Dr. Jean Lenore Harney – First Female Doctor and Female Pilot from St. Kitts & Nevis
Dr. Jean Lenore Harney exemplified academic excellence, groundbreaking achievements, and dedicated service to public health. Born in St. Kitts in 1925, she was the youngest daughters of local businessman Mr. John Leonard Harney, and his wife, Mae.
Lenore attended Girls High School, where she distinguished herself academically. In 1942, she made history by winning the prestigious Leeward Islands Scholarship, becoming the first female student from St. Kitts and Nevis to achieve this honour. This scholarship awarded her the opportunity to study medicine at Liverpool University in the United Kingdom. After completion she made history as the first female doctor from St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla.
After completing her medical studies, Lenore returned to St. Kitts and worked at the Cunningham Hospital before furthering her education at Harvard University, specialising in Public Health Medicine. This specialisation shaped the trajectory of her medical career, focusing on public health initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of communities.
Lenore’s career took her to various countries, including Barbados, where she served as a Senior Medical Officer from 1960 to 1969. She then worked with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), playing a key role in immunization programs for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and polio in the Caribbean and Central America.
In recognition of her dedication to public health, Lenore received an award from the Caribbean Public Health Association in 1994. Her contributions extended beyond medicine; she earned her private pilot’s license while living in Barbados in the 1960s, becoming the first female pilot from St. Kitts and Nevis. She was also a polyglot, fluent in languages such as Spanish and French, and continued her pursuit of knowledge by learning Mandarin in her 80s.
Aside from her professional accomplishments, Lenore authored two published books and numerous short stories, demonstrating her creativity and literary talent. She was known for her advocacy of women’s rights, her sense of humor, and her passion for travel.
In her later years, Lenore married Sydney Blake, a retired businessman, and divided her time between St. Kitts and Barbados, where she maintained a home. She continued to lead a vibrant and active life until her passing in 2020, at the age of 95. Lenore’s legacy as a pioneer in medicine, aviation, literature, and women’s empowerment continues to inspire generations.