Allyson Williams MBE

“My interest and passion for the carnival arts started in my childhood as I was born and bred in Trinidad and Tobago and my parents and their friends were great supporters of the arts. Here in London, I pursued a career in nursing and midwifery, and after thirty-five years of service, I retired from the NHS, my last role being Deputy Head of Midwifery. In 2002, I became a Member of the British Empire for my services to the midwifery profession in London.

My late husband Vernon "Fellows" Williams was a founder member of the carnival in1964. We started our own band called Genesis in 1980. I was responsible for all the administration of the band.

As part of the design team, I also had the role of lead seamstress, in charge of making and finishing all costumes, including costumes commissioned by clients around the world and outside the carnival arena. My family and I continued running Genesis when my husband passed away in 2002. I started attending Mas arena meetings and became the arena's representative on the Board, and subsequently Interim Chair of the Board in 2008.

To date, I am privileged to have given 38 years of continued service and commitment to the carnival arts and NHC”

Allyson Williams MBE