The Anguilla National Council of Women (ANCW) in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, Open Campus, the Gender Unit in the Ministry of Home Affairs and other Non-Governmental Organizations spent a time of fellowship dubbed “Encouragement, Thanksgiving and Praise” at the Bethel Methodist Church on Friday, 25th November under the theme “Prevent Violence Against Women – UNITE.
During the session, greetings were brought on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evans McNeil Rogers, who extended appreciation and thanks for the initiatives undertaken to deal with the violence in our society.
Clinical Psychologist and President of the Soroptimist Club of Anguilla, Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks was the keynote speaker at the Rally. In a moving presentation, Dr. Banks referenced the Bible and available statistical data to focus attention on the history, level and frequency of violence meted out to women and girls, and made a call for all of us to be more accountable for the way we treat each other.
The Hon. Mrs. Evalie Bradley of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Gender Unit used the occasion to highlight the role of the Gender Unit in the knowledge, education and empowerment of people. Mrs. Bradley also brought greetings on behalf of Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs. Cora Richardson- Hodge and Gender Coordinator, Dr. Ronya Foy-Connor.
Remarks also came from the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Palmavon Webster, Manager of the UWI Open Campus BOTs, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Morrison.
Also bringing greetings and pledging support were Poet, Ms. Lena Gumbs, Immediate Past President of the ANCW, Mrs. Ernie Hodge-Carty, Mrs. Rosena Brooks of the Anglican Church Women Association, Mrs. Pamela Connor of the Mothers’ Union, Mrs. Ruth Niles of the Women’s League of the Methodist Church and Mrs. Sadie Fleming of the the Church of God of Prophecy.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the “Orange the World – End Violence Against Women and Girls” Banner by Mrs Hyacinth T. Hughes and Mrs. Angelina Carty of the Eleos Family Centre of the Methodist Church. The Banner will be signed by and circulated amongst supporting organisations during the 16 days of Activism (November 25 – December 10).
Chairperson and President of the Anguilla National Council of Women, Mrs. Ursil
Webster Brooks, is expressing thanks to all the member groups and organisations, including the media for their participation in the ceremony and in highlighting the activities for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism. She also extends her congratulations to the various organizations for playing their part in the struggle for gender equality.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
