THE VOICE ST. LUCIA

Article by: Stan Bishop

(Photo) Taj Weekes joins women in their stance against gender-based violence last Tuesday.There were more tee shirts with messages against domestic violence than there were people willing to show solidarity for the cause. But organizers say last Tuesday's activity at the Derek Walcott Square is nonetheless a serious one.

The activity was the culmination of a programme of activities in observance of International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8. Dubbed the "Clothesline Project," the focus was to sensitize the general public about gender-based violence, especially in cases where women and girls are the primary targets. St. Lucia-born international musician Taj Weekes, one of the collaborators on the project, spoke to The VOICE on the new concept.

"In the Caribbean, domestic violence is the sort of thing that is hidden under the table," Weekes said. "So this is merely a way of starting a conversation in an effort to bring it out in the open. Hopefully, we can keep talking about it and move toward a direction where it's an open thing and people are not afraid to say they're being abused."

Weekes said he adopted the idea for the initiative from the U.S. where he currently resides. In fact, he has his own "Traveling Exhibition," and has showcased it in two arenas so far – Massachusetts and St. Lucia. He said the idea is a staple in most of the American states.

Members of the public had the opportunity to paint whatever anti-violence messages they wanted on the tee shirts supplied by Weekes and the Department of Gender Relations. The tee shirts were then hung to dry on clotheslines in the Square, depicting the obvious symbolism of not letting some of society's dirtiest little secrets go unnoticed.

Weekes said the tee shirts from both camps will be on display again in November when Domestic Abuse Month will be observed. In the interim, though, he will be displaying - and building up - his collection of tee shirts in several islands across the region to raise awareness on the scourge of domestic violence and its negative impact on society.

Louise Victor, general secretary of the National Youth Council, was one of the many speakers at Tuesday's public rally. She believes the activity is just one small step that can lead to eradicating a giant common problem.

Other speakers on the day included Anthony Avril of the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Valerie Albert-Poyotte of Education International, Charms Gaspard of the Department of Gender Relations, Minister of Home Affairs and National Security, Guy Mayers, and Taj Weekes. Calypsonian Lady Leen closed the proceedings with a rendition of her "woman power" anthem, "Woman In A March."

ST. LUCIA STAR

Article by: Kayra Williams

Security minister Guy Mayers (center) told the audience that respect was key to curbing abuse.Anyone passing near the Derek Walcott Square on Tuesday, March 30 would have likely had to do a double take to ensure what they thought they saw matched up to what was happening in reality. At a first glance, it looked as if women were hanging up freshly washed laundry inside the Square, rather than in their own back yards.

Those who had the time dropped in, simply to inquire about what was going on, having not heard about the project through various advertising mediums. They were ushered into the venue with relaxing Reggae tunes adding a spring to their step, and quickly learned that the proceedings were all part of the ongoing Clothesline Project.

The event was presented by the Division of Gender Relations in collaboration with TOCO-They Often Cry Outreach, the Crisis Centre and HTS/Radio 100 and culminated International Women’s Day activities on the island.

The idea of hanging clothes, in this instance, freshly painted, or previously painted t-shirts was an attempt to raise awareness of domestic violence. An exploration through the carefully arranged clothing lines would find that each shirt had been painted by regular women who just wished to tell their story. In some cases the "artists" had been victims themselves, and wrote in an effort to get their stories out there, hoping that it would help other victims of abuse realize they were not alone. At the same time they hoped it would help them finally let go of the pain of their own experiences.

National archivist Margot Thomas's shirt read: "It only takes one to stop the violence, let it be you!" Other carefully designed shirts spoke for themselves, "Love doesn't hurt, Love is beautiful," "Mad, very angry at the person," and "Please, don't forget I survived."

By hanging a shirt and walking away, it is felt that a woman can in a sense leave an ugly part of her past behind, and move on. The project was started by various women's groups in Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the United States in an effort to create a program that would "educate, break the silence and bear witness to one issue—violence against women."

Tuesday's event intended to draw in members of the public who wished to express solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.

"Stamp your disapproval of this abhorrent behaviour, encourage the youth to make a difference, to break the cycle," the message rang out through the sound system.

National Archivist Margot Thomas joined the project on the Square on Tuesday.There was no short supply of women—and men, wanting to add their stories to the project and sign shirts. From 12:30 pm curious onlookers showed their disapproval of gender violence by adding their shirts to the already abundant collection. The t-shirts were also meant to serve as an educational tool for guests to the event.

The display dates of the Clothesline Project typically coincide with months calling attention to violence. Presently, there are around 500 similar projects internationally with an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 t-shirts.

Tuesday's event offered a poetry recital by Marcel Johnson, entitled, "Deflowered and Still Bleeding," and Calypsonian Lady Lyn's anthem, "Women in March." There were also solidarity messages from various organizations including the St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association, the International Men's Network, FAITH, Education International, the International Women's Support Center, the Crisis Centre, as well as remarks from Andrea Bourne representing the St. Lucia Labour Party and St. Lucia's Commerce Minister Guy Mayers.

Mayers left the gathering with the message that change started with one person. "Respect the rights of each other... love your spouses and take care of the children," he said. In his words doing that would lead to a more peaceful and friendly society. "Be part of the solution, not the problem."

 THE VOICE ST. LUCIA

 A 2.5% reduction in the complications of diabetes over the next six months is the ambitious goal of a recently held workshop for diabetics. The workshop armed diabetics, their caregivers and family with information both preventative and curative to help achieve that aim.

Diabetes and hypertension are of great concern to the Health Team of Region Two, Babonneau and surrounding areas, who regularly deal with patients suffering the unnecessary health issues brought on by complications from these diseases. The Region Two team, led by Nurse Mary Joseph Charlery, organised the one-day session to educate concerned residents on how to manage the disease, prevent complications, and help improve the quality of life of diabetics.

Assistance was provided by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), which has a mandate to empower communities. The BNTF currently operates as part of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF). The Diabetic and Hypertensive Association and the Taj Weeks Foundation [They Often Cry Outreach], also provided materials for the workshop. These include diabetic shoes and kits.

Residents were delighted with the tone of the workshop, which they said clarified much of the confusing litany of information about diabetes and hypertension. Nutrition, foot care, medication, exercise, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections were among the issues addressed. Podiatrist Deborah Charles, nutrition officer Linda Philgence, pharmacist Richard Chung and fitness instructor Jerome Gideon comprised the comprehensive panel of facilitators.

Diabetes still ranks as one of the top three leading causes of death in Saint Lucia, with serious complications ranging from heart disease, blindness, strokes and kidney failure to amputations and skin problems. Saint Lucia continues to see increases in diabetes and hypertension and these non-communicable diseases are among the top consumers of health care dollars. The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), which is an amalgamation of the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). SSDF is funded by regional and international agencies.

ECOFACTORY

They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization founded by St. Lucian artist Taj Weekes and is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programs.

"I had the personal pleasure of meeting Mr. Weekes at an event in Orlando. I was very impressed with his compassionate words of wisdom and encourage people to check out his website to learn more about TOCO."

--Gabe LeBlanc (editor)

HTS CHANNEL 4 ST. LUCIA

Article by: Lovely St. Aimee

Dr. Ayo Adesanya thanked TOCO for the gesture which he says will go a long way in empowering persons living with diabetes to take a measure of control in managing the disease. He says with the necessary equipment to monitor their condition, they could dramatically reduce the rate of diabetic complications. St. Lucia currently has the highest rate of diabetes per capita.

CARIBBEAN HOT 105.3 FM

They Often Cry Outreach founded and headed by Taj Weekes, St. Lucian born musician and humanitarian is doing it again! TOCO joins with The Wave Radio Station in a walk titled "Walk & Burn" alongside LIME, HTS, and the St. Lucia Diabetic & Hypertensive Association and many other sponsors to spread awareness in St. Lucia of Diabetes of which St. Lucia has the highest rate per capita in the world. This past June, through the TOCO SOCCER Programme, the organization distributed 500 soccer balls and 600 uniforms to the Ministry of Education and underserved communities in St. Lucia, supporting the efforts of local soccer coaches to encourage youth to participate in healthy exercise in response to the nation’s greatest health crisis... Diabetes. TOCO is diligently working to bring greater awareness to this health care crisis within St. Lucia as well as in the United States, where the majority of funding originates. 

The month of November, International Diabetes Awareness month, TOCO is here in St. Lucia with donations of 2,700 blood glucose meters, testing strips and educational material to distribute throughout the island to support the ongoing work of the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association. Joining Taj Weekes on this mission trip are volunteer filmmakers, who recently created a Public Service Announcement with Taj Weekes for St. Lucia and will be filming a documentary about the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia. TOCO is a New York based non-profit charity that focuses on serving underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sports, health and enrichment programs.  Taj Weekes founded TOCO in 2006 after being named Goodwill Ambassador by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals and endorsed by the World Association of Former United Nations Interns and Fellows, Inc. in 2007 for his philanthropic efforts in the Caribbean.

ST. LUCIA STAR

A scene from Saturday’s Men’s Health Fair organized by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association.

The Men's Health Fair organized by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association on Saturday at the Derek Walcott Square has been hailed a success.

Executive Director, George Eugene, says that the Association was pleased with the turnout of men especially in light of the frequent downpours which threatened the cancellation of the event. Scores of men and curious onlookers seized the opportunity to check their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol while others had eye examinations, sampled healthy foods and even participated in the exercise displays conducted by fitness instructor, Pett Norville.

Saturday was observed as "World Diabetes Day" and the Association spared no effort in driving home the reality that Diabetes is the number one killer of especially men in the region. Brochures, leaflets and a new Ex Tempo jingle all formed part of the education efforts.

In keeping with its mandate to provide quality care to Diabetics, the Association also made a presentation of new crutches to George Lovence, a 10 year client of the Association who was diagnosed 15 years ago at age 29. The former electrical apprentice had his leg amputated just below the knee at the tender age of 34 and expressed his willingness to assist with the education campaign, having lost his older brother and father to Diabetes.

Founder of the children's charitable organization "TOCO" (They Often Cry Outreach) and international reggae sensation, Taj Weekes, expressed his delight with the efforts of the Association and urged more St. Lucians to join in the fight against diabetes.

"This is serious. We are losing so many so young. With children now being diagnosed with diabetes, the task is very clear. We have to take control of our lives and develop a more conscious and positive attitude towards health and health care. We owe it to ourselves and our youth."

Weekes is on island with a video production team who volunteered their services to compile a documentary on Diabetes in St. Lucia. TOCO has also made available, over 2000 testers for free distribution.

Meanwhile, the President of the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association, Cuthbert
St. Juste, pledged continued support for the Diabetes education campaign and urged St. Lucians to render assistance to the Association.

St. Juste says that despite limited financial and human resources, the Association continues to provide many critical services to Diabetics and others. He was full of praise for the many agencies and corporate entities who partnered with the Association to make the Men’s Health Fair a reality. The Association will host its annual "Walk for Diabetes" event on November 29 as activities for Diabetes Month come to a close.

ST. LUCIA STAR

Taj Weekes, the founder of TOCO, has lent his support to the Wave’s walk this Sunday.

Saint Lucian born international Reggae artiste Taj Weekes and TOCO will join the Wave 94.5 in their walk this Sunday. The walk dubbed "Walk and Burn" which is the brainchild of the Wave family will begin at 6am at the station’s headquarters, American Drywall Building, Vide Bouteille and end at Pigeon Island.

TOCO (They Often Cry Outreach) was founded and is headed by Taj Weekes, as a New York-based non-profit charity that focuses on serving underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sports, health and enrichment programs.

The Wave 94.5 along with TOCO, will be sponsoring one hundred Saint Lucian children to be a part of Sunday’s walk.

"The idea is that we will be sensitizing these young persons about living healthy and educating them about diabetes, so that they can go back to their schools and serve as ambassadors spreading those messages," country manager Sue Monplaisir of the Wave says.

At the end of the walk there will be a number of fitness challenges supported by Sportivo gym as well as free diabetes testing through the Saint Lucia Diabetic and Hypertension Association. TOCO will be donating 2,700 blood glucose meters, testing strips and educational material to distribute on the day of the walk and throughout the month of November.

Sunday’s "Walk and Burn" is being supported by a number of sponsors including LIME, Sportivo Gym, Renwick and Company, Sandals Resorts, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, Bascho, Subway, Blue Water and Touch Therapy.

The event which is expected to mix fun with fitness will feature music by 1 Audio Inco along the route. At the end of the walk participants will be given breakfast, water and rehydrating drinks and there will be gifts and prizes for deserving individuals at the end of the day.

HTS CHANNEL 4 ST. LUCIA

Story by: Alison Kentish

It's a program that combines football and education. The initiative promotes the idea that a truly positive person is a strong mind and spirit in a fit body. The program is called TOCO, short for 'They Often Cry Outreach.' It brings hundreds of soccer balls, uniforms and equipment to primary and secondary schools and charity groups. [Taj] Weekes says the program is built on his childhood here and the belief that one soccer ball can be not only a source of joy to a child but also improve health, self-discipline, self-esteem and confidence.

The initiative is endorsed fully by RISE Saint Lucia Inc. The organisation's Founder – Dr. Stephen King says it's the type of donation that will give young people a chance to excel. Dr. Marcus Day works with young people who have fallen through the cracks. It helps the homeless and drug addicts. Dr. Day supports TOCO – which he says is a proactive approach to dealing with young people.

Through TOCO's recent efforts, BIOLA University of Southern California has pledged five annual scholarships to qualified soccer players who exhibit strong grade point averages and testing scores. These scholarships will be awarded to Saint Lucian students through TOCO SOCCER. Weekes founded TOCO in 2008 to help underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean through sport, education and wellness programs.

THE ST. LUCIA MIRROR

Article by: Reginald Andrew

During a recent seven-day visit to the island, Taj Weekes' role as a Goodwill Ambassador for a division of the United Nations was extended to several communities in St. Lucia. The St. Lucian born international reggae artist also shares a passion for football, and through his US based non-profit organization, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), he donated a range of football gear, uniforms and balls to various district clubs on the island.

TOCO was founded by Weekes and is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children in the Caribbean and beyond through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programmes. At a TOCO Soccer briefing held late last month, the programme was endorsed by Donovan Williams, permanent secretary in the department of youth and sports. Other distinguished persons at the press briefing included Dr. Stephen King, chairman of RISE, Richard Peterkin, chairman of the Olympic Committee and George Eugene, Diabetic Association representative.

In his comments, Williams said, "Partnership is crucial… and that is why we can work alongside many different organizations using whatever skills they have to advance the cause of sport." Responding to the accolades that were being showered on him at the briefing, Weekes declared, "This goes to show that St. Lucia is a great place… because I did not become the person that I am living in a bubble. I mingled with lots of people and the people that I met were positive people, and that is reflected in the person that I am today." He added: "With this little initiative here, if we can help some people realize their potential and live the way that they should live, then they can help give meaning to what I am doing."

TOCO's soccer programmes are being implemented to empower schools and community groups with the supplies and support needed to teach basic soccer skills and organize neighborhood tournaments. In addition, the goals of the programme include addressing the accelerated rate of diabetes throughout the Caribbean as well as to provide a fun, healthy community-based activity.

Weekes presents football gear to president of Allez, Jermaine Corsinie, at the Anse La Raye playing field.On his final lap, Weekes donated gear to the Allez Sports and Cultural Club of Anse La Raye and also presented supplies to the I CAN [I Can Change a Nation] youth group from Soufriere. He plans to return to the island later this year to continue "the mission of giving." As he says, "There is great joy in giving back something to your community."