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Just in case the cartel of newspaper columnists across the country missed the pitch perfect poignancy of last Friday I thought I would seize an opportunity to do it for them.

Within the same hour Dame Jennifer Smith and I unveiled the breathtaking Sally Bassett statue at the Cabinet Office, our Leader in the Senate, Minister David Burch, led the charge that made Independent Senator Carol Anne Bassett the first female President of the Senate. 

Although these two sisters named Bassett lived 250 years apart, they share the title of pioneer like conjoined twins. I found that history-making symmetry to be especially poignant, even powerful.

It made for an undeniably historic day for a Government that has made history so effortlessly, it sometimes goes hardly noticed.

In 1998 of course, ten years ago, Dame Jennifer Smith became the first woman in Bermuda to lead a General Election victory. She is now Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. It seems she is poised to make history again.

Dame Lois Browne-Evans was the first female Opposition Leader in a British Commonwealth. She was also the first female Attorney General. We also made her the country's first national hero. To many she is pioneer personified.

Notice today, another fine female leader, Senator Kim Wilson, is at the helm of the Ministry of Justice. She's a fine lawyer, a fine mother - an excellent role model for young girls across Bermuda.

Steady hand

We need not forget Minister Paula Cox either. The accomplished Deputy whose steady hand is guiding our economy during the most challenging economic time in a generation.

Earlier this week I was at Bermuda College where Dr. Duranda Greene is at the helm, ushering in a new day for on-island higher education. She too is a trailblazer - the first woman to lead that institution. Her Government supports her fully.

And last week, we elevated MP Lovitta Foggo to become the first ever female Government Whip. It was another ground-breaking milestone. Our ship in the House of Assembly is now guided by the first term Parliamentarian from St. David's. I couldn't be more proud.

There are other pioneers, but I think I've made the point some may have missed.

I wish my mother and my aunt - who gave so much to local politics - could see what their sisters are accomplishing now. They would be proud of Carol Anne Bassett and they would marvel at the site of Sally Bassett at the Cabinet Office.

However, they would also remind me that if women are still breaking first-time barriers in 2008, we must have some distance yet to go.[[In-content Ad]]

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