IWD 2014 Magazine by Corbin Media Group

Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security

International

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY GUYANA March 8, 2014

Celebrating Women!

Theme: Inspiring Change

PREFACE This Magazine has been produced in observance of International Women’s Day, March 8th. This year it is celebrated under the theme ‘Inspiring Change.’ It highlights categories of women who have contributed in various ways to the development of our society from Independence in 1966 through to the present day. In some instances only the names and status of the women are mentioned, especially where their contributions are self evident. In other cases, a short biographical sketch or a ‘pen portrait’ has been presented of women who have diligently served or who were pioneers in their own fields. Others were recognized based on protocol. In this regard, we have included such persons as our distinguished first female President, First Ladies, past and current Ministers of the Government, female decision-makers, the judiciary, education, the sciences, business, commerce and women in leadership positions in non-traditional fields. This magazine recognizes the contributions of women in Guyana to national development.

CONTENTS C2 Preface

Women in Agriculture

International Women’s Day

Decision-Makers / Women Activists

Foreword by His Excellency Donald Ramotar, President, Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Permanent Secretaries

Message By The Hon. Jennifer Webster M.P. Minister Of Human Services And Social Security

University of Guyana - Senior Administrators and Professors

Outstanding Women in Arts And Culture

Arts & Culture

Message by Mrs. Indranie Chanderpal, M.P. Chairperson Women & Gender Equality Commission

Message From Mrs. Khadija Musa, The UN Resident Co-Ordinator

First Lady, Prime Minister and President of Guyana

26 Pioneers 26

Managing Director

Our Female Doctors in Executive Roles

Outstanding In The Field of Medical Sciences

A New Brigade of Politicians

Georgetown Public Hospital Matrons

They Paved The Way in Military Service Pioneers in an Expanding Field of Non– Traditional Areas of Service

Pioneers - The First Three Women to Enter Parliament In British Guiana

First Ladies of Guyana

Female Cabinet Ministers

Ministers Currently in Parliament

An Overview of The History of Women in Guyana

29 Ambassadors

Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly

Women in Religion

The Judiciary - The Honourable Judges

Celebrating our Women in Sports

Director Of Public Prosecution

Chief Whips

Tribute to Shirley Ferguson

Solicitor General

Thoughts on the Progress Made by Women in Guyana

Women In The Media

Children’s Advocates

International Women’s Day 2013

Executive Directors and Managers

Service Provided by the Ministry

Commissioners of The Women And Gender Equality Commission

Empretec Guyana

Women In Business

Women of Worth (Wow) Micro-Credit Programme

Women Decision-Makers In The Municipalities

Starting Your Own Business

Women in Banking and Finance

Tribute to Deborah Jan Osman-Backer

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International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women past and present. It unites women across race, nationality, political affiliation and geography. It has been observed since the early 1900’s in the struggle of women for better working conditions and improvement in their status. It all began when women were struggling for a 10-hour working day, better wages, equal work for equal pay and the right to vote. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York, protesting as the police broke up the march arresting a number of them. The following year, on the same date, women factory workers demonstrated in observance of the first protests, this time also calling for better conditions, the end of sweatshops and child labour. Once again, they were stopped by the police. News of their protests and subsequent arrests soon reached other parts of the world. Eventually, women across the world joined to improve their status, earn the right to vote as well as access to education. Women leaders of national movements were soon appointed in every country. By the 20th Century, women around the world were organized at various levels, fighting for their rights and improvement in their status. In 1910, it was proposed by Clara Zetkin, a women’s leader from Germany, that March 8th should be commemorated each year as ‘International Women’s Day’ in recognition of the earlier struggles of the women of New York. Thus, in 1911, the first International Women‘s Day was observed in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland. In Guyana and the Caribbean, the focus of the observance of International Women’s Day differed from the women in the Western World. These women fought against slavery, indentureship and exploitation of Colonialism. Women had an awareness of building their status in society and a growing sensitivity to gender discrimination. International Women’s Day was first observed in Guyana in 1963 and has continued annually.

International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

Foreword By His Excellency Donald Ramotar President, Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Our beautiful country, Guyana has produced many outstanding women who have risen both at home and abroad, from humble origins to achieve personal and professional distinction. As President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, it is with deep pride that I salute our women pioneers, those who have left us a rich legacy of struggle and achievements including the advancement of women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality. I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my government’s unswerving commitment to honouring its obligations to women. Concomitant with this resolve, we have accorded high priority to gender equity. As a result, Guyana has made steady progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goal Three: promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. The continued employment of women is a priority for our government in all spheres of society. Legislative measures are in place to ensure that women are not discriminated against in the workplace but instead enjoy equal opportunity to the professional and economic benefits associated with work. We have met the target of eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education and continue to strive towards parity at the tertiary level. Employment of women is targeted for improvement and legislative measures are in place in the professional and economic spheres of our society to ensure women are not discriminated against in the workplace but instead enjoy equal opportunity. It is noteworthy that the share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector has increased from 29 percent in 1991 to 33 percent in 2006. This positive trend suggests that the labour markets in the industry and service sectors are becoming more open to women and that more women are now in a better position to secure for themselves economic security and well-being.

More women own property and are empowered to make independent decisions. Female political representation in Parliament has substantially increased to 32 percent. In addition, Guyana’s 2003 constitution has enshrined a fundamental Right to every woman −“equal rights and status with men in all spheres of political, economic and social life” − as embodied in the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This paved the way for the establishment of the Women and Gender Equality Commission which vigilantly guards against discrimination. Despite these achievements, there are factors which still affect the ability of women to enter into the work force including marital status, care of children and dependent relatives, geographical location and type of work offered. Government has responded to the challenges of raising female participation rates in the labour force by ensuring equal access to education and training as well as through the provision of incentives and support systems to facilitate the entry of women into the workforce including the provision of access to micro credit schemes. In spite of the great progress that has been made, we still have to overcome the relics of the past where women were seen as inferior. Too often we have heard of women who have been mistreated by their male counterparts and treated less than equal in the home. These remain important challenges which must be aggressively addressed through multi-stakeholder action. As we observe International Women’s Day 2014, I call upon all groups, advocates and women to ensure greater participation of women in national, economic and social issues. I call upon our men to treat women equally, fairly and without violence. I call on the law enforcement officers to protect our women, the judiciary to ensure that their pursuit of justice is rewarded, employers to ensure that their right to decent work is not violated and to ordinary citizens to accord them the respect they deserve. I extend best wishes to all women on the occasion of International Women’s Day and promise to continue to pursue their continued empowerment in our country. I thank you.

Message by the HON. JENNIFER WEBSTER M.P. MINISTER OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY IN OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MARCH 8TH, 2014

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” — Diane Mariechild As Guyana observes International Women’s Day, it is indeed an honour and a privilege for me, as Minister of Human Services and Social Security to recognize the contributions that women have made to the development of Guyana. It is significant to recognize that this is an occasion to reflect upon progress made, to formulate policies and programmes to further improve the quality of life of our women and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinar y women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. On this note, the role of many Guyanese women must be acknowledged, including Justice Desiree Bernard, Magda Pollard, Gail Teixeira, Indranie Chandarpal, Patricia Benn, Philomena Sahoye-Shury and Amna Ally and the late - Martyr Kowsilla, former President Janet Jagan, Viola Burnham, Jane Phillips-Gay, Olga Byrne, Thelma Reece, Winifred Gaskin, Desrey Fox, Sheila Holder and Deborah Backer. Here in Guyana, we have much to celebrate. At the highest echelons of decision-making, women are today better represented more than ever before, including in the National Assembly. Female representation in Parliament increased from 18.5% in 1992 to 32% in 2012. The consequential sharp rise in female representation in the National Assembly has resulted in Guyana being ranked 25th out of 189 countries for the highest proportion of women in Parliament as stated by the InterParliamentary Union (May 2012). Women are well represented in public life generally although

there is room for increased representation on management boards, service commissions, as well as in the labour movement and the business sector. The public service is comprised of a much higher percentage of women than men, with women visibly holding senior technical and administrative positions. Today, women hold 1/3 of the positions in the Cabinet. We have made considerable progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, in particular goal three on “promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.” We have met the target of eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education and will continue to strive towards parity at the tertiary level. Our Constitution guarantees women “equal rights and status with men in all spheres of political, economic and social life.” We have a strong and robust legislative and policy framework for the protection of our women, including the Constitutional Commission on Women and Gender Equality, which is mandated by Parliament to monitor and protect women’s human rights and to vigilantly guard against discrimination. We have improved the health of our women. Life expectancy for women has increased, and maternal health has improved. Today, women are able to access better health care and an expanded range of services across the country, including specific women-related healthcare interventions.

International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

We have also secured economic independence for a greater number of women, through more accessible training programmes and micro-credit schemes. It is evident that the historical socio-economic and political inequalities between women and men are evolving. However, there is still need to continue our efforts to empower our women, especially those who are vulnerable to the social and economic ills of society. In 2013, the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security hosted a symposium under the theme “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum.”

equality is not a women’s initiative. There is a role for everyone to play. I therefore would like to encourage our men to embrace the continued advancement and empowerment of women, and to see this as an opportunity, instead of a threat. We need also to educate our boys to respect our women and girls and the need for them to become upstanding gentlemen, as they socialize with girls and women in the home, at school, in the work-place, in social settings, communities and the society at large. It is these boys and girls who will contribute to the creation of a better world in which equality becomes a reality.

The views posited at that forum included the need for strategies to ensure greater participation of women in economic and social life. Priority focus and attention was given to social policy, employment opportunities, job creation and poverty, women’s rights, equal pay for work of equal value, women in leadership and empowering our women to become entrepreneurs.

As we celebrate our women, we need to be mindful of how we approach the future. We need to solidify our gains and build upon these. Let us therefore pledge to work together to inspire change in Guyana!

It must be recognized that issues which affect our women are of national importance. Gender

Hon. Jennifer Webster M.P. Minister of Human Services and Social Security

Happy International Women’s Day to all the women of Guyana

Message by Chairperson Women & Gender Equality Commission Mrs. Indranie Chanderpal M.P. The Women & Gender Equality Commission salutes all Guyanese especially our women folk on the occasion of International Women’s Day. 8th March is perhaps the most widely celebrated international day in the calendar of special days observed by women and men alike. There are a number of factors about this particular day which we should always focus on; it is a day in which women from all continents separated by oceans, language, culture, ethnicity, politics and economics come together to celebrate It is good for us to recall that International Women’s Day is really the story of a number of ordinary grass roots women who have made history and who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights. Perhaps in some way they were no different from our sisters who – in their own way – rebelled against the tyranny of slavery and indenture ship – they could hardly have dared to stage a march without the harshest of penalties, or maybe the ultimate penalty, for daring to protest as openly as those workers did. However, it was in 1857 that these humble, poorly dressed garment and textile workers from East Side New York dared to leave the mills and the factories to head out and demonstrate against poor working conditions, long hours of work, poor wages, and very importantly, inequality in pay and other working conditions. As would be expected they were dispersed by the police, some were arrested and some injured in the process. But these brave determined women were not daunted, they did not give up the struggle, they later formed a union and their movement expanded. In a few years they joined the Socialist Party which was formed around that time in the United States of America, and they became the core of the women’s arm of that party. Within the decade their movement linked with Clara Zetkin who was then campaigning for women’s rights in Germany. She fully supported the American women and their campaign which by then had grown significantly and had actually declared an annual National Women’s Day which was

celebrated on the last Sunday i n Fe br u ar y. Z e t k i n l at e r successfully persuaded the Second International to declare an “International Proletariat Women’s Day” which was celebrated in March 1911. That was the occasion when more than one million men and women demonstrated in Austria, Denmark and Switzerland demanding the right to vote, and to hold office. Women demanded the right to work and to be trained and the end of discrimination. Following these gains, the movement lost its momentum and went into decline. The First and Second World War took center stage from 1917 – 1944 thus, preventing any forward movement. However, there was a revival spearhead by the rise of the feminist in the 60’s and early 70’s when International Women’s Day was reinstated in the International calendar, and International Women’s Year was observed by the United Nations in 1975. Today, there is much to reflect on. International Women’s Day has assumed a new dimension for Women throughout the world – developed, developing, or underdeveloped societies. We have overtime use this day to reflect on progress made, to ponder the strategies employed and to consider their effectiveness. Guyanese women have a lot to celebrate since we have taken many important decisions that have impacted on their lives in a positive way. We are mindful that women from all walks of life, in all ten administrative regions of Guyana are in the corridors of power where decisions are made for themselves and families. We congratulate them and wish them every success in their individual and collective endeavors. Happy International Women’s Day to all Guyanese!

International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

Message from The UN Resident Co-ordinator Mrs. Khadija Musa The range of economic and social issues for any middle income developing country to address through its policy framework is often extremely complex. Aging, disability, productive employment creation-particularly for women and young people, social protection, family, poverty, social justice and integration are merely the tip of the iceberg of cross cutting challenges. At the UN, our global experience has thought us that social policy considerations, must be given greater importance within economic planning, since economic policies which are implemented in isolation and the social corollaries can create a vicious cycle of poor growth and slow progress. Unlike, many countries in the Caribbean and South America, Guyana consistently reported economic growth for the past four years. Contributions from the mining sector (gold and diamond), exploration for oil, efforts towards increasing competiveness, and receipt of payments for forest services from the agreement with the Government of Norway are all expected to transform livelihoods in the country. I applaud Guyana’s continued efforts to address social policies in its economic priority setting process, since it is integrated planning which protects the most vulnerable women from the potential dire results of poor nutrition, health and education, which, in turn can adversely affect long-term economic growth. A policy framework which responds to the changing needs of a dynamic society such as Guyana’s requires continued enhancement and an aggressive and coherent interagency/multi-sectoral approach to ensure that collective interventions which are being implemented directly affect transformation in social welfare and social institutions over time. “The Global Financial crisis reminds us all that it is essential for people to be healthy, educated, adequately housed and well fed to be more productive and better able to contribute to society”. Economic progress augers well for developing countries, households can change spending patterns and this influences education, health and nutrition, which may in turn lead to lifelong gains. Unequal development however has the opposite effect of deficits for the most vulnerable women and children who are often affected by perpetual poverty.

As Guyana continues to enhance its social and economic policy framework, it would be remiss of me not to include the importance of considering the economic costs of Gender Based Violence on the sanctity of family life and on the country itself. Aggressive and sustained investments in cultural and behavioral change efforts are critical to reduce the loss of income and reduced productivity in the workforce by affected women and in general the empowerment of women to increase their economic power would all add significantly to the quality of life. It is always important for countries with expanding sources of national wealth to progressively increase expenditure on social measures to ensure sustainable and inclusive human development and a more solid foundation for future growth which can help to break the cycle of poverty and protect women during times of crises. The United Nations System and the Government of Guyana among other issues have agreed to work together on the areas of Inclusive Growth and Human and Social Development with the 2012-2016 Guyana United Nations Development Assistance Framework(UNDAF). The UN will work with Guyana to (i) ensure that national development plans, policies, programmes and legislation (where required) are formulated, implemented, monitored, and evaluated to achieve the MDGs, with special attention to key populations at higher risk and the progressive realization of human rights and (ii) to support and contribute to improved economic and social policies and programmes to enable the creation of a climate-resilient economy in the context of the Low Carbon Development Strategy. Guyana’s ongoing investment in programmes such as Women of Worth (micro-credit), Difficult Circumstances Support, investment in Vocational and Technical Education for young people, simultaneous legislative protection offered by the Prevention of Discrimination Act, and other measures are all laudable. The country’s equal educational opportunities for males and females and efforts at improving health and survival are notable achievements. Taken as a set of measures, these investments can contribute to the reduction of gaps in inequality and lead to the eradication of poverty and social exclusion.

of Guyana GUYANA’S FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT (1997-1999)

HER EXCELLENCY JANET JAGAN O.E. Janet Jagan, wife of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan was the first woman elected President of Guyana and served in that capacity from 1997 to 1999 and resigned for health reasons. She was an outstanding female activist, politician and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights and who has had the distinction of being one of the first three women to have entered Parliament in 1953.

International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

Pioneers

The first three women to enter Parliament in British Guiana 1953

Jessie Burnham

Janet Jagan

Jane Phillips-Gay

FIRST LADIES OF GUYANA

Deolatchmee RAMOTAR H.E. Mrs. Deolatchmee Ramotar is currently the First Lady of Guyana. She is an advocate on women and children’s issues.

Varshnie SINGH-JAGDEO (1999) Former First Lady Varshnie Jagdeo was the wife of the former President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. She served in the capacity as chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child.

YVONNE HINDS M.S. (1997) Yvonne Hinds is the wife of the Hon. Samuel A. Hinds O.E., the current Prime Minister of Guyana, who served as President from March 6th to December, 1997. A period during which she was First Lady of Guyana. She is the Chairperson of the Guyana Relief Council (GRC).

10 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

FIRST LADIES OF GUYANA

JOYCE HOYTE (1985-1992)

VIOLA BURNHAM (1980-1985)

Joyce Hoyte was the wife of former President of Guyana, the late Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, who died in 2002. She was First Lady of Guyana from 1985 to 1992, and died in 2012.

The late Viola Burnham was the wife of the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, the first Executive President of Guyana who died in 1985. She was the first female to be appointed VicePresident and Deputy Prime Minister in the late 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and died in 2003.

DOREEN CHUNG (1970-1980)

PATRICIA ROSE (1966-1969)

Doreen Chung was the wife of former President Arthur Chung, the First President of the Republic of Guyana. She was First Lady of Guyana from 1970 to 1980 and died in 2009.

Lady Patricia Rose was the wife of the late Sir David Rose who was the First Governor General of Guyana. She was by profession a Medical Doctor.

CABINET MINISTERS (1964-2014) 1964-1968

Winifred Gaskin

Minister of Education, Youth Recreation and Social Development

1969-1971

Dr. Sylvia Talbot

Minister of Health

1970-1972

Ms. Shirley Field- Ridley

Minister of Education

1972

Ms. Shirley Field-Ridley

Minister of Health

1973-1978

Mrs.Shirely Field-Ridley

Minister of Information, Culture and Youth

1978-1990

Mrs.Shirely Field-Ridley

Minister of Information & Culture

1971-1977

Cicilene Baird

Minister of Education

1981-1982

Yvonne Harewood- Benn

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister

1981-1982

Jean Maitland Singh

Minister of Consumer Protection

1983

Yvonne Harewood-Benn

Minister of Information and Public Service

1984

Yvonne Harewood-Benn

Minister of education

1986

Yvonne Harewood– Benn

Minister of information and Public Service

1981-1983

Urmia Johnson

Minister of Co-operatives

1981-1983

Urmia Johnson

Deputy Minister of National Development

1983-1984

Urmia Johnson

Minister in the Office of the Premier and Minister of National Development

1990

Jean Persico

Minister of the State for Social Development and Culture

1991-1992

Jean Persico

Minister in the Ministry of Labour Human Services and Social Security

1985-1986

Viola Burnham

Vice President for Education and Deputy Prime Minister

1980-1985

Yvonne Harewood– Benn

Minister of Public Service

1985-1986

Yvonne Harewood– Benn

Minister of Information

1986-1989

Urmia Johnson

Ministry within the Ministry of National Mobilization and Regional development

1986-1991

Viola Burnham

Minister of Education Social Development and Culture

1990-1991

Urmia Johnson

Minister in the Ministry of Regional Development

1987

Dr. Faith Harding

Minister of State, Ministry of Planning and development

1990

Yvonne Harewood– Benn

Minister in the Office of the President

1991

Dr.Faith Harding

Minister in the Office of the President

1992-1997

Gail Teixeira

Minister of Health

1992-1997

Indranie Chandarpal

Minister in the Ministry of Labour, Human services and Social security

1998-2001

Indranie Chandarpal

Minister of Human Service and Social Security

1997-2001

Gail Teixeira

Minister of Home Affairs

2001-2006

Gail Teixeira

Minister of Sports & Culture

2001-2006

Bibi Shaddick

Minister in the Ministry of Labour Human Services and Social Security

2001-2008

Carolyn Rodrigues

Minister of Amerindian Affairs

2001-

Dr.Jennifer Westford

Minister of Public Service

2006-2011

Priya Manickchand

Minister of Human Services and Social Security

2006-2011

Jennifer Webster

Minister in the Ministry of Finance

2006-2009

Dr. Desiree Fox

Minister in the Ministry of Education

2008-

Carolyn Rodrigues

Minister of Foreign Affairs

2008-

Pauline Sukhai

Minister of Amerindian Affairs

2011-

Priya Manickchand

Minister of Education

2011-

Jennifer Webster

Minister of Human Services and Social Security

12 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

MINISTERS CURRENTLY IN PARLIAMENT

HON. JENNIFER WEBSTER M.P.

HON. PRIYA MANICKCHAND M.P.

Ms. Jennifer Webster was first appointed Minister in the Ministry of Finance in 2006. Subsequently, in 2011, she was appointed Minister of Human Services and Social Security with special responsibility for social services, women and children.

Ms. Priya Manickchand was appointed Minister of Human Services and Social Security in 2006, with special responsibilities for Social Ser vices, woman and children. In 2011 she was assigned to the Ministry of Education.

HON. CAROLYN RODRIGUES M.P. Ms.Carolyn Rodriguesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Burkett currently Minister of Foreign Affairs, is the first woman to have held this portfolio, and also the first woman of Amerindian descent to hold this office of Minister. She previously served as Minister of Amerindian Affairs.

HON. Dr. JENNIFER WESTFORD M.P.

HON. PAULINE SUKHAI M.P.

Dr. Jennifer Westford is the Minister of Public Service since 2003. She is responsible for addressing the needs and issues relating to the public service.

Mrs. Pauline Sukhai was first appointed Minister of Amerindian Affairs in 2008. She has worked extensively among Amerindians communities and was also a well known woman Activist.

of the History of Women In Guyana Women in Guyana are the beneficiaries of the activism of our forebearers. We know that between 1688 /89 and 1918 most of them came from Africa, India, China and Portugal. Those courageous women dared to challenge the negative and inhumane structures in the society of their day. They participated in slave rebellions, they struggled for freedom in their own way, and had been involved in protest action, marches and strikes. They struggled against colonialism and its discrimination, their struggles were tied to their quest for their rights as women. Some of this inherent militancy is reflected in the evolving status of our women in Guyana today. The first organized women’s political, social and economic organization which emerged in 1945, marked a new era in the situation of women in Guyana. This organization was headed by Mrs. Janet Jagan with Winifred Gaskin as its secretary. Its mission was to advocate for the improvement in the social and economic situation of women. Its members advocated for universal adult suffrage which was not achieved until 1953 by which time there was a split party. In that year the first three women parliamentarians elected were Janet Jagan who was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House, Jane Phillips-Gay and Jessica Burnham. This ascendancy of Guyanese women to the highest level of decision making was recognized as a significant land mark in development. The right to vote, then a clarion call to women heralded the development of the political process and the mass involvement of the women, in political parties. This was the emergence of the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) and the Women’s Revolutionary Socialist Movement (WRSM). There was now a period of militancy for the integration of women into the developmental process this led to the passing of a State paper on EQUALITY FOR WOMEN in 1976, paving the way for the removal of all forms of discriminatory practices against Guyanese women. Global developments such as various World Conferences of women inspired and strengthened Guyanese women in their quest for equality. To provide the institutional base for supporting these developments was the appointment of a Minister of the Government who was assigned the responsibility for Women’s affairs. In 1983 the Women’s Affairs Bureau was established.

14 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

DEPUTY SPEAKERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

CLARISSA RIEHL

DEBORAH BACKER

An Attorney-at-Law, Clarissa Riehl was the second woman to have been elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. She served from 1992-2011.

Deborah Backer, an Attorney-at-Law, was the third woman to have been elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. She served from 2011 - 2014.

THE JUDICIARY THE HONOURABLE JUDGES

DESIREE BERNARD

CLAUDETTE LA BENNETT

Hon. Justice Desiree Bernard, C.C.H., OR, is the first female Judge to have been appointed to the Caribbean Court of Justice, 2005-2014. She is also the first woman in Guyana to have held the highest positions of Chancellor and Chief Justice of the Judiciary. She has chaired the UN SubCommittee on the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and currently serves as a judge on the Inter-American Administrative Tribunal.

Claudette La Bennett served as a Puisne Judge of the Judiciary, and previously as a Magistrate, a Senior Magistrate, Principal Magistrate and Chief Magistrate. She retired in 2011.

THE JUDICIARY THE HONOURABLE JUDGES

ROXANNE GEORGE-WILTSHIRE Roxanne George was appointed a High Court Judge in 2005. She formerly served as Director of Public Prosecution, and was the first woman to hold such an appointment. She has collaborated with the Women’s Affairs Bureau in conducting public education programmes on the legal rights of women.

CLAUDETTE SINGH C.C.H. Ms. Claudette Singh served as an Appellate Court Judge and was the second woman to have done so. This has made her one of the most senior members of the Judiciary in Guyana.

YONNETTE CUMMINGS – EDWARDS Yonnette Cummings-Edwards is currently an Appeal Court Judge, having previously served as a High Court Judge and a former Deputy Director of Public Prosecution.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTION

DAWN GREGORY Dawn Gregory is currently a Puisne Judge, who formerly served as a Land Court Judge, Principal Magistrate (Acting) 2000, and Senior Magistrate in 1997.

SHALIMAR ALI-HACK Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack is the Director of Public Prosecution and is the second woman to have held this position. She has constitutional Jurisdiction in all criminal matters, in all Courts.

16 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

CHIEF WHIPS

GAIL TEIXEIRA M.P.

AMNA ALLY M.P.

VOLDA LAWRENCE M.P.

Ms. Gail Teixeira - Presidential Advisor on Governance: one of the most experienced politicians who has held several ministerial portfolios. She now serves as the ‘Chief Whip’ of the PPP/C.

Ms. Amna Ally is the second member of the Legislature who serves as the Chief Whip of APNU.

Ms. L awrence is a long standing member of the Legislature.

SOLICITOR GENERAL

WOMEN IN THE MEDIA

SITA RAMLALL

Cheryl SPRINGER

Sita Ramlall, an Attorney-at-Law, served as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Supreme Court of Judicature from 1995. In 2012, she was appointed to the position of Solicitor General.

Editor attached to Stabroek News.

CHILDREN’S ADVOCATES

MS. ALEEMA NASIR M.S.

MRS. ANN GREENE

Chairperson of the Rights of the Child Commission and an advocate for Children’s Rights. She heads the Women’s arm of the Central Islamic Organisation and serves on several boards.

Mrs. Ann Greene is currently the Director of the Childcare & Protection Agency.

Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal

Mrs. Indra Chanderpal is the Chairperson of the Women & Gender Equality Commission.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS

DOREEN NELSON

YOLANDA M. FOO

BRIONY TIWARIE

Doreen Nels on, G eneral Ma n a g e r of t h e Nat i on a l Insurance Scheme, is among the small group of women to hold an executive position in a major institution.

Yolanda M. Foo was the first female Executive Director of Republic Bank (Guyana), and is the first female President of a Rotary Club of Guyana.

Briony Tiwarie has been a Director of BK International Inc. She is one of a few women known to have held such a position.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS

COMMISSIONERS OF THE WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY COMMISSION 1. Ms. Indranie Chandarpal Chairperson 2. Ms. Cheryl SampsonDeputy Chairperson 3. Ms. Renata Chuck-A-Sang

SUNITA JAGAN

SANDRA JONES

Sunita Jagan held the position of General Manager of the G u y a n a Te l e p h o n e a n d Te l e g r a p h C o m p a n y a n d spearheaded the modernisation of t he tele communic at ion infrastructure of the company.

Sand ra Jones is a Human Resource and Organizational Development Specialist and is the Managing Associate of S.V. Jones Associate.

4. Ms. Nicole Cole 5. Ms. Nandranie Coonjah 6. Ms. Debra Ann Henry 7. Ms. Hymawattie Lagan 8. Ms. Ernestine Logan 9. Mr. Peter Persaud 10. Ms. Magda Pollard 11. Ms. Karen VansluytmanCorbin 12. Ms. Gillian Burton 13. Ms. Bibbi Haliema Khan 14. Ms. Gaietrie Baron 15. Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack

CARMEN JARVIS C.C.H.

INGE NATHOO

16. Ms. Vanda Radzik

Carmen Jarvis served as Secretary General, UNESCO for several years. She previously served as Deputy Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education and also as Headmistress of Bishops’ High School. She headed the Guyana Girl’s Guide Movement for a number of years.

Inge Nathoo served as General Manager of the National Parks Commission 2002 - 2008 and currently serves as Secretary General of UNESCO since 2008.

17. Ms. Sandra Hooper 18. Ms. Doreen Jacobis

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

BIBI ANDREWS The late Bibi Andrews was an entrepreneur and agro-processing pioneer in the Essequibo region; famous for her pepper jelly products. She was a former President of the Caribbean Network of Women Producers.

DORIS LEWIS Mrs. Doris Lewis is a pioneering business woman.

JOYCELYN DOW Ms. Joycelyn Dow is the Managing Proprietor of “Liana Cane Interiors”. She is an advocate on Women’s Rights and past member of the UN Secretary General’s panel of eminent persons for the world summit on sustainable development.

ANNETTE ARJOON-MARTINS A n n e t t e A r j o o n - M a r t i n s is a multitalented woman, who is an aeronautical pilot, aerodrome administrator and an environmentalist.

WOMEN DECISION-MAKERS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES MAYORS

1967

Dorothy Bailey

Georgetown

1982-85

Evelyn Dobson

Linden

1972-74

Beryl Simon

Georgetown

1977-79

Florizel Coupain

Corriverton

1981-85

Mavis Benn

Georgetown

1980-82

Myrtle Dundos

Corriverton

1973-74

Violet Wong

Rose Hall

1983-86

Florizel Coupain

Corriverton

1974-75

Gloria Layne

Linden

1993-94

Everett Harewood

Corriverton

TOWN CLERK

2002-2009 Beulah Williams Yonnette Pluck 2013- Carol Sooba

20 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

CITY ENGINEER 2004

Beverley Johnson

WOMEN IN BANKING AND FINANCE

AMANDA ST. AUBYN

SONYA ROOPNAUTH

SARAH PARRIS

Amanda St.Aubyn is the Managing Director of the Bank of Nova Scotia. She is one of two women who hold such a position.

Sonya Roopnauth is the Director of the Office of the Budget, Ministry of Finance.

Sarah Parris, Director of the Board of Citizens Bank, is the second woman in Guyana to be responsible for the management of a commercial Bank.

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

Dr. Patsy Francis DEAN FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE Dr. Patsy Francis was the only female Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

LYNETTE CUNHA PRINCIPAL GUYANA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE Ms. Lynette Cunha was the first female to be appointed Principal of the Guyana School of Agriculture. She is a talented musician.

NEISHA SURUJBALLY FORMER MARKETING DIRECTOR, GUYSUCO Mrs. Neisha Surujbally was the first female Marketing Director of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco). Prior to this appointment she served as an adviser to the Government of Guyana. Up to recently she was the former Head of the NAO Task Force of the European Union within the Ministry of Finance.

DECISION-MAKERS / WOMEN ACTIVISTS

MS. MAGDA POLLARD Ms. Pollard pursued studies in Home Economics at the Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic Science in the United Kingdom from 1954 – 1957.

HAZEL HALLEY-BURNETT Former Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau.

JOSEPHINE WHITEHEAD Attorney-At-Law Woman’s Rights Advocate.

HYMAWATTIE LAGAN Administrator Women’s Affairs Bureau.

DENISE DIAS Mrs. Denise Dias is the founder of Mothers in Black and Help and Shelter.

Ms. Pollard served as both lecturer and Principal at the C arnegie S c h o o l o f Ho m e E c o n o m i c s . She became the f irst Women’s Affairs Officer at the CARICOM Secretariat and spearheaded the development of a program for women within CARICOM. Her name is synonymous with women’s rights and empowerment. In 1992, Ms. Pollard received the CARIFESTA Award for Women, two national awards, the Cacique Crown of Honor and the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement as well as a special award of the Caribbean Association of Home Economists of which she was a founding member. In 1993, Ms. Pollard was awarded the honor of the fourth CARICOM Triennial Award for Women. Ms. Pollard currently serves on the Women and Gender Equality Commission.

MARGARET KERTZIOUS Director - Help & Shelter.

PATRICE LA FLEUR Assistant Representative for Guyana, UNFPA Sub R e g i on a l O f f i c e for t he Caribbean. Formerly headed the C ommonwealth Youth Programme. She is an Advocate women and an outstanding Social Worker.

22 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

VANDA RADZIK Vanda Radzik co-ordinated the Caribbean Gender Equality Programme (Guyana), and is also a co-founder of Red Thread Women’s Development Programme.

PERMANENT SECRETARIES - Ministry of Legal Affairs

Gwen Parris

- Ministry of Information

Mitra-Devi-Ali

Joyce Sinclair

- Ministry of Public Service

Sonya Roopnauth - Ministry of Health & Tourism

Una Paul

- Ministry of Education

Lorene Baird Delma Nedd

- Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security - Ministry of Education

Indira Ananjit

- Ministry of Legal Affairs

Paula Mohamed - Ministry of Public Service Angela Johnson - Ministry of Home Affairs Claudette Moore - Ministry of Housing Jennifer Webster - Office of the President

DELMA NEDD INDIRA ANANDJIT Indira Anandjit is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs. She was a former Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and was the first woman to have held this pioneering executive position.

CLAUDETTE MOORE

ANGELA JOHNSON

LORENE BAIRD

Ceceline Baird Prof. Joycelyn Loncke Dr. Marjorie Jones Dr. Gem Fletcher

UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS Pro-Chancellor Deputy Vice Chancellor Deputy Vice Chancellor Deputy Vice Chancellor

Dr. Marilyn Cox Elizabeth Phillips Yvonne Stephenson

Deputy Vice Chancellor Deputy Registrar University Librarian

SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS AND PROFESSORS

SR. MARY NOEL MENEZES Sister Mary Noel Menezes is a Professor Emeritus (History) at the University of Guyana. She is a distinguished scholar and has written several books. She has headed the History Department for several years.

JOYCELYNNE LONCKE Joycelynne Loncke, A.A., C.C.H. is a Professor at the University of Guyana and is one of three Guy ane s e wome n to hol d this prestigious rank in the academic community. She has held the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University.

DORIS ROGERS Professor Rogers, headed the Division of Creative Arts at the University of Guyana. She previously served at Universities in Africa. She was one of the “professional trio” of women on the University Campus.

ACADEMIA

Dr. Paloma Mohamed D r. Pa l o m a Mo h a m e d i s currently the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

24 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

CAROLYN Walcott D i r e c t o r, C e nt r e f o r Communication Studies, University of Guyana.

OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN ARTS AND CULTURE

LYNETTE DOLPHIN MUSICIAN AND CULTURE BEARER

CELESTE DOLPHIN BROADCASTER AND EDUCATOR

STEPHANIE CORREIA ARTIST

The late Lynette Dolphin, OR, CCH, MBE was for many years the chairman of the Department of Culture. She was a driving force in organizing music and art festivals and is credited with being involved in organizing the first CARIFESTA in 1972. The National School of Dance came into existence as a result of her vision.

The late Celeste Dolphin, CCH is best remembered as an outstanding broadcaster who was a pioneer of broadcast to schools.

The late Stephanie Correia, MS, was a gifted artist whose skill in ceramic artwork always reflected Amerindian life, history and Culture. She was one Guyana’s most outstanding artists who died in 2000.

MARJORIE BROODHAGEN ARTIST

RAJKUMARIE SINGH POET/MUSICIAN

ELFRIEDA BISSEMBER DIRECTOR

The late Marjorie Broodhagen, A.A was a prolific painter whose works portrayed the lifestyles of people in society, and the physical features of Guyana. She was one of Guyana’s most distinguished artists. She died in 2000.

R ajkumarie Singh a well known Social Activist, Poet and Musician. She composed popular national songs.

Ms. Elfrieda Bissember is the director of the National Art Gallery, Castellani House.

Arts & Culture

INDIRA & INDRANIE SHAH DANCERS

BERNADETTE PERSAUD ARTIST

VIVIAN DANIELS A.A. choreographer

Indira and Indranie Shah are icons in Indian dancing who provided our society with excellence in this genre of the arts. Unfortunately, Indira passed away in 2012 leaving a void in the field of Indian classical dancing.

Bernadette Persaud is a leading artist who has made a major contribution to the development of the Arts in Guyana. She was recently inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame for Excellence .

Guyana’s National School of Dance has been recognized throughout the Region for the excellence of its performances. This added to the creativity of Vivian Daniels a choreographer of great distinction.

PIONEERS

VALERIE RODWAY 1919-1970 COMPOSER/MUSICIAN Valerie Rodway was a celebrated comp os er and musici an, as demonstrated by the twenty odd pieces of music she has composed. “Oh b e autif ul Guyana,” her contribution to Guyana’s musical heritage has been unsurpassed.

SECOND LT. CHERYL MOORE & OFFICER CADET BEVERLY DRAKES pilots First female Commercial Pilots in Guyana and in the Caribbean (1977). They have earned a place in Aeronautical history in the Caribbean.

26 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

MANAGING DIRECTOR

GEM EYTLE MANAGING DIRECTOR Frandec Travel Service owned and managed by Gem celebrated 50 years of Service to the travelling Community of Guyana. She is a shrewd manager who has single-handedly developed one of the largest and longest serving travel agencies in Guyana.

OUR FEMALE DOCTORS IN EXECUTIVE ROLES • • • •

Dr. Enid Denbow – The first female Chief Medical Officer Dr. Janice Woolford - Director, Maternal & Child Health Services Dr. Shanti Singh - Programme Manager National AIDS Programme Secretariat Dr.Vivienne Mitchell - Consultant anesthetist who currently chairs the Guyana Medical Council

Guyana now boasts many female doctors who serve in various health facilities throughout the country

OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD OF MEDICAL SCIENCES PRINCIPAL NURSING OFFICERS • • • • •

CHIEF NURSING OFFICERS

ENID HALL LYNETTE SMITH GLORIA NOEL YVETTE MOORE M.PATRICK

• • • • •

DESLYN ROBERTS JOAN BARRY COLLEEN ANDERSON WANDA HUGHES GRACE BOND

A NEW BRIGADE OF POLITICIANS

DR. VINDHYA PERSAUD M.P. She is the first female president of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and was elected a Member of Parliament in 2011.

AFRICO SELMAN M.P.

Annette FERGUSON M.P.

A vibrant young Member of Parliament who advocates issues for youths.

This new Parliamentarian hopes to be able to speak for women who cannot speak for themselves.

GEORGETOWN PUBLIC HOSPITAL MATRONS • • • • •

Marion Harding Clara Sandiford Joyce Owen Stella Bacchus Joyce Gaime

• • • • •

Ulita Nelson Joan Kendall Bibi Hack Loretta Alexander Audrey Corry

THEY PAVED THE WAY IN MILITARY SERVICE

BRENDA AARON

CHRISTINE KING

JOAN GRANGER

CAROLYN SEAFORTH

PIONEERS IN AN EXPANDING FIELD OF NON– TRADITIONAL AREAS OF SERVICE

SIMONA BROOMES

CLAUDETTE ROGERS

Simona Brooms is President of the Women Miners Association and advocate for women’s rights, better working conditions for those in the mining sector.

Claudette Rogers is currently the Head of the Maritime Administration Department, Ministry of Public Works & Communications.

28 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

AMBASSADORS

WOMEN IN RELIGION

CHERYL MILES C.C.H.

ELIZABETH HARPER A.A.

Cheryl Miles served as Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil from 1999 - 2009. Prior to this position she served as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana.

Mrs. Elizabeth Harper, appointed Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001, is also currently the Ambassador to CARICOM and non resident Ambassador to Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

President of the Anglican M o t h e r s Un i o n a n d a n I nt e r n at i o n a l Tr a i n e r o n “Parenting.”

MERLIN UDHO

MITRA DEVI ALI

MAUREEN MASSIAH

Ms. Merlin Udho is currently G u y a n a’s A m b a s s a d o r t o Brazil. She has brought to her assignment the experience of having served as Ambassador to Suriname for a number of years.

An Attorney-at-Law, Ms. Mitra Devi Ali is Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba. She previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Human Service and Social Security and Legal Affairs.

Maureen Massiah, formerly Headmistress of Bishops High School and now a Minister of religion in the Presbyterian Community.

SHERAN HARPER

Celebrating

Our Women In Sports Athlete and Fitness Champion Alicia Fortune

Outstanding in Track & Field Marion Burnette

Squash Champion Nicolette Fernandes

Outstanding in Track & Field Alian Pompey

Boxing Champion Shondel Alfred

Outstanding in Track & Field Alika Morgan

30 International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Celebrating Women!

SHIRLEY FERGUSON

(28th November 1935 - 29th January 2013)

Working closely with Shirley for a number of years was a distinct pleasure since she was a warm and caring person with a great sense of humour. She joined the staff of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services & Social Security and later became a leading member of the Child Protection Team with the establishment of the Childcare & Protection Agency in 2009. Shirley was an elegant lady who had a flair for doing things in a very elegant way. I read somewhere that elegance is the combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity. This best describes Shirley. Distinction - Shirley was a woman of distinction, she inspired others, and was innovative and dedicated and served with sincerity. Naturalness - is a quality of being real and not influenced by others. I don’t think anyone or any fashion house or hairdresser could have gotten Shirley to change her hair style or change her style of dressing to keep-up with the changing fads. Care – Shirley was a person who took great care in how she presented herself and her work. Always immaculately attired and gave precedence to the saying that “anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Shirley was also a very caring person who looked out for others. Simplicity – that which gives charm to a personality, which makes us authentic. Authentic with one’s self, God and neighbours. Shirley was a trusted colleague and friend who will be forever missed.

What are your thoughts on the progress made by Women in Guyana? AMANDA V.M.L. ST AUBYN Women in Guyana can be proud of progress made specifically in the areas of education and financial independence. More women are successful in their pursuit of higher education and continue to take on the additional role of contributing to the family income.

sport, journalism to name a few. For instance, Parliament is close to achieving the 33% minimum quota for women in parliament. More women are educating themselves at all levels and the University of Guyana’s enrollment of women exceeds males in almost all Faculties.

Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar Over the years women have made many strides in several arenas in Guyana- in education, politics, business, environment, fashion, music, art and culture,

However, our society is still remains quite male dominated and we have much work to do in getting women more visible in the highest decision making fora in Guyana. We cannot be satisfied with 32% women in Parliament, we need more women on our Boards, in academia particularly science

GILLIAN BURTON Over the decades there has been some considerable progress made by women. Women’s consistent rise to leadership outside of the home has taken on new dimensions and today they can be seen not only as professionals but also daringly in the traditional and

32 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

That said, many women are still shackled by the chains of domestic violence which continue to plague us. With the focus in Guyana and worldwide on eradicating domestic violence through education, counseling and prosecution, more women are expected to realize their full potential and make an even greater contribution to the economy and society in general in the near future. and technology, more female presidents in the future... and the list goes on. It will be remiss of me not to voice my concern about the shocking wave in our society and the world at large as it relates to acts of violence against women. Until gender equality and respect for women becomes the pillar of our society –we have a long road ahead in terms of meaningful progress for women’s development. However, I am reminded of the strength of the many women that have overcome trials and I remain very optimistic that nothing is impossible where there is the will to change! nontraditional sectors. The belief that women have broken the glass ceiling is but a myth, since there is yet a far way for us to go. However, advocacy on the mandatory inclusive participation by women in all levels of our decision making process has indeed paved the way for this journey to continue.

MICHELLA ABRAHAM ALI Broadcaster

If one considers a few of the many roles that our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s women play including mother, c a r e g i v e r, h o m e m a k e r, breadwinner, citizen, public servant, health care provider and teacher, then it is evident that women are essential to the development of Guyana.

business, finance, aviation, entertainment, technology, the arts, education and military including attaining the pinnacle of their profession and today our neighbors Trinidad and Brazil proudly claim a woman prime minister and president respectfully.

Today we are assertive and are taking full advantage of the opportunities provided. Women have entered a wide field of endeavors medical, legal political, broadcast,

As women we must have i nte g r it y, a c c ou nt abi l it y, excellence, respect for others, teamwork, determination, tolerance, work ethics, conflict resolution and critical thinking.

For me, women in Guyana have made significant progress over the years, especially in the area of gender equality and empowerment despite the traditional, cultural and religious views of the role of women in the Guyanese society as that of a homemaker.

employment opportunities and higher paying jobs. They can be seen working in various sectors of Guyana, including the nontraditional fields.

Narima Rodrigues Project Engineer

Women now have greater access to higher education. Statistics have shown that more women than men are now enrolled at the secondary and tertiary levels in schools. As such, women now have access to greater

LLOYDA ROLLINS Soils & Materials Manager

The progress made by women in Guyana cannot be emphasized fully in short literature. When you think of a few notable women like Priya Manickchand, Jennifer Webster, Viola Burnham, Janet Jagan, Desiree Bernard, and even the nonprofessionals and housewives, they have made exceptional contribution towards the development of Guyana and continues to do so in the areas of law, politics, women rights, health and education, among many others. Women continue to demonstrate exceptional amount of empowerment to

Opportunities now exist in the villages and communities where women can gain skills, access low interest loans and credit facilities and become entrepreneurs. They are now more able to gain economic wealth and security.

their fellow professional and non professional Guyanese women, such as myself. As a professional woman, I consider myself as an individual who is striving to reach the pinnacle of the gender agenda, gaining momentum spectrum and will continue to look at the older professional and non-professional women for motivation while serving as a role model and inspiring the next generation of women.

DR. SULAN FUNG BDS G est at ion- her abi lity to nourish, grow and produce a quality human is innate. The quintessential woman utilises her designation to gestate anything her mere association permits. It is only natural that the end result is quality! Give her a runway- she’s Miss India

first to secure the right to vote in the Caribbean. Our Women of Excellence like Winifred Gaskin and Janet Jagan went on to form the Women’s Economic Organisation which later became the Women’s Progressive organization, promoting the development of women in our society and their empowerment.

Cathy Hughes M.P.

Guyana’s rich history highlights the valuable contributions of our women, who in all spheres of life and in an array of professions have toiled and built a nation we can be proud of.

To d ay w e re c o g n i z e t h e contributions of thousand of Guyanese women who toil for long hours, often at wage levels lower than their male counterparts to support their families and to build t he nu me rous su c c e ss f u l small businesses they operate. The y are the imp or tant caregivers who support many of our community and non governmental organisations which play an integral role in shaping our country.

AS far back as 1948 Kowsilla was killed while struggling for better wages. In the early 1950’s we remember that in the struggle for Universal Adult Suffrage the women of Guyana stood tall and were one of the

Today we also recognize that despite these achievement there is much still to be done as Guyanese women face the scourge of rising domestic violence and the resulting loss of life which continues to

As we celebrate “International Women’s Day” I stand proud of the many achievements the women of Guyana have made to our country for decades.

34 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

Worldwide (Alana Seebarran), chalk- she’s CXC’s Assistant Chief Examiner of English Language (Ingrid Fung), a law book- she’s Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (Desiree Bernard), politicsshe’s President 1997-1999 (Janet Jagan). Gender equality and women empowerment have facilitated our women to peak their careers and become highly influential in every field.

impact adversely on our family structures. We must find urgent solutions to these issues as we move forward. As we reflect on our progress we are justified in celebrating our women. Few places in the world can boast a former female President, Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary who went on to become the first female Judge at the Caribbean Court of Justice! With an array of competent female judges and magistrates, we are confident that the focus on socially conscious legislation will ensure higher moral and ethical standards. Traditionally, women have a greater degree of tolerance and understanding that persists even in the most difficult of times. The ability to hold on to hope, to transcend political differences, to shape peace agreements and to do what is right for the greater good of our Nation are all part of what we celebrate in our women today. Be proud. Happy International Women’s Day Guyana!

was commensurate with better profits. In their analysis of the 2012 Guyana budget, Ram & McRae highlighted 10 corporate entities that had 123 board seats of which only 10 were held by women.

BEVERLEY HARPER Managing Director – Ansa McAl We have undoubtedly achieved in the political and judicial arena, but I would like us to look at where we are in senior management and the boardroom. I have the distinct honour of being a Director on several boards for many years, but I do wonder when our boardrooms and executives will look more like the people who excelled in this century, not last. If your boardroom still resembles one gender, one age group, one culture, there is little if any alternative perspective! You can’t think outside of the box because you all live and come from the same box. Representation on boards remains low around the world at around 30%, however that includes boards with just 1 female, which may suggest the “token”. However the same report suggested that the more diversified a board/company

They emphasised that we were not alone and countries such as south africa had 70 companies without female representation on boards and 26 without any female senior management, but they opined and I quote “ The stereotypical good leader is perceived as the person with strong skills and attributes which are mistakenly identified with physical muscularity rather than empathy and cerebral quality.” Yet despite this supportive article for gender diversity, we are yet to see a Ram & McRae partner with lipstick. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage my business colleagues to think of the advantages of including women in their decision making and consider the following: A better mix of leadership skills A degree of gender diversity at the board level would foster a better balance in leadership skills Access to a wider pool of talent In 2012 Guyana had well above 65% of students graduating university, so if we are looking for cerebral talent it suggests that we would do well to

consider the fairer sex. A better reflection of the consumer decision-maker If we assume that women are, on average, likely to be more responsible for household spending decisions, it could follow that a corporate executive with female representation may enhance the understanding of customer preferences Improved corporate governance There is unusually strong consensus within academic r e s e a r c h t h at a g r e at e r number of women on the board improves performance on cor p orate and s o ci a l governance metrics. Looking at recent scandals at home and abroad, the composition of the boards of the AIGs, CLICOs and G oldman Sachs, are illuminating I never expect to change minds, period. I’m all about planting seeds of thought and I put it to you that a bias is an inflexible positive or negative belief about a particular category of people that has given rise worldwide t o r a c i s m , h om op h o bi a , stereotyping of the young, prejudice towards a religion as well as sexism. In conclusion, I hope that I have made a case for not only the disadvantages of homogeneity in our boardrooms and at the executive level, but shown that there could be tangible benefits in diversity that improve your bottom-line. Something no smart business person ever thumbed her nose at.

win the nomination, at least 18 million cracks had been made in the glass ceiling. The comment referred to the number of votes she received in her efforts to become the first female president of the world’s only remaining super power.

JULIE LEWIS Senior Announcer/ Producer Former U.S Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, at the end of her campaign to be the democrats’ presidential candidate in 2008 remarked that despite failing to

In Guyana that part of the glass ceiling has already been broken with the election, in 1997, of Janet Jagan as President in 1997. As we observe International Women’s Day, several other sections have either been cracked or completely broken through. However, one part remains firmly intact with just a few scratches. That’s the Desiree Bernard, the first ever woman in the Caribbean to be Chief Justice and Chancellor, and now the only woman on the Judiciary of the Caribbean Court of Justice. We also have several women judges; our DPP is a woman and women magistrates now dominate the judicial system.

VALERIE LOWE M.P. Historically the strongest and most influential and progressive woman that has emerged from pre-independence Guiana to present day Guyana, is Mrs. Janet Jagan, who was also our first female Prime Minister and later became our first female President of Guyana. Other names that come to mind who have also embraced women’s political and economic freedoms are Mrs. Winifred Gaskin, a former Education Minister; Justice

Women’s representation in Parliament is now one third (in fact there are twenty women parliamentarians in this Tenth Parliament) with five of them being ministers of the Government. We can also boast of women masons, electricians, plumbers, engineers and other trades once practiced by men alone. We have women in business – even in a most complicated one like mining. In education, today, women are taking full advantage of primary and secondary schools, national

36 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

section reserved for women with disabilities. This is not to suggest that that is a corner of the roof specifically marked out for disabled women, rather it is to highlight the fact that we are still to make the kinds of inroads we are capable of making. However, disabled women have made some strides. I, for example, have been in radio for more than 28 years, once as an assistant news editor and currently as a Senior Announcer/Producer. With the Disability Rights Act of 2010 now in place making it to the top and shattering the glass ceiling could be easier. and regional universities. At the national level policies have been put in place to protect women, nevertheless we are experiencing a frightening amount of violence against women which needs to stop. And with the passing of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, women now have more power over their bodies. We also command equal pay. Last but not least there has been significant progress in the development of our Indigenous women with regards to education, business and their entry into politics. Today we have two Indigenous female ministers in Government, three with the late Hon. Desiree Fox, and four female indigenous parliamentarians with two of them being ministers of the Government. And, according to the United Nations Charter, in order to

VALERIE LOWE M.P. (Cont’d) achieve sustainable, peaceful and a just society women must have full and equal participation in all areas of public and private life. What is happening now in Guyana, though, is that our women are proving themselves to be more

COLLEEN REIS Owner – ‘Milady’s House of Beauty’ and ‘The Closet’

DR. VINDHYA VASINI PERSAUD MP Women in Guyana have made strides in diverse fields over the years and this is evident by the increasing number of those occupying national

than equal to men. Where men used to be the providers of the home, women are now playing multiple roles of mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers all in one because of absentee fathers.

Women have the strength, the

If one considers a few of the many roles that our nation’s women play including mother, c a r e g i v e r, h o m e m a k e r, breadwinner, citizen, public servant, health care provider and teacher, then it is evident that women are essential to the development of Guyana.

Today we are assertive and are taking full advantage of the opportunities provided. Women have entered a wide field of endeavors medical, legal political, broadcast,

As women we must have i nte g r it y, a c c ou nt abi l it y, excellence, respect for others, teamwork, determination, tolerance, work ethics, conflict resolution and critical thinking.

positions, managing their own businesses, holding senior decision- making posts in the corporate world, becoming outspoken advocates on issues that impact on them at various fora and last but not least, graduating from the University of Guyana or other educational or skills training programmes.

a patriarchal system. Because of this growing trend, nationally we have seen the emergence of new institutions, policies, agendas, association, dialogues specifically addressing issues peculiar to women.

Mothers confidently straddle the worlds of home-making and the work environment. A new culture of entrepreneurism, empowerment and independence has gripped females in Guyana and they are less afraid to step out of the confines of tradition, expectations and the shadow of

courage and the determination to make positive changes in their family lives and will go on to make powerful changes at the national level.

Howe ve r, t he re are st i l l many women who have not recognized their self –worth and continue to remain bound by the shackles of illiteracy, poverty, dependence, abuse and violence. Let us not forget them as we march forward. But celebrate we must all those women who have risen in spite of struggles and challenges to set the new benchmark to which we must aspire!

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (C) with from left Permanent Secretary Lorene Baird, parliamentarian Indra Chandarpal, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Human Services Minister Jennifer Webster, Education Minister Priya Manickchand and parliamentarian Dr Vindhya Persaud

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security hosted a symposium on March 8 at the International Conference Centre as Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing International Women’s Day 2013. The International Women’s Day theme for this year was “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum.” The Ministry also had its own theme for Guyana and that message was “Women’s Rights & Gender Equality Must Become a Reality.”

The symposium was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic and business communities, representatives from nongovernment organizations and civil society. Making remarks at the event were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Human Resource and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, United Nations Resident Co-ordinator, UNDP Khadija Musa. There were also cultural presentations and arts & crafts displays.

38 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

Some of the attendees viewing an arts and craft display

Lisa Punch performs A section of the audience

Some Firsts for Guyanese Women 1. 1st female to win the Senior Sportswoman-of-theYear Award is Claudette Masdammer (1953). 2. 1st female President of Guyana Mrs. Janet Jagan (1997- 1999) 3. 1st female in the High Court of the Supreme Court ‘Judicature of Guyana and 1st female judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice is Hon. Madam Desiree Bernard. 4. 1st doctor to cure a baby of AIDS is Dr. Debroah Persaud (2013). 5. Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, MP is Guyana’s 1st female Foreign Affairs Minister (2008 present). 6. Guyana’s 1st female Cessna Grand Caravan Pilot is Captain Feriel Ally (2012). 7. 1st female of Afro-Caribbean Ancestry to become a consultant Orthopedic Surgeon in the UK is Dr. Samantha Tross.

8. 1st First Lady of Guyana was Mrs. Doreen Chung (1970). 9. 1st female Army Colonel in the Guyana Defence Force is Windee Algernon (2012). 10. Squash Champion Nicholette Fernandes is the first female to win the Senior Sportswoman- of- the- Year award 6 times (2000, 2001,2005,2006,2009 and 2012). 11. Guyanese born Baroness Valerie Ann Amos is the 1st black woman to sit in British Cabinet. 12. Gwendolyn O’Neil, 1st Guyanese woman to ever win a world boxing title (2004). 13. 1st female Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Enid Denbow. 14. 1st Guyanese to win an international pageant Alana Seebarran (Miss India Worldwide 2012). 15. 1st female Mayor of Georgetown was Mrs. Dorothy V. Bayley (1967).

Services Provided by the Ministry

We serve the Courts: • By preparing social inquiry reports for our local Courts and also for International social services agencies. •

By supervising children and adults in conflict with the Law.

We support families, by providing counselling when there is: • Marital conflict •

Neighbour disputes

•

Domestic violence

We provide social services for survivors of: • Child abuse •

Spousal abuse

•

Abuse of the elderly

We serve Prisons through: • Providing psycho-social support for prisoners and assistance in their preparations for resettlement. •

Providing financial assistance to family members through our social assistance programme.

Dispensation of Public Assistance and Other Financial Aid: • Families experiencing extreme financial difficulties can apply for Public Assistance Our Child Protection Agency provides: • Psycho-social support for children and families. • Intervention to prevent child abuse. • Placement for children – Adoption and Foster Care • Monitored operation of Children’s Homes and Institutions. • Education and training for parents.

National Resource and Documentation Centre for Gender and Development:

Providing information support for: • Gender equity in the development of Guyana. •

Building the capacity of women for improved participation in decision-making.

•

The collection, storage and dissemination of information relevant to the work of the Ministry.

Women’s Affairs Bureau (W.A.B.): • Counsells clients on various isssues. •

Empowers women and young girls for leadership and decision-making.

•

Provides technical assistance to non-governmental organizations.

•

Assists survivors of domestic violence and provides referral services.

•

Assists women in establishing small businesses.

Provision of Old Age Pension: • To be eligible, a person must have attained a minimum age of sixty-five (65) years, and resident in Guyana. •

Other services to the elderly include:

•

Placement/counselling for the destitute.

•

Networking with the Palms and other care institutions for the elderly.

OTHER SERVICES Adoption The Adoption Board is housed in the main office of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security. It provides information and counselling for parents, applicants and children involved in the adoption process. Please visit our office for more information

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Public Education Our professionally trained staff facilitates Workshops, Seminars and Conferences at Parent\ Teachers Associations, Religious Institutions and other Non-Governmental agencies. Counter-trafficking in Persons: • Provides assistance and support to victims. •

Provides training of focal points across the country.

Night Shelter The Night Shelter also provides accommodation and meals for homeless adults. Women of Worth (WOW) • Facilitate loans for female single parents to start/expand businesses. •

Train female single parents in basic entrepreneurial skills.

•

Provide technical support to female single parents loan recipients.

LIST OF PROBATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICES IN GUYANA NAME

ADDRESS

TEL. #

REGION

P.S.S.O.

Port Kaituma

777-4050

P.S.S.O. Essequibo P.S.S.O. West Bank Dem. District P.S.S.O. East Coast Dem. District P.S.S.O. East Bank Dem. District P.S.S.O. Head Office

Regional Admin. Office, Anna Regina

771-4311, 771-4007, 771-4008

Works Compound, Pln. Walk, W.B.D.

264-2690

Triumph Govt. Compound

220-2354

Water & Cornhill St., Georgetown

231-6556

Water & Cornhill St., Georgetown

231-6556

P.S.S.O. West Berbice

Regional Admin. Compound, Fort Wellington

232-0952, 232-0953

P.S.S.O. East Berbice P.S.S.O. Corentyne Magistrate District P.S.S.O.

Princess Elizabeth Road, Queenstown, New Amsterdam

333-3970

Whim Government, Compound

337-2667

Bartica

455-2226

P.S.S.O. Lethem

RDC Office, Lethem

777-5029, 777-4011

P.S.S.O. Linden

Christianburg Magistrate, Court Building

442-0490

NOTE: The abbreviation P.S.S.O. is used here to denote the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Probation and Social Services Offices. OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE TO WOMEN NO.

NAME OF ORGANIZATION

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE #

CONTACT PERSON

Red Thread Women’s Dev. Project

72 Princess & Adelaide Sts. Charlestown, Georgetown

227-7010/223-6254 email: thread@networks.com

Ms. Karen de Souza Co-ordinator

Young Women’s Christian Association

106 Brickdam Georgetown

226-5610/223-7597 email: ywca@sdnp.org.gy

Ms. Yonette Mathews General Secretary

Help and Shelter

Homestretch Avenue

225-4731/227-8353

Ms. Margaret Kertzious Co-ordinator

225-3286/225-6493

Mr. Pollard Executive Director (ag)

227-3974 email: wad@solutions2000.net

Ms. Clonel Samuels-Boston Co-ordinator

225-9238/225-9246/ 225-2259

Ms. Josephine Whitehead

70 Quamina Street Guyana Responsible Parenthood South Cummingsburg Association Georgetown 34 Anira Street Women Across Differences Queenstown Georgetown Maraj Building Legal Aid Charlotte Street Georgetown

Venture Out!

For Women Entrepreneurs

Thanks to EMPRETEC and Republic Bank.” Given the success of the Venture Out! Programme, Republic Bank has agreed to deepen its collaboration with EMPRETEC.

The Venture Out! Programme for women entrepreneurs launched in 2010 by EMPRETEC Guyana under the auspices of Republic Bank has continued to expand over the years and is expected to take on a new dimension with the launch of the Venture Out! 2013 Loan Competition. To date approximately four hundred (400) women have participated in the Venture Out! activities - well above our projected average of one hundred (100) per year. Participants are drawn from entrepreneurs who run small business enterprises in Regions 2, 4, 6, 9 and 10 where the programme has been conducted over the past three (3) years. EMPRETEC Guyana and Republic Bank have been collaborating on the Venture Out! Programme for Women Entrepreneurs since 2010. Implemented under the theme “Empowerment Through Economic Self Sufficiency” the Venture Out! Programme designed in accordance with the EMPRETEC methodology has had a substantial impact on the participating women entrepreneurs.

In their report on the 2012 programme, participants shared how they were motivated to expand their operations moving from being mere home based establishments to more formal business premises in the central business district. One participant who is considered to be among the most successful of venture out participants indicated that as a result of being exposed to book keeping and how to effectively utilize financial resources her income has grown tremendously. As a result of her participation in the Venture Out! programme she was motivated to start her business with $300,000 (GY) and within one (1) year and with the support of Republic Bank she was able to extend her turnover to $3.6 (GY) million. She opined that before EMPRETEC’s training she did not even have a bank account but has been proud of her achievements to date and is looking forward to even greater successes in the future. She has been a source of great motivation to the other venture out participants. She says “what I have learnt I always try to teach others.

42 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

EMPRETEC Guyana we are concerned primarily with building entrepreneurial capacity of small enterprises in order to prepare them for expansion and growth, many of these entrepreneurs currently and potentially would give consideration to doing business with large companies in their existing and future business endeavours. To this end, we are also looking to enlist companies in a business linkage programme which will provide an opening for the entrepreneurs to identify additional business opportunities.

for Trade and Industry has provided five hundred million dollars as loans for this vulnerable group; it is expected that the businesses that are funded will create employment for thousands of new jobs. In addition the national network of participating entities in this programme will be strengthened.

WOMEN of WORTH (WoW) MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAMME The main objective of the micro-credit programme is to remove the barriers single parent women face, enhance their self esteem, empower them to take advantage of the economic opportunities around them and heighten their participation in society. The programme aims to recruit and train approximately five thousand female single parents between the ages of 18-60 years that have a desire to startup or expand a viable business. The Guyana Bank

Stephanie Rutherford I am a 38 yrs old single woman of Lot 2 Belmonte Mahaicony with two children; when I acquired the Women of Worth (WOW) loan two years ago it changed my life. I was able to purchase stocks in larger quantities; this resulted in tremendous growth for my business. I also opened a savings account which gave me economic independence for the first time in my life. I am now in the last two months of my second loan and have expanded my business further. The lives of my children have significantly improved with my eldest son now attending university. Yonette Halley The Women of Worth loan (WOW) has changed my life in many ways. The standard of living for me and my children has improved. There was an expansion in my clientele because I was able to purchase better quality products as well as larger amounts of products. Further, I am a third time recipient who owns and operates a Hair Dressing Salon in downtown Georgetown.

To date over two thousand (2000) female single parents in the ten administrative regions has applied for and received micro credit loans to start up or expand businesses. The department currently mentors and monitors these loan recipients and facilitates the training of all loan recipients in the management of small businesses and related skills. In addition the department continues to access market(s) for all Micro- Credit loan recipientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; products and promote the Micro-Credit Programme through public awareness programs.

Ramratie Itwaru I am a second time recipient of the Women of Worth (WOW) loan, a seamstress of Hyde Park Timehri. Before I obtained the WOW loan I was only able to do alterations and sewing of a small amount of uniforms in my community of Timehri. With the money from the loan I purchased large amounts of material and was awarded a contract with the Timehri Primary School to supply school uniforms. I also started a photocopying and laminating business. Yvonne De Abreu I am what I am; I am a young woman who was born with a disability called Cerebral Palsy. My brain function is limited and my ability to walk is severely challenged. But with what I have I am able to do craft such as, knitting, floral arrangements, tie-dying, baking and icing cakes to express myself. I also swim foe exercise and do all the cooking in the home for my family. I think I am a well rounded person in spite of my disability. I am also an advocate for people with disabilities.

SO YOU WISH TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? CONGRATULATIONS!!

DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND ADVICE AND SUPPORT? BEFORE YOU START… CONSIDER

SUPPORT AGENCIES

Step 1: Suitability

Consider your suitability for business. Do you have any business or management experience? Are you willing to continually learn new skills and research the sector?

Step 2: Feasibility

Assess the business idea to determine whether people will be willing to pay for your product or service

Step 3: Business Plan and Budget

Develop a simple business plan for how the business will be executed i.e. • How will you reach and retain your customers? • Who is your competition (similar existing businesses) and what are they doing? What the competition? • Where will the business be located? • What will your costs be and do you have enough money to start? • Will you generate enough income to cover

Step 4: Financing

Step 5: Registration

Step 6: Licenses

ness? Where will the money come from to start and keep the business going?

Step 7: Cash Flow

LEGAL AND REGULATORY Deeds Registry Charlotte Street Georgetown Telephone: 592-226-3083 Website: www.legalaffairs.gov.gy

Consider a worst case scenario. • amount that you need? • How long can you survive without making money if business is slow?

WHEN YOU START… CONSIDER

Recordkeeping & Accounting Systems • Taxation Obligations Insurance • Incentives

44 International Women’s Day Celebrating Women!

Small Business Bureau 229 South Road Lacytown Georgetown Telephone: 592-227-8849 Fax: 592-225-4130

Small Business Development Finance 5 Hadfield Street Georgetown Telephone:592-223-6165 / 592-223-6166

How will you register the business? • To operate as a Sole Trader you need to register a business name • For a Partnership a Lawyer will prepare a Partnership Agreement • If you want to start a Company a Lawyer will prepare Articles & Memorandum of Association

ber (TIN)?

EMPRETEC Guyana J Lama Avenue Bel Air Park Georgetown Telephone: 592-225-1219 Email: empretecguyanainc@ yahoo.com Website: www.empretecguyana.org

LENDING Institute of Private Enterprise Development 253 South Road Bourda Telephone:592-226-4675/ 592-225-8949 Website: www.ipedgy.com

Check to see what licenses you would need to operate the business

BUSINESS SERVICES Women of Worth (WOW) Programme Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Lot 1 Water Street Georgetown Telephone: 592-227-0137 Website:www.mlhsss.gov.gy

Mayor and City Council/ Town Councils Avenue of the Republic Georgetown Telephone: 592-226-4190 Guyana Revenue Authority Tax Division 200-201 Camp Street Georgetown Telephone: 592-225-6935 Website: www.gra.gov.gy INCENTIVES Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST) 190 Camp & Church Streets Georgetown Tel: 592-225-0658 Website: www.goinvest.gov.gy

Deborah Jan Osman-Backer (April 26th 1959 – March 21st 2014)

Former Parliamentarian and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly On the eve of the release of this publication, came the tragic news of the death of Deborah Jan Backer, who until recently served as my colleague Parliamentarian, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. What does one say of a fallen comrade, a colleague, and a friend? It was the poet George Elliot who said “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” This brief reflection honours and pays tribute to a woman whose life and work has made an impact upon the lives of many through the generous use of her personal and professional skills and in her social activism in various facets of the Guyanese society. Those who would have known her must consider themselves fortunate to have been called colleagues or acquaintances of Deborah Jan Backer. Deborah Backer and I have shared the same place in public office, albeit, in different locations and perhaps at different times. We both received our early formal education at St. Gabriel’s Convent of the Good Shepherd after which our paths diverged personally and professionally only to be united

once again in service to our country. She was passionate about issues of national importance but more particularly issues pertaining to national security, gender-based violence, women’s rights, gender equality and the protection of our children in Guyana. She was one of the founders of the Linden Legal Aid Centre established in April, 2009. In June 2013, she tabled in the National Assembly, a motion entitled ‘Married Persons Property Amendment Bill (2013)’. She was endowed with a quick wit, a sense of humor, a penetrative mind and was a fierce defender of what she believed in. She has left these earthly shores with an indelible mark. Her interventions in Parliament and at other forums will sorely be missed. Our country has lost an advocate and resounding voice on women’s rights. May we continue to strive for the development and protection of our women in Guyana! Hon. Jennifer Webster M.P. Minister of Human Services & Social Security

Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security THE VISION OF THE MINISTRY PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN ELIMINATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GIVING HOPE TO THE ELDERLY CARING FOR THE DESTITUTE AND THE ABANDONED ELIMINATING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ENABLING THE DISABLED EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH ACCESS TO INFORMATION TRAINING FINANCIAL FACILITIES Telephone No.: Permanent Secretary 223-7585 Chief Probation and Social Services Officer 225-6212 Women’s Affairs Bureau 225-4362/227-0206 Childcare and Child Protection Agency 227-4420/231-8407 Director of Social Services 223-6041 Women of Worth (WoW) 227-0137 1 Water & Cornhill Streets, Stabroek, Georgetown, Guyana. www.mlhsss.gov.gy Copyright © 2014 Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security