MEDIA

07 Mar 2025

Empowering the Next Generation: Saint Lucia Cruise Port Celebrates International Women's Day with Inspiring Panel Discussion for Students

On Thursday 6, March 2025, Saint Lucia Cruise Port hosted a panel discussion at the Bel Jou Hotel to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme for 2025, Accelerate Action. The panel composed of women in leadership within the maritime and tourism industries which included Mrs. Grace Parkinson, Chief Operating Officer, Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority; Ms. Dahlia Guard, Chief Executive Officer, Community Tourism Agency; Mrs. Vernessa Henry-Long, store manager at Duty Free Caribbean Holdings and personal image consultant; Mrs. Anya Whitfield, Chief Financial Officer, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; and Ms. Susanna Isaac, Senior Manager of Administration and Leasing, Saint Lucia Cruise Port.

Thirty students from various secondary schools within the Castries basin, including the Bocage Secondary School, Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, Entrepot Secondary School, Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School and the Patricia D James Secondary School.

The group discussed critical topics such as gender equality in the workplace, opportunities within the tourism and maritime industries and the importance of personal branding. The panelists provided insights and shared their personal experiences throughout their diverse and extensive careers. The students asked questions, shared their personal goals and discussed ways in which gender equality can be fostered at school and in the workplace. Panelists highlighted the significance of events like these in empowering young women to achieve academic success and acquire essential soft skills, such as discipline and integrity, which are crucial for building a successful career in any field.

Racquel Preville, Marketing and Communications Manager, Saint Lucia Cruise Port remarked, “We are proud to host this event geared specifically towards our young women. It is our mandate at Saint Lucia Cruise Port to create opportunities between persons within the tourism and maritime industry and the wider public, especially our youth.” Ms. Preville continued, “We hope today will be the first of many similar events as we work collaboratively with community partners to create a positive impact on the next generation of female leaders.”