Pass the SALT - Reflections on the Trinidad Experience.

[David Dk Soomarie]

 

Ironically enough, the Trinidad Experience did not begin in Trinidad, but in Guyana. A  T&T delegation comprising of government officials and representatives from civil society got themselves "salted" at the Clara Lodge Hotel in Guyana. We did not only see the application of the process in our own lives, but we saw the real life applications of it when we conducted two SALT visits, one with Prison Officers and the other with the MSM community. Personally, the visit to the Prison Officers remain a lasting memory in my mind, as I truly was impressed by the officers ability to dream amidst some extremely challenging situations.

 

But back to trinidad, where the national delegation was eager to "pass the salt" and stimulate the  passion of their respective communities. After much planning, we began the process on Monday 4th at the Normandie Hotel here in Trinidad. There were the skeptics, those who thought that this was another HIV workshop and those who thought it was a waste of their time. However, sometime along the day, the attitudes began to change. Participants, from a wide cross section of society, recognised that they shared the same hopes and concerns. They realised that they all had the same dreams and as one group put it in their dream "The limit to your reach,is your capacity to dream."

 

There were times when it was easy to revert to the negative. To slide into that realm where we get burdened by the shackles of the past. However, this uneasiness was soon abated by the waves of compassion and mutual respect. The SALT visits, one with youth and the other with PLHIV, participants saw their "saltiness" pass on to others.

 

At the closing ceremony, one of the UNAIDS officials, who came only at the end,  remarked that he had never seen 'a group of people so energised after spending 4 days in a workshop." The participants shared their eagerness and excitement for the process to continue; realizing that the work has only just begun.

It's safe to say we're ready to...pass the SALT!

[Gaston]

Thanks for the injection of inspiration David. I don't know you, but I was at the first event in Guyana and now read this. This is how transfer works if it is rooted in our personal experience and discovery. I am sure that the people you'll interact with now will get further inspired and share with others. If we all do this and keep our inspiration alive, this will quickly outgrow the virus almost naturally. We don't have to force things. We just reveal our strengths and transfer our learning and inspiration.

[Autry Haynes]

Yes Reuben, joining the movement, lets go (^_^). Going to Suriname from July 11-20 and will initiate new membership there.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Thanks for this great sharing. SALT is addictive, isn't it!

[Michael Mc Garrell]

I look forward to see the salt being spread through Trinidad and Tobago, Way to go David. I have see the process work in Guyana and I Know it will work there as well. Be SALTY!!

[Ruben F. del Prado]

David! Large things start with a thought, a wish, and inspiration. It takes believing and follow-up actions to make any dream come through. I KNOW, and now you know, that 'Caribbean Life Competence' will transform local and nation-wide development to Region-wide progress for our people. Let the movement roll ...

[Autry Haynes]

HA! I came on line to give my impressions about my experience and found this, my thoughts are gone (^_^). David this posting was so well articulated and truly expressed the experience of the four days exercise, what else can I add? Good, very good. I look forward and I guess ALL family members, world wide will be; for the on-folding of the eagerness and SALTied, TT conglomerate. Agree with JL re: how do you plan to stay: energized?

 

Autry

[Usa Duongsaa]

Thank you David for sharing.  Very nice to hear about the experience from the eyes of the emerging local champion :-)   Have a happy trip on your SALTy journey!

[Korey Anthony Chisholm]

My friend, I am happy you have the SALT experience, I trust that it will add in greater developing your local response and that you have show already personally how SALT is working

[Dr. E. Mohamed Rafique]

Wow! David you are a star.
For, you have provided a eye-opening testimonial, that is appreciative of all participants who imbibed the Competence process.
Initially, I used to feel that why the skeptics could not see the light, the truth of ACP. Now-a-days, I tell myself that it is only a question of time.
And David, you speak well, and write well. I will tell that again and again:-)

[Jean-Louis Lamboray]

Many thanks, David!

If you have time, would you please share with us what the group decided to stay energized in the long run?

All the best

JL