THE INCORPORATED Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica has announced that it will be honouring females in the construction sector in March, righting what it suggests has been an imbalance in the recognition of their contribution.
"Traditionally, males have dominated the local construction sector, receiving the lion's share of accolades, while the women have had to be content with playing the supporting roles," said the IMAJ in a release.
The association has identified 14 females who on March 6 will get special recognition "for their indefatigable input" in the sector, at the IMAJ's annual dinner.
But the association's plans appear to have been pushed in part by the strong performance of women in what the IMAJ describes as "a fiercely male-oriented sector."
"Within recent years, women have been asserting themselves in all areas of the sector, forcing their male counterparts to sit up and take note of their input," said the IMAJ.
"This has, ultimately, led to their being integrally involved in virtually every aspect of the industry's activities, working side by side with the men."
President of the IMAJ, Don Mullings, says the decision to honour the ladies is aimed at recognising and rewarding excellence in the sector as well as their contribution to the development of the industry, and the country.
THE 14 HONOUREES
Grace Ashley - managing director, Ashley & Associates Limited
Joyce Bolton - secretary/manager, Jamaica Developers Association
Lucille Brodber - partner in the construction firm - Brodber & Martin
Marvalyn Brown - mason
Jacqueline daCosta - permanent secretary, Ministry of Land & Environment
Elizabeth Duncan - managing director, Elizabeth Duncan & Associates
Cynthia Edwards - land surveyor, National Lands Agency
Scarlette Gillings - managing director, Jamaica Social Investment Fund
Genefa Hibbert - permanent secretary, Ministry of Water and Housing
Nadine Isaacs - managing director, Nadine Isaacs & Associates
Paulette Parker-Noble - plumbing instructor
Rosemary Plant - secretary/manager, IMAJ
Ruthlyn Villiers - managing director, Preview Limited
Carmen Walker - consultant electrical engineer
