Her Honour, Senator Kerry-Ann F. Ifill
Former President of the Senate, Barbados
Her Honour Senator Kerry-Ann Ifill is a Barbadian politician and President of the Barbados Denate. As a pioneer in her own right, Senator Ifill's life story is truly one of triumph over adversity.
Early life and education
Ifill began losing her sight at the age of four and half. After spending six months in the United States for operations, Ifill returned to Barbados. At the age of six, she attended the School for the Blind and Deaf, now called the Irving Wilson School.
Living with a disability - blindness, Kerry-Ann determination and strength was evident from as young as age fourteen; when she was given the opportunity of attending one the mainstream secondary school's; Combermere. Here she learnt to deal with her physical challenges and with much dedication and effort she has paved the way to her success. Moving on from Combermere, Senator Ifill, attended the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus graduating with Honours in 1999 with a degree in Sociology and Psychology. She went on to obtain an MBA from Durham School of Business in England.
Career
In 2008, Barbadian Prime Minister David Thompson appointed her to the Senate, then to the position of deputy President of the Senate. In March 2012, with the resignation of Sir Branford Taitt, Ifill was appointed President of the Senate. She was the first woman to hold that position, the first person with a disability, and youngest ever holder of the position, at the age of 38. She demitted office on 5 March 2018 following the dissolution of Parliament.
She is also President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled.
Personal life
On the social aspect of Senator Ifill's life, she engages in both recreational and service activities some of which range from cricket to ballroom dancing and with much courage and support from friends, family and love ones she continues to be a trailblazer in all her endeavours. An Anglican all of her life, she is the Sunday School Superintendent at the Church of the Resurrection. She believes that "there is no impediment greater than that which is within you!"
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