Judy Munroe honoured for service for Salvation Army

Thu, Nov 29th 2018, 04:37 PM

The Salvation Army Bahamas and Turks Caicos Division extolled Judy Munroe, former Chairman of the Advisory Board, for her distinguished service and outstanding leadership at a Banquet, Saturday, November 24, at Melia Resort, Cable Beach.

Mrs. Munroe has served as a member of the Advisory Board for 37 years and as Chairman for 21 years. Under her leadership, the Board earned the Salvation Army Caribbean Territory's ‘High Performance Board of the Year’ Award for three years in a row.

The Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, presented gifts to Mrs. Munroe. Entertainment was provided by The Salvation Army Brass Band and The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. Major Clarence Ingram, Divisional Commander, and Archdeacon James Palacious also participated in the event.

Commissioner Devon Haughton, Commander, Salvation Army Caribbean Territory, declared that Judy Munroe is today's modern version of Mother Theresa, who in the slums of Calcutta, India, looked at the needs and declared, ‘let us do something beautiful for Jesus’.

“This outstanding demonstration of dedicated service must continue. We must come alongside those who are victims of abuse, those who are being trafficked for one reason or the other; the marginalized; and those who are the destitute and outcast. Yes, we want to serve both the rich and the poor and stand with every person who is hurting, becoming the hands and heart of Jesus.

“The enviable service record of Mrs. Munroe is an open book which brings incredible joy when it is read. However, nothing warms one’s heart more than the poise and dignity in which these tasks are carried out,” said the Commissioner.

The Hon. Frankie Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, shared a brief history of the roots of the Social Welfare System in The Bahamas and the “intimate” relationship that the Salvation Army and the Ministry of Social Services continue to share. He congratulated the Salvation Army and expressed appreciation for the work they have done to build the nation.

“Your institution has gained my genuine respect and admiration. Our relationship extends beyond being social partners and stakeholders. We are truly family. My intention is to keep is that way by nurturing and sustaining this relationship with bonds that will never be broken.”

Minister Campbell expressed gratitude to Mrs. Munroe for her invaluable contributions to the country and to the Salvation Army.

He emphatically stated that her place has been “firmly” etched in history and she deserves the accolades, which were given at a time when Mrs. Munroe is able to appreciate them.

“As you are aware, the nature of this organization involves continued leadership change. However, over the years, Mrs. Munroe has remained that constant figure that kept it together. She possessed the institutional knowledge, which she unselfishly passed on from one leader to the other. She was the source of continuity, advising on cultural differences, expressing expectations, providing guidance, advocating for and being the catalyst for change, where necessary,” he said.

Felix Stubbs, Chairman, in his welcome address, said many families and individuals continue to be in “desperate” need for help.

“The Salvation Army has provided care and assistance to vulnerable persons in The Bahamas for more than 87 years and as the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services, the organization serves over 40,000 persons every year.”

The organization is available for individuals and families affected by poverty, homelessness and unemployment, for persons suffering from visual impairment, for newcomers to The Bahamas and for those who have been impacted by natural disasters and addiction.

“The Salvation Army works tirelessly to help people, no matter their situation or background, get back on their feet. The programs and services remain critical to the healing and empowerment of marginalized and overlooked people in our communities. Giving our most “at-risk” citizens hope and dignity makes an enormous difference in transforming lives,” he said.

Mrs. Munroe became the Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas) Limited (Coca-Cola operations in The Bahamas) a position she held for 36 years until her retirement in 2006. She is the first female to serve as President of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and was the Charter President of the Zonta Club of Nassau. She has represented the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) at national, regional and international conferences.

In 2013, the International Women’s Forum (IWF) named her as one of nine women, worldwide, who were honoured as ‘IWF Women Who Make a Difference’.

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