Shirley, left, and Marks
Here are some of the women who have added charm and grace to Jamaica's corporate landscape this year. Brains beauty, success -who says you can't have it all.
Sandra Shirley, formerly the managing director of Sigma Unit Trust is one the country's leading business persons. During the year she supervised the successful merger between Sigma and Manufacturers Merchant Bank to form Manufacturers Sigma Merchant Bank (MSMB) where until last month she served as the vice-president for marketing and business development.
Sandra, vice president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), has now left the merged entity for new pastures. Her talents will be appreciated at the National Commercial Bank where she will take on a senior management role with the bank's insurance services, Omni.
Tanya Ho-Shue is the manager for credit & corporate banking at Issa Trust & Merchant Bank. Business was good for Issa Trust despite testing times for the financial sector. The merchant bank saw profits up from last year with Tanya playing a pivotal role in the bank's fortunes. It went quietly about its business but proved to be one of the best performing operators this year. Next year will sees the bank launching a number of new products and services.
Chief Executive Officer of Paymaster, Audrey Marks, had an eventful year. She was voted Entrepreneur of the Year 2000 and took over some Cable & Wireless outlets thereby further expanding her bill payment outlets. Paymaster entered a five-year contractual agreement with MoneyGram International which allows it to act as MoneyGram sub-agents for Victoria Mutual Building Society.She also began a youth initiative programme along the lines of America's Promise Organisation and met with the American Secretary of State in Washington, Colin Powell, with a view to forming an affiliation.
Catherine Parkes-Thwaites is the epitome of charm and personality. As the financial director of the Dyoll Group she has played a pivotal role in streamlining the efficiency of its operations. Dyoll is a significant player in the local insurance industry and has seen its coffee arm Wataru acquire a brand name.
Last year Dyoll promised to repay the money owed to FINSAC (Dyoll held more than $200 million in FINSAC paper) over the ensuing 12 months rather than wait until 2004 while at the same time working to strengthen its financial standing to meet the rigorous requirements of the proposed Insurance Act. That now seems a distinct possibility.
Cathy's affability belies a steely resolve and the ability to take on all comers. At Dyoll's last investor's briefing, John Jackson decided to make things decided uncomfortable for her as she fielded questions on the Group's financial performance. John bowled a few deliveries that would have had lesser players hopping uncomfortably in their crease. Not so Cathy. It was like watching Lara dance down the wicket to McGrath.
