NDP chooses new cadre of young women to head its Women’s Arm

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC Party (NDP) Women’s Arm has ushered in a new bunch of fresh talent to head that arm of the party.

The new executive headed by lawyer, Ronnia Durham-Balcombe was elected at the convention of the Women’s arm on Sunday, October 9 at the party’s Murray’s Road headquarters.

President Durham-Balcombe replaced Maureen Brackin who previously held that position.

The other members of the new executive are Vice president, Kenna Questelles; PRO, Chelsea Alexander; Treasurer, Lisa Grecia; Secretary, Delisia DeFreitas; and Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer, Brigette Olliverre.

Member of Parliament for St Andrew South East in Grenada, Emmalin Pierre, the feature speaker told the women that she knows “Women have made significant progress in many areas. However the reality is, there is still widespread gender inequalities as it relates to women, particularly in politics.”

The MP also pointed out that “No country prospers without the engagement of women.We need women’s representation that reflects all women and girls in all their diversity and abilities, and across all cultural, social, economic and political situations.”

She said she firmly believes that women are best placed to represent women throughout the world. Therefore, women’s active and frontal participation in politics must be about meaningful engagement and full participation that takes them beyond the back room. In spite of the almost equal population of men and women Pierre, invoking comments of former United Nations Executive Director, Phumzile Mlanbo-Ngcuka said “the data shows that women are under- represented at all levels of decision making world wide and that achievement of gender parity in politics is far off.”

She further commented that, “there is growing recognition of the capacity and talent of women in politics. The full and equitable participation of women in public lives is essential for building and sustaining strong and vibrant democracies. The meaningful participation of women in national, local and community leadership roles has become an important focus on global developmental policies.”

Pierre challenged women of the NDP to get involved on the front line where they have a greater opportunity to influence and impact decision making that can lead to a better quality of life and positively impact families.

She further challenged them to break the social, cultural and political barriers and step out by making a difference, starting in their homes and communities.

“Do not subscribe to the mantra that women’s place is limited to the home…lead with confidence and inspire other women”. Pierre also encouraged them to “positively impact the lives of people, particularly the lives of vulnerable women through the creation of opportunities and by making of policies and the passage of legislation so changes can advance the cause of women throughout this country and the world.”

President of the NDP, Dr Godwin Friday who addressed the convention electronically said “We are grateful for all that the women’s arm has done and continue to do and also their commitment to carry on.” The party leader further said, “you have showed the true spirit of caring and embracing that has helped our party to remain an essential part of the people of St. Vincent and the grenadines.We simply could not become the relevant and vibrant party today without the work of the women.” Friday noted that the party must do all that it can to ensure the vital role of the Women’s Arm not only continues, but flourishes and remains a formidable force for good and for positive change now and forever.

Chelsea Alexander who was elected Public Relations Officer reflected on some of of the continuous contributions made by women of the party during her speech to the Convention. Alexander who described herself as a loud and proud NDP woman, listed some of those reasons.

“We are a community of women who encourage each other. NDP women are committed to preserving family life, supporting our leaders, defending human rights, empowering women and building our nation,” Alexander said.

She encouraged the women to continue their work strengthening the party whether it be here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines or in the Diaspora and to trust in God Almighty for the ultimate victory.