AN EXHIBITION was opened Wednesday at the Public Buildings, in down-town Georgetown, in honour of women who made history in Guyana. 

Secretary of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Mrs. Indra Chandarpal said it was the third of its kind and the venue for the National Assembly is the best place for such, since it is one of the highest forums for decision making.
“We will be honouring seven Guyanese women for these women have excelled in their respective fields,” she disclosed.
One of the honorees is Justice Desiree Bernard, who is a recipient of the Order of Roraima. She served as a member of the Guyana Judiciary for 33 years and retired in February 2014, leaving a reputation of judicial excellence and integrity and the legacy of a dedicated and tireless worker for women’s rights and gender equality.
Another of the women, Ms. Diane Mc Turk has received worldwide acclaim for her extraordinary work over the years with injured and orphaned giant river otters, one of the world’s (and Guyana’s) most endangered wildlife species.

Pioneer rancher
She stands as an example with her legacy of courage, innovation and resilience as a pioneer rancher, conservationist and eco-tourism leader in her beloved Karanambu on the Rupununi River.
The Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) was awarded to Mrs. Lyla Kissoon, on February 23, 1988. Her advice to young women and girls is to be honest with themselves even when circumstances are challenging.
Sister Mary Noel Menezes is first and foremost a member of the Religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy (RSM). She is a prominent Caribbean historian and educator, achieving the highest academic distinction and serving as a role model for women pursuing academic careers. She was also honoured with the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1982.
Ms. Magda Louise Muriel Pollard is recognised both nationally and internationally for her firm commitment to women’s rights and those of the girl child. In 1996, she was conferred with the Arrow of Achievement (AA) as well.
Mrs. Marilyn Dewar’s musical abilities are multifaceted, as she plays the cello, organ, violin and sings as well and is, arguably, the most sought after music teacher in Guyana. She has been instrumental in resuscitating the Guyana Music Festival which has not been staged since 1997.
The late Mrs. June Ramsammy was first attached to the former Guyana Graphic Limited, and was the only female executive on the Board of Management of the newspaper. She had strongly disagreed with a report that said women will have to wait for about 450 years to attain equality with men in decision making positions.
The photographs of all those women are now on show in the Public Buildings.