Statement
STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE VINCENT O. WHEATLEY
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
AT THE NINTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
TUESDAY, 5TH MARCH 2024
International Women’s Day
Madam Speaker, International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March and I would like to be the first to wish all the women in our beautiful Virgin Islands, a happy International Women’s Day! I salute you for your sterling contributions towards the development of these Islands. On this upcoming International Women's Day, we join the rest of the world in honouring the remarkable social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments and contributions of women worldwide.
In keeping with the United Nations, our theme for 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate progress”. This year, we celebrate strides in gender equality, recognizing both achievements and the ongoing challenges. Our special focus is on women in economic development, acknowledging those who have invested in themselves to accelerate progress.
Women like Mrs. Eileene Parsons and Ms. Ethlyn Smith, who were the first women elected to the then Legislative Council in 1995, with Mrs. Parsons later becoming our first female Minister of Government. Women like Mrs. Dancia Penn-Sallah, our first Attorney General, first female called to the Bar in the Virgin Islands and first female to own her own law firm, among other firsts. Women like Ms. Margaret Borde, our first female Clerk of the Legislative Council, Dame Janice Pereira, the first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and Dr. N. Joyce Brewley, of deceased memory, our first female doctor, Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Dermatologist.
Madam Speaker, in my capacity as the Minister responsible for the Office of Gender Affairs, my commitment is unwavering in the ongoing pursuit of maintaining the Virgin Islands as a place where women and girls are free from discrimination, violence, and injustice. I am dedicated to sustaining a society with no tolerance for gender-based violence, ensuring that all spaces are safe for women and girls.
I take pride in the Virgin Islands being a place where women have equal opportunities to prosper and actively engage in shaping the future of our Territory. A place where women like Mrs. Patsy Lake, Mrs. Maria Dawson and Mrs. Emogene Creque had the opportunity to make significant strides in their respective businesses.
Madam Speaker, our Government recognizes the importance of inspiring inclusion to build a high quality and resilient society. This thrust is reflected in our National Sustainable Development Plan, Goal One: Health and Wellness - The Virgin Islands Emphasizes Healthy Living for Fulfilling Lives, which recognizes that the need for promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women in all spheres of life, is key to sustained and inclusive development.
On International Women's Day, let us acknowledge and pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women. Let us celebrate those who have paved the way, commend the impactful work being carried out, and anticipate the inspiration and leadership that will empower future generations of girls.
Together, let us continue to empower and uplift women to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to overcome barriers, attain success and flourish.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
