Outstanding local women receive int’l women’s day awards

Roadtown, Tortola - Seven local women have received awards for their “significant contributions to the development of the community.”
Mrs. Dinis Chalwell, Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, Ms. Elsa Meyers, Ms. Eugenia O’Neal, Ms. Franka Pickering, Mrs. Melcena Smith, and Mrs. Janet Stoutt were this year’s International Women’s Day honourees.

International Women’s Day was officially celebrated last Sunday afternoon at the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park under the theme “Women and Men United to Build Healthier Relationships.” The programme, which included a vibrant entertainment package, was attended by several Government leaders including Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC also paid tribute to a number of local women who have made lasting impacts on the Territory.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of women in the Virgin Islands and the wider world. It is also an opportunity to anticipate the bright future that lies ahead for our women and for our girls participating fully in our society,” noted Honourable Penn as she delivered her message in observance of the day.

There were also remarks from Territorial-at-Large Representative Honourable Irene Penn-O’Neal, who has a strong interest in gender issues.

Other members of the House of Assembly who attended the event were Honourable Keith Flax, Dr. the Honourable Vincent Scatliffe, and Honourable Elvis Harrigan.

The celebration included readings by Callaloo Poets and Ms. Phyllis Mercer, a skit by Ms. Lavern Blyden and Mr. Donnell Trumpet, and musical renditions by Yahoo Pan Groove. Other highlights included a parade of hats, roll call of exceptional local women, and a special demonstration by Fabric Sculptor Ms. Trinita Hodge. Chairperson for the programme was acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs. Petrona N. Davies.

International Women’s Day is observed around the world on March 8 each year, but the local observance was delayed by one week. The Office of Gender Affairs, Ministry of Health and Social Development, coordinated last Sunday’s programme.