Book Launch and Signing with Her Honor Mrs. Deborah Thomas-Felix
On Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, the Center hosted a book launch in Cramton Auditorium for Her Honor Deborah Thomas-Felix, from Trinidad & Tobago. Her book titled Labour Law and Good Industrial Relations – Progressive Discipline and Maternity Protection in the Workplace is her second publication focusing on the practice of good industrial relations and progressive discipline in the workplace. The event took place on the stage of Cramton Auditorium, with Senator Dr. Paul Richards serving as the MC for the evening. Guests included Ambassadors from around the globe and Howard University students, staff, and faculty.
We enjoyed two performances from Tenor Steelpan Soloist Khandeya Sheppard and insightful book reviews by H.E. Ambassador Maria Roquebert Leon, Permanent Representative of Panama to the OAS, and Mr. Wilhelm Joseph, Former Executive Director at Maryland Legal Aid, followed by Her Honors powerful insights on Industrial Relations – Progressive Discipline and Maternity Protection.
The intimate dialogue concluded with a book signing and reception with guests, including Senator Dr. Paul Richards, Independent Senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; H.E. Brig. Gen. (Ret'd.) Anthony W J Phillips-Spencer, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States; Mr. Wilhelm Joseph, Former Executive Director at Maryland Legal Aid; H.E. Ambassador Maria Roquebert Leon, Permanent Representative of Panama to the OAS; and Dr. J. Jarpa Dawuni, Director of the Women's Center.
Her Honor Deborah Thomas-Felix served as the President of the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago for over a decade. The Fullbright Scholar's career catapulted in the early 90s when she became the youngest person in Trinidad and Tobago to be elevated to the bench as Magistrate. She continued to prevail, becoming the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Chief Magistrate, she was appointed as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and currently serves as President of the Industrial Court in Trinidad and Tobago. Her Honor Thomas-Felix proceeds to break glass ceilings while creating opportunities for the next generation of women in leadership.