Business and Professional Women (BPW), Dominica salutes two Kalinago women

During a ceremony held at the Alliance Francais on March 23, 2025, two Kalinago women, Ms. Kathleen Auguiste and Muriel Eustache of Bataca were honored by Business and Professional Women (BPW) Dominica. Ms. Auguiste has devoted her entire career to the field of education and is now a retired school principal and Mrs. Eustache, is a farmer, specializing in cassava production, and a community activist.

Primarily, BPW focuses on women; nurturing the development of business and professional women; advocating for women’s rights, and fostering a supportive community where women can thrive in career and business. Ms. Auguiste stated, “The award from BPW, highlights the work of women in any field – agriculture, education, arts, music, and it’s all about women who have made a mark in their field of work. I was nominated by Amanda Theodore Langlais for such [an] award. First of all, I was skeptical but I was given the assurance by the President of the Organization that I would not regret it.”

She continued, “Honestly, I was overjoyed, blessed, and thankful to have been nominated. After being in education for most of my life, I finally feel that I am being recognized for my work. Even as a retired principal, I continue to serve the community in various ways”.

On the other hand, Mrs. Eustache stated, “I was nominated because of my work in the cassava industry and being involved in different voluntary groups within the Kalinago Territory. This award has motivated me to work harder in my field of work. I am extremely elated because I never thought I would have received such recognition in my lifetime”.

The two awardees had a powerful message to the Kalinago Women, “Continue to do what you have to do; do it with a purpose and passion; don’t do it for merit but do it as a service to your people.”

They would like to encourage other women to follow in their footsteps by giving of themselves to the community, working harder, and being consistent in their respective fields of work. They also acknowledged that is critical that women have the potential and passion to do the work. Kalinago Women must have a special love for whatever they are undertaking.

Despite the BPW being an advocacy for women, men were not left out. During the ceremony, four men received recognition and thirty-one women received awards. It is hoped that more women from the Kalinago Territory will be helped to achieve their full potential and elevate standards in their careers/professions. The two Kalinago women expressed that they are thankful for the recognition and would highly support the work of the BPW in advocating for women’s rights and providing professional development opportunities where women can thrive in career and business.