By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 19, 2023 –First Lady Ann Marie Davis, who accompanied Prime Minister Philip E. Davis to New York for the UN General Assembly, continues to distinguish herself as an outstanding First Lady of our country. Indeed, as The Bahamas’ First Lady, she clearly demonstrates conspicuous qualities at home and abroad that she is to the manor born.
Beautiful and elegant, Mrs. Davis exhibited these qualities in her personal and professional life long before she became First Lady of The Bahamas. Indeed, when she was awarded the 2015 Woman of Distinction Award, an article posted online by BahamasLocal.com, which describes itself as “Your Bahamas Online Search Engine,” Mrs. Davis as a “tireless fighter for the empowerment and full enfranchisement of women, especially those that are poor and marginalized.”
The article highlighted her involvement in programmes such as “Teen Challenge, the S.T.R.A.W. Inc. Centre for Women, the Urban Renewal Programme and the Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association (also known as Bahamas Family Planning).”
“As the Patron for Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association, Mrs. Davis has lent her name, voice and talents to the local fight for reproductive health and rights. In this capacity, Mrs. Davis has done the Association the great honour of launching and acting as a facilitator in the Association’s ‘Baby Can Wait’ Programme. This innovative and highly participatory programme is aimed at young women, ages 15 to 24 years, at-risk for juvenile delinquency and premature parenthood.”
The article added: “It employs a research-based curriculum which aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede young women’s development, by promoting an emotionally safe setting within which young women can analyse their circumstances and choices. In short, “Baby Can Wait” seeks to build self-esteem and self-determination. This work Mrs. Davis simply views as a continuation of her community work with the Urban Renewal Programme where she mentors many young women.
“Further, Mrs. Davis has supported the Women’s Bureau of Affairs in its work, especially as it relates to the elimination of violence against women and girls. To this end, she was part of the Bahamian delegation to the ‘Commission on the Status of Women’ Conference at The United Nations for the past three consecutive years.
“She continues to advocate for an end to all types of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and welcomes any opportunity – public or private, formal or informal – to speak out against gender-based violence and discrimination. Although she is most passionate about human rights issues, Mrs. Davis fundamentally believes in being a voice for all ‘beings’ that cannot speak for themselves; this includes animals.
“As a devoted Board Member of the Bahamas Humane Society, she has assisted with many programmes, including Operation Potcake, a spay and neutering programme for the local dog breed and cats, which became a huge success and have raised awareness of the proper care of pets. As a volunteer with the Human Society, Mrs. Davis also assists with fund-raising and the staging of the annual balls.
“A dedicated member of the Pilot Club of Nassau, she continues to do extensive work for several charities especially people with brain disorders, and is on the Fundraising Committee which is now charged with raising funds for the Therapeutic Pool for which ground will be breaking this year.
“In her professional life, Mrs. Davis is a Licensed Chartered Accountant, having studied at the London School of Accountancy in London, England, and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants of Scotland. She is an active member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, and for a number of years, worked with the Continuing Professional Education and Public Relations Committees.
“She is an active member of St. Christopher’s Anglican Church where she has taught Sunday School, and now serves as Treasurer of the Parish and member of the Finance Committee, and is also on the Vestry, the church’s decision-making Caucus. Notwithstanding all of her help with different causes and charities, Mrs. Davis believes that her greatest accomplishment has been the rearing of her two well-adjusted and confident children.”
Yes, indeed, as Ann Marie Davis as First Lady of The Bahamas is to the manor born, as underscored by the photos used with this article that were posted on Facebook with the following narrative:
“At NY United Nations General Assembly in executive meeting holding discussions with fellow CARICOM First Ladies. Establishing new action plans and mandates for SCLAN (Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network). Strategizing. Wonderful day today. Shared gifts of straw portfolios made by residents ( Juvenile inmates) of BDOC in the Bahamas. Fantastic very fruitful day. September 18th. 2023.”
