The Cayman Islands Government mourns the passing of trailblazer and activist Laurel Aldith Watler, one of the four pioneering women, who was the first to have the right to vote and stand for public office in the Islands’ 1959 general election.
Ms Watler, who passed away on Friday, 19 June, was among the group known as the Phenomenal Four, along with Birdell Jackson, Ethel Cook-Bodden and National Heroine Honourable Francine Jackson, who ran as candidates in the 1959 general election, changing the political and cultural landscape of the Cayman Islands. The courage and advocacy of the four women helped secure equal rights for women in public life.
“The Cayman Islands has lost a true pioneer,” Premier Hon. André Ebanks said. “When Ms Watler stepped forward with courage, she also helped our country take a defining step toward acknowledging women’s rightful place in our democracy.
“She and her Phenomenal Four compatriots understood that these rights were not being given to women by the society of the day. Rather, society was being called upon to recognise the rights that women already inherently possessed. On behalf of the Government and people of the Cayman Islands, our deepest condolences to Ms Watler’s family and loved ones.”
The funeral service for Ms Watler will be held on Wednesday, 24 June, at Webster Memorial United Church, Bodden Town, starting 3:30 p.m