Women of excellence
These women are among the honourees of the Nostalgia in Gold Inc special celebrations on Mother’s Day, May 11 at the Hilton Kingston Hotel. The function is being held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency, The Most Hon Lady Cook. Included in the line-up of personalities to be honoured are Susan Taylor, director, Essence magazine and media mogul, Oprah Winfrey.
Wyvolyn Gager
As a teenager growing up in Trelawny, Wyvolyn Gager knew that her strong writing skills, inquisitive mind, eye for detail and desire to excel, would help decide her future career. She chose journalism.
Today, Wyvolyn Gager has her place in journalism history. After landing her first job at the Gleaner she worked her way through the ranks -cup reporter to News Editor to Associate Editor. Then in 1994 she was appointed the first woman editor in the Gleaner’s 160-year-history.
Known to be uncompromising and unafraid to tackle tough issues, Gager served as the Gleaner’s Editor-in-chief for six years. Her leadership at the Gleaner was characterized by her ability to mentor younger members of the profession. And under her strong and effective leadership baton many have made considerable strides in their journalism career.
“Madam Editor”, as she was often addressed, was proud of the strong community contacts which she established. This meant she was often asked to address civic, community and professional groups across the length and breadth of Jamaica. She also made contributions to groups like the Women’s Club and the National Child Month Committee.
Having served in various communications role in the last three decades, Miss Gager recently established a media consultancy with emphasis on media training, sharing her considerable experience and perspective. Her aim is to help journalists increase the depth and relevance of their reporting and to help in the advancement of the profession of journalism.
Carrie Meek
The granddaughter of slaves, the youngest of twelve children, and the frailest and only surviving fraternal twin, Carrie Pitman Meek entered this world as a fighter, and an achiever. This former Congresswoman literally grew up in the shadow cast by Florida’s State Capital during a time when she couldn’t even enter the building. Yet, her dreams, ability, and family pushed her far beyond her humble beginnings in the Quarters of Tallahassee, Florida.
Meek spent over 30 years as a college educator/administrator – always reaching out to grassroots community groups to ensure their inclusion.
Carrie Meek spent 24 years serving her community in the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate, and ultimately the United States Congress. Additionally, she has declined offers to run for Lieutenant Governor of Florida.
At age 76 she has begun work developing the Carrie Meek Foundation, a non-profit organization to encourage and assist investments and partnerships in inner-city communities.
Gloria Robinson
Gloria Angela Robinson was born in Kingston. She made Old Harbour her second home when she moved there in the 1950’s. She immediately adopted and became the Gem Old Harbour needed.
Affectionately referred to as “Ms Robby”, she began her work with seniors in Old Harbour when the Government started the first feeding programme of milk powder in the 1960’s. She volunteered her services and was known to all after that. “Ms Robby” moved to 75 East Street, Old Harbour, her current home, which now houses over ten (10) golden agers, battered mothers, and homeless children. She also founded the Old Harbour Golden Age Club in 1970’s which accommodates over 100 elders who are fed daily, clothed and given medical treatment.
But Robinson’s kindness and generosity does not end here. She has fostered many children, some of whom have turned out to be very successful. Persons heading the list are doctors, nurses, judges, and lawyers.
Majorie Taylor
Marjorie Taylor was born in Kingston. At an early age she joined Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation as a clerk. She demonstrated a special ability to get things done; as a result, she was quickly promoted to building inspector.
Ambassador Taylor’s early passion for helping the poor, needy and disadvantaged inevitably led her to become a part of the political process. In 1974, she became an executive member of the People’s National Party (PNP). While implementing the national policies of Prime Minister Manley, she was also wearing numerous other hats: President of the People’s National Party Women’s Movement, Councillor at the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation and Constituency Secretary for East Kingston and Port Royal. Marjorie Taylor also represented Jamaica internationally at the United Nations Women’s Conferences in Copenhagen, Nairobi and Beijing.
She is currently Ambassador, Special Envoy for Children and sits on the Executive board of UNICEF, the Executive Board of the Inter-American Children’s Institute and recently elected to the Executive Board of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Enid Campbell
Retired teacher and community leader, Enid Louise Campbell was educated at the Hamwalk Elementary School and Old Harbour Ludford Trust. Educated at the Shortwood Teacher’s College, she returned to the St Catherine and have several years on unstinting service at Old Harbour Primary School and Free Town Primary.
In 1995 she asked for retirement but was asked to withdraw and was seconded to open the Belmont Park Primary in Greater Portmore as Principal -1997-1999.
She is a member of over 10 different social clubs and is also a Justice of the Peace.
