Marcella Liburd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcella Liburd
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Liburd in 2023
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| 5th Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
| Assumed office 1 February 2023 |
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| Monarch | Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Terrance Drew |
| Deputy | Walford Gumbs |
| Preceded by | Tapley Seaton |
| Speaker of the National Assembly | |
| In office December 2004 – 18 April 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Walford Gumbs |
| Succeeded by | Curtis Martin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 July 1953 Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Education | University of the West Indies (BA) |
Dame Marcella Althea Liburd is a very important politician from Saint Kitts and Nevis. She was born on July 10, 1953. Since 2023, she has been the fifth Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This means she is the King's representative in the country.
Marcella Liburd made history many times. She was the first woman to be the Speaker of the National Assembly (like the head of parliament). She was also the first woman to become Governor-General. Plus, she was the first Governor-General appointed by Charles III in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Before these big roles, she worked as a teacher and a lawyer. She also served in many government jobs, including acting as Prime Minister. She was even the first woman to lead the Labour Party, a major political group.
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Early Life and Education
Marcella Liburd was born in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, on July 10, 1953. Her parents were Anne Eliza and Clement Liburd. She went to Basseterre Girls School and then Basseterre High School.
After high school, she continued her education. In 1976, she earned her first degree from the University of the West Indies.
Her Career Journey
After her studies, Marcella Liburd returned home. She started teaching at Basseterre and Cayon High Schools. She then decided to study law. In 1992, she earned a law degree from Norman Manley Law School. She finished her legal training in 1994.
That same year, she became a barrister and solicitor. This meant she could practice law in court. Soon after, she started her political career. In 1997, she became the Secretary of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Labour Party.
Making History in Government
In 2004, Marcella Liburd became the Speaker of the National Assembly. This was a big moment because she was the first woman in the country to hold this position. She served as Speaker until 2008.
After that, she was elected as a Member of Parliament for Constituency No. 2, St. Kitts. This meant she represented her local area in the government.
Marcella Liburd has helped create important laws. These include the Domestic Violence Act and the Equal Pay Act. She also served as a Minister for Health, Social Services, Culture, and Gender Affairs. She even acted as Prime Minister for a short time.
In 2011, the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis honored her. They featured her in an exhibit to show off the achievements of important women.
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Leading the Labour Party
In 2013, Marcella Liburd made history again. She became the first woman to be elected as the Chair of the Labour Party. This party had been around for 81 years!
In 2015, the Labour Party was no longer in power. This made her a member of the Opposition. In 2018, she became the first woman deputy leader of the National Labor Party.
Becoming Governor-General
In 2022, she was appointed as the Governor-General’s Deputy. Then, on February 1, 2023, Marcella Liburd became the first woman Governor-General for Saint Kitts and Nevis. Just a few days later, she received a special honor. She was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG). This is a very high award.
See also
- First women lawyers around the world
