Dame Marcella Liburd

Dame Marcella Liburd, GCMG, JP, is a trailblazing stateswoman whose career has redefined women’s leadership in the Caribbean. A barrister and solicitor admitted to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in 1994, she transitioned from law into national politics, where her legislative and executive influence would leave an enduring imprint on Saint Kitts and Nevis.

As Speaker of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2004 to 2008, she presided over parliamentary affairs with distinction before being elected as a Member of Parliament for Constituency No. 2. Her legislative legacy includes drafting and advancing transformative laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Equal Pay Act. These were groundbreaking measures that strengthened social protection, gender equity, and justice within the Federation.

Serving as Minister of Health, Social Services, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, and at times Acting Prime Minister, Dame Marcella championed inclusive governance, community empowerment, and public-sector reform. In 2013, she shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first woman elected Chair of the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party in its 81-year history. Her historic ascent continued when she was sworn in on February 1, 2023, as the first female Governor-General of the Federation, the highest constitutional office in the land.

Through pioneering legislative reform, barrier-breaking political leadership, and steadfast advocacy for gender equity and national development, Dame Marcella Liburd was honoured with AfriHeritage’s African Women In Leadership Award.