The Office of Gender Affairs is recognising women for their longstanding contribution to the Virgin Islands in the field of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in observance of International Women’s Day.

This year’s observance, under the theme DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, recognises the numerous contributions from women and girls towards the development of the ICT industry worldwide.

The office recognises Director of the Department of Information Technology Mrs. Annabelle Skelton-Malone  who manages and directs the department’s operation, ensuring that efficient and effective technological services are provided throughout the Government.

Mrs. Skelton-Malone started the department in 1989, under the stewardship of the then Financial Secretary Robert Mathavious, with two officers including herself. With her vision and strategic direction for information technology, she has expanded the services and the staff compliment over the years.

Under her leadership, the department implemented several technologies that have enhanced Government's operations. Mrs. Skelton-Malone  has overseen the implementation and upgrades of the Government Accounting System, the rebranding of the Government's Websites to a central website, the expansion of network connectivity to government entities located throughout Tortola and the major sister islands along with the digitation of School Administration for all public schools through the implementation of SASI, which has since been migrated to PowerSchool.

Working in this industry for more than three decades, the director has gained the respect of her colleagues in the Virgin Islands, as well as throughout the Caribbean region.  She was recognised for the department's accomplishments and commended for leading and keeping the Government's IT services and systems, on the cutting edge of technology.

Senior Database Administrator at the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Mrs. Karen Liburd-Anselm has worked at the commission since 2003 and is celebrating 20 years as one of the few women in her field. She is responsible for ensuring that the FSC has a reliable, robust and secure database infrastructure, environment all year round.

As a Database Administrator, this leading lady in technology is accountable for a complex, multi-platform database environment which includes Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL utilised in mission-critical enterprise applications such as VIRRGIN, AML/CFT Returns and MFAR Systems. She is also one of the persons responsible for providing technical support for the VIRRGIN application which is the system that makes it easy for Registered Agents to register companies, pay annual fees and make changes following the BVIBC Act.

The VIRRGIN application also allows for the Registry of Corporate Affairs to ensure that entities doing business in and from within the Territory are duly registered and that the Register of Companies is properly maintained. Incorporation fees collected via the VIRRGIN account for more than 50% of Government revenues and therefore her job contributes to one of the Territory's financial pillars.

Information Technology (IT) Manager at Roadtown Wholesale Trading, Limited (RTW) Mrs. Irma Harrigan is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the IT team, ensuring the availability and reliability of systems and networks, managing technology vendors, and implementing new technologies and processes to improve the efficiency and productivity of the company.

Mrs. Harrigan joined RTW in 1983 as a Trainee Programmer and was promoted to Senior Analyst/Programmer after graduating from Salisbury State University with a Computer Information Systems degree .  In 1993, Mrs. Harrigan  attained the IT Manager position she currently holds.

While reflecting on major achievements during her tenure, Mrs. Harrigan highlights her role as the IT Operations Lead on the Company’s enterprise software upgrade project which deployed cutting-edge technologies which improved the timeliness of wholesale customer order fulfilment.   This project earned RTW a Microsoft Pinnacle Award for ‘Excellence in Teamwork.

Mrs. Harrigan notes the key success factors for surviving in this rapidly evolving technological world include resilience, assertiveness, a strong supporting team and a positive outlook.

Biomedical Engineer Manager at the BVI Health Services Authority, Mrs. Candia Rabsatt-Thompson is responsible for Healthcare Technology Management as it relates to the installation, calibrations, corrective maintenance and preventative maintenance of medical equipment. The medical equipment must maintain the manufactures standard of a high level of accuracy, reliability, and durability as it relates to patient care and diagnoses. The equipment must also be safe for both clinical staff and patients.

At a young age, Mrs. Rabsatt-Thompson displayed an interest in electronics and technology. After graduating high school, she enrolled at DeVry University and obtained a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and a certificate in Biomedical Equipment Technology.

Throughout her professional career and personal development, Mrs. Rabsatt-Thompson says she has learnt that is very important to surround yourself with positive individuals that want to see you grow and that can see your vision and purpose to help your trajectory.

The Office of Gender Affairs salutes these women and all the women in the Virgin Islands who continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of young women.