The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, Older Persons, Labour, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs hosted a successful International Women’s Day “Hat of Hearts” Brunch Mingle on March 8, celebrating the remarkable contributions of women whose leadership, service and advocacy continue to shape national development.
Held at the Grande Riviere Human Resource Development Centre, the observance brought together government officials, civil society partners and community leaders under the global theme : ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls’ and the local focus ‘Give to Gain’.
A central highlight of the event was the recognition of nine distinguished women whose work has strengthened institutions, uplifted communities and inspired national progress.
Among those honoured was Thecla Crescentia Deterville, a highly respected business leader and certified management consultant whose career spans more than four decades of corporate leadership, executive coaching and national service. Through her leadership in the private sector and her continued work in leadership development and mentorship, Ms. Deterville has played a pivotal role in strengthening professional excellence and organizational transformation in Saint Lucia.
Also recognized was Dr. Allison Jean, a Government Senator and long-term public servant whose decades of service in the public sector have been marked by dedication to governance, justice and community empowerment. Her work with the Botham Jean Foundation continues to support vulnerable groups, youth development and community upliftment.
Sunita Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of Export Saint Lucia and Chairperson of the Saint Lucia Marketing Board, was honoured for her leadership in advancing the country’s export development agenda and supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in accessing regional and international markets.
The Ministry also celebrated Catherine Sealys, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia, for her unwavering advocacy on behalf of women and children affected by domestic and gender-based violence and for strengthening support systems for survivors.
Recognition was further extended to Petra Nelson, King’s Counsel (KC) and Chair of the Saint Lucia Labour Tribunal, whose distinguished legal career and commitment to labour justice have helped safeguard fairness and equity within the country’s employment and industrial relations framework.
The education sector was represented by Sister Rufina Donat, former Principal of St. Joseph’s Convent School, whose decades of leadership helped shape generations of young women through academic excellence, discipline and values-based education.
The Ministry also recognized Keithlin Caroo Afrifa, Founder and Executive Director of Helen’s Daughters, for her transformative work empowering rural women farmers and advancing sustainable agricultural development and food security in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
In addition to these national leaders, the Ministry acknowledged the extraordinary dedication of foster carers Irma Gerald and Jemella Popo, whose compassion and commitment have provided vulnerable children with safe, stable and nurturing homes.
Commenting on the significance of the recognition as part of activities for International Women’s Day, Hon. Emma Hippolyte, Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, noted that the women honoured represent the very spirit of the International Women’s Day observance. “These women embody the true meaning of our focus, ‘Give to Gain.’ Through leadership, service, advocacy and mentorship, they have given of themselves to strengthen families, institutions and communities, and our nation is stronger because of their contributions,” the Minister said.
The Ministry noted that the women honoured during the brunch exemplify the spirit of the national focus “Give to Gain,” demonstrating that when women contribute their leadership, service and expertise, communities grow stronger and the nation advances.
The International Women’s Day observance served not only as a celebration of achievement, but also as a reminder of the continued need to safeguard rights, pursue justice and expand opportunities for women and girls across Saint Lucia.
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