Nassau, Bahamas- Hon. Hope Strachan, Minister of Financial Services poses for a photograph with Students of Albury Sayles Primary School at The Melia located on the Cable Beach Strip on Friday 13th March, 2015 to mark the start of STRAW Inc. Center for Young Women Conference under the Theme "Chess Not Checkers" Girls Conference. (BIS Photo/ Kristaan Ingraham)

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Financial Services the Hon. Hope Strachan told female students from throughout New Providence as well as the islands of Andros and San Salvador on Friday that they must believe in themselves as they endeavour to win in the game of life. She advised, “it does not matter what your family name is; it does not matter what the colour of your skin is; it does not matter what school you attend; you are all destined to be winners if you follow the right path in life.”

Minister Strachan addressed 11^th Annual Girls Leadership Conference of S.T.R.A.W. Inc. Center for Young Women at Meliá Nassau Beach Resort and said “no matter what your circumstances are to make the best of it for God has put you on this earth for a purpose and your purpose can be fulfilled as long as you always think of yourself as a wonderfully made being burgeoning with potential.”

Students received tips, tools and leadership techniques needed to enhance their life skills and promote personal success during the one-day conference on the theme, “Chess not Checkers.” The sessions ranged from general small group gatherings to smaller intensive leadership lab breakout units, a town hall meeting and a panel discussion.

The young women were asked to make wise choices and set realistic goals.

Pauline Adderley, Assistant Director of the Student Achievement Division, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology told them one of their major goals should be the successful completion of high school.

Ms. Adderley, bringing remarks on behalf the Education Minister, spoke further on the conference theme “Chess not Checkers,” and explained that the game of checkers is one that requires very little effort, experience or focus while chess on the other hand is complex, requiring a high level of competence, concentration and cognizance.

She said the game of chess is a recreational activity that can teach lessons that can be used in boardrooms, conference rooms or the classrooms. “Ideally, chess is a game that equips the player with skills to move, not just on the checkerboard but also manoeuvre in life. The better you understand the game, the better your chances of succeeding.”

Ms. Adderley noted that each human being can be represented by one of the various chess pieces, and each individual has a role and a function just as the pieces of the chessboard. “Some individuals have more power and authority than others. A common term used to describe people of influence is ‘movers and shakers’. Those regarded as such are considered to be influential and powerful in their various spheres and are very highly regarded. “On the other hand, the term ‘pushover’ is used to describe a person who is not a force to be reckoned with.”

She said: “Always be mindful that people are always able to determine the way you regard or perceive yourself and treat you accordingly.” Making the analogy between the game chess and real life, the Assistant Director explained that in life, the young ladies could end up as pawns, bishops, knights, rooks, queens or kings.

“Which one you function as totally depends on how you position yourself in the game of life. There are eight pawns but only one king and one queen on the chessboard.”

Ms. Adderley told the students that as they set their sights on becoming great leaders, they should remember that in order to rise to the top and to keep their ‘A’ game, they must always be able to execute the following four A’s:

· Action – Always develop an action plan and constantly devise strategies that lead to success.

· Adapt – Cultivate the ability to adapt to changing situations to thrive rather than strive, exceed expectations rather than just meet them.

· Awareness – Recognise the attitudes, behaviours and patterns of others to determine how to deal with individuals and establish whether or not people are supportive.

· Ability – Identify personal strengths and weaknesses; capitalise on strengths and use weaknesses as an opportunity to improve.

Ms. Adderley said they must believe that their ability to achieve is greater than their fear of failure.