On International Women’s Day…
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, yesterday declared that the sky is the limit and Guyanese women should stay focused as they reach for bigger goals. She spoke after being honoured by the Ministry staff as the first woman to hold the portfolio.

The Minister was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Foreign Service Officer, Mr. Jason Fields, who conveyed his colleagues’ pleasure at serving under her.

Head of the Information Department, Mr. Errol Tiwari said Rodrigues-Birkett is serving with distinction and is an inspiration to them and women everywhere, particularly the indigenous, who share pride in her appointment.

Rodrigues-Birkett was born on September 16, 1973 in the Amerindian Village of Santa Rosa, in Region One (Barima/Waini) and received her early education at Santa Rosa Primary School, after which she moved to Georgetown where she attended a private school.

She left for Saskatchewan, Canada, on a scholarship to pursue studies in Business Administration and, on her return in 1993, secured a Degree in Social Work at University of Guyana (UG), while simultaneously managing the Amerindian Projects Programme of the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP), a post she held for seven years, prior to being appointed Minister of Amerindian Affairs in 2001.

Rodrigues-Birkett was the first Minister to be reappointed to her position, in September 2006, following general elections.

On April 10, 2008, she was assumed the Foreign Affairs portfolio.