Ms. Patricia Hackett has been appointed Gender Affairs Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Social Development from May 2023 to May 2024.

Ms. Hackett returns to the post having previously served as Gender Affairs Coordinator from 2007 to 2011.

Minister for Health and Natural Resources, Honourable Vincent Wheatley expressed that Ms. Hackett has a wealth of knowledge and experience for the role and she has the capabilities to revitalise the Office of Gender Affairs. 

Honourable Wheatley said, “Ms Hackett previously served the Government of the Virgin Islands in this very capacity and I am elated to welcome her back to continue moving gender affairs forward in the Virgin Islands. As we appoint a new Gender Affairs Coordinator let us embrace the opportunity to foster inclusivity, promote equality, and empower voices that have long been marginalised."

During her four years as Gender Affairs Coordinator at the Ministry of Health and social development, Ms. Hackett worked to develop the first and only Gender Policy and Domestic Violence Protocol in the Virgin Islands, in partnership with the University of the West Indies. She now returns with the aim of further advancing this Protocol, as well as rebuilding and reconnecting alliances with both local and international stakeholders.

Ms. Hackett will be responsible for the development of the Territory’s Gender Affairs policies and programmes and will oversee the unit’s day-to-day work and provide strategic guidance.

Acting Governor, Mr. David Archer Jr. said, “Ms. Hackett’s return to this post represents our commitment to ensuring that qualified, capable and effective leaders are appointed throughout the Public Service. Her expertise and experience is unmatched, and I am excited to see what she is able to produce in this role.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Hackett most recently served as the Gender Training Officer within the Office of the Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago. In this role, she oversaw the implementation of the training curriculum for gender development, as well as gender related issues for the Trinidadian Public Service.

Ms. Hackett said that she returns to the post of Gender Affairs Coordinator at the Ministry of Health and Social Development with a renewed passion for the development of Gender Affairs in the Territory. She said she envisions the Virgin Islands as a Territory with the ability and resources to become the Region’s foremost leader in Gender Affairs.

 “I am very happy to continue my commitment and passion for Gender and Development in the Virgin Islands. There is work to be done in promoting gender equality, equity and women empowerment through initiating and implementing policy, and focused programmes and projects. I am excited to be back, continuing this incredibly important work, and I look forward to partnering with the public as we continue to build our response to gender related issues.”

Ms. Hackett holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Guyana, a Certificate in Gender & Development Studies from the University of the West Indies and is currently completing a Master in Adult and Continuing Education. Additionally, Ms.Hackett has published various studies, reports and pieces related to Gender Affairs and Development.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to building a Territory that can stand boldly as a world-leader on Gender Affairs and gender related issues.