BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THIS YEAR a significant number of females were recognized on the 9th International Women’s Day Award Ceremony which took place at Port Zante on March 8th 2012,
Apart from the customary nine Awardees honoured in various categories, there were also seven Inductees into the St. Kitts Pioneering Women Gallery. In addition thirteen women were asked to serve on a Women’s Interim Committee to advise or assist in crafting a Gender Policy.
In keeping with the 2012 theme of International Women’s Day - "Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures" – the Award Ceremony showcased female students selected by their schools and participating organisations for their excellence or leadership roles.
Co- Hosts of the Ceremony were Junita Berry, Ms Talented Teen 2011-2012 and Ms Siobhan Phipps, Ms Caribbean Teen 2011-2012. The youth also played leading roles in the programme – The National Anthem was beautifully rendered by Kayla Bass - 2011 Kittitian Superstar; musical rendition by Clilia Davis; calypso rendition by Empress Livity and poetry rendition by Jonel Irish. They filled their roles admirably.
The 2012 awardees and inductees are as follows:
2012 Awardees:
Community Development – Ms. Venelma Hanley
Cultural Development – Dr. Christine Walwyn
Entrepreneurship – Ms. Nicole Huggins
Health Care – Mrs. Fernella Griffin
Education – Ms. Pamella Herbert
Manufacturing – Ms. Lenore Hanley
Performing Arts – Ms. Heidi Slack
Science and Technology – Dr. Victoria Lawrence
Youth Development – Ms. Alicia Collins
2012 Inductees into the St. Kitts Pioneering Women Gallery
Leah Sahely – First Female President of Rotary Club of St. Kitts
Jasmin Clarke-Thomas – First Female to win Regional Song Competition
Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence – First Female Director of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board
Mrs. Jennifer Nero – First Female Member of the West Indies Cricket Board
Ms. Shannon Hawley – First Female Chair of National Carnival
Dr. Lishaw Ward – First Female Anesthesiologist
Mrs. Averlyn Williams- Benjamin – First Female President of the St. Kitts Lions Club
We now look forward to hearing from the Interim Committee to learn what is in store re the Gender Policy and what can be projected to ensure the continuing empowerment of women.
It in sincerely hoped that this Committee will get the full support of the male members of Parliament who were all noticeably absent from the International Women’s Day Award Ceremony.
SKNVibes joins in congratulating all women who are playing vital roles in the ongoing development of our Federation.
