United Women’s Group Expresses Solidarity with Speaker Valerie Woods Following Cancer Diagnosis

The United Women’s Group, the women’s advocacy arm of the People’s United Party, has expressed its support for Speaker of the House of Representatives Valerie Woods after she announced her breast cancer diagnosis. Woods made the announcement yesterday, just before the close of the House meeting yesterday. The emotional announcement was made on her birthday. For context here is that announcement. 

Valerie Woods, Speaker, House of Representatives: “Members, before I put the question to adjourn I feel obliged to inform members that my presiding over the meetings of this House for the remainder of the parliamentary session may be affected in the coming weeks due to my recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Now while I fully intend to discharge my duties, I hope you can understand that I may have to be absent as I undergo treatment. So it goes. So thank you for your understanding. And with that, I put the question. All those in favor, kindly say aye. Aye. Those against, kindly say no. I think the ayes have it.”

The UWG issued a statement expressing empathy for Woods and applauding her courage to speak publicly about her diagnosis. The UWG said, quote, “Speaker Woods revealed this personal health challenge to her colleagues at the close of today’s parliamentary session, delivering the heartfelt news on her birthday a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity,” end of quote. The UWG also applauded her resolve to continue her work despite the diagnosis and called on all Belizeans to join in on raising awareness about breast cancer. Woods has been a long-standing member of the UWG and also a known supporter of the Belize Cancer Society.