Washington, D.C, January 29, 2025 (Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis) – Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United States of America, was honored to participate as a panelist in Global Voices: Women Leaders in Diplomacy held on January 28, 2025, an insightful virtual discussion organized by The Fulbright National Capital Area Chapter.
The panel was hosted by Dr. Grace Mukupa, Director of Policy at the Complete College of America (CCA) and a dedicated Fulbright Association board member. Dr. Mukupa, who has a strong commitment to empowering women through education, has a global perspective shaped by her upbringing across Zambia, Japan, and Belgium.
Ambassador Henry-Martin was featured alongside esteemed panelists, including the Director General of the Department of North American Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan and a member of the Taiwan Fulbright Board of Directors. The discussion explored the global influence of small island developing states (SIDS) in diplomacy.
Addressing this theme, Ambassador Henry-Martin emphasized that “Saint Kitts and Nevis has a stake and a role to play in the development of the world.” She highlighted the resilience of the Federation and its ability to push boundaries and set precedents among larger nations.
When asked about the role of women in diplomacy, Ambassador Henry-Martin reflected on the innate diplomatic abilities women possess. “As women, we are born diplomats. We have had to negotiate in our everyday lives. Women naturally develop the skills to establish and advocate for themselves, particularly within the professional sphere.”
The discussion also addressed the intersection of diplomacy and the arts, particularly in engaging youth. Ambassador Henry-Martin, former Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, noted, “The arts serve as a bridge, fostering people-to-people exchange in a way that diplomacy continually strives to achieve. Whether through music, paintings, or other creative expressions, the arts provide an organic and meaningful way to tell the story of our islands and what they offer. Soft diplomacy is just as critical as formal diplomatic engagement in international forums.”
In response to a question about advice for young women pursuing careers in diplomacy, Ambassador Henry-Martin shared her personal journey from humble beginnings in Sandy Point, Saint Kitts and Nevis. She encouraged young women to embrace persistence and self-worth:
“Know your worth and do not allow anyone to shake your belief in yourself. You are enough, and anything is possible. Learn about others. Be confident in who you are, but also be open to different cultures, people, and perspectives. Be a lifelong learner. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new, including mastering a foreign language—it is a gift both to you and to those with whom you communicate.”
Ambassador Henry-Martin’s participation in this distinguished panel reaffirms the commitment of Saint Kitts and Nevis to global diplomacy, the empowerment of women, and the elevation of youth voices through cultural and artistic engagement.
-End-