Government Honors Ten Women for Their Sacrifices at Award Ceremony

The Department of Gender Affairs in Saint Kitts and Nevis orchestrated a celebratory event on March 8, 2025, honoring seven exceptional women for their remarkable contributions to national development. Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the award ceremony and brunch, themed “Accelerate Action,” acknowledged the pivotal roles these women have played in shaping the nation’s progress across various sectors. The event served as a powerful platform to recognize their achievements and inspire future generations of women leaders.

The prestigious awards were bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and innovation within their respective fields. Xavienne Richardson received recognition for her work in Sustainable Development, highlighting her commitment to environmentally conscious practices and fostering a more sustainable future for the nation. Marva Weekes was lauded for her contributions to the Fashion Industry, showcasing her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in elevating local design and craftsmanship. Sergeant Charmaine Audain’s dedication to Human Services earned her an award, acknowledging her unwavering commitment to serving the community and improving the lives of others. Kamilah Lawrence’s contributions to Creative Media were celebrated, recognizing her innovative use of media platforms to tell compelling stories and promote cultural expression. Kerissa Roberts received an award in the STEM category, underscoring her accomplishments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, inspiring young women to pursue careers in these fields. Crannie Cranston was honored with the Empowerment Award, acknowledging her tireless efforts to empower women and girls, advocating for their rights and creating opportunities for their advancement. The pinnacle of the ceremony was the presentation of the Prime Minister’s Award to Avonelle Martin, recognizing her exemplary service and significant impact on national development.

Beyond the individual awards, the ceremony also inducted three pioneering women into the prestigious Pioneering Women’s Gallery. Dr. Joylette Woodley-Fassale, the first female Chief of Surgery, was recognized for breaking barriers in the medical field and paving the way for future generations of female surgeons. Dr. Daveen Wilkin, the first female Medical Chief of Staff, was honored for her leadership and dedication to healthcare, demonstrating the immense potential of women in medical leadership roles. Natasha Grey-Brookes, the first female appointed as a Political Party Leader, was recognized for her groundbreaking achievement in politics, inspiring women to actively participate in shaping the nation’s political landscape. These inductions served as a testament to the growing representation and influence of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State responsible for Gender Affairs, expressed her gratitude to the public for nominating these deserving women. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting women and girls in their pursuit of personal and professional growth, emphasizing their crucial role in building a sustainable island state. This commitment underscores the government’s recognition of gender equality as a fundamental pillar of national development.

Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of women to society. He lauded the awardees for their exceptional achievements and acknowledged the sacrifices they have made in their respective fields. He stressed the importance of continued advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment, recognizing that their progress benefits not only individual women but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

The presence of Her Excellency, Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, further elevated the significance of the event. Their attendance demonstrated the government’s unwavering support for gender equality and the recognition of women’s invaluable contributions to national development. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating women’s achievements and fostering an environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.

The International Women’s Day Award Ceremony and Brunch provided a platform to not only celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional women but also to inspire and encourage continued progress towards gender equality. The recognition of their contributions across diverse fields, from sustainable development and fashion to human services and STEM, showcased the multifaceted impact of women in shaping a prosperous and equitable future for Saint Kitts and Nevis. The event served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership and a call to action to accelerate progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society.