Gager FORMER GLEANER Editor-in-Chief Wyvolyn Gager was one of a dozen women honoured last week Sunday at the Women of Excellence Awards held at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston.
Gager, the only woman to hold the top editorial position in The Gleaner's 168-year history, served in that capacity for almost seven years until her departure just over two years ago.
Now a media consultant, she was honoured along with an illustrious list of women that included Dr. Heather Little-White, Gleaner columnist, lifestyle specialist and nutritionist; United States media mogul and television talk show host Oprah Winfrey; Susan L. Taylor, publishing director of the popular US magazine Essence magazine; former US Congress woman Dr. Carie Meek; Ambassador for Children Marjorie Taylor; Roxiline Morrison of the Maxfield Park Children's Home; Director-General in the Ministry of Tourism, Carrole Guntley; Inez Morrison of the Women's Crisis Centre; community activist Gloria Robinson; former US legislator Una Clarke; and retired educator Enid Campbell.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Women of Excellence Awards was held for the first time outside the United States. The awards seek to pay tribute to Women of Excellence worldwide, highlighting their efforts, achievements and contribution to humanity. It is also to recognise, raise awareness of and sensitise the world to the plight of dispossessed women and children.
Funds raised from last week's brunch and awards ceremony went to aid the Women's Crisis Centre in Kingston, the Mustard Seed Community, and the Te Vaughan Smith Medical Fund. Te Vaughan Smith is a four-year-old boy whose father, a police officer at the Cross Roads station, died in the line of duty. The boy has since been diagnosed with a brain tumour and is scheduled to have brain surgery in Florida.
Women of Excellence Awards is co-ordinated by Nostalgia in Gold, an organisation which started in New York in 1985 by Vonnie McGowan-Arscot. It was incorporated in Jamaica in 1990.
