Minister Liburd expresses condolences to Angelou Family

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — The passing of award winning writer, American Civil Rights Activist and lifetime teacher Maya Angelou has prompted Minister responsible for Gender Affairs Honourable Marcella Liburd to reflect on Angelou’s life and express condolences to the family and friends of the beloved icon.

Minister Liburd, on behalf of her Ministry, which also includes the portfolios of Health, Social Services, Community Development and Culture noted that Angelou was a survivor as reflected in her well-known autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” as well as an inspiration to many.

The Minister reflected that through her gift of story-telling, Angelou, made a remarkable contribution to the well-being of humanity, in particular helping women to build self-confidence and have the courage to overcome obstacles and challenges, as outlined in several of her poems including “Phenomenal Woman.” The sole elected female Member of Parliament in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, outlined that women can take from Maya Angelou’s body of accomplishments, the courage to chart opportunities and embark into the future with self-assurance.

Another attribute, as highlighted by Minister Liburd, was Angelou’s unconscious ability of teaching mankind to embrace its spirituality and inner strength.