By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23, 2024 – Deborah Anderson-Pratt, President of DAPS Corporate Training & Business Services in Freeport, Grand Bahama, today posted a collection of photos taken at the recent Pilot International Convention in Denver, Colorado, and I absolutely had to share some of them with readers of my Washington, D.C. – based online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
Deborah, who is a member of the Pilot Club of Lucaya said in the narrative accompanying the photos that this year’s Pilot International Convention “was extra special for the Bahamas District and for our club as well.”
“We would like to recognize our District’s first Pilot International President, Debbie Archer, who served as President from 2008-2009,” Deborah said, adding that Mrs. Archer paved the second Pilot International President from The Bahamas, Nickola “Nicki” Dawkings, who was installed at last week’s convention in Denver.
“At the convention, immediate Past International President, Holly Baker, announced Debbie Archer as the Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2024,” Deborah noted in her narrative. “This award was given to Past International President, Debbie in appreciation of her years of service, love and commitment to the organization, the development of others, countless hours of community service and her continuous support of all Pilot initiatives.” To date, PIP Debbie has served 45 years in the organization. Congratulations, PIP Debbie. You inspire all of us. We are truly proud of you! “
The new Pilot International President, Nickola “Nicki” Dawkins, who was born and resides in Nassau, has been a member of the Pilot Club of Nassau for 22 years and has served in the Pilot Club of Nassau as Treasurer, Fundraising Coordinator, Vice President, President Elect, President and Parliamentarian.
She subsequently served as the Bahamas District Fundraising Coordinator, Governor Elect and Governor before serving as Membership Coordinator at the International level, where she also has served as Pilot International Director, Treasurer, and Vice President.
Mrs. Dawkins has an Associate’s Degree in Biology and Chemistry and a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Accounting. Additionally, she holds an MBA and is a Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI).
Mrs. Dawkins is President & CEO of Integrated Business Intelligence & Information Strategies (IBIIS), an information technology company in Nassau.
Bahamas First Lady Ann Marie Davis, who is a member of the Pilot Club of Nassau and attended the convention in Denver, said she “was so proud to speak on Nicola’s behalf.”
“She has given us another pair of shoulders as a strong woman to stand on, another example of the Bahamian dream, another role model and mentor soaring to a Global office, at international heights,” Mrs. Davis said, in the narrative that accompanied an extensive collection of photos she posted on Facebook.
In congratulating Deborah Archer on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Mrs. Davis said, “Well Done, Deborah. You paved the way for us Pilots. Wow! What a high energy convention.”
Chartered on October 18, 1921 in Macon, Georgia, by Elizabeth Leonard and 40 local business women, the name “Pilot” was inspired by the mighty riverboat pilots of that day who represented leadership and guidance.
Its first President was Lucy B. Allen, who was elected at the organization’s first convention in 1922. Ruby Newhall, President of Pilot International in 1949, first envisioned Anchor Clubs, Pilot’s youth service organization arm.
Pilot International Founders Fund was established in 1975 to further Pilot’s humanitarian efforts. Pilot International Founders Fund grant & scholarship program began in 1977, since then more than $3.2 million has been awarded to Pilot Clubs and students seeking higher education.
SOURCE: Pilot International Website
