OAS Honors Jamaican Trailblazer Princess May Lawes with Portrait Unveiling in Hall of Heroes and Heroines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Organization of American States (OAS) on Friday honored Jamaican women’s rights pioneer Princess May Lawes by unveiling her portrait in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The tribute, organized by the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) and Jamaica’s Permanent Mission to the OAS, recognized Lawes’ historic legacy as the first Caribbean woman, the first woman of African descent, and the youngest woman - at age 32 - to serve as President of the Commission from 1984 to 1986.

Jamaica’s outgoing Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (fourth right), and OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin (fourth left), pose with members of the Jamaican delegation following the unveiling of the portrait of Jamaican women’s rights pioneer Princess May Lawes in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines at OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 2026. Also pictured, from left, are Mr. Emile Wallace-Waddell, Community Relations Officer at the Embassy of Jamaica; Mrs. Tanisha Ellison, Security Attaché at the Embassy of Jamaica; Mrs. Sharon Coburn Robinson, Principal Director in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport; Ms. Delita McCallum, Jamaica’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the OAS; Ms. Brittany McCrea, Counsellor at the Embassy of Jamaica; and Ms. Mikella Richards, Fellow in the Office of the Prime Minister. (Photo by Derrick Scott)The ceremony took place during the 40th Assembly of Delegates of the Inter-American Commission of Women and was attended by diplomats, ministers, permanent representatives, and delegates from across the Americas.

Presenting the portrait on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, Jamaica’s outgoing Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, said Lawes’ legacy transcended national boundaries and reflected a lifetime of service, advocacy and leadership.

“We gather not only to remember a life but to celebrate a legacy,” Anderson said. “Princess May Lawes stood at the intersection of public service, advocacy, faith and regional leadership. Throughout her distinguished career, she embodied the highest ideals of service to humanity.”

Anderson highlighted her long record of public service, noting that she became a Jamaican senator in 1976 and later served as a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1989. As Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Community Development, with responsibility for women’s affairs and children’s services, she championed policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of women and young people across Jamaica.

Anderson said Lawes’ election as President of the Inter-American Commission of Women marked a defining moment not only for Jamaica but also for women of African descent across the Americas.

“Her election represented more than a personal accomplishment. It was a defining moment for the Caribbean and for women of African descent throughout the hemisphere,” he said. “Her voice brought moral clarity and urgency to conversations surrounding the rights and dignity of women.”

The ambassador said the placement of her portrait in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines would ensure that future generations visiting the OAS would remember a woman who broke barriers and transformed institutions through courage, determination and service. “Princess May Lawes belonged to Jamaica, but her legacy belongs to the Americas,” Anderson declared as he formally handed over the portrait.

In his remarks, OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin praised Lawes for her tireless advocacy for women throughout the region and acknowledged her lasting impact on the hemisphere. “Today we honor Princess Lawes, who tirelessly fought for the rights of women in our region,” Ramdin said. “Her career spanned politics, social development and religious service, but her influence extended well beyond Jamaica.”

The Secretary General noted that while Lawes’ distinction as the first Afro-descendant Caribbean woman to lead the Commission secured her place in history, her contributions went much further. “During her tenure, the Commission advanced regional frameworks on violence against women and girls,” he said.

Ramdin also highlighted the growing leadership role of the Caribbean within the OAS and thanked Jamaica for ensuring that Lawes’ contributions would be permanently recognized at the hemispheric body.

“The OAS is richer for the work she did here, and this hemisphere is better for the doors she refused to leave closed,” Ramdin said. “We must continue honoring her memory by placing women and children at the center of our efforts and by building a region where everyone can thrive.”

Following the remarks, Ambassador Antony Anderson and Secretary General Albert Ramdin jointly unveiled the portrait of Princess May Lawes before an audience of delegates, diplomats and officials gathered in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines at OAS headquarters.

The unveiling concluded a ceremony celebrating the life and achievements of one of Jamaica’s most influential advocates for women’s rights and social development. The portrait will remain permanently displayed at the OAS as a tribute to Lawes’ groundbreaking leadership and enduring contribution to gender equality and the advancement of women across the Americas.

Lawes, who died on April 19, 2024, at age 79, is remembered as a trailblazer whose work opened doors for generations of women in Jamaica, the Caribbean and throughout the hemisphere. Her legacy continues to inspire efforts to build more inclusive and equitable societies across the Americas.