Kingston, Jamaica – Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, emphasized the importance of strong women in government, bringing unique perspectives and working in the best interest of Jamaica.
Appointed as a Senator in 2009 and serving as the Member of Parliament for St James West Central since 2016, Malahoo Forte shared her journey and the progress she has witnessed over the years. “There was a time when I would go home every Monday and say to my husband, ‘Bwoy, I don’t know if I can really manage this political work enuh; I really don’t know,’ and he would say, ‘I told you that you would’ve been better in the other branch of government,’” she stated. “I’d say today, I actually see progress on some of the issues that are of concern to me, so let me see [and] wait until next week, and I’ll see what happens and every week I would go home, and we would debrief, and I would mark progress, and this is 16 years later,” she added.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day Edition of the Post Cabinet Press Briefing held at Jamaica House, Minister Malahoo Forte expressed her honor to be part of Jamaica’s leadership. “Many of us have the option to work in many different places but we choose Jamaica and we’re bringing the best of our talents to work on behalf of our Jamaicans,” she said.
Her message to Jamaicans as they observe International Women’s Day on March 8 is to always show up at their best. “All of us are broken in some way, but the less broken will have to help the more broken and whatever work is assigned to you in government or in the wider society, I want you to take it seriously. This is history-making times. We read of those who went before us and it is my hope that those who come behind us will find us faithful,” she said.
Malahoo Forte also addressed the ongoing work to reform the constitution, acknowledging the challenges faced. “It has been made very difficult, in a context where some dishonour agreed goals, national goals, because they want it their way or the highway… . We can’t take for granted the privilege that is given to us. The privilege is not personal privilege, it is a high seat of responsibility that has to be used well. We are pressing on because we see the potential of Jamaica and we are working to unlock the potential,” she said.
