US Ambassador backs domestic violence awareness campaign

US Ambassador D. Brent Hardt and his wife Saskia Hardt recently opened their home to host the launch of a domestic violence awareness campaign initiated by the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts.

The campaign, launched under the theme of “Walking On Sunshine,” began with a fashion at the Ambassador’s residence on June 23, a release from the US Embassy said. The event benefitted the local Non-Governmental Organisation Help and Shelter.

The “fashion show served to launch a two-part event organised by the Sonia Noel Foundation: part one was the Better Living Expo, an exhibition featuring domestic violence resources of government ministries and non-governmental organizations, as well as a special workshop conducted under the auspices of Human Services Minister Jennifer Webster; and part two featured the finals of the television series Guyana Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio.

The fashion show featured designs that sought to promote light and peace after the pain of domestic abuse. Minister Webster represented the Government of Guyana while Danuta Radzik spoke on behalf of Help and Shelter. Others in attendance included the Foundation’s Creative Director, Richard Young, other fashion designers, members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests.

The fashion show featured the model and designer finalists of the television series Guyana Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio as well as fashion designs from Noel.

The night also included a powerful performance by Guyanese poet Ruqayyah Boyer, whose poem illustrated the struggle of a violent love affair and encouraged self-love and self-esteem. Meanwhile, attendees contributed to Help and Shelter to assist in sustaining the organisation’s important mission.

The campaign continued last week in partnership with the Sonia Noel Foundation at Marian Academy where Mrs Hardt spoke with children about domestic violence, and in Parika where the conversation was extended to the general public.

And last Wednesday Ambassador Hardt participated in the National Conversation on Domestic Violence at the Guyana International Conference Centre, where he addressed the topic of the detrimental effects of domestic violence. According to the Embassy, the Ambassador said the United States was willing to lend a helping hand to those who are taking action and was committed to working together with the Guyana Government and civil society to address domestic violence issues.