Elizabeth Sarah-Jane Camacho Perez is a proud mother of two beautiful children, Jean-Paul and Dominique, a recent grandmother of a lovely girl and has been married to her job for the past 26 years.

She is the Programme Director of the Holy Name Training Centre, a post she has held for the past twelve years where she is responsible for the running of the day-to-day activities of the Centre.

Mrs Perez’s influence at this institution goes back even further than her tenue in the post.

Elizabeth was first introduced to the Holy Name Training Centre in September 1980. It was Elizabeth’s grandmother, Clarissa “Mona” Camacho, who felt that the then 17 year- old and single young lady could make something of her natural flair and love for cooking. Elizabeth Camacho was therefore enrolled as a trainee at the Training Centre.

Elizabeth Perez

She spent one year pursuing various courses in Food Preparation and Service, and notably, Advanced Cooking at the John S Donaldson Technical Institute at which she excelled.

Elizabeth left the Training Centre in 1981 to hone her God-given talents at the Holiday Inn. She thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of the hotel food industry but such was her impact at the Training Centre, as well as her appreciation for its role in her development, that when she was offered a tutoring position at the institute in 1983, she did not hesitate to accept. Elizabeth Camacho was now employed as the tutor of the Food Preparation and Service Department.

In 1984, Elizabeth married Ivan Perez and whilst building her family, she also built on her reputation as an outstanding employee of the Training Centre.

Thirteen years and two children later saw Mrs Perez being offered a post in the Administrative Department of the Centre. Under the sharp and keen tutelage of Judy Phillip, and with encouragement from her mentor Sr Rose Madeleine, Mrs Perez helped to transform the Training Centre into a very vibrant and colourful institution.

Always on the go and seemingly with a supply of energy that knew no limits, Elizabeth got involved in the thick of things, a habit she maintains to this very day.

She held nothing but the best interest of the lives and welfare of the trainees who were in the care of the centre. With Judy Phillips’ migration, it was inevitable that the hot seat of the Training Centre – the post of Programme Director – would be handed to Elizabeth.

This position carried with it huge demands and responsibilities. Elizabeth Sara Jane Camacho Perez stood up, took the opportunity with both hands and has never looked back since. She has proven herself worthy and more than equal to the tasks at hand.

Mrs Perez has been instrumental in the implementation of many programmes that would give the less fortunate girls of our society opportunities to be on par with the rest of our citizens.

Education is her primary focus and she ensures that her trainees are continuously exposed so as to ensure that they maintain or gain advantages. Examples of programmes, which are now staples at the Training Centre are the School Leaving Classes, CXC classes, ALTA and Computer Literacy Courses.

Trainees are also sent on courses and training programmes in their relevant discipline of Food Preparation and Service or Garment Construction and Design at YTEPP, Hilaire’s School of Fashion, Jardins des Tuileries, Monique’s Guest. Kapok Hotel, to name but a few.

Elizabeth Perez is indeed a very tough act to follow. She is loved and admired by trainees, both past and present, girls who she fondly refers to as “my young ladies”.

Her contributions and value are recognised by her peers made evident by her being a long serving member of the Board of the Holy Name Training Centre.

Just recently, Mrs Perez’ efforts were recognised and acknowledgement as she received a Certificate of Excellence awarded by the American Women’s Club of Trinidad and Tobago in May 2007.

For years, younger women from all parts of Trinidad and Tobago, have walked through the doors of the Training Centre and have had their lives touched by this beautiful, strong, independent, industrious and wise woman. I could go on and on but I feel certain that you get the picture by now.

I am just one of the lucky women to have felt the impact of such a wonderful person. Mrs Perez has been instrumental in my development as a trainee from young girl to young woman. She has been my mother, counsellor, advisor and friend.

On May 14, she celebrates her birthday. So, Elizabeth Sarah-Jane Camacho Perez, on behalf of all staff, trainees, members and friends of the Holy Name Training Center we wish you a happy, happy birthday. We pray that God will continue to bless you for many more years to come.

HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MRS PEREZ!WE LOVE YOU!