Women on the Verge of Power

Saturday, November 7^th 2009 will undoubtedly be recorded as a turning point for the United Women’s Group (UWG) of the PUP, as over one hundred women representing six districts gathered at Croc Land for their Annual Conference, which was designed to achieve three key objectives.

The first was to engage the women of the party in a frank and open discussion as to where the PUP was at this critical juncture in its history, and to identify its strengths and weaknesses and opportunities for moving forward. The second was to identify the core objectives of the UWG, given the current political realities and changes within the party, and the third was to present and adopt a Road Map as a national action plan that would see the UWG as a revitalized and organized unit of the PUP.

The Mistress of Ceremonies was Sylvia Gillett and the Opening Remarks and Welcome Address was given by Olga Gordon, while Eloisa Trujeque presented the Financial Report. The first of three speakers for the event was Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, former PUP Minister and Area Representative, who spoke of the crime and violence affecting families and communities and the need for personal security as well as the need for jobs to provide economic security. She encouraged women to undertake more self empowerment, to focus on educating their children and to let their voices be heard for social progress and a better society.

Party Chairman Carolyn Trench Sandiford followed with an analysis of the political landscape and the need for more women to become involved in the party. She outlined the various changes and reform measures that have been adopted to reposition and redefine the party such that it can regain the trust and confidence of the people and win elections.

In her remarks to the membership, UWG President Gina Tillett gave a hard-hitting and frank evaluation of the unity issue that was preventing the party from mobilizing and moving forward with one voice.  She called on the party leadership to address this problem quickly, warning that the women in the party who have historically been the crucial organizers and campaigners will not stand by waiting for the men to settle these matters.

She reminded them of the proud history of achievement of women in the party, women like Madam Liz, Jane Usher, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Patty Arceo and Lisa Shoman, as well as of all that the PUP had done for women of Belize. She described this as a record that couldn’t be matched by the UDP.

The President then presented the UWG Plan of Action which included organizing the District UWG Chapters, membership outreach, analysis and support of the PUP operations, identifying potential women candidates, formulation of policy positions on women issues and having a louder voice in the party and the country. The Road Map was unanimously approved.

The Party Leader was the final speaker at the event. He highlighted the important role women play in all aspects of the party’s operations and life, and stated that there could not have been a PUP without the UWG.  The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Eleanor Enriquez and a social followed. Many prizes were raffled including cell phones, glassware, weekend getaways and a microwave.

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