Women Recognised

In a debate marked by emotion and childhood reminiscences, Members of the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (4 September) sought via a Private Members' Motion recognition for the contribution of women in the Cayman Islands.

While the vote is yet to be taken since debate on the motion continues Thursday morning, the Minister of Health and Human Services the Hon. Anthony Eden, who holds ministerial responsibility in this sphere, endorsed the motion.

Rich tributes were paid from both sides of the floor as to the pivotal efforts of Caymanian women in national affairs as well as on the home front when men were away at sea in yesteryears. Particular respect was paid to single parents who had to eke out an existence, with little support from any quarter.

Moved by George Town MLA Lucille Seymour, the motion asked Government to consider recognising "heroic, patriotic and nation-building efforts of Cayman women..."

The motion, seconded by George Town MLA Alfonso Wright, drew attention to the contributions of women to the social, cultural and economic development of the Islands. As such, they laid the foundation for Cayman's present economic success, complementing the effort of the Islands' men who contributed equally by their labour at sea. The motion also acknowledged women's continuing contributions in "advocating strongly for their right to vote," which was brought into law in 1959.

Ms Seymour took a historical look, noting the paucity of research and documentation regarding how women coped in the past, their continuing enormous challenges of multi-tasking in today's society, and the growing lack of clarity regarding men's roles. The motion is about "bringing fulfilment to the lives of Caymanian men, women and children. It's about a democratic principle of equity and equality," she stressed.

She asked also that women separated or divorced from seamen and consequently barred from receiving seamen's compensation be recognised in their own right for their contributions at home, and be granted the right to similar compensation. Such compensation should also be given to single women who weathered the storms in those years and are now living in poverty, she asked.

She urged Government to organise a public ceremony honouring "outstanding women of the past who went beyond the call of duty to help hold Caymanian society together in the absence of the men."

As a commemorative gesture of the 50th anniversary of adult suffrage in Cayman in 2009, she asked Government to nominate a woman to be awarded the highest Royal Honour that may be given in Cayman. She also asked that women receive the Caymanian Badge of Honour for their significant contributions in those years.

She called for a monument to be erected for all these women and a ceremony be held annually in their honour. She wanted an edifice depicting women holding the Cayman Islands be erected in Heroes Square in central George Town, along with a marble wall inscribed with the names of all the over 300 women who signed the petition seeking the right for women to vote in Cayman.

Ms Seymour also sought that Government commission a statue of Cayman's living second National Hero, Mrs. Sybil McLaughlin; place plaques honouring women who contributed to the public and political lives in their districts; and name important government buildings and schools after these women.

She further asked that actions be taken so that retirees and women in their senior years not be allowed to fall below the poverty line and their work at home go unremunerated. "Never should we institute unconsciously the bag lady in our society by forgetting the mothers of old who made us who we are," she commented.

She recommended negotiations with the seafarers about putting up in their hall a memorial jointly honouring both the women and the seafarers.

Additionally, she suggested dedicating an area for the women of Cayman in the library, where research into women's contributions towards nation-building could be done by a curator.

She asked Government to set up a committee forthwith to deal with her recommendations and come up with an appropriate plan of action.

The debate continues Thursday (5 September).

For further information contact: Bina Mani