(EDITOR’S NOTE: After reviewing the collection of photographs that accompanied this narrative I had to share it with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE as a Guest Commentary because it absolutely deserves extensive circulation.)
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY IYANDRA SMITH-BRYAN
NASSAU, Bahamas, March 22, 2023 –Nikki Giovanni wrote one of my favorite poems, a “Poem for Flora”, and it ends: “All she remembered was that Sheba was Black and comely and she would think, I WANT TO BE LIKE THAT!”
Two months ago, I thought, “What if I could bring “my Shebas” together, around the table, in a safe space, no-judgment, ever-supporting, honor them, celebrate their accomplishments, and have them share their wisdom?”
I chatted with my very good friend Deidree Bain, who loved the idea and partnered with me to host an International Women’s Day luncheon that we had never experienced in The Bahamas, but one we always desired: intimate, safe, vulnerable, loving, encouraging.
I invited my mentors, including Ivy Cassar, Ann Marie Davis, Christine Robinson, Joy Jibrilu, Antoinette Russell; my friends, including Lana Rademaker, Latonia Symonette, Cecillia Cooper, and other women I have for some time admired so much.
I then called my friend Tanya Sam — a woman who is the most vulnerable, authentic, loving, considerate, caring being — and asked her if she could come down and inspire my heroes.
I knew the Rosewood, my favorite place in Nassau, would be the location. Rosewood’s General Manager Monica, whom I love so very much and I invited to the luncheon, has always supported me with the events I have hosted at the hotel.
We had the most amazing support team — Tekeyo, Samantha, Tanae, Falmon — and so many more persons who helped the day go well.
The day was life-changing, absolutely memorable, peaceful, and most importantly safe. Can we go back to Friday? Here are just a few pictures from that day, #grateful
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr Iyandra Bryan, is the General Manager of Quantfury Trading Limited, a fast growing FinTech company in Nassau, Bahamas. Founded by a group of traders, quants, and machine learning professionals. Quantfury’s mission is to change the exploitative retail trading industry globally, making it cost-effective, fair, and transparent.
Quantfury serves 350,000+ users from 56 countries, generating more than $10 billion in monthly trading volume. In her role, amongst other things, she serves as a key strategic partner to the Board of Directors to drive forward business strategy, ensure proper governance, and facilitate the modernisation, optimisation, and efficiency of the company’s operations. With her depth of experience in financial services, Dr Bryan focuses on ensuring high quality service and support capabilities. Prior to this role, she practiced commercial law at leading law firms in The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, acted as a Chief Operating Officer of the Cayman Islands Branch of a leading Swiss financial institution, and as Managing Director of the Bahamas Branch of an international fiduciary services company. Dr Bryan holds a BA in Economics from the University of Tampa, a JD from the University of Florida, and a PhD from the University of London, and is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of The Bahamas.)
