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In describing the people of the island, the uncles, teachers, doctors … you can’ t help but share a cultural moment with Yvette. Her eyes light up with an excitement that flows inside to out, leaving you with a powerful desire to meet these perfect strangers who define this extraordinary island. She speaks of a place where old fashioned kindness for your neighbours and your community is always in style. It is not unusual for Grenadian households to have pots three times the size needed for their own families. This is not because they plan on eating a great deal, but because they are always prepared for, and inviting, the camaraderie and company of others to break bread.
There are many impressive things that stand out about Yvette Noel-Schure. Invariably, she credits the attributes to her native home, as she verbally basks in the privilege of being raised in its shores. She has achieved great things, and you would understand if she took a moment or two for a self-congratulating lap. But that’ s nowhere forthcoming. Instead, you know you are in the presence of a woman who lives with a strong sense of gratitude for her life, and for each day she is given. She shares tearfully that she lives and embraces each day in large part for her Mom, who lived with a mental illness that robbed her of many meaningful moments. She has consciously sought to achieve for her Mom many of the things her Mom would have liked to but couldn’ t for herself.
This sense of caring extends beyond her immediate circle into the broader community. Along with her husband who she has been with for over 30 years, there is now the Yvette and David Schure Scholarship that gives money to three students each year. Notably as well, Yvette is passionate about empowering young women, and has done so through her international speaking engagements at schools and community organizations. This November she will be having a three-day celebration with friends and family in Grenada, for her‘ very big’ birthday. It is going to be a fundraiser for the children of Grenada. In lieu of gifts- because as she said, she doesn’ t need another designer bag or pair of shoes, she is asking for donations to invest Grenada’ s greatest resource – their children’ s future. The money raised will go towards their education and protection- the latter being attention and support for those who have suffered sexual assault or trauma. Imbued with a strong sense of purpose, she will be giving back and impacting her beloved Grenada, the way it did her.
We could all use a little more Grenada in our lives. Spices to ignite your passions, dances, festivals to connect you to a rich cultural history, and all the love needed to set you free from the safe insular world that many of us find ourselves in. As Dr. Yvette herself says,“ If there was a prescription that I ever needed – it’ s Grenada.”
All roads lead me back to
GRENADA ~ Yvette Noel-Schure