Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday 06 February recognised KizzyAnn Abraham, representing Grenada, as the 88th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service raising sexual health awareness.
KizzyAnn is a leading sexual health activist who works with voluntary organisations to improve awareness of sexual health and gender equality and to tackle adolescent pregnancy. Born to adolescent parents, she was inspired to become an advocate for young people on the island. Through the ‘Grenada Planned Parenthood Association’ and the ‘Grenada National Organisation of Women’, KizzyAnn has worked with young people to educate them about gender based violence, safer sex practices and consent. KizzyAnn has also been a volunteer field officer with ‘GRENAIDS’, which works to tackle the stigma of HIV by deconstructing the myths surrounding the condition and providing support to prevent HIV transmission. She has also volunteered with ‘GrenCHAP’, a non-profit organisation working to promote sexual health awareness within the LGBT community.
As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, Her Majesty The Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country each week in the two years following the summit.
By sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Points of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. The award for KizzyAnn will be presented on Governor General, HE Cecile La Grenade on Wednesday 6 February 2019.
KizzyAnn Said:
“I am deeply honoured by the sentiments of this award. Indeed it is moving to be recognised as a Commonwealth Point of Light. I wish to record my debt to those civil society organisations and individuals with whom I’ve volunteered through the years. Every opportunity and experience has provided me with a chance to learn, and apply my knowledge. I am forever grateful to the many community members who entrusted me to deliver on their various community projects, with this award I hope to inspire others to volunteer in their own capacities to promote prosperity, democracy and peace.”
Janet Douglas, UK High Commissioner in Grenada, said:
“I was delighted to hear of the award of a Commonwealth Points of Light honour to Kizzy Ann Abraham. This recognition of her commitment and passion as a community advocate in tackling stigma and improving education around HIV/Aids and within the LGBT community make her a richly deserving Points of Light winner.”
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all the 53 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people. Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.
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