NASSAU, The Bahamas -- International Women's Day (March 8) was observed in official ceremonies at Clifton Heritage National Park on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

The ceremony comprised an unveiling of educational panels that describe the lives and legacies of historical figures -- depicted as wood sculptures -- in the  'Sacred Space' vista of the park.  The sculptures symbolize the struggles and triumphs of enslaved African women.  The ceremony marked the 20th Anniversary of Sacred Space, created in 2005 by Artist Antonius Roberts.  Curator of Sacred Space is Author/Researcher Chistopher Davis.

In attendance were: Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt; Minister of Education, Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Yan Jiarong; Spouse of the Prime Minister, Ann Marie Davis; politician and the first female to cast a vote in the country, Ruby Ann Darling; and students representing neighboring private and public schools. The moderator for the event was Renea Burrows.

Delivering the keynote address was Mrs. Davis, who spoke of several females who changed the course of history in the fight for women's rights for Bahamian women, including Mary Prince, the first black female to publish an autobiography chronicling her experience as a slave, Charlotte Deveaux who led a slave uprising in Cat Island, and slave leader Mathilda Farquharson on the island of San Salvador.

Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, delivered brief remarks focusing on the progress of women's rights initiatives and policies in China over the past 30 years.  She also presented the Authority with a cheque for $10,000 to assist with efforts to support initiatives at the Park.

Delivering brief remarks was former senator, Ruby Ann Darling and also Alicia Wallace, Director of Equality Bahamas, Women's Rights Activist. The event ended with the 'Sacred Space' unveiling.

Musical selections were performed by C.R. Walker High School Pop Band and the Gerald Cash Primary School Band (with an unforgettable Rake 'n Scrape performance); a poem was recited by students of Adelaide Primary School.   A reception followed.

International Women's Day was celebrated at Clifton Heritage National Park on Wednesday, 12th March 2025.  Pictured in front of the newly unveiled 'Sacred Space' were: Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Spouse of the Prime Minister, Ann Marie Davis; Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt; Chinese Ambassador, Her Excellency Yan Jiarong; and Managing Director of Clifton Heritage National Park Authority, Glennette Reckley.

(BIS Photos)