Ivy Lichtenstein

What does it take for a woman to succeed in a male dominated industry?  For the first part of our new iWoman section iNews speaks to Angelique Howell about her achievements in the RCIPS, balancing her family life with her career and the struggles she has faced along the way.

Angelique Howell says she’s living proof a woman can succeed in what’s perceived to be a man’s world.

After reaching the rank of Chief Inspector she became the highest female officer currently serving within the Royal Cayman Islands
Police Service.

She has come a long way since moving to Grand Cayman from Jamaica in 1989.

But she cites her upbringing when from the age of 8-years-old she was given the responsibility of looking after her siblings.

Jamaican National, Chief Inspector Angelique Howell, moved to Grand Cayman in January 1989, at the age of 16 where she completed her high school studies at Triple C.

“In a male dominated job people may think women are not strong enough physically,” said Mrs Howell. “But I think I am living proof that women can handle this kind of work.

“I think outside of the box. Being a woman gives me the ability to look at a situation from an emotional perspective.

“It’s not an easy employment however I don’t find much of a challenge because I have that thirst to have the power and be in charge.

“I am very confident in my way of things, very strong, in my personal beliefs.

“I love policing so much I don’t feel stress. I enjoy every minute of what I do.

“As a woman I am not treated any differently.

“I’ve found that all you have to do is demand your respect and show them that you are equal.”

“Even at home on a personal level I’m empowering. The positive attitude I have to instill in my children.

“My daughter tries to be like me, everything she does she tries to do like me.

“Being a female leader in a male dominated field continues to empower me by the acceptance of
my colleagues.”

Mrs Howell says although she enjoyed working in the West Bay area, she did find it a struggle.

“There were some serious challenges,” she said. “I was not accepted and the residents gave
me problems.

They even made a petition against me and put it to the governor to have me removed but David Baines stood his ground as well as Stuart Jack. They refused to heed to their requests.”

But despite the difficulties, and her Jamaican upbringing, the mother of two says she is going nowhere.

“Cayman is our home,” she said. “I cant imagine living anywhere else.”