Carmen Lusan
THE KINGSTON Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) launched the Carmen Lusan Trust Fund at a luncheon held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Saturday April 8.
In officially launching the fund her niece and chairman of the fund Mary Sorum, described her aunt as a very unassuming person.
While working in the Government marketing department in 1926-48 Ms. Lusan stayed at the YWCA that was then located at 1F North Street.
Her relationship with the association blossomed into a career that spanned 27 years. During that time she held numerous positions at various levels. She became the first local YWCA general secretary, the first West Indian YWCA Caribbean representative, the fist West Indian director of YWCA Toronto, consultant for Caribbean and the YM/YM of Canada, World YWCA executive member.
RECOGNISED FOR SOCIAL WORK
She was also recognised for her social work and voluntary service by various awards. These include; Queen Elizabeth Coronation Medal, Member of the British Empire (MBE), The Prime Minister's Medal and The Order of Distinction.
"Carmen Lusan served children, young adults and anyone in need. She strongly believed in service and social justice," said Ms. Sorum before officially launching the fund.
Two years before she died in 2001, Ms. Lusan invested $50,000 in the Jamaica Money Market Brokers to ensure that in the future it would become large enough to compliment the staffing of the YWCA, continuing the work of an organisation she believed in.
"To make a difference you don't need to stare down a war tank, rescue troubled boys and girls, or face jail time. There are many people, like Carmen Lusan, whose memory we are celebrating today whose acts have contributed to the progress and betterment of society," noted guest speaker Ms. Grace Cameron. She encouraged those present that, "If for one moment you provide relief or comfort you've made a difference."
The trustees of the fund include: Ms. Shirley Tyndall, Ms. Lelieth Deacon, Dennis Lalor, Dr. Marshall Hall and Ms. Dona Harriott and Ms. Grace Cameron.
