2024
Nine illustrious women were awarded at the International Women’s Day Award Ceremony, held on Friday, March 8th at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel, and hosted by the Department of Gender Affairs.
As part of the Ceremony, three exemplary women were also inducted into the Pioneering Women Gallery, which recognizes women who have blazed trails by being the first females in their respective fields.
The LIFT (Livelihood Improvement Family Transformation) Programme was officially launched on April 1st, 2024, officially replacing the PAP (Poverty Alleviation Programme). as a cash transfer system for vulnerable families.
As a part of activities organized to celebrate Women’s Month (March), the Department of Gender Affairs took time to award seven exemplary ladies in high schools across St. Kitts. These Girls of Excellence were recognized during their School Assemblies for being positive role models at school and within in their communities, as well as showcasing commitment to uplifting activities that promote personal growth.
Twenty-one boys were awarded at a ceremony on May 16th, 2024 at the CUNA Conference Centre hosted by the Department of Gender Affairs, in observance of International Day of the Boy Child.
The awardees were selected for exhibiting virtues in the areas of respect, self-control, compassion, and discipline, as well as demonstrating exemplary attitude and behaviour in school and the community and participating in extracurricular activities.
Enhancing Communications in the area of Social Protection was the focus of a UN-sponsored workshop held from May 21st to 24th at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, for media professionals and civil Service officers within the areas of social protection and communications. The aim of the Workshop was to empower attendees to effectively communicate with key stakeholders about social protection initiatives, such as the LIFT SKN programme.
The Inaugural Observance of Foster Care Month was held from May 5th-30th, 2024. Hosted by the Department of Probation & Child Protection Services’ Out-of-Home Placement Unit, the Month was held to bring awareness to fostering and the experiences of Foster children and parents. Activities included an opening Church Service and Luncheon, a Workshop for Foster Parents, Family Movie Night and Health Awareness Walk.
The Department of Community Development & Social Services observed Family Month from May 15th – June 15th with a variety of events, including a Church Service, Family Outdoor Movie Night, and a Family Fun Day.
2023
The Ministry published a National Summer Camp Calendar in July 2023, to assist parents/guardians with finding wholesome activities to occupy children during the summer break. This is expected to be an annual Publication.
Sixteen deserving boys were awarded on June 29th during a ‘Boys of Excellence’ Award Ceremony hosted by the Department of Gender Affairs on June 29th, in honour of World Day of the Boy Child.
The Back to School Initiative, which provides a voucher valued at EC$250 per student, to assist with back-to-school expenses, began on August 4th, 2023 and ran until October 17th, 2023.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs and the Garden of Rebirth Women’s Shelter was signed on March 8th, to formalize the provision of shelter services for victims of domestic violence.
The 2023 International Women’s Day Ceremony was held on March 8th, 2023 at Government House and saw the following women being awarded under the categories below:
Ms. Jihan Williams – Orange Economy
Ms. Shirnaldeen Lewis – Digital Economy
Ms. Trellor Fraites – Women in Science
Ms. Vertali Henderson – Blue Economy
Also recognized were new inductees into the Pioneering Women’s Gallery, which awards females who were ‘first’ in their fields. The new inductees are:
Ms. Adeola Moore -SCASPA’s First Female CEO
Ms. Kerrise Hanley – First Female Boat Captain of SCASPA
Ms. Thelma Richards – First Female Head of the Civil Service -Government of St. Kitts-Nevis
Ms. Jahzara Claxton – First Female Cricketer to make the West Indies Cricket Team
Ms. Jermellia Henry – First Female Member of the SKN Robotics Association
Ms. Angela ‘Tallet’ Hamilton – First Female Referee for the SKNFA
The Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), which was officially transferred to the Ministry of Social development & Gender Affairs in October last year, will be undergoing some revisions, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley.
2022
Eight men were awarded on International Man’s Day, following an evening ceremony on November 19th at Palm Courts Gardens. The noteworthy men are:
Mr. Rodney Browne, recognized for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Mr. Elmo Burke for First Response, Mr. Recaldo Richards for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Clive Saunders for Community Service and Activism, and Mr. Sylvester Huggins for Creative Economy and Culinary Arts. The Prime Minister’s Award was presented to cricket icon Mr. Elquemedo Willett and the Legacy Award to Mr. Leroy Willett, while the Director’s Men of Valour Award was received by Mr. Jahrick Crossley.
The reinvigorated Ministry Staff Sports & Social Club enjoyed several activities during 2022, including Basketball and Football matches, Hiking and Beach Lime, a Treasure Hunt, and the inaugural Staff Sports Day, which culminated the year’s activities.
Seven women were recognized for their contributions to the Federation during the annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Award Ceremony, held on Tuesday March 8th, 2022 at the National Heroes’ Park.
Awarded during the ceremony were Ms. Treasa Wyatt- Digital Economy, Mrs. Tricia King – Blue Economy, Dr. Merisa Grant-Tate – Women in Science, Mrs. Ilis Palmer Watts and Mrs. Dianille Taylor-Williams for the Green Economy, and Ms. Hildred Carey– Prime Minister’s Awardee.
During March, the Pioneering Women’s Gallery, which honours women who have achieved ‘first in their fields’, also received seven new inductees: They are:
Ms. Louise Clarke, First Female Fire Engine Driver, Mrs. Sheryl Bass, First Female Manager of The St. Kitts Cooperative Credit Union, Ms. Pat Walters, First Female Manager of The Cable, Mrs. Tricia King, First Female Marine Biologist, Mrs. Diane Dunrod-Francis, First Female to represent the Federation at the Olympic Games, and Mrs. Giselle Matthews, First Female President of The Chamber of Industry & Commerce.
2021
National gender policy & action plan
This policy is a country document that will assist the federation in attaining gender equality and empowerment.
Click here to take a look a this video.
centenarian’s day
Mrs. Una Duporte of the Cardin Home and Mrs. Ruby Thomas of Newtown were recognized on Centenarians Day – May 31st. Daughter of Mrs. Una Duporte, Ms. Adolane Browne, accepted the Medal of Honour on her mother’s behalf
INternational Women’s day
Celebrated on March 8th
seniors’ health walk
Seniors stretched their legs during a Walk around Frigate Bay in April.
national social protection policy consultations
Consultations for the National Social Protection Policy were held in early May for stakeholders in St. Kitts and Nevis.
boys mentorship programme
The Boys Mentorship Programme expands to the Cayon High School.
INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
Eight deserving men were honoured at the annual International Men’s Day Award Ceremony, hosted by the Department of Gender Affairs on November 19th, 2021 at the CUNA Caribbean Conference Centre, Fortlands.
The Awardees and their area of recognition are: Mr. Samul Duggins -Agriculture, Mr. Val Henry -Communications/Entrepreneurship, Mr. Rhon Boddie – Disaster & Shelter Management, Dr. Leroy Richardson -Health Care & Medicine, Mr. Keeshawn Banker Walywn – Culture, Dr. Marcus Natta – Humanitarian’s Award, and Mr. Vince Matthew- Prime Minister’s Awardee.
2020
International Women’s Day
Nine (9) deserving women were recognized for their contributions to society at a ceremony held at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Auditorium, in observance of International Women’s Day – March 8th.
16 day campaign against gender based violence
The 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence included the presentation of a partial scholarship to two (2) survivors of domestic violence- now students at AVEC, and the Display of Silent Witnesses at Independence Square in Basseterre, and at Memorial Square in Charlestown.
2019
The hosting of the Family Awards headlined Family Month celebrations 2019, with forty-six (46) persons being honoured for their role within communities.
An initiative of the Department of Community Development and Social Services, the Awards honoured outstanding community mothers and fathers who contribute regularly to family building and outreach to youth – and was therefore considered a fitting activity for Family Month celebrations, which run from May to June each year.
The National Ageing Policy has moved closer to refinement, with the hosting of stakeholder consultations on May 28th and 29th, 2019, with support from PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). The first consultation was held at the Anglican Church Hall in Nevis on May 28th, and the second the following day at the East Basseterre Community Centre, St. Kitts. Both consultations saw attendance from a wide cross section of persons, including representatives from several government departments, including Planning and Social Services, legal, medical, and religious bodies, and non-governmental organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Flamboyant Nursing Home.
domestic violence protocol discussions
The road towards addressing domestic violence in the Federation continued with consultations on the Domestic and Sexual Violence Protocol, on June 13th, 2019. The PAHO-supported meeting, which was held at the Solid Waste Management Conference Room, was aimed at senior level officers of stakeholder groups, such as the Police Force, the Magistrates Court, Health services, and the Departments of Social Services and Gender Affairs. Other stakeholder groups, such as the St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities, were also present.
child abuse prevention week
The Department of Probation & Child Protection Serviced observed ‘Child Abuse Prevention Week’ from November 17-22, 2019, under the theme “Thirty Years of Child Protection; Nurturing the Next Generation”.
16-day campaign against gender-based violence
The Department of Gender Affairs observed sixteen days of activism against gender-based violence, from November 25-December 10, 2019. The annual campaign is a worldwide observance which aims to raise awareness of gender-based harm (which refers to violence against someone because of their gender) and to advocate for its elimination.
