The 2024 service in celebration of International Women’s Day was witnessed by another large and appreciative audience at the Pro-Cathedreal of St. Mary on March 8, 2024. The annual service is the collaborative effort of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Anguilla, Anglican Church Women Association (ACWA), Gender Affairs Unit and the Anguilla National Council of Women (ANCW).
This years’ service was held under the Women’s Week theme “This Woman Can: Accelerate Progress.” President of the ANCW Ms. Simone Connor chaired the service and the welcome remarks were given by the President of ACWA Ms. Celestine John.
Her Excellency The Governor, Ms. Julia Crouch, Honourable Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers and Past President of the Soroptimists International Anguilla, Mrs. Ursil Webster-Brooks delivered greetings on behalf of their respective organizations.
During the service, awards were presented to the ten 2024 Women’s Week Honouress by Gender Affairs Coordinator Ms. Kemoloy Murphy and Minister Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers: Ms. Tashanna Brooks, Ms. Tina Bryan, Ms. Tara Carter, Ms. Hilda Christine Dupuis, Mrs. Wilhelmina “Tr. Bay” Franklin, Mrs. Jemmisa Graneau-Gumbs, Ms. Janay Reymond, Dr. Indira Singh-Batchelor, Mrs. Susan Smith, and Axa Webster. A special presentation was made to Dr. Ronya Foy-Connor, the first Gender Affairs Coordinator for her contributions to the establishment and advancement of the unit through various partnerships and initiatives.
The Keynote Speaker was introduced by Ms. Claudillia Senhouse, a former Youth Parliamentarian. Ms. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson, a past Women’s Week Honouree and current Director of the Chronic Disease Unit presented an engaging address. She captivated the audience with her participatory approach and sharing of her personal experiences. Ms. Bradshaw-Richardson encouraged all women to “take the time to explore connections in your lives, as understanding yourself is the essence of progress.” She further challenged all women to “believe in your progress and continue to shatter those glass ceilings.”
Musical renditions for the evening came from the Ms. Evodie Niezil of the Seventh Day Adventist Women’s Ministry, the Methodist Women’s Commission, Church of God of Prophecy Women’s Ministry and Mrs. Imogen Mussington and Company.
A special offering was collected in support of the Department of Social Development’s personal and developmental initiatives for the young people in the Place of Safety.
Ms. Rene Henry of The UWI Global Camupus Anguilla, expressed appreciation on behalf of the organising committee. Appreciation was expressed to everyone who shared in the celebration, including Pastor Julet Simon who delivered the invocation, Canon Reid Simon, and Congregation of the Pro Cathedral of St. Mary, as well as sponsors, MarzSim Visuals, Klean Stream, Nagico Insurance and Sol Petroleum Anguilla. Special thanks was also extended to the members of the various Media Houses for their presence and broadcasting of the service.
