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Empowering Girls and Ending Gender-Based Violence: Virgin Islands March for Change
Non-profit organisations and community members will unite on 9th December for a march dedicated to girl empowerment and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), in a collective effort to build a just and equitable Virgin Islands.
The March is scheduled for Saturday, 9th December, at 1 pm, commencing at the Noel Lloyd Positive Movement Action Park. The route will take participants through Admin Drive, Round About, High School, Police, Sports Complex, highway, and back to Noel Lloyd Park, concluding with a short and impactful programme.
Recognising the pervasive global issue of GBV, the event aims to raise awareness and foster a community committed to championing the rights of girls and young women.
“Girl empowerment and the eradication of gender-based violence are not just goals; they are the cornerstones of creating a society that respects and values every individual,” states Jane Doe, a representative of Girl UP, one of the participating organisations.
GBV remains a pervasive global issue, with staggering statistics underscoring its disproportionate impact on girls and women.
“It’s alarming to note that one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime,” remarks John Smith, a community activist. “This march is a collective call to address these challenges head-on.”
Girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and exploitation, leading to devastating consequences that extend beyond physical harm. “These acts of violence hinder girls’ education, employment opportunities, and overall well-being,” explains Dr. Emily Johnson, a psychologist specialising in trauma. “Empowering girls is not just a moral imperative; it is a critical step towards breaking the cycle of GBV.”
Recognising the need for a community-wide effort, various organisations, including FeMALE, WINBVI, Unite BVI, and Zonta, stress the importance of collaboration. “Creating a culture of respect and gender equality requires the active involvement of the entire community,” says Mark Anderson of Zonta. “We all have a role to play – governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations, and individuals.”
The keynote speaker at the march, Ms. Ronelle King, an award-winning Gender Justice activist from Barbados, adds a powerful voice to the cause. “I am honoured to be part of this movement that strives to make lasting change,” King expresses. “Addressing gender-based violence is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating tangible solutions and safe spaces for survivors.”
Ms. King, founder of Life in Leggins, a Caribbean Alliance against gender-based violence, and Pink Parliament, an initiative encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in politics, will be in the territory from 7th to 10th December.
The community is encouraged to participate in various events, including school visits on 8th December, to collectively stand against GBV and promote girl empowerment.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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