Celebrating achievement
Women have always played a vital and dynamic role in the shaping of all aspects of Jamaican life. Their journey through slavery and the post-emancipation period to the present era has seen them gaining momentum, eventually earning themselves a rightful place in the professional world, working alongside their male counterparts. These achievements not only command respect and admiration, they deserve a celebration.
It is such achievements that prompted former journalist and marketing personnel, Joanne Simpson, to write a book titled The Jamaican Woman : A Celebration which is a compilation of biographies of Jamaican women in different spheres of Jamaican life including politics, community service, business, music, visual arts and education. The book was launched last Thursday evening at a reception in the simple but elegantly-decorated ballroom of Kings House under the distinguished patronage of Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and Lady Cooke.
Before a fairly large audience of mainly women who have been successful in their endeavours, Simpson, ably assisted by her mother, Vivian, unveiled the hardcover book with an attractive cover depicting a mirage of renowned female personalities such as Merlene Ottey, Veronica Campbell, Lois Sherwood, Rita Marley, Sandra Foster and Cindy Breakespeare.
In her remarks during the launch, Simpson noted that the publication was her third book and the biggest publishing project to date considering the vast amount of research that was done and that it was time-consuming. She described the book as a biological treasury as it not only focuses on Jamaican women with high visibility but also those who have left indelible marks on the society.
“Doing this project was no easy task. When it just started, it did not easily attract funding from corporate Jamaica and the research was difficult and challenging. However, I drew strength from those persons who urged me on. “Today, my dream and hard work have become a reality and I am proud to have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of my fellow Jamaican women,” said Simpson.
“To the men, I hope this book will enhance your appreciation of women folk,” she concluded.
Radio talk show host and communications consultant, Beverly Anderson-Manley, who was guest speaker at the function, challenged Jamaican women to aspire to their dreams and to hold the vision that Jamaica will be fine one day despite our problems.
She told those in the audience that this is a time for celebrating as well as for reflection. She added that celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to take a quantum leap to move forward, but reminded the gathering of well wishers that as we do so, we need to take time out for self-analysis in order to help us make some wise choices.
Entertainment was provided by soloist Beverley Dexter with a beautiful rendition of No Man is an Island. Cabaret singer, Karen White accompanied by Peter Ashbourne on keyboards sang the classic favourite You don’t know how glad I am and Striving for Gold which befitted the occasion.
