Honouring The Lives & Legacies Of Caribbean Women

Lifestyle Columnist, Amanda Alexander

As we continue the celebration of ‘International Women’s Day’ and ‘Women’s History Month’, my focus  for March will be highlighting the life and legacies of Caribbean women. As the daughter of a St Lucian woman and the step-daughter of a Dominican, it would be a terrible remiss on my part not to honour and celebrate powerful, formidable Caribbean women who have positively contributed to changing Caribbean culture thus enabling us today to reap its benefits and freedoms.

Please note, I’m not against God’s divine order for mankind nor do I believe that women should solely rule the world. My Christian beliefs are that women co-labour with men. God did not pull Eve out of Adam’s foot for him to trample on her, nor from his head entitling her to rule over him, according Genesis 22:2³ woman came from Adam’s rib –  his side.

Unfortunately over the centuries women have been the subject of terrible, degradable abuse which has led to many horrific, untimely deaths. Therefore, to see women standing up, allowing their voices to be heard, the continuing smashing of the corporate ceiling and women winning the majority of court cases against their perpetrators, it could be viewed that women are at last taking their rightful place in every sphere of society.

The first lady I’d like to honour this week is from St Lucia, her name is Marie Grace Augustine (Photo not available), born 2nd June 1897. Augustine was the seventh child of eleven siblings and grew up on her parents’ estate in D’aubayan, Micoud. She qualified as a nurse and midwife but wanted to become a lawyer and studied law for three years, Augustine was told that she couldn’t sit the bar exam because she was a woman. Following her brother’s death Augustine became the first woman to manage a plantation in St Lucia, pioneer several agricultural projects which led to the establishment of a number of agriculture associations and sat on numerous boards. Augustine created employment and stimulated economic growth in St Lucia in numerous ways. In 1957 Augustine was the first woman to be nominated and served on St Lucia’s Legislative Council, she was also awarded an OBE that same year.

This brief summarisation of Augistine’s life is just a fraction of her accomplishments, she’s truly an example that when one door closes, find another route to success, and don’t just do one thing. She exemplifies John F. Kennedy’s quote from his inaugural address “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”. Augustine definitely did a lot for St Lucia and left a tremendous legacy, what will yours be?

Questions:

1. Are you fulfilling any of your dreams?
2. You may not have a choice right now but have you at least written your dreams down?
3. What is the smallest thing you can do right now towards achieving your dream?

Until next time, remember you are beautiful and wonderfully made – With love Amanda x

Amanda Alexander – Founder of Elect Lady Ministries, Female Dignity & Amanda Alexander Productions

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¹https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/teachers/curricular-resources/elementary-school-curricular-resources/ask-not-what-your-country-can-do-for-you

²https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Grace_Augustin

³ GENESIS 2:22 KJV “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (kingjamesbibleonline.org)