Ansa Wilson, Inspector of Police at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police, has been awarded the prestigious title of the 2023 Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission Humanitarian of the Year at the annual event took place at the Shore Club Resort in Providenciales, Saturday, December 9.
Wilson's remarkable contributions through her charity, Abuse Awareness Turks and Caicos, have earned her this accolade, recognizing her dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals within the community.
Wilson's charity focuses on addressing issues such as trauma, depression, stress, and disruptions in families, offering support and resources to those in need. Speaking about the award, Wilson expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the efforts of all volunteers and supporters who have played a crucial role in the success of Abuse Awareness Turks and Caicos.
“There is no feeling to describe what I am feeling right now. I am completely shocked. Everything is shaking. I did not expect it, because what I do is hard for some persons to talk about, experiencing trauma, depression, stress, disruption in the family, those things are hard to share and hard to talk about. So, I didn’t expect this, but I am extremely grateful,” she said.
The inspector shared that her involvement with vulnerable children and adults inspired her to create the organization. She emphasized the importance of prevention through providing information, enabling individuals to make informed decisions.
“I am a police officer…a police inspector of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and in 2012, I was introduced to working closely with vulnerable children and vulnerable adults, and after coming in contact with those persons you could not leave them the same.
“It makes me realize that there is more that I could do in terms of prevention. If persons have more information they can make more informed decisions, so that is how Abuse Awareness Turks and Caicos came about. In 2016, I just start sharing information and letting people know of available resources and what to expect when something awful has happened to them.
“And so, that is how I am here today…because of what these persons who shared and read and asked questions and volunteered,” she said.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the early stages of the charity in 2016, Wilson noted the difficulties in securing support. However, over the years, the community rallied behind her cause, with people volunteering their services and resources to assist those in need.
“In 2016, it was hard. Everyone I reached to, they were asking for some form of payment, or they didn’t want to go on camera, they didn't want to be recorded. Sometimes stuff would be planned, and no one would show up.
“But as the years passed persons started contacting me and volunteering and asking me if I knew anyone who needed help and were willing to do anything that was needed to help persons…whether it was families who needed some groceries or a child who needed clothing, a school bag, school shoes, or somebody who needs somebody to talk to.
“People just start donating their services, and from then until now, we are still here today. I always say ‘we’, because without my Abuse Awareness family, this would not be a possibility. And so, this is win for all of us. This is a win for the community…every island in the Turks and Caicos.
Omardi Morris, son of Home Affairs Minister Hon. Otis Morris, walked away with the Junior Humanitarian Award for 2023. The other dominees were Alcia Bobb and Demarco Williams.
Morris expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of using basketball to drive positive cultural change in Turks and Caicos. Morris, who has been coaching the HJ Robinson High School basketball team for seven years, said he aims to instil problem-solving skills and a sense of responsibility in the youth.
Gibson, the nominee for North Caicos, walked away with the Community Star by Island Award. The other nominees were Omari Morris from Grand Turk, Allen Dickenson from Salt Cay, Luedel Goldman from South Caicos, Steve Puthemus from Middle Caicos and Pastor Barbara Jervis from Providenciales.
Gibson shared his humility in receiving the award, emphasizing that his work is for the people. Gibson revealed that he had initially nominated someone else and campaigned for that individual to win, making his surprise even more profound.
The Orchard was named the 2023 NGO of the year. There were two nominees in that category, the other being The Sisterhood.
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