​Dear Women of St. John’s Rural North,

Today, we pause to honor *you*—the unsung heroes who weave the vibrant tapestry of Antigua & Barbuda with threads of resilience, love, and unyielding strength. From the bustling markets of St. John’s to the tranquil shores of Barbuda, your hands build, nurture, and uplift.

You are the caregivers who anchor families, the entrepreneurs sparking innovation, the educators shaping futures, and the guardians of our rich cultural heritage—keeping traditions alive through storytelling, Carnival rhythms, and the art of steelpan and batik.

You are the nurses, politicians, farmers, artists, and activists who rise, day after day, even when the weight of inequality, climate challenges, or societal expectations tests your resolve.

In you, we see the spirit of our nation’s motto: “Each Endeavouring, All Achieving.” You plant seeds of progress in every community, turning obstacles into opportunities. Your quiet sacrifices and loud victories fuel our islands’ heartbeat.

​To the women balancing multiple roles with grace: Your strength is not unnoticed. To the young girls dreaming boldly: Your voice matters. To those weathering storms—literal and metaphorical—with unwavering courage: You are the lighthouse guiding us forward.

This is more than a thank-you. It’s a celebration of your legacy and a call to the world to see you, hear you, and stand with you. Keep rising, keep leading, keep shining. Antigua & Barbuda thrives because YOU dare to care, to fight, and to hope.

With deepest admiration and solidarity,

— The Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez.

P.S. To every woman reading this: Take a moment to honor yourself. You are enough, you are vital, and you are loved.