Forging forward in recognizing the achievements of women in Anguilla, the Gender Affairs Unit, in collaboration with Her Excellency the Governor, Christina Scott, hosted a special reception at Government House on Thursday, March 12 in celebration of Women’s Week 2015, under the theme “Unsung Champions of the Hospitality Sector”.
The programme of events included an Opening Prayer by Women’s Week 2015 honouree Verona Winifred Baird;, Security Corporal at the Clayton J. Lloyd Airport. Mrs. Baird’s prayer was followed by Welcome Remarks by Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator. Dr. Connor offered greetings to both men and women at this year’s Governor’s reception in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s Week.
She noted that the theme of “Unsung Champions of the Hospitality Sector” provided an opportunity to recognise “women who are normally influential behind the scenes as they’re brought to the forefront and applauded for their dedication toward building the hospitality industry of Anguilla.” Dr. Foy Connor also distinguished Governor Scott as supporting the “numerous contributions that women make to the family, the community and, this year, within tourism and hospitality, by hosting this wonderful reception.”
Following Dr. Foy Connor’s remarks, Ms. Zyrae Harrigan shared a poem titled “The Empowered Woman” by Sonny Carroll. Ms. Harrigan emphasized that, “The Empowered Woman moves through the world with a sense of confidence and grace…Her needs and desires she has learned to express. She has tasted the bitter and savored the sweet fruits of life, overcome adversity and pushed past heartache and strife….”
Her Excellency, Governor Christina Scott, provided an Opening Address to attendees emphasizing that the International Women’s Day theme of 2015 is “Make It Happen” and “tonight, and throughout the week, we are celebrating the dedicated women in Anguilla who ‘Make It Happen’ on a daily basis for their loved ones and for Anguilla’s main industry of tourism and hospitality.” Governor Scott continued to note that “International Women’s Day was first observed in 1911 during a time when women were advocating for an end to oppression and inequality.”
She affirmed that there are still struggles that continue today around the world and “we all must work collectively to put an end to violence and promote fruitful opportunities for women and girls.” In closing, the Governor recognised Dr. Foy Connor for her energy and commitment to improving gender affairs in Anguilla, while remarking on the advancements that women have made as entrepreneurs, in the fields of law, government, politics, and many other industries. Governor Scott encouraged all to “applaud and support women in the Anguillian community for their service economically, politically, socially and culturally.”
As the evening continued, the 15 (Women’s Week 2015) honourees were celebrated by all those in attendance and especially by those who nominated them for recognition. Their biographies were read and each woman received a token of appreciation ranging from plaques to spa packages, a smartphone from LIME Anguilla and complimentary resort stays. Nominees were lauded for their commitment to embracing Anguilla’s visitors, their innovation in promoting Anguilla as a vacation destination, and their steadfast drive despite personal obstacles.
The 2015 honourees included Erlene White, nominated by Janine Edwards of Sunset Homes; Veronica Lee, nominated by Sherille Hughes of Paradise Cove; Shanhira and Shanira Gumbs, nominated by Delroy Lake of Anacaona Hotel; Patricia Carty, nominated by Susan Brookes of Frangipani Beach Resort; Kishma Connor, nominated by Violet Gumbs of Cap Juluca; Olivet Betty Riley, nominated by Dorla Gumbs and Richard Alexander of Viceroy Anguilla; Gweneth Johnson of Anguilla Travel Services and Ann Gumbs of Malliouhana Travel and Tours presented by Kenneth Hodge, Ministry of Home Affairs; Nori Evoy of Anguilla-Beaches.com presented by Lily Warning-Moses of the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce; Celsa Connor of Wendell Connor’s Taxi and Tours presented by Dr. Ronya Foy Connor; Avilene Hodge-Carty and Icilma Carty nominated by Travis Carty of Department of Customs; Molissa Romney nominated by Laureen Bryan of Department of Immigration; and Verona Winifred Baird nominated by Franklyn Bryan and Shirnette Hodge of Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority.
The evening concluded with a song by Zyrae Harrigan and the opportunity to continue mixing and mingling in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s Week in Anguilla. The other events comprising Women’s Week 2015 included a special “Women’s Issue” of Design Anguilla Magazine; March 8: CuisinArt and Gender Affairs Unit “Women’s Empowerment Luncheon” and Radio Address by Jerome C. Roberts, Minister for Gender Affairs; March 9: Anguilla National Council of Women Resurgence Meeting; March 11: LIME Anguilla’s “Young Girls Chat” and March 12: Social Solutions radio programme with host Pastor Philip Gumbs and guests Gilda Gumbs-Samuel of the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association, Celsa Connor 2015 honouree and Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator.
Men’s Week 2015 will commence under the same theme, “Unsung Champions of the Hospitality Sector” from Sunday, June 22 until Saturday, June 27. If you are interested in working in partnership with the Gender Affairs Unit to celebrate Men’s Week, please contact Dr. Ronya Foy Connor at the Ministry of Home Affairs at 497-2518.
