Press Releases
The U.S Embassy honoured the administrator of the Holy Family Children’s Home, located in Ciceron
Sister Anthonia David, who previously worked as a nurse in a number of leading hospitals on the island, has been administrator of the Children’s Home for the past year and a half.
In a professional career spanning some twelve years, she has championed the cause of children, many of whom came from abusive situations. She has also been instrumental in managing the affairs of the Home, thereby providing a safe environment for the kids and moulding their young lives.
Through fund-raising and collaborations with other non-governmental organizations, Sister Anthonia has endeavoured to increase the number of children cared for at the Home and, with governmental assistance, plays a key role in addressing the issue of domestic violence, especially in cases where women and children are concerned.
The award follows a message delivered by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her March 8, 2009 address to mark International Women’s Day, where she noted that “Today, more women are leading governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations than in previous generations. But that good has a flip side. Women still comprise the majority of the world’s poor, unfed and unschooled. … Especially in the midst of this financial crisis, we must remember what a growing body of research tells us: Supporting women is a high-yield investment, resulting in stronger economies, more vibrant civil societies, healthier communities, and greater peace and stability. And investing in women is a way to support future generations; women spend much more of their incomes on food, medicine and schooling for children.”
Nazima Razick, Vice Counsul at the U.S. Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, presented the certificate of recognition to Sister Anthonia on behalf of Secretary of State Clinton.
At the presentation ceremony held at Holy Family Children’s Home last week Thursday, Vice Counsul Razick said Sister Anthonia’s efforts bear testimony to the work of women whose continued contributions are vital for the development of any society.
“We are gathered here today to honour Sister Anthonia David for her selection by the United States Embassy in Bridgetown as a finalist for the 2009 International Women of Courage Award. This is the only award given by the United States that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide.
“It recognizes the courage and leadership shown as they struggle for social justice and human rights. Sister Anthonia exemplifies the traits that this award seeks to recognize,” Razick said.
Sister Anthonia joins an elite cadre of more than eighty women worldwide who were nominated by U.S. embassies for their advocacy in advancing human rights. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will this year pay tribute to women from countries the world over, including Afghanistan, Guatemala, Iraq, Malaysia, Niger, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Sister Anthonia David is St. Lucia’s nominee and is both thankful and hopeful that her recognition serves as an impetus especially to women that their role is important and indispensable.
“I would like to say thanks to the United States State Department for this recognition. In particular, I would like to thank the U.S. Embassy in Barbados for nominating me for this award. Thank you for recognizing the efforts and hard work of women all over the world. I think this serves as motivation for women and for the ordinary people to continue to do that kind of work, to assist children and especially women who are so important in taking care of the family,” Sister Anthonia said.
The full citation of her certificate of recognition reads:
“The United States Department of State in recognition of Anthonia David, finalist for the 2009 Secretary of State International Women of Courage Award.
“In honour of advocacy and leadership in developing infrastructure in St. Lucia to address the consequences of domestic violence, with a particular focus on abandoned or abused children.”