Pantophlet commends Peridot, Safe Haven for commitment
Source: TODAY Saturday November 22, 2003
PHILIPSBURG The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union (WICSU) has
extended commendation to the women organizations on the island, particularly
Safe Haven and the Peridot Road Foundation for consistently informing, educating
and keeping a heightened awareness within the community to take a stand against
women abuse.
Acknowledging
November 26th as International Day of Violence against Women, WICSU President
and Titular Member of the PSI/WOC for the Caribbean Patricia Pantophlet not only
commended the organization but highlighted that this problem is a worldwide
challenge.
"Worldwide, we are challenged with this social plague. A few months ago on St.
Martin, a young mother while holding her baby was knocked to the ground causing
her baby to fall to the pavement and placing the child in danger as the child
could of been hit by a car. We read where in Trinidad, a woman was stabbed
repeatedly in the presence of so man) people and no one even dared to help her,"
Pantophlet remarked. "Again a baby was chopped to death by a machete, which was
meant for the mother. Too many young women (students) are silent victims of
abuse. We still have cases of unsolved murders of young women." Pantophlet
continued, "Our sisters in Colombia, journalists, trade unionists are murdered
by paramilitaries. Esperanza Miranda, mother of two, a member of "Women's
Popular Organization receives death threats daily. Five have been killed so far.
Trade Unionists are killed and receive death threats daily. Whether domestic
violence, sexual violence, occupational violence, the statistics only seem to be
growing." Pantophlet condemns violence in "any form, shape or fashion." She
added, "As a woman, 1 condemn violence against women and children...I believe
that a victim of domestic violence must get away from the thinking that domestic
violence is a "private" matter; it is not! Report it and get the help you need."
She urged parents and guardians to join forces now more than ever "to break this
horrible vicious cycle." She stated, "Any change in the attitudes must start
within our homes. Legislation, whether or not in place to punish the abusers, is
only a small part of it, 1 believe." Pantophlet stressed that the community must
do the rest by teaching our children respect for one another. "Instill in them a
high level of self-esteem. Shower them with unconditional love. Break that
vicious cycle," she said in a statement on Friday.
She again congratulated the Peridot Road Foundation in its first year
anniversary for its vision in placing that Statue at the center of the
roundabout on Bush Road that serves as a passing reminder for passersby to
remain vigil and to recognize this ill within the community and the region.
This, she noted, should prompt a personal commitment to root it out. "I want to
join the call of the President and Founder of the Peridot Road Foundation Ms.
Gracita Arrindell to all women, men and children to be part of the awareness
walk and vigil on Sunday upcoming. Together, we must make the statement that
violence against women is not acceptable in this community," Pantophlet
stated