BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Mar. 09. 2018 – WITH citizens and residents in the federation joining the rest of the world yesterday (Mar. 08) to commemorate International Women’s Day, a group took to the street to raise awareness against domestic violence.
That awareness drive comes against the backdrop of the gruesome death of sisters Naomi and Jimmyliah Finch.
According to a police report, Naomi was strangled to death whilst Jimmyliah died as a result of chop wounds she received.
President of the Business and Professional Women Club, Glenna Evelyn explained that the purpose of the march was to use the platform to let the voices of women be hard in the federation.
She reflected on the murder of the Finch sisters, pointing out that there is a need to put an end to violence against women or anyone who has been abused.
“We thought today would be the best platform to start that,” she stated.
She pointed out that the central focus of their message is to have women understand that they need not be embarrassed if they were the victims of abuse.
“We are here, we are here to support anybody who is in any situation that needs assistance. This doesn’t have to be done publicly, we can help you in private; we just need to know who we have to help.”
Opposition MP, Marcella Liburd told reporters that her message is for women to stand up against all forms of violence – not just physical violence.
She reminded that this year, they have seen three violent homicides involving women.
“We are here to stand up against physical violence against women. Too often we are now being the victims of gruesome murders and we are calling for action to be taken by the Department of Gender in order to protect women.’
The third murder the Parliamentary Representative was speaking to involved Shirley Dawn.
Dawn was found dead in a house belonging to a man with whom she had a relationship.
Wayne “Spyer” Chapman was charged in relation to that incident.
The outspoken Liburd, stated that there are increasing cases of rapes in the Federation.
“We are seeing increases in rapes, and the violation of women’s homes;a lot of the homes are being run by women. So, we need some form of protection for women.”
International Women’s day was celebrated under the theme: ‘#PressforProgress’.
