The Tribune

NASSAU’S Eta Psi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority brought a taste of the Bahamas to their sisters from around the globe and were honoured for their efforts over the year.

The Bahamian chapter last month travelled to Chicago, Illinois, for the AKA 25th International Region Conference. Sorority members from South Africa, Liberia, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Germany, South Korea, Japan and Canada were in attendance.

The conference was held under the theme “A Silver Celebration of International Splendour” and was led by the first director from the international region, Gizette L Thomas.

Members of the sorority were extremely excited to participate in a full agenda highlighting the sorority’s new initiative, “Launching New Dimensions of Service”, under the direction of the international president, Dorothy Buchanan Wilson.

The conference kicked off with a welcome reception hosted by the ladies of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter and featured the sights and sounds of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Members throughout the sorority’s international region enjoyed an assortment of Mortimer’s Candies and danced the night away to the pulsating sounds of Junkanoo, adorned with headpieces from the Bahamas Masqueraders.

The highlight of the conference, however, was the closing night’s awards gala which saluted the best of the region.

The Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Nassau, Bahamas stood out by walking away with two awards.

Alana Major, president of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter, was named “2015 Outstanding Graduate Chapter President for the International Region”. Alana was recognised for setting the standard among chapters, for her leadership ability, academic and professional background and for her unique and outstanding contributions to the sorority and to the Bahamas.

In addition, Terah Hanna-Sweeting was named “2015 Outstanding Graduate Advisor for the International Region” and was recognised for her participation in graduate and undergraduate activities, her excellence on the chapter and regional levels, and for providing outstanding guidance and direction to the Tau Nu chapter.

The Bahamas also received two additional awards. The Tau Nu Chapter (College of the Bahamas) received the “Outstanding Undergraduate Chapter Programme” award and the “Outstanding Undergraduate Chapter Programme Exhibit” award.

Alana applauded all Bahamian members of the sorority, stating: “The victories are a shared testament to the excellent efforts of every member of our organisation. We are a true sisterhood, working together to achieve a better community for everyone. We all stand on the shoulders of great Bahamian women and are elated to represent them and our country in excellence.”