Press Release
The achievements, leadership and resilience of outstanding Bahamians took center stage as the 2026 Disability Icon Awards celebrated individuals whose lives have helped build a more inclusive nation and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Held at Bahamas Harvest Church under the theme, “Celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities and their leadership,” the awards recognized men and women whose service, advocacy and professional excellence continue to inspire others while advancing disability inclusion throughout The Bahamas.
One of the evening’s highest honours was bestowed upon former Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Griffin, who served as Guest of Honour. Widely recognized as one of the architects of modern disability policy in The Bahamas, Griffin’s leadership helped establish much of the legislative and institutional foundation upon which many of today’s disability initiatives continue to build.
During her tenure, the Disability Affairs Unit was expanded into a full division, the Disability Allowance for children under 16 with disabilities was introduced, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities was established. She also guided The Bahamas’ accession to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and led the passage of the landmark Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 2014, legislation that transformed the country’s approach to disability rights and equal opportunity.
Attorney Garry Z. Russell was also recognized for his outstanding contributions to disability advocacy and public service. A Counsel and Attorney-at-Law and Chief Examiner with the Compliance Commission, Russell has combined professional excellence with decades of dedicated advocacy for persons with disabilities. As former President of both the Bahamas National Council for Disability and the Disabled Persons Organization, he has helped strengthen disability rights while serving as a respected voice within both the legal profession and the wider community.
Also honoured was Mrs. Rivianna Smith, Managing Director of the Training Centre for the Disabled, whose life’s work has empowered countless Bahamians through education, vocational training and personal development. What began as volunteer service in 1995 became a lifelong calling after the passing of the Centre’s founder, Phillip Smith, when she stepped forward to continue his vision. Under her leadership, the Training Centre has provided generations of persons with disabilities with the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to achieve greater independence and realize their full potential.
Among the distinguished honourees was Abbie Daxon Munroe, a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate whose life reflects remarkable perseverance and service. Born blind and educated at the Erin Gilmour School for the Blind and later the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, Munroe built a successful career in the Office of the Attorney General before joining the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Through her longstanding involvement with the Bahamas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Disabled Persons Organization, she has championed greater inclusion while inspiring others through both her advocacy and her example.
Awards were also presented in categories recognizing achievement in education, athletics, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, media, culture, employment, self-advocacy and community service, reflecting the many ways persons with disabilities continue to enrich Bahamian society.
Among those attending the ceremony were Senator the Hon. Barbara Cartwright, Minister of Social Services; the Hon. Bacchus Rolle, Minister of State for Social Services; and the Hon. Zane Lightbourn, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, who joined families, advocates and community partners in celebrating the accomplishments of this year’s recipients.
More than an awards ceremony, the Disability Icon Awards celebrated the power of leadership, perseverance and service. The evening highlighted Bahamians whose lives continue to open doors for others, strengthen communities and inspire a future where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute, lead and thrive.
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