West Indies

The West Indies is a region made up of island nations and territories in the Caribbean Sea. Despite being geographically scattered, over 10,000 Mothers’ Union members are a strong and visible presence in their communities, continuing a long tradition of supporting families through a wide range of initiatives each responding to the unique challenges faced by their islands.  

In Jamaica, despite its reputation for beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, issues such as violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty significantly impact family life. Since its formation in 1897, Mothers’ Union Jamaica has grown to over 3,000 members and offers vital support through education scholarships, parenting programmes, prison ministry, advocacy for widows’ rights, and support for families affected by HIV/AIDS. They also actively participate in campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. 

Across the Diocese of Northeastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA), which includes 12 islands such as Antigua, St Kitts, and Montserrat, Mothers’ Union members are equally active, providing services including health clinics, after-school programmes, parenting support, and emergency aid to hurricane-affected families. In Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation with economic strength rooted in oil and gas, Mothers’ Union’s 600+ members address social challenges through outreach including parenting support, bereavement counselling, HIV/AIDS awareness, and job support initiatives. Meanwhile, in the Windward Islands (Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines), Mothers’ Union members work at the heart of their communities, supporting vulnerable families with feeding programmes, educational scholarships, and awareness campaigns against gender-based violence. 

On the eastern Caribbean Island of Barbados, where economic downturns have strained social services, over 2,000 Mothers’ Union members remain a vital source of support. Since 1913, they have engaged in wide-ranging activities including hospital ministry, school breakfast programmes, parenting groups, skills training, and counselling services, ensuring families receive the help they need in difficult times. Across the Caribbean, Mothers’ Union continues to be a powerful force for faith in action, building stronger families and communities.