Barbados Sends Women’s Day Message to Belizean Police Officers
Mia Motley
The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Motley, sent a Women’s Day message to the female officers of the Belize Police Department over the weekend. She singled out Sargeant Lisa Jones, who was on her personal detail when she was in Belize earlier this month, noting her outstanding professionalism. Here is her message, shared by the Police Department today.
Mia Motley, Prime Minister, The Republic of Barbados
“As a lawyer, particularly while addressing individuals charged with maintaining law and order in a country, I have no choice but to be cognizant of the international principal of non-intervention in the affairs of another state. As a politician and as prime minister of a Caribbean country, I also have no choice in the interest of enhancing regional integration but to juxtapose that principal against doing anything I can to bring our peoples closer together in this region. Not just on paper, in treaties and agreements, but in real, practical, everyday terms. And of course, as a prime minister who has just attended the 33rd Inter-Sessional Conference of CARICOM leaders in San Pedro, and who experienced the genuine warmth and undiluted hospitality of the government and people of Belize, it is impossible to say no to an opportunity to extend greetings to the women of the Belize Police Service. This month, you celebrate the achievements of women and today March 25th you observe a day of rest and relaxation–no doubt well earned in a profession that across the globe is still very much male dominated. And not just in terms of numbers. As a woman who understands firsthand the struggles we have endured for centuries and who laments the fact that despite the gains to many of us, the fight is still a daily occurrence: I salute you. Do not give up. Represent your cause, defend your honor. And continue to execute your duties with the professionalism and the dignity that will lighten the load for those who follow you into this profession. Personally, I extend sincere thanks to your colleague, Sgt. Lisa Jones, whose conduct as my close protection officer during the CARCIOM conference was exemplary. If her performance is representative of the women of the Belize Police Service, then my friends your future is indeed bright. Women to women, enjoy your well deserved day of rest relaxation. For tomorrow, we all know, the battle will continue. Blessings to you all. Take care.”
