ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The UK based Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN) with support from the Antigua and Barbuda Directorate of Gender Affairs has brought together women entrepreneurs, creators, institution heads, government officials, leaders, change-makers and business coaches from across the globe to Antigua, to discuss women’s creativity and innovation in business, and ways to empower women on their journey to success in business and career.
GlobalWIIN’s inaugural CaribbWIIN (Caribbean Women Inventors & Innovators Network) Conference to be held on May 18 and May 19, will also award, and shine the light on remarkable Caribbean women who through their tenacious spirit, ideas, and contributions to society in their businesses and careers, have served as an inspiration to all women.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Refica Attwood, and Dr Evelyn Weekes both environmentalists, couture designer Noreen Phillips, contemporary artist Heather Doram MFA, GCM, technology specialist Mako S. Williams and leadership and business development specialist Janice Sutherland are amongst the list of over 30 extraordinary women who will be honoured at the conference. Other Caribbean honourees hail from Montserrat, Martinique, Grenada, The British Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Dominica, Curacao, and Bermuda.
Dr Bola Olabisi, founder of GlobalWIIN said: “This is an exciting time for us as we welcome women from all parts of the globe to Antigua, where they will learn about the range of product development taking place in the Caribbean. We are extremely proud to spotlight and celebrate our Caribbean women and are determined to deepen connections and provide far-reaching networking opportunities. GlobalWIIN is committed to providing ease of access to information and sharing best practises that will enable the further development of business ventures amongst all women.”
GlobalWIIN Alumni Denize Ledeatte, who is from Antigua and Barbuda, and serves on the CaribbWIIN Advisory Board said: “Antigua has been an island of pioneering women ranging from Dame Nellie Robinson to our Team Antigua Island Girls. Now, shining a spotlight on ideas which have been overshadowed is invaluable. Visibility is the key, since people cannot respond to what they cannot see. GlobalWIIN is a global platform, with global networks facilitating global relationships. No business can survive without these essential components, and we all need continued encouragement, advice, and support at the different stages of our business growth.”
More than 30 participants from countries within the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the USA have travelled for the conference.
“The CaribbWIIN programme has been designed to be impactful. The programme is packed, and a wealth of knowledge-sharing and cultural exchanges will take place during our two days in Antigua,” said GlobalWIIN Founder Dr Olabisi.
In a virtual message to the participants, First Lady of the Republic of Suriname, Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry applauds the event organised by GlobalWIIN which gives women the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents on a wide platform.
“I applaud female leadership, collaboration and bonding because I believe that we as women are also capable of leading our countries, the region and the wider world.” “… from this pandemic, I’ve noticed that a lot of innovation has been introduced, developed, and applied. Necessity is the mother of invention!”
Special Keynote addresses will be delivered by Ricki Camacho, Registrar, Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property and Commerce Office and Keith Holmes, Founder/CEO Global Black Inventor Research Projects Inc., USA.
Camacho will address key areas of interest to business operators to include IP protection and doing business in Antigua, and legalities to take into consideration when seeking business partnership opportunities. Holmes will speak on intensive research done on people of colour inventing and filing patents on a global level.
A special guest message will also be provided by Dianne M. Edwards MBA President at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).
Highly-interactive sessions will focus on discussions surrounding Access to Finance & Investment, Education, Skills & Knowledge Transfer, Intellectual Property Rights – To Protect Or Not To Protect, and Understanding The Challenges Of The Route To Market.
CARIBBWIIN will take place on May 18 and May 19, 2022, at the Sir John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre. Women wishing to attend CaribbWIIN can obtain more information here.
