The result of the 19 February General Elections has resulted in Grenada achieving the Commonwealth minimum target of 30% women in the House of Parliament.
Five of the eight women who contested for seats in the House of Representatives were elected, while one was named as a Senator in the Upper House. With Six more persons expected to be named as Senators, the inclusion of more women will strengthen the island’s percentage of women in the parliament.
The involvement of women is also strong in the Cabinet with four of the elected Parliamentarians named as members, and the Cabinet Secretary is also a woman. “Therefore we must compliment ourselves, as this is a major accomplishment,” said Minister Delma Thomas.
The women in the new parliament are:
- Minister for Social Development, Housing and Community Development, Hon. Delma Thomas
- Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. Claris Modeste
- Minister for Youth, Sports and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Hon. Emmalin Pierre
- Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. Alexandria Otway-Noel
- Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation with responsibility for Culture, Hon. Brenda Hood.
By Linda Straker