Dominica has become the first country which will display an internationally recognized award which highlights the achievements of women for national and global development.
The “Women of Great Esteem Award of Excellence” (an obelisk polished crystal trophy), will be on display in Dominica for a period of one year.
For 17 years the Women of Great Esteem Organization has honoured 140 women from 30 countries from around the world.
The award is presented each year to an extraordinary woman who has exemplary life achievements.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Foreign Affairs and Information Technology, Roosevelt Skerrit, received the award on behalf of the country.
Skerrit said the award will be displayed boldly as it recognizes the great work of women internationally.
He said women in Dominica should be proud of the part they have played in national development.
Gloria Shillingford, Minister for Gender Affairs says the award will remind Dominican women and inspire them “to persevere through thick or thin and do well mindful that hard work never goes unrewarded.”
The Women of Great Esteem Award of Excellence was presented by Jean Joseph, the award recipient for 2013.
Joseph is the third Dominican woman to be recognized by the Women of Great Esteem organization.
Alix Boyd-Knights, Speaker of the House of Assembly and Loreen Bannis-Roberts, former government minister have both been awarded the Women of Great Esteem Emerald Award.
The Award was presented at Parliament Building on Victoria Street in the presence of members of parliament from both sides of the house and high ranking government officials.
Congrats to Jean on receiving this award and making Dominica proud unfortunately that’s all she is doing. Those of you who don’t know the struggles that one have to go through leaving you home land to achieve a better life as we say will not understand. She is one person who will not assist her family to get anywhere in the USA. I wish her good luck because she needs it.
Congratulations!!! to all those who put country above self and to those women who help to push our country regardless of political affiliations. Woman power is necessary to create a firm balance as we strive to the next Level.