Published 9 March 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Sonia Henry receives Prime Minister’s Award at International Women’s Day ceremony
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, March 9, 2018 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — When the Federation marked the International Women’s Day on Thursday March 8, eight women were awarded by the Department of Gender Affairs at a breakfast ceremony held under the theme ‘Press for Progress’ for the invaluable contribution they have made to the country’s development in their different fields.
One awardee, whose voice was so hoarse that she almost used sign language to communicate, had her spirits raised a notch higher when she was named the recipient of a special Prime Minister’s award. And the award was presented to her by Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris.
The International Women’s Day Awards Ceremony, which was jointly organised by the Department of Gender Affairs and the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), was held at the Royal St. Kitts Resort in Frigate Bay. Mrs Sonia Henry, who is referred to by her colleagues as the ‘Prayer Warrior’, was among the eight being honoured in the area of Community Service.
The other awardees were Mrs Mavis Armstrong, Education; Ms Faith Benjamin, Manufacturing and Industry; Mrs Merle Liburd-Browne, Culinary Arts; Ms Michelle Stokes, Media and Entertainment; Rev Janet Paul, Religion; Mrs Catherine Pemberton, Agriculture; and Dr Kathleen Allen-Ferdinand, Medicine.
“Today is the one day in the year that is like no other, when men and women, guests and well-wishers will be presented with a verbal summary of an angel sent from the heaven above in the form of Mrs Sonia Henry,” announced Ms Cyndie Demming, Colleague Engagement Facilitator at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, as she read Mrs Henry’s biography after it was announced that the Special Prime Minister’s Award was going to Mrs Henry.
A proud Kittitian, an excellent wife, mother and daughter, who was born in a peaceful village called Ottleys and that she now lives in Molineux with her family, Mrs was described as one who has always been a simple persons, very compassionate, hardworking, genuine and jovial, and an example of one who lifts and inspires those around her through her testimonies.
“Although dedicated and humble, Mrs Henry is motivated by a deep empathy to love and serve others,” continued Ms Demming. “In that, she loves to assist others in the community and even other persons outside of her community. Sonia is a devoted Christian who strongly believes in God and because of this, she loves to attend church and is a power intercessor.”
Among some of Mrs Henry’s accomplishments include rallying women in Constituency Number Seven where on Saturday June 3 last year, the group held a successful fundraiser breakfast outside Bourryeau Gate aimed at raising funds to assist needy families who had graduating students in the four primary schools in the constituency.
“In 2007, and on the 23rd day of February, Mrs Sonia Henry was presented with the ‘District Wesleyan Woman International Award’ for her devoted time and effort with the women’s group which she led at church,” observed Ms Demming. “Her constant love gives others confidence and consolation that nobody else could provide. She is grateful for this opportunity to be presented with this award.”
The colourful International Women’s Day Awards Ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Shawn Richards, Minister with responsibilities for Gender Affairs, the Hon Wendy Phipps, Deputy Speaker, Senator the Hon Akilah Byron-Nisbett, and Cabinet Secretary Mrs Josephine Huggins.
Dean of Students at the satellite campus of the Ross University School of Medicine on St. Kitts Dr Rhonda McIntyre presented special remarks, and a former Director of Gender Affairs in St. Kitts Mrs Ingrid Charles-Gumbs was the featured speaker. Making an appearance at the awards ceremony was Federation’s first female Calypso Monarch Ms Karisia Willett aka Miss Independent.
ENDS
Pix captions:
1: Mrs Sonia Henry receiving her award from Prime Minister Harris. Looking on is the Acting Director in the Department of Gender Affairs, Mrs Celia Christopher.
2: The head table from left: The Hon Shawn Richards, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Dr Rhonda McIntyre, Mrs Ingrid Charles-Gumbs, and Ms Cyndie Demming.
3: Mrs Ingrid Charles-Gumbs delivering feature remarks.
4: Prime Minister Harris has a chat with Federation’s first female Calypso Monarch Ms Karisia Willett.
