The following statement was issued on International Women’s Day which was observed in Anguilla, and in various countries around the world, on March 8:
“Today we mark the UN International Women’s Day. I fully agree with the message from Hon Jerome Roberts, Minister of Gender Affairs. He rightly draws attention to the progress that women have made over the last few years in many walks of life, but also to what remains to be done. Women have, as Jerome points out, started to occupy many senior positions in Anguilla. Quite soon, a woman will be the Governor of Anguilla.
“The overall goal of equality in the workplace is a key one. We need to continue to strive for equal access for women in all professions, not just some of them. And we need to ensure that everyone, whatever their gender or background, is able to maintain a sensible work/life balance. Equality in the family is also important with fathers, as well as mothers, playing a full part in family life and the raising of children.
“So there are many issues affecting women in Anguilla and I wanted to reflect on the work that has been done here to address Domestic Violence. This is a subject on which the objectives of the Governments of Anguilla and the UK are exactly the same – to make progress as quickly as possible in improving the lives of all those who are affected by Domestic Violence in Anguilla.
“My staff in the Governor’s Office are working extremely closely with all the relevant leading departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Social Development and the RAPF (Royal Anguilla Police Force), on addressing Domestic Violence across the board. As part of these efforts, I hope that the Domestic Violence Bill will be passed by the House of Assembly soon. It provides a suitable, comprehensive legislative structure for dealing with Domestic Violence issues in Anguilla – a goal which should be shared by all of us.”
