We’re enjoying cocktails at the Liguanea Club with certified Supreme Court mediator Josina Jackson, who, prior to her career switch, worked for years in the financial services industry in the United Kingdom. There’s more to learn about; for starters, what she’s drinking and how she got the name Josina…

What are you drinking?

A Day At The Beach.

What’s in it?

Amaretto

Cocomania

Orange juice

Grenadine — shaken on ice

What’s the story behind your name?

I was named after Josina Machel, the wife of the first president of Mozambique, Samora Machel.

Are you still enjoying being back home?

Yes, I am. I have been back in Jamaica for a little while now. I did not experience a period of adjustment as such because I would visit Jamaica whenever I could, during the holidays. Upon my return, I reconnected with old friends and quickly established a healthy social life, in addition to resuming my hobbies and interests. I knew exactly what I was returning to and why I wanted to return.

Many Jamaicans given the opportunity would migrate, yet you opted to return. Do you have any regrets?

I do not regret my decision to move back to Jamaica. I have faced challenges, but that was to be expected and the pros of being in Jamaica, for me, still outweigh the cons, in terms of the lifestyle I wish to live.

You are from a family of medical professionals. Indeed, your father Professor Alan Jackson, who resides in the United Kingdom, was honoured last year by the University of the West Indies (Mona). Were you ever tempted?

My parents embody the ethos ‘for the greater good’ and have lived their working lives doing just that. My mother is a registered nurse and for most of her career has been a haemoglobinopathy counsellor, looking after people who have sickle cell or thalassemia. My brother, who is also in the medical field, knew from a very early age that he wanted to be a doctor. I, on the other hand, have never contemplated pursuing a career in any aspect of the medical field. Being certified in CPR and First Aid is about as much as I can manage, in terms of assisting someone who needs medical attention. My way of doing things for the greater good and contributing to society is by being involved in charitable works and community activities. I am a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston and that formal structure affords me the opportunity to be involved in worthwhile projects which have an impact and make a difference. I also like to think that I am contributing to improving the quality of people’s lives when I assist them in resolving their disputes or give them sound advice in my various professional capacities.

Career-wise you have switched from finance — pensions to mediation — a drastic shift, some might argue. Tell us about that.

Once back in Jamaica, I fervently continued applying for jobs. There was interest from various companies. Prospective employers would comment that my CV read very well and that I did exceptionally well during the interview but the offer of a job remained elusive. The positions, for the most part, were being offered to internal candidates. A friend, aware of my challenges in finding employment in corporate Jamaica, commented that I had the qualities of a good mediator. I discussed this suggestion with another friend, who concurred and recommended I go to the Dispute Resolution Foundation to further explore the possibility of becoming a mediator. The transition from specialising in pensions to conducting mediations was a natural progression in my personal development because as a mediator, I am able to draw upon my wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences to facilitate the process and assist the parties in reaching an agreement to settle their dispute.

How important is mediation and what kind of impact are you hoping to make?

Mediation, as an effective alternative dispute resolution method, is important and is being recognised as such more and more. Mediation is interest-based and seeks to satisfy the interests of the parties by addressing emotions and needs beyond the parameters of the law. Mediation allows the parties to discuss, in a confidential setting, issues that may not necessarily come out in court and therefore uses those discussions to form the basis of an agreement to settle the dispute, which in some instances could avoid a criminal record. Through my role as a mediator, whether or not an agreement is reached, the disputants walk away knowing that there is another way to resolve conflict other than through violence or going through the court system. There is another spectrum to my role as a mediator, as I am involved with coaching, supervising and assessing mediators-in-training during their practicum. So as a Supreme Court mediator, I am in a position to make an impression on those seated on all sides of the table, disputants and mediators-in-training alike, and that is a way in which I can help to effect change in people and thereby contribute to Jamaica becoming a better place.

Given the opportunity to change four things in Jamaica over a period of four months, what would they be and why?

1. Work in conjunction with the relevant agencies and authorities to implement more programmes that address the serious issue of abuse against our young people. Too many of our youth are suffering in silence and the abuse they suffer manifests itself in all areas of their lives. Stricter laws would be enacted to deal with the perpetrators of abuse against children and there would be more avenues made available for young people to speak out and get the necessary support needed. Young lives, which hold so much promise are being ruined by the emotional, mental and physical scars of abuse.

2. Harness the talents of those involved in the creative arts and make drama, dance, playing a musical instrument and poetry writing available on a more consistent basis to the students who attend schools in the inner-city communities. This would occupy the children’s time constructively and give them an interest on which to focus. We need to better utilise our resources, in particular our human capital, in an effort to give young people the opportunity to express their emotions, as well as develop the discipline and expansive world view that emanates from exposure to the arts.

3. All young men upon leaving high school would do National Service if they are not going on to a tertiary institution, undertaking an apprenticeship or being gainfully employed. The discipline and sense of pride instilled through National Service would provide a means to ensure the young men of Jamaica are productive, law-abiding members of society who are a positive influence.

4. Implement measures, in association with the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning, to make learning to read and write more easily and readily accessible by those adults in society who are illiterate. This will effect change in their lives, their family’s lives and, in addition, positively contribute to the social and economic development of Jamaica.

How would you describe your style?

My style is ME, as I dress to reflect the essence of who I am and what suits me as an individual. I am petite in frame and stature and as such, I am very aware of which styles, colours and prints are flattering on my body. I do not follow trends but I am fashionable, exuding an innate sense of style and carrying myself with confidence, poise and grace.

An LBD or a pair of jeans?

My preference would be a little black dress accentuated with complementary accessories, as in particular, I have a penchant for statement pieces of jewellery.

Flats or stilettos?

When I am running errands or dressed very casually, I wear flats. Otherwise, I wear heels. The elevation from those few extra inches is beneficial at times.

Who does your hair?

My hair is natural and so I maintain it myself. Admittedly, I predominantly wear it in one because of the heat and the fact that I exercise a few times per week. On the very rare occasion that I do go to the hairdresser, I go to Roxanne’s.

And your nails?

I keep my nails neat and short so I have no problem grooming them myself.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

My perfect date would have an element of surprise, as I would not know where we are going or what we would be doing. This would require the ideal gentleman to put thought and preparation into wooing me so I feel very special. We would share great conversation, be playful and laugh until our stomachs hurt.

Where do you go to unwind?

I am a water baby and thoroughly enjoy being by the water, on the water and in the water. I also enjoy jogging outdoors, which gives me the chance to marvel at Jamaica’s natural beauty. I derive great pleasure from getting together with friends for a good lyme and it is always more about the company than the venue.

Kerry Washington, Taraji P Henson, Gabrielle Union or Viola Davis — whom do you most relate to and why?

I relate to these beautiful women as a collective. They are each incredibly strong and talented individuals in their own right and are making great strides in their chosen industry, as actresses. Through their various roles, in both movies and mainstream television network shows, they are blazing a trail, being role models and empowering females. It is for the current generation to make things better for the next generation and these four women, as individuals and as a collective, epitomise that within a challenging industry. They have made it easier for those who will follow in their footsteps to have a greater chance of achieving success. In terms of their public image, I probably relate more to Kerry’s style, but I definitely have some of Gabrielle’s and Taraji’s sass and Viola’s quiet strength. They all have a presence and know how to command a room.

Given the opportunity to sit with five women, who would they be and why?

Some of these women are no longer with us but if I could wave a magic wand, here is my list in no particular order.

1. Nanny of the Maroons — I am proud to be Jamaican and would have relished the opportunity to sit with Jamaica’s only National Heroine. I would have listened attentively to her recount stories of her life and from her experiences garner an insight into her leadership and organisational qualities, which combined with her being a strong and influential woman who led the Maroons, made her a force to be reckoned with.

2. Josephine Baker — I have a great appreciation for dance, in all its forms, as a creative and expressive form of art. Since very early in my childhood and to this day, I have always gone to dance classes, which included ballet, folk dance, modern and street dance. I would love to have shared the stage with Josephine Baker and performed with her.

3. Josina Machel — I would have been privileged and honoured to have met my namesake, the woman after whom I was named.

4. Melinda Gates — I would like to spend some time in her company discussing her services to international development and her philanthropic work around the world in the areas of health and education.

5. Angelina Jolie — I would like to find out what drives this popular Hollywood actress who is respected and highly regarded for her humanitarian work.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Within the next five years, I hope to fulfil the desires of my heart in every aspect of my life. I see myself being in a wonderful relationship with a gentleman who supports my aspirations and shares my core values. Professionally, I will be making a significant impression in corporate Jamaica. I will be even more involved in charitable works and community activities helping to better Jamaica and make a difference in improving the lives of her people.

What’s in your handbag?

My car keys

Sunglasses

Phone

Lipgloss

Purse