U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. John L. Armstrong with The Bahamas’ 2014 International Woman of Courage award recipient, Mrs. Andrea Archer.

Nassau, Bahamas - On Friday, March 28, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. John L. Armstrong formally recognized The Bahamas’ 2014 International Woman of Courage award recipient, Mrs. Andrea Archer during a reception at the SuperClubs Breezes Resort.  Mrs. Archer was honored for her tireless efforts in the field of social work in The Bahamas’ school system and for making it possible for thousands of young people to have uninterrupted access to healthcare and education.  In his remarks, Chargé Armstrong applauded Mrs. Archer for being a nation builder, pioneer of women’s rights and a human rights activist who persevered in the struggle to effectively address inequalities faced by Bahamian women and children.   

“Thanks to the accomplishments of women like Andrea Archer and progress of Bahamian society, the opportunities afforded to Bahamian girls today are only limited by their own imaginations,” he said.   Over the past seven years in honor of outstanding women, the United States Government has asked its embassies around the world to nominate one female leader for the International Woman of Courage award.  The recognition serves as a tangible way to show respect and appreciation for women who have exemplified economic, political and social achievements.  Among the past honorees on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of Ms. Archer were, Ms. Rose Mae Bain for her work with HIV/AIDS and the Hon. Janet Bostwick, for her contributions towards the empowerment and advancement of Bahamian women, particularly in the labor force.

During the event, Chargé Armstrong also recognized the Bahamian young women who were nominated for the U.S. State Department’s Global Leadership Mentoring Program: Arinitha Komolafe, Nakera Symonette, LaToya Johnson and Deserie Miller. The women were nominated for being strong examples of leadership that has made a difference in building The Bahamas.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. John L. Armstrong, Mrs. Andrea Archer and Mrs. Anne Marie Davis, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis.

The Bahamas’ International Woman of Courage award recipients, The Hon. Janet Bostwick, Mrs. Andrea Archer and Mrs. Rose Mae Bain.

Anne Marie Bain, Political Specialist, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. John L. Armstrong, The Hon. Janet Bostwick, Mrs. Andrea Archer, Mrs. Rose Mae Bain and Neda Brown, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy.

Chargé Armstrong with the Bahamian young women who were nominated for the U.S. State Department’s Global Leadership Mentoring Program along with Embassy representatives, Anne Marie Bain and Neda Brown.