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LOCAL NEWS

Gender Affairs Unit Inaugurated

The administration of Chief Minister Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal has come in for high praise for establishing a Gender Affairs Unit, which will cater to the enhancement of life for both male and female in the territory. Formerly the Women’s Desk, the office was relocated from the Chief Minister’s Office in the Central Administration Building to its own suite in the Mill Mall. An official opening ceremony took place on Friday January 19th.

Consultant/Director Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges noted that the shift from women to gender in development is timely, well recommended and synonymous with the knowledge gained from an agenda of women in development locally, regionally and internationally. “I wish to commend the Honourable Chief Minister and his government for underscoring government’s commitment to a healthy, balanced and socially just British Virgin Islands society where gender equality is a reality.” She acknowledged that the continued presence of this office under the Chief Minister’s portfolio, one of the highest decision-making and executive authorities in the country, is strategic and opportune. She pointed out that issues of gender cut across all areas and have particular significance for development. “Today’s programme acknowledges the evolution that has brought us so far.”

His Excellency Governor Frank Savage paid tribute to Ms. Eugenia O’Neal, the first Officer appointed to the Desk when it was established back in 1992, whom he said raised the profile of issues affecting women in the territory. The Governor said when he first learnt of the idea to change the name from Women’s Desk to the Office of Gender Affairs, he was initially concerned that this might lead to a lack of focus about what the real issues are. “But I’ve been reassured…by looking at the goals of the Gender Affairs Unit and I’m pleased to see that the prominence throughout is still to the problems, concerns and affairs of women and girls.” He noted that there has been a lot of activity in this area during his time as Governor here, referring to the many incidents of domestic violence. “It’s abhorrent to us…so, whatever I can do to influence matters…Veronica (his wife) and I have put our support behind the women’s group addressing this issue and I’ve worked closely with the Commissioner of Police…to help bring Police protocols for dealing with these issues in line with community expectations.” He ended by pledging his continued support to the programme.

The Honourable Eileene Parsons, MP, was the Vice President of the Women’s Focal Point from 1988-1992, the group instrumental in initiating a move to have women’s affairs addressed. She describes this as a worthy project and congratulated the Chief Minister for not abandoning this project. She said the needs and concerns of females of this territory have been a vital concern to many for a number of years. Hon. Parsons pledged her support to the programme as a founding member of the original Focal Point Group, as a female, as a British Virgin Islander, as an advocate of rights for all and as a member of a body where “I can and will make my voice heard on gender issues”. She said she hoped the Office would get the necessary financial support from the Legislative Council and that inroads can be made in the effort to help persons, especially women and girls, at risk, to lift themselves up. She suggested continued education, saleable skills classes, seminars on self esteem and for government to establish an outlet for craft done by indigenous persons, especially females.

Former Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office now Coordinator of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) Mrs. Lorna Smith also admitted to doubting the need for the establishment of a Women’s Desk when the idea was first mooted. However, she was later convinced, as the Women’s Focal Point brought the frequent incidences of domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, rape, incest etc. to the fore. Mrs. Smith spoke to the increasing recognition of the need to pay more attention to the needs of women and men and pointed out that much has been achieved since the establishment of the Desk, including updated legislation. She said the new Office of Gender Affairs should serve to advocate the rights of all people. “I’m hopeful that there will be an emphasis on the children of our society,” the former PS/CMO suggested. She referred to those young children who are given a key and go home to an empty house every day after school because parents work late. “Needless to say, many of these children are rushed into premature adulthood…Our children need the attention of this community.”

Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal pointed out that domestic violence has been an issue in the Virgin Islands for a long time. He recalled the first action brought against a man for domestic violence back in 1951, but noted that it wasn’t until 1966 that the Domestic Violence Summary Proceedings Act was passed and then people became more and more accustomed to reporting these cases. Hon. O’Neal said he agreed that the Chief Minister’s Office was not a suitable location for the Women’s Desk and said he supported the move. He also expressed concern about the lot of children and widows in the territory and indicated that his office is moving to also address these areas. The Chief Minister paid tribute to the work of the Family Support Network for their role in assisting domestic violence victims and pledged his continued support, even as he requested additional support from the community. Legislative Council recently approved a grant of $40,000 to the organization. He used the opportunity to present a cheque of $50,000 to the FSN, the additional $10,000 coming from the Chief Minister’s Fund. In accepting the donation from government, Chairperson Ms. Vivian Lloyd said the money will be used to fund the services of a professional Director and an Assistant for the office.

The programme was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office Mr. Bennet Smith and included an interlude of poetry by Mr. Roy Hodge and Mr. Robert Chalwell and song by Ms. Nicole Donovan. President of the BVI National Youth Council Ms. Debra Hodge delivered remarks and cut the ribbon to officially open the new office. She said she hoped that the new Office of Gender Affairs would be able to create a world where women and men are equal and where both sexes have choices and are able to exercise responsibility. The Reverend Charlesworth Browne, Methodist Minister and President of the BVI Christian Council, conducted the blessing and dedication. Mrs. Rosalie Adams, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, delivered the vote of thanks. The Office of Gender Affairs can be reached at telephone number 468-3701 ext. 2234-7 or 468-0017.

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			LOCAL NEWS

			Gender Affairs Unit Inaugurated The administration of Chief Minister Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal has come in for high praise for establishing a Gender Affairs Unit, which will cater to the enhancement of life for both male and female in the territory. Formerly the Women’s Desk, the office was relocated from the Chief Minister’s Office in the Central Administration Building to its own suite in the Mill Mall. An official opening ceremony took place on Friday January 19th. Consultant/Director Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges noted that the shift from women to gender in development is timely, well recommended and synonymous with the knowledge gained from an agenda of women in development locally, regionally and internationally. “I wish to commend the Honourable Chief Minister and his government for underscoring government’s commitment to a healthy, balanced and socially just British Virgin Islands society where gender equality is a reality.” She acknowledged that the continued presence of this office under the Chief Minister’s portfolio, one of the highest decision-making and executive authorities in the country, is strategic and opportune. She pointed out that issues of gender cut across all areas and have particular significance for development. “Today’s programme acknowledges the evolution that has brought us so far.” His Excellency Governor Frank Savage paid tribute to Ms. Eugenia O’Neal, the first Officer appointed to the Desk when it was established back in 1992, whom he said raised the profile of issues affecting women in the territory. The Governor said when he first learnt of the idea to change the name from Women’s Desk to the Office of Gender Affairs, he was initially concerned that this might lead to a lack of focus about what the real issues are. “But I’ve been reassured…by looking at the goals of the Gender Affairs Unit and I’m pleased to see that the prominence throughout is still to the problems, concerns and affairs of women and girls.” He noted that there has been a lot of activity in this area during his time as Governor here, referring to the many incidents of domestic violence. “It’s abhorrent to us…so, whatever I can do to influence matters…Veronica (his wife) and I have put our support behind the women’s group addressing this issue and I’ve worked closely with the Commissioner of Police…to help bring Police protocols for dealing with these issues in line with community expectations.” He ended by pledging his continued support to the programme. The Honourable Eileene Parsons, MP, was the Vice President of the Women’s Focal Point from 1988-1992, the group instrumental in initiating a move to have women’s affairs addressed. She describes this as a worthy project and congratulated the Chief Minister for not abandoning this project. She said the needs and concerns of females of this territory have been a vital concern to many for a number of years. Hon. Parsons pledged her support to the programme as a founding member of the original Focal Point Group, as a female, as a British Virgin Islander, as an advocate of rights for all and as a member of a body where “I can and will make my voice heard on gender issues”. She said she hoped the Office would get the necessary financial support from the Legislative Council and that inroads can be made in the effort to help persons, especially women and girls, at risk, to lift themselves up. She suggested continued education, saleable skills classes, seminars on self esteem and for government to establish an outlet for craft done by indigenous persons, especially females. Former Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office now Coordinator of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) Mrs. Lorna Smith also admitted to doubting the need for the establishment of a Women’s Desk when the idea was first mooted. However, she was later convinced, as the Women’s Focal Point brought the frequent incidences of domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, rape, incest etc. to the fore. Mrs. Smith spoke to the increasing recognition of the need to pay more attention to the needs of women and men and pointed out that much has been achieved since the establishment of the Desk, including updated legislation. She said the new Office of Gender Affairs should serve to advocate the rights of all people. “I’m hopeful that there will be an emphasis on the children of our society,” the former PS/CMO suggested. She referred to those young children who are given a key and go home to an empty house every day after school because parents work late. “Needless to say, many of these children are rushed into premature adulthood…Our children need the attention of this community.” Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal pointed out that domestic violence has been an issue in the Virgin Islands for a long time. He recalled the first action brought against a man for domestic violence back in 1951, but noted that it wasn’t until 1966 that the Domestic Violence Summary Proceedings Act was passed and then people became more and more accustomed to reporting these cases. Hon. O’Neal said he agreed that the Chief Minister’s Office was not a suitable location for the Women’s Desk and said he supported the move. He also expressed concern about the lot of children and widows in the territory and indicated that his office is moving to also address these areas. The Chief Minister paid tribute to the work of the Family Support Network for their role in assisting domestic violence victims and pledged his continued support, even as he requested additional support from the community. Legislative Council recently approved a grant of $40,000 to the organization. He used the opportunity to present a cheque of $50,000 to the FSN, the additional $10,000 coming from the Chief Minister’s Fund. In accepting the donation from government, Chairperson Ms. Vivian Lloyd said the money will be used to fund the services of a professional Director and an Assistant for the office. The programme was chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office Mr. Bennet Smith and included an interlude of poetry by Mr. Roy Hodge and Mr. Robert Chalwell and song by Ms. Nicole Donovan. President of the BVI National Youth Council Ms. Debra Hodge delivered remarks and cut the ribbon to officially open the new office. She said she hoped that the new Office of Gender Affairs would be able to create a world where women and men are equal and where both sexes have choices and are able to exercise responsibility. The Reverend Charlesworth Browne, Methodist Minister and President of the BVI Christian Council, conducted the blessing and dedication. Mrs. Rosalie Adams, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, delivered the vote of thanks. The Office of Gender Affairs can be reached at telephone number 468-3701 ext. 2234-7 or 468-0017.
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