The Democratic Labour Party has paid tribute to the late Dame Maizie Barker-Welch, who passed away Wednesday afternoon.
In the statement, the party described her as a tiny but mighty and fierce champion of women’s rights.
Here 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, her grammar and diction always on point-but she was no dolly.
She was formidable on the floor of the 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 women independence, and spent time imparting skills.
Her work in gender studies did not go unnoticed.
She was active in the Soroptomists and was elected President of the National Organisation of Women.
She served for a time as President of the 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 for 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.
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