Celebrating Woman International (CWI) a subsidiary of TKHGFI nonprofit organization, announced plans today to award Ms. Patricia Mortimer with the “Woman of Distinction Award” 2015 for her outstanding accomplishments professionally and within the community. 

Ms. Patricia Mortimer President and CEO of Patmor Holdings Company Limited entered what was considered a closed and competitive field – the highly specialized Airport business sphere – 25 years ago – and today her brands in novelties, gift items, merchandising, food and beverage in the Lynden Pindling International Airport have firmly established her as their premier businessperson. Pat is always eager to share her story of the tight rope walk she endured on her journey. 

When Pat walked into the Airport in the mid – 1980s to open her first gift and candy confectionery “Sweet Delights” the Airport’s commercial wing was dominated by companies that had been around from the early 1950s, various merchants stemming from the days of the minority colonial government seemed entrenched in the Airport and it was for the most part considered a male business field. 

Pat’s experience in the corporate world as an Executive Secretary in the petroleum industry and in banking gave her the inspiration and experience to formulate the brand she wanted for Sweet Delights. 

Earlier she had sojourned in downtown Nassau with a high fashion ladies prêt a porter boutique (Impact) with her unique display of live mannequins in the store’s well lit show room windows. Impact seemed unbeatable in the annual “Women Trade Show”, started by Mrs. Joy Williams in the early 1980s. 

The new multi-million dollar Lynden Pindling International Airport presented a new challenge for Pat, which she readily accepted and set out to create the sense of place, ambience and décor and corral the international and quality Bahamian merchandise the new Canadian operators were strict and taciturn in demanding for the new ultra-modern facility. 

With all of this going on Pat still finds time for her favorite charities and her passion for fine dining. She is a life time member of Chains De Rotisseurs, The International French Gourmet Association. 

Pat has worked at the highest levels with The Bahamas Red Cross Society. She was a charter member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association and The Bahamas Secretaries Association. Pat’s talents as an Event Coordinator/Planner and Site Designer are frequently donated to some of the country’s major high society calendar events. She was instrumental in The Annual Banana Boat Reunion and recently began a new end of year social gala known as “Nostalgia” for friends and colleagues. 

Pat guards her political views, save for and except when she is serving as Stalwart Councilor or in the Leadership Council of the governing Progressive Liberal Party; where she is known to wield tremendous influence. 

Pat recently suffered tremendous loss when her only brother Teddy Sealy passed away after a short illness in December, 2014 and in March, 2015 she lost her mother Mary P. Cleare, whom she describes as “the wind beneath my wings”. 

Pat enjoys traveling and developing business ideas and has a green thumb for orchids and exotic lilies. When she does get a quiet evening at home with her companion Ormand Stan Davis, the couple enjoys time with their 13 year old grandson Patek Aritis. A strong family person and described as a “friend to the end”, Pat says she treasures her Sunday gatherings at her home where she can be found in her kitchen preparing signature dishes for her family, friends and associates. 

Pat currently serves on the Board of Directors of Bahamasair Holdings Limited, Bahamas National Festival (Carnival) Commission and PlayTech Limited. She worships at St. Joseph’s Church, Boyd Road. 

Founded in 2013, Celebrating Woman International aims to mobilize and inspire women across the globe, to honor, recognize and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives. 

• Expand women’s global business and leadership opportunities. 

• Create a virtual “Celebrating Woman” Worldwide Center & Hall of Honor by 2020. 

• Provide a one-of-a-kind global education initiative focused on honoring differences. 

• Inspire a spirit of service and giving among women. 

“Celebrating Woman International thinks honoring women for their accomplishments and hard work is a wonderful way to thank and inspire other women within the community. These awards are intended to do that. The selected honourees have demonstrated an untiring zeal for service to the community and inspire us through their selfless commitment to improving the lives of others,” Celebrating Woman International Corporate Secretary, Collin Smith said. 

During the month of October, the “Woman of Distinction Awards” will be awarded to women who have made significant contributions in the following categories: arts; business; finance & trade; religion; law; civics; media and sports in The Bahamas. 

During the month of September, Celebrating Woman International will announce the names of all the honorees and give more details about the upcoming events.