The Organization of American States on the weekend unveiled a portrait honouring Jamaican women’s rights pioneer Princess May Lawes. 

The portrait was unveiled in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines at OAS headquarters in Washington DC, during the 40th Assembly of Delegates of the Commission. It celebrated her trailblazing role as the first Caribbean woman and first woman of African descent to lead the Inter-American Commission of Women.

The unveiling portrait event was organised by the Inter-American Commission of Women and Jamaica’s Permanent Mission to the OAS. The ceremony drew diplomats, ministers, permanent representatives and delegates from across the Americas.

Lawes became a Jamaican senator in 1976 and later served as a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1989. As the parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Community Development, she oversaw women’s affairs. She also led work on children’s services. 

Lawes supported policies to improve the lives of women and young people across Jamaica. She died on April 19, 2024, at age 79 and is remembered as one of Jamaica’s most influential advocates for women’s rights and social development. 

Her portrait will remain permanently displayed at the OAS. This serves as a tribute to a legacy that continues to shape efforts toward gender equality across the Americas.

Former Jamaican Ambassador to Jamaica, Antony Anderson, who presented the portrait to the OAS, highlighted that Lawes’ influence extended far beyond her home country. Moreover, he said it reflected a lifetime of public service, advocacy and leadership.

According to him, “We gather not only to remember a life but to celebrate a legacy….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.“

He noted that her election to the commission presidency from 1984 to 1986 marked a milestone for Jamaica, the Caribbean and women of African descent across the hemisphere. At 32, she was also the youngest woman to hold the post.

Permanent placement in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines

Ambassador Anderson explained that the portrait’s permanent placement in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines would ensure future generations remember a leader who broke barriers. As a result, she helped reshape regional conversations on women’s rights. “Princess May Lawes belonged to Jamaica, but her legacy belongs to the Americas,” Anderson said as he formally handed over the portrait.

OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin emphasised that Lawes’ impact reached well beyond Jamaica, spanning politics, social development and religious service. “Today we honour Princess Lawes, who tirelessly fought for the rights of women in our region,” Ramdin said, adding that during her tenure, the commission advanced regional frameworks on violence against women and girls.

Ramdin also thanked Jamaica for helping secure permanent recognition for Lawes at the hemispheric body. Additionally, he said the Caribbean’s leadership within the OAS continues to grow.