By: Curtis Morton
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- As part of the celebrations to mark Women’s International Day which was celebrated on March 8th the Gender Affairs Division within the Social Services Department, led by Coordinator, Miss Lorraine Archibald, held an awards ceremony for sixteen women of excellence.
The impressive ceremony was held on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the courtyard of NEPAC.
Among those addressing the gathering was the Junior Minister of Social Development, Hon Hazel Brandy-Williams who congratulated the awardees and challenged the women on Nevis to continue to excel and take their rightful place within the community. ‘The onus is on us
The featured speaker was Mrs. Cynthia Greyion who focused on the word WANTED.
She basically indicated that women of excellence were wanted to positively impact the community and challenged the women present to be positive role models within the community and to be committed to excellence.
The women who received special awards on the night were:
Esther Jeffers-Community service
Vernice Blackett—Athletics
Ermine Jeffers—Nursing
Michelle Hill—First female Loader in the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis
Emmontine Thompson—Agriculture
Velma Jones—Hospitality—34 years at the Nisbett’s Plantation Inn
Rhonda Forbes-Williams—Overcoming adversity—married at age 18 and widowed at age 21 and still managing to excel academically and in community service
Sandra Maynard—Community service
Jennifer Weekes—Clothing and textiles
Pastor Sandra Flemming—Ministry—36 years
Elmeader Brookes—Community service and Tourism
Glenda Whittaker—community service
Jean Harris—Community service and politics
Janice SPEECHLESS Nisbett—Music
Judy George-Archer—Cultural arts
Vionna Stapleton –Education—pre school
Hon. Hazel Brandy –Williams committed to making it an annual event as more and more women will receive awards for their tremendous contributions to the community.