On March 20, 2025, the National Women’s Commission hosted its 20th Annual Outstanding Women’s Award Ceremony, recognizing 14 women from across Belize for their contributions in areas such as women in poverty, human rights, and the well-being of girls. These focus areas align with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, which is a landmark agreement outlining 12 critical areas for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, with a focus on concrete actions and strategies for achieving these goals
Sister Carlette Gentle was among the honorees, receiving the Outstanding Women’s Award. She was nominated by the National Council on Aging for her dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors.
A Sister of Charity of Nazareth, Sister Carlette is the founder and executive director of Living Independently in Full Existence (LIFE), a nonprofit organization that supports older adults in Southside Belize City. She was born in Belize City and attended Edward P. Yorke High School and the University of Belize. She later earned a master’s degree in clinical social work and a certificate in geriatric studies from Saint Louis University.
Through LIFE, Sister Carlette works to improve the health and well-being of seniors in five key areas: housing, social support, food access, medical care, and transportation. She collaborates with community partners to provide safe housing and organizes social programs to reduce isolation among seniors. She also coordinates food delivery services and arranges transportation for medical appointments and daily needs, helping older adults maintain their independence.
For more than 11 years, Sister Carlette has served various groups, including children, youth, women, families, incarcerated women, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. Her work continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of senior citizens in Belize.
Congratulations, Sister Carlette, on receiving the Outstanding Women’s Award! Your dedication to serving seniors with compassion and dignity is truly inspiring. May you be blessed with strength and joy as you continue this vital ministry.
Congratulations Carlette for your great achievement in caring for the needy and vulnerable. May God bless and guide you always.
I am so proud of you, Carlette. May God bless you “bunches” for all you do for your beloved elderly in Belize.
Congratulations! An award that is so deserved. We are called to make a positive difference in the world and that is just what you are doing. May God continue to bless you and the LIFE ministry.
Congratulations, Carlette. The impact that LIFE makes on all those seniors is apparent in so many areas of their lives. Your leadership, your creativity, talents and humor combine marvelously with your deep concern for each and every one of them.
Congratulations, Carlette! So moved by your leadership of love and.service over these years!
You are marvelous .and what wonders you do bringing smiles, hope, and joy. thank you for your passionate involvement in this wonderful ministry really becoming salt of the earth and sweet fragrance by your presence, involvement total giving. You are an inspiration for me. Hats off !! May you continue to bloom.
Sister Marianne Puthoor SCN
You are marvelous .and what wonders you do bringing smiles, hope, and joy. thank you for your passionate involvement in this wonderful ministry really becoming salt of the earth and sweet fragrance by your presence, involvement total giving. You are an inspiration for me. Hats off !! May you continue to bloom.
Sister Marianne Puthoor SCN
How wonderful! I remember, years ago, seeing you at Nazareth at mealtimes, going around to each table and talking to each Sister. Kindness is in your bones.
Congratulations, Sister Carlette! Being the founder and executive director of LIFE is a big accomplishment – evidenced by all the good happening for elders in the community.
Congratulations Carlette!
Congratulations, Carlette! What wonderful work you do for the senior citizens in Belize, and your recognition, rightly given, will inspire other young people to believe in themselves and go forth to share their gifts and talents! Thank you, dear Carlette! Continue blessings to go far in the future bringing New Life to so many!!
Carlette. Well deserved! You have an uncanny talent for seeing what is needed and responding in a “gentle”! Congratulations!
Congratulations Carlette! Well deserved for your recognition in working and caring for seniors.
I searched both Channel 5 and Channel 7 the day after the award was given and was disappointed when I found nothing. Maybe I was a day to soon. I’m proud that you were recognized for the difference you have made in so many areas for the marginalized in Belize. May you continue to make a difference for the people of Belize.
Congratulations!
Our dear Carlette, we are so proud and grateful for your presence among God’s elder ones in Belize, Loving congratulations!
Well Carlette I saw your skills even in High School. You set goals and go for them especially for those on the margins. Thanks for your ministry to all. ❤️👏🏼👏🏼🙏
Congratulation Carlette, so happy for you. See you soon
CONGRATULATIONS!
You are doing wonderful work
with seniors. Bless you Carlette.
Congratulations, Carlette . You are so committed and selfless in serving those on the margins. May you continue to answer His call.
Congratulations, Carlette. I already knew you were a Woman of the Year. It is wonderful to see your work recognized by Belize. You have certainly led the way in care for the elderly. Blessings, peace and love.
Congratulations Carlette. I am proud of you. What a prevelege to serve the women and children. God bless you dear.
Beena Chirackal