Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations has personally congratulated Antigua and Barbuda’s very own space traveler, Keisha Schahaff, who was honoured at the United Nations on Tuesday.
Ms. Schahaff was included in a distinguished and select group of women astronauts who received special recognition for their achievements in journeying to space.
In August of 2023, Ms. Schahaff and her daughter, Anastasia Mayers, boarded a Virgin Galactic spacecraft and blasted into space, the first mother and daughter pair from the Caribbean to be lifted beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
Her recognition formed part of Rise, one of the major activities for the 10th annual International Day of Women in STEM, which is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Rise is the UN Secretary General’s spotlight initiative and collaborated this year with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to honour the women astronauts and their outer space expeditions.
During a week at the United Nations where Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its support for gender based initiatives and the rights of women and girls during a UN Women Forum, Ambassador Webson said it was truly heartening to witness the inspiring journey of Ms. Schahaff.
“She is a living example of everything that our small nation can achieve and I will continue to congratulate you Keisha for your work in breaking barriers and showcasing the courage our small nation needs to take on any frontier,” Ambassador Webson stated.
While at the UN for the ceremony, Ambassador Webson also exchanged kind words and congratulated the Permanent Representative of Poland to the United Nations Krzysztof Szczerski for his country’s support of such a stellar initiative, especially as it brings attention to the raging issue of gender based violence.
According to Ms. Schahaff: “As a woman astronaut, I stand as living proof that the sky is not the limit for women and girls in STEAM.
When we protect, respect and empower women in science and in general, we ignite the future for generations to come.”
Ms. Schahaff was recognized late last year at the annual Independence Gala hosted by the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in New York.
