Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 08, 2019 (SKNIS): In celebrating women around the world on International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 08, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis chose the occasion to shine the light on nine outstanding women who have selflessly contributed to the development of the country.
The awardees were Mrs. Yvette Viola Wallace for education and community outreach; Mrs. Eugene Warner for her care of the elderly; Mrs. Telca Daniel-Wallace for her contribution to disaster management; Mrs. Jacqueline Douglas for her contribution to culture; Mrs. Elcina Roceta Henderson for youth volunteerism; Mrs. Patricia Rawlins for entrepreneurship; Ms. Biesha Christian for technology; Mrs. Arabella Nisbett for Agriculture; and Mrs. Venetta Warner-Laws for entrepreneurship.
Featured Speaker, Her Excellency Hyleeta Liburd, commended the female awardees for their service to the Federation, educated the audience on the importance of women in society, and also shared her personal experience with female role models who played a vital role in her upbringing.
“Today’s award ceremony highlights the achievements of some of our great women and I join with all gathered and other citizens of the land who are not here to commend you highly. Today, we celebrate all women everywhere. We are very special; we are God’s creation designed beautifully with unique qualities to positively impact our world,” said Her Excellency.
She said that the theme, “Think Equal, Build Smart, and Innovate for Change”, is designed to inspire women to look first within and evaluate themselves, secondly to plan strategies and set goals, and thirdly to make a positive impact on the community.
“In St. Kitts and Nevis, we have been blessed to have many women in leadership. Many are making positive inroads in education, health, the medical field, social services, legal field, politics, industry and development and in our homes,” she stated, while adding that “all these areas are where effective and progressive change can take place.”
Notable attendees at 2019 International Women’s Day Award Ceremony which was held under the patronage of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, included Deputy Governor General in Nevis, Her Excellency Hyleeta Liburd; Governor General’s Deputy in St. Kitts, Mr. Michael Morton, and Mrs. Morton; Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Senior Minister the Honourable Vance Amory and Mrs. Amory; the Honourable Lindsay Grant and Mrs. Grant; the Honourable Wendy Phipps; the Honourable Eugene Hamilton; the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd; Senator Akilah Byron-Nisbett; Cabinet Secretary, Josephine Huggins; senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.