Twelve women honoured for stellar contributions to development of SVG

TWELVE WOMEN were honoured last Friday by the Gender Affairs Division, for their stellar contributions in a number of sectors in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Gender Affairs Division within within the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Development etc. handed out these recognition awards at a cocktail and dinner dubbed “Evening of Excellence” last Friday at the Prime Minister’s Residence.

LATEISHA SANDY (right) one of the 12 awardees accepting her award from Frederick Stephenson, minister with responsibility for gender affairs.

The event was also meant to commemorate International Women’s Day 2020 and was held under the theme, “When women roar”.

“Over the years, women have been silenced through patriarchal cultures, the media and religion even as the world is evolving in a new direction with a wave of women who hold senior positions in Society…,” coordinator of the Division, La Fleur Quammie said in welcome remarks.

Quammie said there is need to create an environment for networking while providing guidance and support to women if it is that change should come about.

And she said International Women’s Day, which was celebrated on Sunday, March 6 is an occasion of reflection and a call for change as the world pays homage to ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in the history of their countries and communities.

Jeannie Ollivierre, Human Rights administrator/education and training officer and volunteer director of Marion House, and Miriam Roache, former coordinator of the Gender Affairs Division both received awards for their contribution to Women and Development.

Sherol James, a retired police inspector with over 30 years in the force, LaTeisha Sandy, the director of the Financial Intelligence Unit and Laura Anthony-Browne, economist, former Director of Planning received awards for their contribution to the Public Service.

Also receiving awards for their contribution to the sporting sector were Skiddy Francis-Crick, one of this country’s sporting ambassadors and Linda McDowall, the top female long distance athlete.

Fashion designer, Lisa Cordice was also honoured for her contribution to culture and fashion design while reigning Calypso Queen and National Monarch, Shaunelle McKenzie received an award for her contributions to culture and entertainment.

Christine DaSilva, council member and past president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Camille Crichton, managing director of Professional Secretarial & Consultancy Services both received awards in the field of Entrepreneurship.

And Clare Keizer, the CEO of Interactive Media Limited, the publishers of SEARCHLIGHT received an award for her contributions to media.

“I want to commend you for the tremendous work that you have done and continue to do for the advancement and development of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Frederick Stephenson, minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs said.

The minister thanked the Gender Affairs Division for hosting the event meant to recognise the women for their contributions to different areas in the country.

And he implored those present to uplift the women and men in society, particularly those who are less fortunate.

Stephenson said it is “important for us to do so as a people as we seek to decrease the incidences of domestic violence in our societies.

“It’s when persons are empowered, when woman are empowered that they can move out of domestic relationships and be independent,” he said.

Wendy Lewis, the district manager, director and chair of Caribbean Women Honours and Empowerment (Trinidad and Tobago Chapter) delivered a lengthy feature presentation at Friday’s event, touching a number of topics including personal development, empowerment, entrepreneurship and financial independence.

The cocktail and dinner also featured entertainment in the form of a steel pan rendition by Marla Nanton James and spoken word poetry by Nerissa King.