CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, in collaboration with the Gender Affairs Unit in the Ministry of Home Affairs, held what was felt as a very powerful and spiritual luncheon on Sunday, March 8, to mark International Women’s Day.
The conference was organised by the resort’s Events Department, Antoinette Brooks, Latoya Scarbro and Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator and was attended by women groups and individuals from across Anguilla. The venue was Italia Restaurant, with a picturesque view of the 18-hole Greg Norman golf course which added to the words of enlightenment by the speakers which were well received by the attendees.
The conference, among other matters, focused on the role and function of women within society and the workplace. The Chairperson was Dr. O. M. Linda Banks, one of Anguilla’s leading women. She is a Communications Specialist, Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Saint James School of Medicine.
Women’s Week, held under the theme “Unsung Champions of the Hospitality Sector”, was very much underscored by a moving address by former Director and Senior Advisor of Tourism, Ms Donna Banks, who paid tribute to past icons within the tourism industry.
“Our tourism and hospitality industry in 1978 was founded by a woman, the late Mrs. Idalia Gumbs, who was the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism,” she recalled. “From that time the public sector management of tourism has been strongly influenced by women including Tourism Advisor Stephanie Sawyer, former Permanent Secretary, Tourism Mrs. Countess Rey, and immediate past Director of Tourism Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch.”
Ms Banks also spoke of the urgent need for transformational change within the island’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“Today, Anguilla’s tourism and hospitality industry is like an adolescent trapped in the middle of a busy intersection whose only means of survival is transformation,” she continued. “We need transformation in our tourism and hospitality industry and, as women with the skill sets gained from our biological makeup and our social roles, we are equipped to lead this transformation, to see impact and to spur growth; but we must lead and not just manage things.”
She said in order for women to lead for change they must have internal motivation, self-management and ability to make difficult decisions; check their egos; be willing to take the right risks and to be proactive.
Ms Banks continued: “I want us to ensure that we are leaders in this transformation process, and not just managers. Managers look after things/check lists and usually do so from behind a desk. However, people are led and, as great leaders, we must know that to connect with our team we need to be engaged and ready to step in and support our people even working side by side to get the job done. Additionally, you cannot be a fence sitter. That is a dangerous position to be in. That is not the God-given role of women. We are called to stand for something. The world needs us women to be leaders with integrity and good character. Shine our lights!”
Mrs Susan Best Richardson, singer, song writer and producer, who delivered a moving rendition in song, also spoke on the importance of having God in one’s life especially in dealing with life’s stresses.
“We should have principles and standards that govern our life. For me, that is God,” she exclaimed. “Get rid of bitterness, hate and malice,” she stressed. “We should have persons around us who support us and are honest: people who help to lift us up.”
Guest speaker Ms Tina C. Hines, an American Transformational Specialist, spoke on “Make it Happen.” She used her personal experience to encourage the women to put their lives in order and to be dedicated and committed to pursing their dreams.
Ms. Hines, who’s quite passionate about her work, highlighted the need for women to be kind and positive towards one another.
Anguillian educator and health advocate, Ms. Maris Edwards, addressed the attendees on women and their health. She encouraged the ladies to pay attention to the changes in their bodies, to be selective in their choice of foods and to nourish their bodies healthily.
Amethyst Davis, a former Ms Anguilla, and a graduate teacher at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, delivered two powerful poems including her popular one – “I am Woman!”
Apart from being very enjoyable, the conference provided an informative experience for all the participants.
