Political parties celebrate BVI women

Political party leaders, from left: Marlon Penn (NDP), Ronnie Skelton (PVIM), and Premier Natalio Wheatley (VIP).

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor

(JTV News) – Three political parties that have confirmed their participation in this year’s General Elections have released statements on International Women’s Day, which is being observed today, Wednesday, March 8.

This year’s theme is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” which according to a release from the government “aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution women and girls are making to technology and online education”.

The release invites the public to wear purple, green, and white colours to commemmorate the day — “purple signifies justice, dignity and being loyal to the cause; green symbolises hope and white represents purity”.

The Ronnie W. Skelton-led Progress Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM) said on its official Facebook page:
“Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s inequality.
Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity”

The Marlon Penn-led National Democratic Party (NDP), also wrote on its Facebook page: “The National Democratic Party joins in celebrating all the women and girls of the BVI and around the world today, March 8th. This year International Women’s Day will highlight the need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education. We recognise that women are the architects of our society. We are proud to empower them. As a party, we strongly support Equal opportunities, Equal rights, and Progress for all women and girls #DigiALL”

The Natalio Wheatley-led Virgin Islands Party (VIP), stated: “Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women within the Virgin Islands! Today, we celebrate the invaluable contributions that women make to our society and honour the progress that has been made towards gender equality. We recognize the strong, resilient, and inspiring women who have worked tirelessly to shape our community and push for positive change. The Virgin Islands Party is committed to continuing to support and empower women in our islands. Cheers to all the women who continue to break barriers and pave the way for future generations! #InternationalWomensDay #VIWomen #VirginIslandsParty”

March is also International Women’s History Month. And the VIP has been featuring women — on its Facebook page — in the BVI community who have made a mark in business, sports, politics, etc.

To date, they are:
Naomi Turnbull – last surviving founding member of the VIP

Hon. Janice M Pereira, OBE, LLD – first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Millicent Penn-Mercer – first woman to enter BVI politics; former educator and avid sports fan

Kristin Frazer – founder and producer of the locally and internationally renowned Trefle brand

Chantel Malone – BVI’s first athlete to advance to an Olympic final

Kyra James – creator of the popular video blog “Kickin’ it with Kyra”