Georgianna Kathleen Symonette
Georgianna Kathleen Symonette | |
|---|---|
 Georgianna Symonette Bahamian Stamp 2012 | |
| Born | 4 April 1902 Eleuthera, Bahamas |
| Died | 14 May 1965 (aged 63) |
| Nationality | Bahamian |
| Occupation | Suffragist |
| Children | Clement Maynard |
| Relatives | Allyson Maynard Gibson (granddaughter) |
Georgianna Kathleen Symonette (4 April 1902 – 14 May 1965)[1] a Bahamian suffragist, was the founding chairwoman of the Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party[1] and founding member of the Women's Suffrage Movement. In 2012, The Bahamian government issued a series of postage stamps to honor the women who campaigned to gain universal adult suffrage.[2][3] Symonette appeared on the 25 cent stamp.[3]
Early life and education[edit]
Georgianna Kathleen Symonette was born on 4 April 1902 in Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera, to Olivia M cKinney and Alexander Symonette. ( An edit is needed here as there seem to be a bit of confusion.The Bahamas Civil Register lists Olivia's surname as Major, in Olivia's birth record, her marriage record and also in Georgianna's birth record. Georgianna's father's name was George E (Enoch) Symonette in her birthrecords as well as the marriage record to Olivia. Georgianna's grandfather was Alexander.) [1] Symonette attended the government school in Wemyss Bight. After Symonette finished her schooling, she was an assistant teacher there.[1] Symonette relocated to Nassau to pursue nursing as a career at Bahamas General Hospital (now called Princess Margaret Hospital).[1]
Suffragist[edit]
Along with Mary Ingraham, Eugenia Lockhart and Mabel Walker, Symonette founded the Women's Suffrage Movement.[1]
Later life, recognition, death[edit]
Symonette died aged 63 on 14 May 1965.[1]
Her son Clement Maynard was the Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas from 1985 to 1992,[1] and Symonette's granddaughter Allyson Maynard Gibson assumed the position of Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs in 2012.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hinsey, Shananda. "LibGuides: Women Suffrage: Suffrage Women". cob-bs.libguides.com. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Women's Suffrage Commemorative Stamps | Bahamas News". www.bahamasb2b.com. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ a b "Women's Suffrage Movement Commemorative stamp". www.thebahamasweekly.com. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Bahamas Financial Services Board". www.bfsb-bahamas.com. Retrieved 10 November 2017.