Dame Maizie Barker-Welch transcended the gender barrier and was a pioneer in Parliament, says the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).
Dame Maizie, who passed away at age 96, was a member of the party, serving as a parliamentarian, first vice president and chairman of the Democratic League of Women.
A statement from the DLP said she was a fierce champion of women’s rights and piloted the Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act while in the House of Assembly.
This is the full statement:
Do you want a lesson on how to be a lady and be successful in politics?
We never had to look beyond our shores, we had Dame Maizie Barker-Welch. A tiny but mighty package in the halls of George Street, who transcended the gender barrier and was a pioneer in Parliament.
Dame Maizie understood the importance of presentation. She was well-dressed from hat to heels, grammar and diction always on point – but she was no dolly. She was formidable on the floor of General Council and remained an active member until just a few years ago. She was a fierce champion of women’s rights, and piloted through Parliament seminal legislation such as the Domestic Violence (Protection Order) Act.
Dame Maizie was interested in the personal development and status of her people. At the time, St Joseph was considered a garrison of the government of the day. She was a teacher in the constituency and focused her mind on finding ways to teach the women independence, and spent time imparting skills. They showed their appreciation by reposing their confidence in her to represent them, twice.
Her work in gender studies did not go unnoticed. She was active in the Soroptomists and elected President of the National Organisation of Women. She served for a time as President of Inter-American Commission of Women. And so, we shared her with the Caribbean and Latin America and her influence spread beyond these shores. For her efforts, she was conferred Dame of the British Empire and Honorary Doctor of Laws.
To her family children, grandchildren and great-grands: we thank you loaning Dame Maizie to the Democratic Labour Party, the country and the region. We thank her for paving the way for young women in politics. It is a debt we can never repay. We grieve with you and cherish her memory fondly. (PR/SAT)
