at the United Nations in New York on Saturday.

The award is for "service in the field of government and journalism'', according to a Government Information Services (GIS) spokesman.

The Premier left for New York yesterday and will be back in Bermuda for Monday.

A GIS spokesman said Ms Smith's only official engagement will be at the UN on Saturday.

The Premier will be presented with the award, established to recognise women who have "excelled beyond normal expectations in a multi-cultural society'', at a ceremony at the UN.

She will be the keynote speaker at the presentation, which will feature past and present recipients of the award.

The award, which was started in 1995, is made after biographies of candidates are submitted on an annual basis.

Ms Smith said in a written news statement: "It is a great honour and very humbling to have been selected for this award.

"Many women here in Bermuda and around the world struggle to succeed against the odds. I pay tribute to them all.

"When I speak at the UN I shall be reminding colleagues there of the need to continue to press for equal opportunity for women -- for ordinary women who cope with the pressures of worth and motherhood, perhaps whilst continuing to advance their skills and education.'' Previous honourees include Dr. Selina Akua Ahoklui of Ghana, Councilwoman Una ST Clarke of Jamaica, Cynthia Currington-Murray of Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr. Mary H Umolu of the United States.

Premier Jennifer Smith