Four Virgin Islands women were honoured Tuesday afternoon at Maria’s by the Sea as part of the territory’s celebration of International Women’s Day.
The honourees — Edris O’Neal, Lillian Romney, Hilda Stoutt and Dorothy Wheatley — are the wives of Premier Ralph O’Neal and three late VI chief ministers: Cyril Romney, H. Lavity Stoutt and Willard Wheatley.
“Today is when we pay them their dues,” said Petrona Davies, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
This year, the territory’s IWD observance is focusing on women who contributed behind the scenes in the VI, Ms. Davies added.
Deputy Premier Dancia Penn, the minister of health and social development, also addressed the gathering. IWD is an important day for reflection, according to Ms. Penn.
The observance — which was first celebrated in Europe by countries including Denmark and Switzerland in 1911 — is marking its 100th anniversary this year. The day originated as part of a campaign to fight for basic rights for women, such as the rights to vote and to hold public office, Ms. Penn explained.
See next Thursday’s edition for full coverage.