National

Janet Bostwick: The Woman and Her Legacy

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Her name is synonymous with so many firsts, and her reputation is forever tied to national development and the advancement of women.

Published

3 years ago

February 15, 2023

Italia Hall

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Her name is synonymous with so many firsts, and her reputation is forever tied to national development and the advancement of women.

A model politician and pioneer for women’s rights and equality across the region, Dame Janet Bostwick took the plight of women to the highest levels on the world stage, from the United Nations to CARICOM nations.

Dame Janet was also first woman elected to Parliament.

Her legal profession started off as a stenographer in the legal department. She then moved up through the ranks and was called to The Bahamas Bar in April 1971 and served as a Crown Prosecutor from 1972 to 1974.

Bostwick is a former acting magistrate and served as president of The Bahamas Bar Association.

The former senator, also severed as an Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Immigration and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

All these successes in politics she attributes to her strong Christian faith.

She was sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs on March 18, 1997, after winning a fourth term as a Member of Parliament for the Yamacraw constituency under the Free National Movement.

She has seen a lot and weathered many storms as a woman in politics.

This award is for a woman who is a respected champion for other women, with a rich legacy that has helped to advance all people of The Bahamas and region.