Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean

International Women’s Day Address – 2026

On International Women’s Day, we join voices with millions across the globe to celebrate the achievements of women and to reaffirm our shared commitment to equality, opportunity, and justice.

This year’s global theme, “Give to Gain,” carries a powerful message. It reminds us that when societies invest in women, when we give respect, justice, opportunity, mentorship, recognition, and leadership, we do not lose anything. Instead, we gain stronger institutions, more resilient economies,
and more just societies.

In other words, empowering women is not charity. It is a strategy. It is progress and it is essential for and collaboration. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”
In other words, empowering women is not charity. It is a strategy. It is progress and it is essential for and collaboration. Giving is not a subtraction; it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”

Across the Caribbean, women continue to shape the social, economic, and professional life of our region in extraordinary ways. They lead businesses, preside in courts, manage public finances, tutor our children, and serve our communities with dedication and excellence. Let us not forget our farmers.

Indeed, the Caribbean has made notable progress in women’s leadership. According to published data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union as of February 1, 2025, women held approximately 41% of parliamentary seats across the region, a figure that exceeds the global average. Yet progress remains uneven. In many countries, women still struggle to reach the recommended benchmark of 30% representation in elected leadership, and in some jurisdictions, the numbers remain significantly lower.

In the Eastern Caribbean, women continue to make significant contributions across every sector, yet representation in some areas of political leadership still falls below regional and international benchmarks.

These realities remind us that the journey toward equality is not yet complete.
In the professions of accounting, law, finance, and governance, however, we have witnessed encouraging transformation.

More women than ever continue to enter universities, qualifying as accountants and attorneys, and assuming positions of influence in public and private institutions. We have also witnessed increased
participation in the farming sector as well, thus contributing to our food sustainability.

As President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbeanand as an Attorney-at-Law, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that women professionals bring to our institutions.

Their leadership strengthens transparency, accountability, ethical governance, and sound financial stewardship. But the message of “Give to Gain” challenges us to go further. Most importantly, we must ensure that the next generation of women can see themselves reflected in the leadership of our institutions. To the young women of the Eastern Caribbean who may be listening today: your ambitions matter. Your voices matter. Your leadership is not only welcome it is necessary.

Our region faces complex challenges: economic transformation, climate resilience, and technological disruption. Their leadership strengthens transparency, accountability, ethical governance, and sound financial stewardship. But the message of “Give to Gain” challenges us to go further. Most importantly, we must ensure that the next generation of women can see themselves reflected in the leadership of our institutions.

To the young women of the Eastern Caribbean who may be listening today: your ambitions matter. Your voices matter. Your leadership is not only welcome, it is necessary.

When women lead, communities flourish.
When women are empowered, economies grow.
When women succeed, societies become stronger and more just.
That is the true meaning of “Give to Gain.”

So today, as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the Caribbean and around the world, let us also renew our commitment to action.
Let us give opportunity.
Let us give mentorship.
Let us give respect.
Let us give equality.
Because when we do, we gain stronger professions, a stronger region, and a stronger future for generations yet to come.

In closing I reiterate the question asked by the IWD “What will you Give to Gain gender equality”?

Do have a happy International Women’s Day.

END

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
19 November 2025

Accountants Week 2025 Hailed a Tremendous Success
Accountants across the Eastern Caribbean have wrapped up a successful week of activities celebrating the evolving role of finance professionals in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) hosted Accountants Week 2025 from November 8–15 under the theme “The Evolving Role of Finance Professionals.”

Over eight days, participants engaged in insightful discussions, dynamic presentations, meaningful networking, and well-deserved celebrations. The regional event brought together accountants, finance professionals, students, and industry partners from Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, strengthening collaboration and knowledge sharing across borders.

The week concluded with a Cocktail, Dinner, and Service Awards ceremony, where Craig Walter, member of the ICAEC Antigua and Barbuda Branch, underscored the profession’s enduring importance to national development.

“Tonight we gather not only to celebrate the achievements and milestones within our profession but also to foster camaraderie, strengthen our bonds, and reconfirm our commitment to excellence, integrity, and service in accounting.”

A major focus of Accountants Week was inspiring the next generation of finance and accounting leaders. Outreach activities targeted secondary and tertiary students, with accountants across the region volunteering their time, insights, and mentorship. Attendance was strong, and students benefited from an engaging workshop delivered by ACCA expert tutor Shameed Abraham.

The week featured a diverse programme of activities, including wellness events, church services, a media day, a two-day Virtual Business Conference, a polo shirt day competition, and a community recycling initiative promoting sustainable living.
ICAEC President Andrea St. Rose commended the growing success of the annual observance and praised the increasing involvement of young professionals.

“Today’s accountant is no longer simply a keeper of records. We are strategic advisors, digital innovators, guardians of trust, and contributors to organizational growth. From navigating new technologies to supporting ethical governance, accountants continue to expand their impact in ways that shape businesses and build more resilient economies.”

A Service Award was presented to Mr. Campbell Coates of Antigua and Barbuda in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the accounting profession.

The ICAEC extended sincere appreciation to all sponsors, presenters, and participants whose support contributed to making Accountants Week 2025 a resounding success. Organizers noted that planning for next year’s event has already begun, with a strengthened focus on preparing finance professionals for the demands of an increasingly digital and data-driven future.

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ICAEC Cocktail/Dinner and Service Awards.

ICAEC Cocktail and Awards