For the first time, the Anguilla, French St. Martin, Dutch St. Maarten and St. Barths Tourist Boards came together to host what has been described as a “Women with Purpose Global Summit – Mind, Body and Soul.”
Apart from the personal interaction which the summit provided for the professional women, it also served as a publicity event for the four islands.
The international summit, which opened in St. Maarten on Wednesday, June 19, attracted a number of influential women from around the world. They comprised corporate executives, professionals in education, medicine, law and finance as well as business entrepreneurs, media practitioners and fashion designers.
Anguilla’s Director of Tourism, Mrs.Candis Niles, who played a key role at the summit, commented: “We are in the middle of history where our four islands have come together to promote their destinations and welcome an audience of this kind to a major event.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism in Anguilla, Mr Haydn Hughes, said: “There is a multitude of important aspects to this summit in St. Maarten. First of all, it brings a large group of powerful ladies from different professions to this four-nation space of Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Maarten and St. Barths; and it affords us the opportunity to bring visitors to our island to experience what Anguilla has to offer.”
One of Anguilla’s designers – Mrs Charla Hobson of Panache Couture – was among various fashion designers from the United States, Canada, French St Martin and Dutch St. Maarten who showcased their designs on Thursday, June 20.
On Friday, June 21, many of the women spent a relaxing day in Anguilla. One of the leading places they saw was the island’s beautiful 18-hole Greg Norman Golf Course. They were welcomed at Italia Restaurant (at the Golf Club House), by Director of Tourism, Mrs Candis Niles, where they had lunch.
“We would like to welcome you to the beautiful Italia Restaurant and the staff is ready and waiting to ensure that your dining experience is an unforgettable one, much like your entire experience,” she told the women. “Relax and enjoy your meal with us. You are our friends and we look forward to three talented ladies [and others] sharing with us later.”
The Women with Purpose Summit officially concluded on Saturday, June 22. The final event was a farewell reception at La Samanna Resort and Spa in St. Maarten.
