Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 09, 2026 (SKNIS): The Department of Gender Affairs recognised several women who have made outstanding contributions to Saint Kitts and Nevis during the annual International Women’s Day Award Ceremony held on Sunday, March 08, 2026.
The ceremony at Railway Bar in Old Road saw presentations to Naaemah Hazelle in the category of Women in Public Service and Governance; Seana Cuffy for Women in Healthcare and Social Services; Venetta Zakers for Women in Education, Youth Development and Mentorship; Marcashar Warner for Women in Economic Empowerment, Trades and Entrepreneurship, and Marcia Jeffers for Women in Culture, Advocacy and Community Leadership.
Cynthia Bart received the Prime Minister’s Award, Rita Cable received the Legacy Award, Denise Baptiste received the Trecia Greaux Ocean Governance Beacon Award, while Cheniqua Pemberton received the Department of Disabilities Empowerment Award. The ceremony also paid tribute to Pioneering Women in Society. Inducted into the Pioneering Women Gallery were: Bernadette Dolphin as the First Female Chief Scout Commissioner in Latin America and the Caribbean; Aravinda Hughes as the First Female Technician in The Cable; Shandor Wilkinson as the First Female FIFA Referee; Dr. Dasima Martin-Burkett asnd the First and Sole Sports Medicine Doctor in the Federation, and Leonie James as a Pioneer in Early Childhood Education.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Gender Affairs, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Minister of State for Gender Affairs, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, and Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) H. E. Edward Tao.
Minister of State Phillip congratulated the awardees. She noted that each person being recognised has given of their time, talents and resources to build communities and the nation as a whole.
“They have contributed something good, and made an impact, whether that be within their spaces or extremely large, going beyond our borders,” Honourable Phillip stated. “We do think it is important to make sure that we give people their roses while they are alive and recognise and encourage them to continue doing the work.”
International Women’s Day was observed on March 08 under the theme” Give to Gain.”
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