Mrs. Patricia Minnis honoured with SPARKS award in St. Thomas

Mrs. Patricia Minnis honoured with SPARKS award in St. Thomas
Sparks “Flames of Inspiration and Commitment Grand Gala” – pictured from left: Ms. Sheresse Vanesa Jurgen (Founder of SPARKS), Ms. Judy M. Gomez (Founder of SPARKS), Mrs. Patricia Minnis (Spouse of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas), Ms. Yolanda Cabodevilla Bryan (First Lady of the U.S. Virgin Islands), Mrs. Cecile Rene Galiber de Jongh (Former First Lady of the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Mrs. Patricia Minnis was highly commended and awarded for her commitment to mentoring girls throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas at a SPARKS “Flames of Inspiration and Commitment Grand Gala” at the Mark C. Marin Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands on July 20, 2019.

The grand celebration officially recognized 25 years of SPARKS  (Students Promoting Awareness, Responsibility, Knowledge and Service). The gala was hosted by SPARKS Founder Ms. Judy M. Gomez, former Senator and member of the US Virgin Island’s Board of Education.

Mrs. Patricia Minnis (spouse of the prime minister), is a staunch supporter of women, girls and initiatives that encourage positive adolescent development.  She is one of the co-founders of the Lady’s Chamber, a girls mentoring programme in her community of Gambier that seeks to improve self-image and outlook of teenaged girls.

It was in 2008 that women of SPARKS travelled to The Bahamas to meet Mrs. Minnis, who has charted causes geared to affirmative adolescent development; and during this time that the birthing of the connection between SPARKS and The Bahamas took place.  Mrs. Minnis hosted the group at C.I. Gibson High School, where they had the opportunity to participate in a special school assembly. They also enjoyed lunch and a tour.