Hazelyn Francis is a politician, former teacher, and trade-union leader from Antigua and Barbuda. She was President of that country's Senate from 2005 - 2014.

Early life and education

Hazlyn Rosetta Mason was born in 1939. An educator by profession, she pursued studies at the Leeward Islands Teachers’ Training College in Antigua (1972-1974) and later Baccalaureate studies at the University of the West Indies. Mona Campus, Jamaica (1986-1989).

Career

Her career in education started in 1966 as an uncertified teacher at Greenbay Primary School. After attaining her teaching certification in 1974, she continued as an Assistant Teacher at Greenbay Primary before moving to the Preparatory Department at Antigua Girls High School in 1977. In 1977, Mason-Francis became the Assistant Teacher in charge of the Ottos Comprehensive School Library, a post she held until 1986.

After completing her bachelor's degree, she served as Senior Librarian, Antigua State College from 1989 to 1995. In 1995, she was appointed Deputy Principal of Ottos Comprehensive School, and in 1997, Principal of Golden Grove Primary School. From 2000 to 2005 she worked in the Ministry of Education as Education Officer with responsibility for Zone II.

Francis also served as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers from 1995 to 1998. She also lectured summer courses at the Antigua State College for teachers due to enter the Teachers Training Department of the college.

Francis served as president of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers from 1995 to 1998. On 27 March 2004 she was appointed to the Senate. She served as Vice President of the Senate from 2004 to 2005, and was elected President of the Senate on 7 January 2005. She demitted office in May 2014.

Francis also holds membership in several professional organizations and serves voluntarily on a number of Government and non Governmental Committees.

Honours and awards

Francis was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) Medal for Public Service in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour’s List in January 1999.

Personal life

Francis Francis is the mother of three – one daughter and two sons.

She is a staunch member of the Moravian Church and has served in all the groups of the Greenbay Moravian Church.  Her most outstanding contribution there was to the Women’s Fellowship of which she was President from 1995 – 2005.