Cayman's Women of Power - meetwith a Lady of Honour
Hon. Julianna O'Connor-Connolly,Minister of Women's Affairs, MLA, JP; Mrs. Beverley Banks, FoundingMember CASA and '16 Campaign Against Gender Violence''; Mrs. AnnieMoulton; Cert. Hon., Past President of BPW; and Mrs. Jenny Manderson,MBE, Permanent Secretary - Personnel - in an active discussionwith Baroness Scotland at the Women's Resouce Centre, last Tuesdaymorning.
For as far back as many can remember, thewomen of the Cayman Islands have had to take charge of the businessfamily and affairs, because the men of the island were mostlyaway at sea.
And although, sufficient men stayed home and held politicallyelected and appointed offices, the Caymanian women still outnumberedthe men in terms of taking control of important Government postsand private sector businesses.
Beginning last Sunday, such a scenario came back to life ....as Baroness Scotland of Ashthal, the Minister in the UK Governmentwith direct responsibilities took control of the tremendous amountof issues facing the Cayman Islands, and quite deftly maneuveredresponses and explanations of issues troubling the people of Cayman... must have come as a breath of clear wind ... in an attemptto blow away the thick mist of suspicion, misunderstanding andlack of knowledge of what may be in store for the future of theTerritory.
Baroness Scotland literally took charge in every situation andmeeting where she was placed. Charming ... while disarming justabout everyone she met and addressed, including all the Membersof Government and a wide cross section of the community.
Admitting that inspite of the fact that just about everywhereshe went during her whirlwind three-day tour, she was inundatedwith questions about the White Paper and other issues -- in particularImmigration which she termed as "a knotty issue" - shehad "an extraordinary good time."
Responding to members of the Press corp of the Cayman Islandsrepresenting radio, television and print media, the Baroness wasable to engage her audience with a remarkable ability to sustaina healthy dialogue, no doubt from the extensive briefings preparedfor her by the Governor's office and Government Information Services.
Among the diaspora of subjects addressed, she put particular emphasison the need for the people of the Cayman Islands to decide ontheir own destiny. She said that "through dialogue, withone another ... and consultation with her Government.
At the press conference, with the Governor of the Cayman Islands,Mr. Peter Smith at her side, at his residence on Seven Mile Beach,there was considerable discussion on the concerns regarding reciprocityand human rights issues - particularly the Territory's attitudetowards homosexuality. She gave the assurance, that each Territory'spreferences will be enshrined in the final agreements betweenthe British Government - while acknowledging that each constitutionalmodel may be different from others.
The Baroness expressed that it would be in the Cayman islands'interest to stand together with other Territories - while maintainingits own identity. She was delighted that "Caymanians havechosen to remain British."
Earlier prior to the start of the Press conference, when introducedby the Governor to the Publisher of Cayman Net News, as the onewho published the headline: "UK to Unload Cayman" -the Baroness was emphatic in stating: "Dream On!" Thisis no doubt confirmation that the Labour Government in Britaindoes not have any plans to rid itself of the responsibility forthe Cayman Islands in the near or distant future.
Baroness Patricia Scotland, QC - married and a mother of two sons,with strong roots to the island of Dominica, where her parentsstill live - came to the Cayman Islands and must have left withfond memories - mixed with a deep understanding of "the passion"she felt while meeting with the people, and particularly womenof Cayman.
This gracious lady, came to these islands to help the people feelsome relief of the confusion and dismay, felt over the past fewweeks. It is now up to those who were fortunate to be presentwhen she so professionally, yet skillfully managed her responsesand recommendations in a credible manner ... in an effort to helpright the 'Good Ship Cayman' - which has been drifting off coursefor sometime now - owing to the burdens of recent times.