The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

TWENTY-ONE trailblazing women will be presented flowers while they are still around to smell them, at the Zonta Club of New Providence's Living Legends Gala Ball.

The Living Legends project started in 1998. Each year since, the Zonta Club of New Providence has honoured women who play pivotal roles in their respective fields. On April 28, a group of 21 women will take centre stage for their contributions.

"It is very important we recognise these ladies because they have all made significant contributions to their fields," said Susan Demeritte, co-chairperson of the Zonta Club Ball.

Not all of the women are well known by the general public, so the Zonta Club had to do some digging to find and recognise the real unsung heroes.

"We asked people in the different fields to identify the ladies that have been trailblazers. They refer us and that is how we become aware of what the women have done over the years. These women may not be well known to the public but these are women that need to be given their flowers while they are alive," she said.

"This is the first time twenty-one women are being honoured. We call these women legends because that is who they are. When we tell some of them they will be honoured, they are elated and overwhelmed. There are some women who have turned down the award because they say their gifts come from God," said Ms Demeritte.

It is a tradition of the Zonta Club to host a travelling exhibition highlighting the legends. Following the banquet, the exhibition will be mounted in the foyer of the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The Club also publishes a book, documenting the lives of the living legends. It is distributed to schools and libraries throughout the Bahamas.

The gala event will be held on April 28 at the Sheraton Cable Beach Resort, under the patronage of the governor general.

"This is not a ball that will be filled with speeches. People can expect to have a beautiful night," said Ms Demeritte.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band is booked to provide entertainment for the event. There also will be a raffle.

Tickets are available at the Shoe Loft on Mackey Street.

2012 Zonta Living Legends

Claire Hepburn, Law

Dr Colleen Fitzcharles-Bowe, Medicine

Diane Cartwright-Thompson, Agriculture

Elaine Sands, Law Enforcement

Elma Garraway, Civics

Elsie Knowles, Cottage Industry/Craft

Elva Moxey, Homemaker

Ivis Carey, Business

Jessica Colebrooke, Fine Arts

Joan Albury, Media

Joanne Callender, Arts

Rev Kenris Carey, Religion

Melanie Roach, Engineering

Missouri Sherman, Government

Sabrina Francis, Fashion/Design

Rose Mae Bain, Nursing

Sadie Curtis, Education

Shonel Ferguson, Sports

Suzanne Black, Banking and Finance

Theresa Huyler, Labour Unions

Velma Ferguson, Tourism and Hospitality