OAS unveils Washington portrait honouring Princess May Lawes' regional legacy

The Organization of American States (OAS) paid tribute on May 29 to late Jamaican women's rights advocate and former parliamentarian Princess May Lawes, unveiling her portrait at its Washington, D.C., headquarters in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines.

The recognition was arranged by the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM), working with Jamaica's Permanent Mission to the OAS. It highlighted Miss Lawes' place in history as the first Caribbean woman, the first woman of African descent, and, at age 32, the youngest person to lead the Commission, serving as President from 1984 to 1986.

The unveiling took place during the 40th Assembly of Delegates of the CIM, with diplomats, ministers, permanent representatives and delegates from across the Americas in attendance.

Outgoing Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, His Excellency Major General (Ret'd) Antony Anderson, presented the portrait on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica. He said Ms. Lawes' influence reached beyond Jamaica and reflected decades of public service, advocacy and leadership.

"We gather, not only to remember a life, but to also 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 stated.

Ambassador Anderson pointed to her long record in national service. She was appointed to the Jamaican Senate in 1976 and later sat in the House of Representatives from 1980 to 1989. In her role as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Community Development, where she had responsibility for women's affairs and children's services, she advanced policies and programmes aimed at improving conditions for women and young people in Jamaica.

He said her selection to head the CIM marked an important moment for Jamaica and for women of African descent across the Americas. "Her election represented more than a personal accomplishment. Her voice brought moral clarity and urgency to conversations surrounding the rights and dignity of women," Ambassador Anderson stated.

He added that displaying her portrait in the Hall of Heroes and Heroines would help ensure that future visitors to the OAS remember a leader who challenged barriers and helped reshape institutions through service, resolve and courage. "Princess May Lawes belonged to Jamaica, but her legacy belongs to the Americas," he declared.

OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin also paid tribute to Ms. Lawes, commending her persistent work for women in the region and noting the lasting effect of her contribution across the hemisphere. "Her career spanned politics, social development and religious service… her influence extended well beyond Jamaica," he stated.

Mr. Ramdin said her status as the first Afro-descendant Caribbean woman to lead the Commission secured her historical importance, but did not fully capture the scale of her work. "During her tenure, the Commission advanced regional frameworks on violence against women and girls," he informed.

He also noted the Caribbean's increasing leadership role within the OAS and thanked Jamaica for helping to secure permanent recognition of Ms. Lawes' service at the hemispheric organisation.

"The OAS is richer for the work she did here, and this hemisphere is better for the doors she refused to leave closed. We must continue honouring her memory by placing women and children at the centre of our efforts and by building a region where everyone can thrive," the Secretary General stated.

After the speeches, Ambassador Anderson and Mr. Ramdin unveiled the portrait together before the assembled delegates, diplomats and officials.

The portrait will remain permanently displayed at the OAS as a tribute to Ms. Lawes' pioneering leadership and her contribution to gender equality and the advancement of women throughout the Americas.

Ms. Lawes died on April 19, 2024, at age 79. She is remembered as a pathbreaking Jamaican whose work created opportunities for women in Jamaica, the Caribbean and across the hemisphere, and whose example continues to support efforts toward more inclusive and equitable societies in the Americas.