Business and Professional Women (BPW) St. Kitts Commemorates Golden Jubilee

Business and Professional Women (BPW) St. Kitts celebrated a significant milestone in 2025, marking 50 years of empowering women and advocating for gender equity. Under the banner “Empowering women for gender equity, BPW SK 50,” the organization hosted a series of commemorative events, reflecting on its rich history and looking forward to a future of continued impact. Founded in 1975 as an affiliate of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, BPW St. Kitts has consistently championed the advancement of women in various spheres of life, from business and leadership to community service. The anniversary celebrations served as a testament to the dedication and vision of countless women who have contributed to the organization’s success over five decades.

The centerpiece of the 50th-anniversary celebrations was a Gala Dinner held on May 16th, 2025, at the Carambola Beach Club. This date held special significance, coinciding precisely with the day BPW St. Kitts was inaugurated 50 years prior. The gala provided an opportunity to recognize and honor individuals who have played pivotal roles in the organization’s journey. Ms. Pamela Wall MBE GGSM, the first president and only surviving member of the inaugural executive committee, was recognized for her enduring contributions, guidance, and unwavering support. The event also acknowledged the significant contributions of other distinguished figures, including Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG JP and Dame Constance Mitcham. Further accolades were bestowed upon Dawne Williams, a past president of BPW St. Kitts and former Regional Coordinator for BPW International, for her dedicated service.

The celebratory spirit extended beyond individual recognition, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various organizations that have partnered with BPW St. Kitts in its mission. The Ministry of Health, represented by Ms. Davida Irish, was honored for its collaborative work. The St. Kitts and Nevis Medical and Dental Association, represented by Dr. Joanna Davis, also received recognition for its contributions. Furthermore, the Advance Vocational Educational Centre, represented by Petra Newton, was acknowledged for playing a role in furthering the organization’s objectives of empowering women through education and skills development. These acknowledgements underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving BPW St. Kitts’ goals.

Gillian Crooke, the outgoing president (2024-2025), delivered poignant opening remarks at the Gala Dinner, highlighting the organization’s impactful projects and initiatives over the years. She emphasized the significance of the anniversary, celebrating not only the organization’s historical milestone but also the collective efforts of every woman who has contributed to its remarkable journey. Ms. Crooke lauded BPW St. Kitts as a driving force for positive change, empowering women in business, leadership, and community engagement while fostering a strong sense of solidarity and collaboration among women from diverse backgrounds. Her remarks reflected on past accomplishments while also setting a hopeful tone for the future, emphasizing the importance of paving the way for the next generation of women leaders.

Beyond the Gala Dinner, the 50th-anniversary celebrations encompassed other enriching activities. A Leaders’ Summit, held on May 17th, 2025, and facilitated by Dawne Williams and Delcia Bradley-King, provided a platform for insightful discussions and strategic planning. This summit further reinforced BPW St. Kitts’ commitment to developing women’s leadership potential. The weekend’s events culminated in a service at St. George’s Anglican Church on May 18th, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude. To further commemorate this milestone, BPW St. Kitts is also publishing a 50th Anniversary magazine, scheduled for release in June 2025, which will undoubtedly serve as a lasting tribute to the organization’s impactful journey.

The overarching mission of BPW resonates deeply with BPW St. Kitts’ work: to empower women globally by developing their business, professional, and leadership potential. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach encompassing advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill-building, and economic empowerment programs and projects. BPW St. Kitts’ 50th-anniversary celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the organization’s enduring commitment to this mission and its unwavering dedication to fostering a more equitable future for women. The events not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for continued progress, inspiring ongoing efforts to empower women and champion gender equality in St. Kitts and beyond.