As we explored the experiences of women in literature, our UWI lecturer Dr Patricia Anderson reminded us of a French phrase first used by author Alexandre Dumas in his 1854 novel The Mohicans of Paris: “cherchez la femme”, meaning look for the woman. Dumas wrote these lines (translated into English) when he adapted the novel for theatre: “There is a woman in every case; as soon as they bring me a report, I say, look for the woman!”

Over and over again, we women have comforted each other as we share stories of this enduring phenomenon. And if I may appear to be slightly biased towards women in this column, it is because I have been both comforter and comforted. While I agree that, as executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Jennifer Edwards should be held accountable for not taking steps to implement the recommendations made by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), the NSWMA board is equally accountable.

In some quarters, Edwards is being described in derogatory tones, but we should recall that this woman has been active in many positive ways on the political scene. In a column published in March 2007, I wrote: “We seized on the news that PNP stalwart Jennifer Edwards will be seeking to build bridges between the PNP and JLP women’s organisations. It will take our women to break down this sickening tribalism in our country that has robbed our poor of the last vestiges of their dignity.”

I also referred to a candlelight vigil organised by Jennifer Edwards to honour the memory of 368 women murdered over the previous 12 months. I remember reports that Edwards was attacked and wounded while campaigning — thank goodness, not seriously.

I also recall Edwards sharing the platform with British Labour Party MP Diane Abbott and JLP MP Olivia “Babsy” Grange as they described their experiences in active politics at a Rose Leon Memorial Lecture some years ago. They were of one accord that theirs was a tough climb, sometimes being ‘awarded’ the hardest constituencies or divisions to represent. In this male-dominated arena, they reported the condescension and sometimes vilification that they experienced.

Before we rush to dump the entire Riverton issue on Edwards, as we cry “cherchez la femme”, let us remember that those of us who choose to accept appointments to various boards are servant-leaders, according to renowned management expert Dr John Carver. His policy governance model gives guidelines which include:

1. It is the board’s responsibility to govern…a CEO is bound by what the board says, but never what any board member says…the board as a body is obligated to protect its staff from the board as individuals. (This is why the NHT issue still rankles.)

2. The board must “see to it”. This means that they have “a commitment to assure, not simply to hope that things come out right. It requires that the board describes the criteria for success and holds someone accountable for reaching these criteria. Then, says Carver, the board must systematically and rigorously check to see if criteria are being met, that is, the board must monitor performance regularly.

3. Boards must ensure that an organisation achieves what it should…boards must learn that services, programmes, and curricula have no value except as they produce the desired ends.

In considering these guidelines, it is difficult to understand why the NSWMA board had not moved decisively to ensure that the NEPA recommendations were implemented, with an actual lawsuit pending from the 2012 Riverton dump fire.

I heard media interviews with Edwards last week, and it is obvious that she is an intelligent and articulate individual. Yes, she is accountable, but no more than the board.

Women in leadership roles face huge challenges, hence the creation of such organisations as the Women’s Political Caucus and the 51% Coalition, which are supporting greater representation of women in Parliament and on boards; research has shown that organisations with a better gender balance are more successful.

There is cause for comfort, however, in the interim arrangements which have been made for the management of NSWMA. Its Vice-Chairman Morin Seymour, who will act, is a highly respected manager, having served as executive director of the National Housing Trust in its early years and recently retired as head of the Kingston Restoration Company. His will be no small task, and we hope that the hard lessons learned over the past week will result in strong planning and swift implementation.

Edwards should know that there are many who appreciate her contribution to her country, including her service as a parish councillor and as mayor of Spanish Town. We entreat her, that whatever future position she assumes, she must not wait so long to speak up regarding what may be hindering her from doing the good job of which she is capable. Speak up, women! Do not allow anyone “to give you basket to carry water”, then turn around and shout, “cherchez la femme!”

Why climate demands change

It was ironic that the Annual GraceKennedy Foundation lecture — this year by Professor Michael Taylor on the topic of climate change — took place the day before the biggest conflagration we had ever seen at the Riverton dump, releasing noxious fumes over Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and as far away as Clarendon. Professor Taylor had explained that our region was at high risk as a result of the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing a change in weather patterns and ocean acidification. He called for public education to raise awareness of the danger we all face, and pointed out that the poor and elderly were among those who would suffer most from the consequences of poor environmental stewardship. Among his recommendations were:

* Climate change education for all

* A climate change response registry

* The strengthening of community groupings and community governance

* Promoting values and attitudes

The lecture is posted in full on the GraceKennedy website and should be required reading and cause for action, especially for those in the relevant government ministries.

St Joseph’s Teachers’ College — an oasis

As we drove through the gates of St Joseph’s Teachers’ College in Cross Roads last week, the immaculate grounds and buildings impressed us, even moreso the courtesy of the faculty and staff, and the dignified, enjoyable ceremony they held for their retirees. This was a truly inclusive function, where a former board chairman and a former watchman were equally lauded by the historic 118-year-old institution. The cheers of the students as the honorees stood for their awards were testimony to their outstanding contribution. Congratulations!

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com