By Kellcia Alphonso

THE Women of Mission International presented a prestigious award to the Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resource, Simona Broomes, at her Duke Street office Thursday morning.

The group, whose headquarters is located in New York, is an organisation that was founded in 2010 with the aim of making a difference in the lives of women through education, counselling, support services, scholarships, mentorship and empowerment forums.

The award which was given to Minister Broomes is one that is offered to women who have performed exceptional in Guyana, the US and other countries.

The Women of Mission International was created to empower all women and girls.

“We also have a space for boys and a space for men in our organisation,” said Linda Felix-Johnson, the president of the organisation.

In 2013, Minister Broomes was among nine persons from across the world honoured by then US Secretary of State, John Kerry, as an Anti-Trafficking in Persons hero, acting to end modern day slavery.

The award recognised her courageous efforts in finding and assisting victims of trafficking in Guyana by engaging the Government, raising public awareness and for incredible leadership in promoting rights and women empowerment in mining industry.

Felix-Johnson said she knew of the minister but was unaware of what she did.

“When I Googled I saw subjective opinions and objective and I did some research and I felt she was the perfect candidate to be one of our honouree’s coming out of Guyana,” pointed out Felix-Johnson.

Minister Broomes was recognised since the organisation felt that she possessed all elements that contribute to a woman who is empowered and by extension she empowers other women.

In addition, Felix-Johnson said along with Joy Haymer Agnes and another colleague, she is going to launch a GLOW (Giving Ladies Our Wisdom) Caribbean conversation on Caribbean Power Jams, which is an Internet and radio programme in New York.

The programme is going to be aired every Tuesday a 06:00hrs.

“In addition, in deciding to give this award to the minister, we also decided to make her our first distinguish candidate in the category of distinguish member of the Women of Mission International,” Felix-Johnson said.

Present at the ceremony was one of the directors on the board, Joy Haymer Agnes, who said that she was delighted to meet Minister Broomes and to be able to present the award to her.

“We have a mandated purpose,” pointed out Agnes as the simply award ceremony came to a close.

Concluding the ceremony, Minister Brooms expressed her gratitude towards Linda Felix-Johnson and Joy Haymer Agnes.

“Let me thank you both. I want to encourage women that once you’re empowered, it’s not for us to be selfish but to use that passion to empower [other] women, empower young girls, empower our people across the world, wherever we go and that is a message I want to really send,” Broomes said.