Cayman’s B &P W.A. recognized
Cayman’s Business and Professional Women Association recognized for #CaymanKind at regional conference in St. Kitts and Nevis
o L to R: Natalie Baldwin (YBPW Regional Chair), Cheryl Myles (President BPW GCM), Dr. Katheryn Whittaker, Mahreen Nabi (VP BPW GCM), Rachel Gaunt
rom January 11th to 14th, a delegation of 5 members of BPW Grand Cayman (BPW GCM) attended the association’s regional conference in St. Kitt’s and Nevis. The participants consisted of Cheryl Myles (BPW GCM President), Natalie Baldwin, Dr. Katheryn Whittaker, Rachel Gaunt and Mahreen Nabi (BPW GCM Vice President).
o L to R: Rachel Gaunt, Dr. Katheryn Whittaker, Honourable Senator Garth Lucien Wilkin, Mahreen Nabi (VP BPW GCM), Natalie Baldwin (YBPW Regional Chair), Cheryl Myles (President BPW GCM)
Themed “Moving forward together, stronger”, the program consisted of presentations and workshops from regional leaders including St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Terrence Drew, former Secretary General of the UN and Minister of Energy and Environment of Barbados the Honourable Elizabeth Thompson, and the Honourable Isalean Phillips, Minister of Gender Affairs.
the Honourable Elizabeth Thompson.
o L to R: Dr. Katheryn Whittaker, Cheryl Myles (President BPW GCM), Honourable Elizabeth Thompson, Mahreen Nabi (VP BPW GCM), Natalie Baldwin (YBPW Regional Chair), Rachel Gaunt
As a United Nations recognised civil society organisation BPW is founded in the belief that each woman, as a citizen, must bring to the national policy of her own country, the contribution of forward-looking and constructive thought followed by determined action. As such, each session offered regional data insights, policy ideas and project actions for attendees to bring back to their home nations in support of attaining the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The program also consisted of social engagements including a welcome reception at the residence of Governor His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton. At this event, Cayman’s delegation had an opportunity to discuss the future of gender equality in the justice system with Attorney General, Honourable Senator Garth Lucien Wilkin.
At a gala held to a culminate conference proceedings, BPW Grand Cayman was recognized for its #caymankind with a regional award for outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the North American and Caribbean region during the pandemic. Examples highlighted included the Cayman association covering payment of annual dues for sister Caribbean nations, providing scholarships for the training of
young women in Cayman and Haiti, and the hosting of a virtual concert and movie screenings in collaboration with BPW Canada to raise funds for other international projects.
The conference organising team included Cayman Islands member Natalie Baldwin who has held the position of Young BPW Regional Coordinator North America and Caribbean from 2021 to present.
fundraising to support regional initiatives
“It was a unique opportunity to meet and speak with regional stakeholders that are as committed as we are to advancing the fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment. We are leaving Saint Kitts with new project partners, and a renewed enthusiasm based on the progress we see in the region”, shares Cheryl Myles, President of BPW Grand Cayman.
Mahreen Nabi, Vice-President of BPW Grand Cayman highlighted: “Not only was the leadership training invaluable, but a key piece for our team was being able to ideate with the United Nations standing committee representatives for pay equity, human trafficking and climate change, while receiving insights on regionally specific data from experts. We’re now much better equipped to plan our projects and peg our progress against the SDG goals.”
