The Tribune

A VETERAN Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) officer has been recognised for her pioneering role in leading the way for women in a male-dominated profession by the United States Embassy in Nassau.

Sergeant Linda Sullivan, who has served with the RBPF for 33 years, is the 2017 recipient of the Embassy’s Woman of Courage award.

“Her efforts have been instrumental in opening doors for her female colleagues, and ensuring they receive the same training and benefits as their male counterparts,” a press release from the Embassy said. “In addition to serving as a mentor for women police officers in the Bahamas, Sgt Sullivan has been a strong advocate on the need for more law enforcement attention to domestic violence, as well as an educator within the community on the dangers of drugs.

“In 1992, Sgt Sullivan received the Gallantry Medal, the RBPF’s highest honour. She also has the unfortunate distinction of being the first woman police officer ever shot in the line of duty in the Bahamas. The incident occurred in January,1988.”

Sgt Sullivan received her award from US Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson at a breakfast reception at Liberty Overlook on Friday in front of her family and friends and invited guests, who included Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage, Chief Superintendent Samuel Butler, who serves as Head of the Drug Enforcement Unit, US. and Bahamian government officials.

With March being observed as Women’s History Month Ms Johnson explained the significance of International Women’s Day on March 8, a day set aside to honour women who continue to strive to achieve justice and equality for all.

“These women show us what is possible when women and girls stand up for the rights and freedoms of not just themselves, but also those around them,” she said. “The particular details and circumstances of each of these women differ, but they are linked together by their exceptional devotion and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, sometimes at great personal sacrifice and danger to themselves and those that they love.”

The State Department initiated the International Woman of Courage Awards in 2007 under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to honour and celebrate women globally who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership. Each year, American embassies around the world celebrate the brave and heroic women who create positive change in their countries and communities.

Former recipients of the US Embassy Nassau award include Marva Jervis, for over 30 years a tireless champion for individuals living with HIV/AIDS; Sheila Culmer, for a lifetime of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities; Andrea Archer, for educating and helping teenage mothers; A Missouri Sherman-Peter, for her long and exemplary career in the Bahamian foreign and civil services; Janet Bostwick, for her inspirational role in the women’s labour movement; Dr Sandra Dean Patterson, who was recognised in 2007 and 2011 for her accomplishments at The Crisis Centre; and Rosa Mae Bain, for her dedication to HIV/AIDS research.