel band rendition of the Trinidad and Tobago national anthem, played by Mr. Levi Marshall. WFWP Trinidad and Tobago Vice President Evita Thomas led those present in the WFWP pledge.
After a video presentation featuring the inauguration of various international convocations throughout the region, a Japanese ladies chorus filled the hall with a beautiful welcome song.
Dr. Bacchus-Horan introduced the founders, the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. She presented a PowerPoint on the formation of the GWPN in Korea on July 16, 2012, and how the organization is a project of WFWP. She also introduced the global work of WFWP since its inauguration in April 1992. She explained the founders' vision of the Global Abel Women's United Nations, the "Abel UN," to represent the heart of God in the decision-making process of the United Nations. She explained the Divine Principle view of the positions of Cain and Abel in history. She also elucidated the founders' urgent request to have the younger and older generations work together as a "two-winged" team.
She noted that WFWP is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. She placed special emphasis on WFWP activities from global to local. She explained that there are some wonderful Japanese ladies who are raising funds in Japan to support WFWP's local activities and the work of the GWPN in Trinidad and Tobago. "We are not a feminist movement," she said, "and are supported by our husbands, brothers, sons, and fathers." WFWP seeks to complete, not compete with, the men in our lives.
Immediately following Dr. Horan's presentation were presentations from influential women in various fields, who shared their experiences and insights on the impact of "Leading With a Parental Heart."
The first speaker was Ms. Gillian Wall, the founder and CEO of Power Ladies of Trinidad and Tobago. (PLOTT). PLOTT is an organization whose membership is comprised of the most outstanding and distinguished ladies of the nation. Ms. Wall spoke about the beauty of a rose as the heart of love. She stated that we must express a parental heart with the same love we feel when a rose is given.
Ms. Inez Sinanan, a professional educator and former senior manager of American International Group (AIG), spoke about the power of "right thinking," as our thoughts reflect in our actions. She stressed the importance of mind and body unity.
Ms. Susan Sinanan-Ganness, evangelist, educator, and guidance counselor, gave a powerful testimony about the GWPN founders, and of her experience of being present at the formation of the organization in Korea on July 16, 2012.
The presentations deeply moved all those present and gave priceless advice on how to lead with a parental heart.
Then Princess Lee Keith, president of WFWP Trinidad and Tobago, was appointed vice chair of the GWPN project in Trinidad and Tobago. She stated, "I embrace this opportunity to serve with humility. As I chart this journey, I can assure you that I will work from a loving heart. A loving heart is rooted in God, in what our founder Father Moon calls God's heart, which is God's irrepressible impulse to love, His very motivation for creation."
Ms. Tiana Chandler then sang "Think of Me," and profoundly lifted the atmosphere with her angelic voice.
The finale was the Bridge of Peace sisterhood ceremony. Five Trinidadian sisters crossed the bridge with five Japanese ladies, with the heart to heal the gap between them. They exchanged certificates as a promise to strengthen the bond of sisterhood between Trinidad and Japan.
Everyone joined hands to sing "Let There Be Peace on Earth," after a beautiful steel band rendition by Levi Marshall. Mrs. Marcia Belgrove, the emcee, concluded with remarks and a vote of thanks. The attendees gave high praise for the quality and beauty of the flow of the inauguration, for the warmth and the love they felt. We distributed over 20 copies of the founder's autobiography. The guests wanted to learn more about the founders, whom we call True Parents. My special thanks go to all who worked together in harmony to make the inauguration of the Global Women's Peace Network a success.
