The Anguillian
Dear Editor,
The Anguilla National Council of Women (“ANCW”) is disappointed with the lack of response from the Honourable Walcott Richardson and the Honourable Hubert Hughes to a letter dated 6 February 2013 (published below). In 2010, the ANCW achieved one milestone in the assistance and establishment of the Gender Affairs Unit within the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ANCW has and continues to advocate for women’s rights and protection through implementation of policies, legislation and public awareness. Some of the principles that the ANCW stand for include: eradicating sexism in the workplace and gender equality and in general, mutual respect irrespective of gender. It is for this reason that the ANCW formed the view that given the nature of the allegations against Mr. Richardson, it would be inappropriate for him to retain responsibility for gender affairs at this time while the allegations are pending. His role as Minister responsible for gender affairs has been compromised by the nature of the allegations. While we recognize that he is innocent until proven guilty, we cannot turn a blind eye to the impact the allegations may likely have on his ability to promote and advocate for women’s issues when he has been accused of violating the very same values and principles which the ANCW advocate. We therefore seek the Government’s immediate attention to our letter as published herein and again request that responsibility for Gender Affairs be removed from Mr. Richardson until his matter is resolved by the court.
6 February 2013
Honourable Minister of Home Affairs
Mr Walcott Richardson
The Secretariat
The Valley
ANGUILLA
Dear Minister Richardson
The Anguilla National Council of Women (“ANCW”) is concerned about the recent allegations brought against you as Minister responsible for Gender Affairs. The ANCW acknowledges your legal presumption of innocence however in the interests of good governance, transparency and accountability we hold the view that you should voluntarily withdraw from all ministerial duties until the matter is resolved by a court of law.
This request is not only to protect the Gender Affairs Movement in Anguilla but also to protect you. There are a number of up-coming Gender related events and, we do not think it would be appropriate for you to be addressing the public in the capacity of Minister for Gender Affairs.
We are copying this letter to the Honourable Chief Minister and His Excellency The Governor, in the hope that this will expedite the transfer of the Gender Affairs portfolio to another Minister. We are willing to revisit this request at the conclusion of the case.
With kind regards
ANGUILLA NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN
Ernie Hodge-Carty
President
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
