Foundation to support women

(CNS): The Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation (ESRF), a licenced non-profit company in the Cayman Islands was formed on 31 October 2008. Its objectives are to advocate for a life free of violence, to carry out activities to facilitate the empowerment of women and girls, to advocate for and support equity and equality for women and girls in all areas of life, to support policies and research projects that further the aim of gender equality, to do all other acts or things necessary, advisable or desirable for the advancement of women’s issues.

The foundation was formed in response to the tragic death of Estella Scott-Roberts on 10 October by her husband Rayle Roberts, who envisioned creating an organization that would continue to address the social issues that she passionately supported during her life.

In a release from ESRF, Roberts, who is Chairperson of the Foundation, states, “Creating this Foundation is but one way that I can ensure that the causes that my wife diligently worked on during her lifetime will continue to be addressed and in the public domain. Estella was known for being a voice for some of the most disadvantaged groups in our community, abused women and children. The vision of the Foundation is to continue to let her voice be heard and to promote peace and positive social changes in the Cayman Islands.”

Envisioning that the Foundation would also serve as an empowering medium for its directors, Roberts asChairperson was adamant that only women would comprise the key decision-making roles as guardians of the Foundation. The following persons have been appointed as directors of the ESRF: Andrea Bryan, Sara Collins, Marilyn Conolly, Novelette Ebanks, Tammy Ebanks Bishop, and Melanie McLaughlin.

Remarking on the directors, Roberts stated, “I am confident that the women that I have selected as guardians of the Foundation will work with me to achieve its objectives and to ensure that Estella’s voice and memory will never grow faint in our country.” As ESRF evolves, there will be future opportunities for other individuals and organizations to partner with it on various projects and programmes to achieve its objectives.

Roberts has requested that any initiatives being formulated by individuals or groups that are considering using Scott-Roberts name or image in relation to their project to please contact the Foundation prior to finalizing any plans. As the activities and projects of the Foundation are still in their embryonic stages, the guardians of the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation will keep the public regularly informed as they are developed.

Individuals or organizations that would like to assist the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation with its objectives can make monetary donations to Cayman National Bank Account Number 012-32856 (CI Chequing). For more information on the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation please call 345-938-6300, email: esrfoundation@gmail.com or mail correspondence to P.O. Box 84 Grand Cayman KY1-1501 CAYMAN ISLANDS.

(Left: Board members of the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation)