Get ready to celebrate! This International Women’s Day, The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) and its Gender Equality Commission are thrilled to announce the three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Esther Maynard Icon Award: Annette Beckett, Monica Cumberbatch, and Roxanne Forte.
Established in 2020, the Esther Maynard Icon Award shines a spotlight on women who have made significant, lasting contributions to advancing women in sport in Barbados.
Meet our extraordinary 2026 finalists:
Annette Beckett
With a remarkable six-decade journey in netball and female empowerment, Annette Beckett has shown remarkable visionary leadership. Her commitment to uplifting women and girls in sports is truly inspiring.
- National Leadership: As President of the Barbados Netball Association for 15 years, Ms. Beckett implemented transformative changes that led to Barbados’ highest-ever world ranking.
- Global Influence: She has played a key role in shaping sport governance worldwide, working with organisations like World Netball and the Caribbean Netball Association to establish ethical and anti-doping protocols.
- Honours: In 2022, she received the Silver Trident of Excellence from the Government of Barbados for her distinguished service.
- Legacy: Ms. Beckett dedicates herself to capacity-building by mentoring and training future women leaders in sport administration and officiating.
Monica Cumberbatch
Monica Cumberbatch is a trailblazer and an esteemed administrator with a profound impact on Caribbean sports. As a passionate advocate for women in sports, she has created a lasting legacy.
- Hockey Pioneer: An Honorary Life Vice President of the Barbados Hockey Federation (BHF) after 25 years of service, Mrs. Cumberbatch was integral to its formation and remains a key advisor.
- International Advocacy: She has tirelessly promoted women’s development across the Americas as a Board Member for the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF).
- Multi-Sport Impact: Her influence extends beyond hockey to significant roles in the Barbados Netball Association, the Barbados Boxing Board Committee, and managing the Barbados Women’s Senior and Under-19 Cricket teams.
- Honours: Mrs. Cumberbatch has been awarded the PAHF Order of Merit, inducted into the Barbados Hockey Hall of Fame, and recognised as the National Sports Council’s Sports Administrator of the Year in 2004.
Roxanne Forte
For over two decades, Roxanne Forte has broken barriers and set new standards in sports administration. Known for her integrity and dedication, she is a strong role model and devoted advocate for sports development.
- Breaking Barriers: Ms. Forte made history as the first female elected as Second Vice President of the Barbados Volleyball Association, demonstrating her commitment to advancing women in sport.
- World-Class Delivery: She has combined passion and professionalism to deliver top-tier tournaments in volleyball, cricket, and football.
- Major Tournaments: Ms. Forte served as a key member of the Local Organising Committee for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, led Barbados operations for the Caribbean Premier League since 2017, and managed ticketing operations for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017 in India.
- Regional Development: She has been instrumental in organising regional volleyball championships through her work on the NORCECA Marketing Committee.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable women and their significant contributions to sports in Barbados. The winner of the 2026 Esther Maynard Icon Award will be announced on March 31, 2026, during a ceremony broadcast live on the BOA’s YouTube channel.