Women partnering for success
A new landmark was erected on the landscape of Jamaica’s history last Wednesday evening, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston. That day, May 28, served as the official birthday for the Women Business Owners Organization (WBO), launched in a glitzy, glamorous affair with the Prime Minister, PJ Patterson, as guest speaker.
“Tonight’s event serves to renew my faith in the endless possibilities for the creation of a quality society founded on equal participation by all Jamaicans whatever may be their creed, race, class, religion, political affiliation, or gender,” said Patterson in his address before an approximate crowd of over 270 guests. He was debonair in a single-breasted black tuxedo with bow tie and was noticeably surrounded by a bevy of ladies during the cocktail hour. However, before the night was over, Patterson was presented with a commemorative ceramic vase, an original Norma Harrack.
The Women Business Owners’ (WBO) association – partnering for economic success has as its members, businesswomen with medium-sized to large-sized businesses. The organization was formed recently and aims to influence national economic, financial and social policy directions, as well as providing a voice for its members to discuss issues that face them in their business life
“It is no surprise that an organization such as this is being launched at the time when women continue to take their rightful place as equal partners in the exciting, but, formidable task of nation building,” said Patterson.
President of WBO is Lorna Green, chief executive officer of Digital Transtech Ltd, while first vice president is Shirley Carby, managing director of Carlong (Caribbean) Publishers Ltd, and the second vice president is Pat Isaacs-Greene, chief executive officer of Kaieteur Foods Limited.
To a thunderous applause, Green stated that Jamaica is left with an organization, such as WBO, that is determined to make fundamental changes in how trained and competent Jamaican women are positioned in the nation’s world of business.
“We are here. We are making a difference and we want to be heard. We need more women!” she exclaimed.
She continued, “we recognize that female entrepreneurs in today’s Jamaica face tremendous challenges in a culture where we are mostly first generation owners of medium and large-sized business. We also recognize that most of the traditional networks of resources, gender-based clubs and the old school tie brotherhood are not accessible to us, but we also feel that we can overcome those barriers.”
During the launch, the association’s logo was unveiled from a sliding white screen with smoke rising, signalling its importance, to the occasion. All of this happened from the stage while two large-sized screens, zeroed in on the dawning of this swanky affair.
Beverly Lopez, president of the Public Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), implored this new group to work with the PSOJ and other business associations in addressing the many issues facing the society. She endorsed the goal of facilitating the growth of women-owned businesses and pledged through the PSOJ to help enhance their visibility, as well as supporting them through mentorship and coaching.
“I challenge you to not only strengthen yourselves individually and your new association, but also the countless women in Jamaica today who need a helping hand to improve their station in life and their standard of living,” stated Lopez.
The best was saved for last when each member (of the WBO) present was introduced to the Prime Minister on the podium. He shook hands with them and greeted them graciously. The women, all elegantly dressed and exuding confidence, lined the stage.
Membership to date are: Thalia Lyn, Island Grill; Charmaine Harrison, Great Vacation; Ruth Gaynor-Palmer, R.C.G. Maintenance Ltd; M Audrey Hinchcliffe (treasurer of WBO), Manpower & Maintenance Services Ltd; Melody Cammock-Gayle, Communications & Business Solutions Ltd; Elizabeth Hartley, Accounting Options; Berl Francis, Berl Francis & Co Ltd.; Ena Wong Sam, Ena Wong Sam Ltd; Marcia Forbes, Phase 3 Productions Ltd; Audrey Marks, Paymaster Jamaica Ltd; Dorothea Gordon-Smith (secretary of WBO), Garbage Disposal & Sanitation Systems Ltd; Daphne Pinnock, Nutrition Management Services Ltd; Bevon Morrison, Call Associates Consultancy Ltd; Eleanor Jones, Environmental Solutions.
Entertainers for the evening were 11-year-old French harpist, Arami; violinist Mark Stephenson and Everton Williams, who played the piano during the four-course meal served with wine
