Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Glittering bevy of VI women honoured for IWD 2015

- VI women challenged to create an enduring legacy
The women present to receive their honour certificates were showered with accolades by guests of the event yesterday March 5, 2015. Photo: VINO
Those honoured with certificates in recognition of their sterling contributions towards the development of the VI included Legal Professionals Mrs Janice George Pereira, Ms Anthea L. Smith and Mr. Danica Penn-Sallah, OBE, QC. Photo: VINO
Those honoured with certificates in recognition of their sterling contributions towards the development of the VI included Legal Professionals Mrs Janice George Pereira, Ms Anthea L. Smith and Mr. Danica Penn-Sallah, OBE, QC. Photo: VINO
Honoured in the area of Culture and Entertainment were Mrs Luce Hodge Smith, Mrs Shereen Flax-Charles and Mrs Heather Butcher. Photo: VINO
Honoured in the area of Culture and Entertainment were Mrs Luce Hodge Smith, Mrs Shereen Flax-Charles and Mrs Heather Butcher. Photo: VINO
Educators honoured were Mrs H. Lynden Smith, Mrs Daisy Simmonds and Mrs Caryl O’Neal. Photo: VINO
Educators honoured were Mrs H. Lynden Smith, Mrs Daisy Simmonds and Mrs Caryl O’Neal. Photo: VINO
In the Medical Professionals field, honoured were Dr Natalie J. Brewley, Dr June M. Samuel and Dr Jana Downing. Photo: VINO
In the Medical Professionals field, honoured were Dr Natalie J. Brewley, Dr June M. Samuel and Dr Jana Downing. Photo: VINO
Athletes honoured were Ms Elinah Phillip, Ms Chantel C. Malone, and Ms Tamara Phillips. Photo: VINO
Athletes honoured were Ms Elinah Phillip, Ms Chantel C. Malone, and Ms Tamara Phillips. Photo: VINO
In the field of Communication were Ms Sandra Ward and Mrs Sandra Potter-Warrican. Photo: VINO
In the field of Communication were Ms Sandra Ward and Mrs Sandra Potter-Warrican. Photo: VINO
Legislators Ms Eileene L. Parsons and Ms Ethlyn Eugenie Smith were also honoured Photo: VINO
Legislators Ms Eileene L. Parsons and Ms Ethlyn Eugenie Smith were also honoured Photo: VINO
Honoured Social Workers Mrs Edith Penn and Ms Rose Ermin Penn. Photo: VINO
Honoured Social Workers Mrs Edith Penn and Ms Rose Ermin Penn. Photo: VINO
Entrepreneurs and Community Activist honoured Ms Patsy C. Lake and Mrs Valerie Thomas. Photo: VINO
Entrepreneurs and Community Activist honoured Ms Patsy C. Lake and Mrs Valerie Thomas. Photo: VINO
The art pieces on exhibition at the Sugar Workers’ Museum all highlighted with the photographs of the women honoured this year’s were artistically designed by VI’s talented finger tips of Mrs Carima Wilson-Solomon who said of the things that stand out of the unique art work are the glitters. Photo: VINO
The art pieces on exhibition at the Sugar Workers’ Museum all highlighted with the photographs of the women honoured this year’s were artistically designed by VI’s talented finger tips of Mrs Carima Wilson-Solomon who said of the things that stand out of the unique art work are the glitters. Photo: VINO
The exhibition was declared opened by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Petrona N. Davies. Speaking at the ceremony also was President of the Family Support Network Ms Judith G. Charles who reflected on the lives of a number of women who have laid the foundation for women of today to build on. Photo: VINO
The exhibition was declared opened by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Petrona N. Davies. Speaking at the ceremony also was President of the Family Support Network Ms Judith G. Charles who reflected on the lives of a number of women who have laid the foundation for women of today to build on. Photo: VINO
Task with the responsibility of opening the ceremony with prayers this woman, Ms Esmee Potter, did a sermon instead and challenged women and men alike to come to the realization that women are not inferior men, a message that was well received. Photo: VINO
Task with the responsibility of opening the ceremony with prayers this woman, Ms Esmee Potter, did a sermon instead and challenged women and men alike to come to the realization that women are not inferior men, a message that was well received. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith was on hand to congratulate the women. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon D. Orlando Smith was on hand to congratulate the women. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A resounding message that ‘Women are not inferior men’ was sent out as the ‘Make it happen exhibition’ for International Women’s Day was declared opened last evening, March 5, 2015.

A very simple, yet touching and impressive ceremony, was held at the Lower Estate Sugar Workers Museum where the life and contributions of a bevy of Virgin Islands women were honoured.

Those honoured with certificates in recognition of their sterling contributions towards the development of the Virgin Islands were Legal Professionals Mrs Janice George Pereira, Ms Anthea L. Smith and Mrs Danica Penn-Sallah, OBE, QC; Athletes were Ms Elinah Phillip, Ms Chantel E. Malone, and Ms Tamara Phillips. In the area of Culture and Entertainment were Mrs Luce Hodge Smith, Mrs Shereen Flax-Charles and Mrs Heather Butcher.

Those honoured in the field of Medical Professionals were Dr Natalie J. Brewley, Dr June Samuel and Dr Jana Downing; Social Workers Mrs Edith Penn and Ms Rose Ermin Penn; Legislators Ms Eileene L. Parsons and Ms Ethlyn Eugenie Smith; Entrepreneurs and Community Activist Ms Patsy Lake and Mrs Valerie O. Thomas; Educators Mrs H. Lynden Smith, Mrs Daisy Simmonds and Mrs Caryl O’Neal and in the field of Communication were Ms Sandra Ward and Mrs Sandra Potter-Warrican.

In declaring the exhibition officially open as it will be on show for one week, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development and under whose portfolio Gender Affairs falls, Ms Petrona N. Davies issued a challenge to all women.

“I would like to challenge all of us to create an enduring legacy, by giving back, lifting up, reaching out especially to the young women in our society. In doing so we can together break boundaries and create new frontiers for the next generation. Let’s make it happen,” said Ms Davies.

Also speaking at the ceremony was President of the Family Support Network Ms Judith G. Charles who reflected on the lives of a number of women who have laid the foundation for women of today to build on.

She also spoke of the bedrock highlight of the exhibition ‘Moquo’ and her painful story as written in the history book. She was a woman who attempted to stand up against injustices that she had endured as a woman but because of many circumstances had to recant her story.

“200 years later women in the BVI are still recanting their stories about their mistreatment at the hands of their abusers and they have the same reasons – I have my child to feed, I have to pay rent, I have responsibilities other than just myself and they say the same words that Moquo said – he only hit me nine times.”

Yet she was keen to note, “We’ve come a long way but something’s about the human conditions have not changed all that much.”

Other VI women who would have left an impression included Mrs Valarie Olimpia Thomas. “With what she has accomplished in her life, today you can still go to St Paul’s church and put your hands on children who belonged to the same youth group that she started all those years ago. Yes there is a building with her name on it but yes this lady’s legacy is large,” Charles stated.

The art pieces on exhibition at the Sugar Workers’ Museum, all highlighted with the photographs of the women honoured this year, were artistically designed by the VI’s talented Mrs Carima Wilson-Solomon who said of the things that stand out of the unique art work are the glitters.

“It’s not a lot of glitter but it’s just enough to give you that little ‘humm’ and that’s who these women are. They are not loud, they are not boisterous, they are humble but they still shine in their own way.”

10 Responses to “Glittering bevy of VI women honoured for IWD 2015”

  • Vi massive (06/03/2015, 08:27) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations to all the ladies especiall heather Butcher she is well deserving of this award she has put many dances together free of charge for numerous functions and activities in these our Virgin Islands. Heather well deserved.
  • big girl rules (06/03/2015, 09:00) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Nice where are the vip ladies?
    • Lady (06/03/2015, 17:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      While congratulating some of the recipients, a few would like to re-write history, but no one can keep a good woman down.
    • VIP Ladies (10/03/2015, 09:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Funny you should ask that question. A comment was made that there were too many VIP ladies. I see at least two prominent VIP ladies. However, since the political association of the ladies was not a part of the reason to choose them it's a question no one involved could answer since the question wasn't asked. What a ting, one event in the BVI where VIP/NDP did not matter. Just the hard work of the people honored. Heavens to Betsy!
  • dog (06/03/2015, 10:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    they always miss out so many women in deed things
  • rattie (06/03/2015, 11:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good to go!!!
  • 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum (06/03/2015, 13:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The exhibition, at the Lower Estate Sugar Works, highlighting "Leading Women in our Community" is on display for the month of March. It will end on March 31, 2015.

    Everyone is encouraged to come out an view this excellent exhibition! Congratulations to the Office of Gender Affairs!
  • We say (06/03/2015, 21:49) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where are the Nurses like Ms. veiled Mathavious, Ms. Tattica Scatliffe, Mrs. Nora Manns, Ms. Carol Mactavious (still working hard for her communities), Ms. Jacinth Campbell-Hannibal, to name a few. It's a shame only physicians are considered to make any impact in health. The wonders never cease, crying shame. In addition where are the female Police Officers on the frontline?
    • Schupse (09/03/2015, 13:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And that is the problem with black people. They always focus on the negative. I dare you to put together something as innovative as that exhibit and capture everyone who everybody believes deserves to be mentioned. Since you know so much. Smdh.
    • You say (10/03/2015, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Maybe you should go to the exhibition at the Sugar Works Museum. There's just so much wall space to go around. Your list of nurses names will most likely be noted for next year. There are a lot of outstanding women in this community and it's not possible to please everyone all the time since you can only honor so many people at one time. As for the police officers, perhaps they WERE considered. Do you know if they responded to the invitation to be honored? Maybe they don't want to be honored for fear of being criticized for being recognized. Because you know if it isn't one thing it's another here, and unless someone dies usually there is a lot of criticism of people and not everyone can take the hits. Maybe you should consider your own honor system and do something about it rather to help rather than criticise those who are trying.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.