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- 21 - The Association was inspired by the work and ideals of Marcus Massiah Gavney who travelled throughout Central america, and the United States to promote the ideas of loving self and Kind. Being healthy was considered one of the main ideals in Belize. It was with this in mind that the Black Cross Nurses did a house to house survey on the facts of what the true situation of health was in Belize City, They were horrified by what their research revealed and decided to do something about it. They were ordinary housewives others might have thought, but they decided to press on by getting themselves trained in nursing. at first they tried to get into regular nurses training programme, but they had families and were considered too old. Furthermore, responsibilities to their families made it aifficult for them to work fulltime or to be fulltime students outside the home. In addition it would cost more if this group of women were to register in the regular programme. The Black Cross Nurses were able to get the help of Dr. M. Simon, Government Medical Officer, and Mrs. M. Clare to train them. They began on July 2lst, 1921 twice every week. Each trainee paid 20 cents a week to meet the cost of training. Whenever one of the trainees was absent they had to pay a fine of $1.00. As soon as the Medical Officer felt that they were ready, he obtained permission for them to get practical experiences in the hospital. We will be bringing you the continuation of this amazing story in the next issue of the newsletter. What is striking about it is the determination of women to do something about suffering, undaunted by the traditional barriers that are often put before them. This story captures the courage and strength of women to go on. Women in history can give us much inspiration about our limitless possibilities. Revealing to us that so much can be done with what mey appear to be so little.