The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation's Directorate of Gender Affairs held its inaugural 'Access to Finance and Empowerment Fair' on July 16, drawing more than 60 attendees and 11 financial and insurance stakeholders to the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre.
The event, a product of the Directorate's Gender and Private Sector Initiative and held under its Economic Empowerment Portfolio, was designed to connect members of the public with tailored financial products, including loans, grants and insurance plans.
Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs Jamie Saunders opened the fair by highlighting the uneven impact of economic pressures across different segments of society — including women, youth and persons with disabilities. "The private sector has a critical and indispensable role to play in ensuring that we can achieve equality," he said.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Kiz Johnson, underscored that economic empowerment is central to individual dignity, security and generational wealth. "It is about building knowledge, creating connections and ensuring that you are better equipped to make informed financial decisions," she remarked.
Minister Johnson linked the fair to Antigua and Barbuda's preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November, describing the event as one of the first concrete steps toward dismantling persistent barriers to capital access for women. She also raised the concept of the 'care economy' — the financial recognition of unpaid domestic and caregiving labour disproportionately performed by women. "We understand that meaningful development requires a people-centred and gender-responsive approach… when we are talking about gender, we are not just talking about females, but youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities," she said.
Permanent Secretary Sarah Stuart reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to improving financial literacy, entrepreneurship support and public-private partnerships. "It is my hope that today's fair will not simply be an opportunity to exchange information, but it will lead to meaningful connections, financial confidence and tangible outcomes that empower individuals and families for generations to come," she said.
The fair featured a four-member panel discussion with representatives from key participating institutions. Tamalyn Vyphuis-Williams, Credit Manager at the St. John's Cooperative Credit Union, and Sharon Williams-Potter, Manager of Small Business at the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank, outlined available financial opportunities and the criteria their institutions use when assessing loan applications.
Elease Richardson, Manager of Salient Insurance and Unit Manager at Pan American Insurance, reframed insurance as a financial asset rather than simply a protective measure. She noted that securing the right insurance plan early can improve a person's financial standing when applying for mortgages — before age or health factors complicate eligibility. Director Saunders, also on the panel, put forward ideas to strengthen collaboration between government and financial institutions to help close the affordability gap in lending.
Project Officer Ashlea Ambris, who leads the Gender and Private Sector Initiative, said the event was built around the principle that "economic empowerment begins with access to available opportunities." She described the fair as designed to "connect people with the resources, information, and partnerships they need to grow their businesses, strengthen their financial resilience, and unlock their full potential," adding that the Directorate was encouraged by the participation and collaboration shown by all stakeholders.
Director Saunders called the event "a strong step" in the Directorate's broader effort to foster collaboration between government and the private sector in support of economic inclusion. He thanked all participating private sector partners and members of the public who attended.
The Directorate of Gender Affairs says it remains committed to advancing gender equality through policy and programming that promotes economic empowerment for all persons in Antigua and Barbuda.
