The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

THE year 2021 has been a banner one for many Bahamian women who managed to make tremendous strides in both their personal and professional lives despite the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From sports to politics, from the global stage of beauty pageants and the world of entrepreneurship, Bahamian women have proven that they have what it takes to get the job done, and do it in style while they’re at it. As the year draws to a close, Tribune Woman remembers some of those special girl boss moments of the past year.

THE SPORTS QUEENS

Shaunae Miller-Uibo had the entire world cheering for her when she defended her 400-metre Olympic gold in Toyko, making the Bahamas very proud indeed. And on the basketball court Jonquel Jones also successfully represented the 242, winning the WNBA’s MVP award for the first time in her career.

THE BEAUTY QUEENS

Chantel O’Brien made history when she became the first Bahamian to place in the top 10 of the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Israel earlier this month. The stunning beauty queen also received the Carnival Spirit Award from the Carnival Cruise Line in honour of the work done by her charity, ‘The Leading Ladies Project’.

In September of this year, Alexandria Pinder showed beauty is island-wide when she won the Top Model Worldwide title at the Top Model competition held in London. And in February, Randeika Folks-Cartwright started the winning streak when she won the Miss Plus World 2021 title.

THE LEADING QUEENS

After a snap general election in September, the country saw a change of government and the emergence of a strong female presence in both the upper and lower chambers. A record seven women were elected to the House of Assembly and all were given additional key roles in the new PLP administration. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis appointed Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin as Minister of Education, Technology and Vocational Training; Elizabeth MP JoBeth Coleby-Davis as Minister of Transport and Housing; Pineridge MP Ginger Moxey as Minister of Grand Bahama; Golden Gates MP Pia Glover-Rolle as Minister of State for Public Service, and Marathon MP Lisa Rahming as Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Development. Bamboo Town MP Patrica Deveaux was appointed as Speaker of the House and Seabreeze MP Leslia Miller-Brice as ambassador to CARICOM.

The upper chamber also has a woman at its helm. Attorney LaShell Adderley will serve as president. The other female government senator is Dr Erecia Hepburn and the female opposition senators are Maxine Seymour and Vianna Gardiner.

THE QUEENS OF THE HOME

Ladies, we see you, the hardworking moms who somehow managed to hold down your full-time jobs while also supervising homeschooling and helping your kids deal with the stress and tribulations of a pandemic. You came through with your sanity (well, most of it) in check. You rock!

THE GIRL BOSS QUEENS

Tribune Woman has featured many stories of women who used their time in lockdown to develop business plans and launch their own successful ventures. Whether it was due to necessity because they lost their jobs or simply as a creative outlet, so many women have embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and brought home that much needed income.