WOMEN have a very important role to play, especially in the governance of Guyana, and the country has always been ahead of the curve in this regard. This opinion was expressed by Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) following the official swearing-in of the Members of Parliament and the opening of the 11th Parliament on Wednesday last.“You know the legislation requires that the political parties have at least one third representation at this level,” she reminded.

While this requirement does not always translate into the Parliament, she said she was happy that Guyana has a high representation of women in its legislature. “I think women bring a different perspective, they bring a different voice and vision to an issue,” she said, adding that “at the end of the day, we are more than 50% of the population”. Given this fact, Minister Hughes said it is important that at all levels of society that “there are representations of women”.
The minister said she was really excited at the plans being made for Local Government because there is a need for women to participate in those areas.
“The more and more women participate in their communities, their homes, Parent Teachers’ Associations at school, the different avenues…get involved in your community centres, your church, whatever charity, whatever business you have … I think it will only help to improve Guyana,” she stated.
Meanwhile, newcomer to Parliament, Minister in the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, expressed her excitement over the “great opportunity” to sit down at that level of Parliament and make decisions for the country. “As a young Guyanese, definitely all your vision, your input, you can now bring to the table…and be able to represent the Guyanese people.”

Broomes listed rape, gender issues, human trafficking and workers’ health and safety, as some of the areas that she will be hoping to make a big difference and an impact.

Meanwhile, the hope “that we will be able to address serious issues that need addressing” was expressed by Minister in the Ministry of Education, with responsibility for the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicola Henry.