The Office of Gender Affairs has recognised women on the frontlines working daily during the COVID-19 pandemic in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Gender Coordinator Ms. Tara Sue Morgan explained that the women were selected by their supervisors for having gone beyond the call of duty in the field of service and it was best to recognise them especially on International Women’s Day in keeping with the United Nations theme, “Women achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”.

The honourees are from the Environmental Health Division, Immigration Department, Her Majesty’s Customs, BVI Health Services Authority, BVI Airport Authority, Premier’s Office and the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

They included Dr. Rosel Evilla, Dr. Christine Harry, Mrs. Rosa Ravariere-Seaman, Mrs. Rupertha Ephraim, Ms. Juliette Anthony, Ms. Lauren Williams, Ms. Jennife King-Grate, Ms. Shenelle Walters, Ms. Annette Lautary-Moses, Ms. Olympia Fahie, Henrietta Alexander, Cristal Munroe Burnett, Ayanna Hogan, Shenel Freeman, Susan Sealey-Smith, Lisa McPherson, Crystal Vanterpool, Betsy-Ann Spence, Yukahiel Wheatley, Nurse Libby Hagley, Nurse Yahmega John, Rikejah Fahie, Lydia Rubaine-Sinclair, Goia Isaac Kelly Dingoor, Portia Williams, Mekel Todman, Naima Grant, Nasheda Stout, Petrona Davies and Dr. Arliene T. Penn.

 Representative for the Sixth District Honourable Alvera Maduro Caines stated that women professionals tend to take a bigger chunk of domestic responsibilities and with the addition of children having to study at home because of COVID-19, added to the responsibilities in managing work and home life.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Tasha Bertie also paid tribute to the frontline officers for their achievements and for embracing the opportunities during a COVID-19 world.

The honourees were gifted with awards by the Office of Gender Affairs and flower bouquets provided by the non-profit organisation Zonta for their acts of service by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone, Junior Ministers Sharie de Castro and Shereen Flax-Charles.

International Women’s Day is observed annually worldwide on March 8 to recognise the contributions of women in all their diversities.

The Office of Gender Affairs is charged with developing and implementing policies and programmes that promote gender equity and equality in the British Virgin Islands.

Notes:

Caption 1 of 2: Group photo of presenters, Office of Gender Affairs Staff and eighth grade students at the Elmore Stoutt High School in celebration of International Women’s Day. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)

Caption 2 of 2: Presenters and the Office of Gender Affairs Staff celebrating on International Women’s Day. (Photo Credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)