PRIME Minister P J Patterson, in his message to mark International Women's Day today, says it comes at a time of great historical importance in Jamaica.

"As we prepare for the ascendancy of the first woman to head the government and local major political party, we are reminded of the old Chinese proverb, 'Women hold up half of the sky,'" the prime minister said. "Our women have always played a critical role in important institutions in the country," he added.

However, Patterson said that as Jamaicans celebrate the success of women in breaking down stereotypical barriers, they must not lose sight of the need to continue to formulate and implement policies and programmes that will address issues such as violence that affects women.

Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, in his message, said as the country anticipates the appointment of its first female prime minister, there is a demand to focus on the need of women and the acute lack of opportunities, which confront them. He said national development strategies must be geared towards tackling the national development deficit.

Meanwhile, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), called for greater action to involve women in the decision-making at all levels.

"No enduring solutions to society's most pressing problems can be found without the full empowerment of women," she said.

And Dorothy Lightbourne, spokesperson on gender affairs and children for the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party, paid tribute to Lady Bustamante, who celebrates her 94th birthday today, and Prime Minister-Designate Simpson Miller.

Lightbourne said women have made substantial progress in the fight for gender equality, recognition and respect.
But she said there were still many obstacles to surmount and challenges to face.

McNeill to oversee tourism ministry while Assamba undergoes surgery PRIME Minister P J Patterson has written to the governor general, requesting that he temporarily assign Dr Wykeham McNeill to oversee the Ministry of Industry and Tourism until the life of the present Cabinet expires.

A Jamaica House statement said McNeill's assignment becomes necessary as the present minister, Aloun Assamba, will be undergoing surgery and will need six weeks to recuperate.

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