Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister told the young ladies attending the S.T.R.A.W Inc. Center for Young Women’s 20th Annual Leadership Conference that this year’s theme, “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way,” is bold, but it carries an important message about responsibility and growth.
“In this rapidly changing world, we have to know how to make choices and what our roles are and how to act decisively when the moment calls because it is more important than ever to know where we best fit and how we can best perform,” Mrs. Davis said during the leadership conference held at Breezes Bahamas Resort on Friday, March 20, 2026.
She said, “Sometimes, you have to know when to be a leader, stepping forward to share an idea or speaking up for what is right. Leadership often requires the courage to try, even when you are not completely certain of yourself yet. You are supposed to speak up when you are supposed to.”
Mrs. Davis said at other times, leadership means knowing how to follow.
She explained that following is no less important than being the leader, and it is also a chance to learn from each other.
“So, when you follow, you also learn from the leader, and it does not make you any less than a leader, because you are also learning.
“You learn how to support others, and work towards the shared goal that you have.”
Mrs. Davis also told the students from across the island that there comes a time when they must get out of the way, because sometimes it is better to sit and listen and see what happens or how things develop before acting.
She said, “Even if you get out of the way, that does not mean that you are not going to be a leader, because these three things: leading, following and getting out of the way is all about leadership.
“So in short, to lead means to take charge when you see a problem, you be the one that steps up. To follow means to support others and their ideas. Great things happen when we lift each other up and we do that by following.”
Mrs. Davis added, “You must know when to step aside because sometimes progress means space.
“You are not just followers or leaders; you are game changers. No matter what you decide to do, whether you are going to lead or follow, you are game changers, because every step is very important.”
During the conference, Mrs. Davis gave a donation to the Centre.
Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin was there to support the event along with members of the clergy and other government officials.
The Centre’s mission led by Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Therena Cunningham, is to assist in building smart and brave girls with a strong sense of self.
By Llonella Gilbert/Bahamas Information Services
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