Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer Merline Bardowell
It is said the best man for the job is a woman, and with all due respect to the Jamaican men of science, Merline Bardowell might give credence to that thought.
She is executive director of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), an entity mandated to develop the country's biotechnological capabilities. She influences scientific legislation and policies and is a constant voice in the calls for scientific research and development in Jamaica.
Though she never became a teacher, which was her childhood dream, she still interacts with the youth. Mrs. Bardowell was instrumental in initiating programmes to get science and technology out of the classroom and into more interactive settings such as clubs and societies. She was the instigator and creator of the first Science and Technology Month in 1996.
Away from the chemistry labs or computer, her interests include involvement in her church and the Rotary Club. Mrs. Bardowell also loves gardening, and watching cricket.
Last year, she was recognised by her country for her achievements. At the National Honours and Awards at King's House, she became the first female to receive the National Award for Science and Technology.
Maxine Henry-Wilson
Maxine Henry-Wilson is the one of three female ministers in Parliament. She is the Minister of Education and Youth.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson holds the firm belief that education is the tool for effective change. Prior to her appointment, she served as Minister of Information as well as Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Throughout her life, she has demonstrated a commitment to public service, which began with her involvement in civic causes even while she was in secondary school. As a student of St Andrew High School for Girls, she initiated and participated in several public affairs programmes debating national issues and promoting national causes. This she continued through her involvement with and leadership in the then Jamaica Youth Council. She became active in politics even before her graduation from the University of the West Indies. She assisted in the design of programmes such as the National Youth Service during the tenure of the late Prime Minister Michael Manley.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson also worked in the building of community councils in the 1970s and through this and her work with the People's National Party (PNP), she was able to gain an understanding and appreciation of the life of the ordinary Jamaican. It was this understanding and appreciation that propelled her to further her education. She completed a master's degree in public administration at the University of the West Indies and later a master's in public policy at Rutgers State University of New Jersey. After her graduation, she continued her public service by lecturing at the University of the West Indies
In 1992, she served in the Prime Minister's newly-constituted administration. She served as: Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Minister without Portfolio, and Minister of Information.
In 1994 she was elected the General Secretary of the PNP, the first female to hold that post in the English-speaking Caribbean. It is a post she held until her resignation in July 2003. In 1997 she was appointed Leader of Government Business in the Senate. And in 2002 she was appointed Minister of Education, Youth and Culture. However, since the recent reshuffling of the Cabinet, Culture is no longer under her portfolio as it is now joined with Tourism. She is currently married and has a daughter.
Source: Jamaica Information Service rutgerscamdenfinest.rutgers.edu/cf/wilson.html
Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Millicent Lynch
Wearing several hats at any one time is an easy task for Millicent Lynch who as a teen proved to family and friends that she could effectively multi-task.
This Jamaican woman holds numerous posts, all of which she manages excellently. She is president of the Portmore Chamber of Commerce (has been since its inception three years ago), fourth vice-president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and chairperson for Unique Jamaica, the organisation in charge of the bed and breakfast bookings for ICC Cricket World Cup.
Mrs. Lynch sits on several tourism-affiliated boards, including the Jamaica Reservation Services, Jamaica Vacations Limited and the Kingston Metropolitan Resort Board. This power woman is also the first female Executive Manager (in charge of Marketing) at Caymanas Track Limited making her the second woman to have held a top position in the male dominated Horse Racing business.
"I have never had a chip on my shoulder with the gender thing, I never focussed on it. I don't focus on issues, I focus on getting the job done," she said.
This, along with team work has been her secret to success.
As president of the Portmore Chamber of Commerce, Mrs, Lynch spearheaded several programmes to assist residents of the community, including a scholarship programme for Portmore students. This scholarship pays for the education of selected students from the primary to secondary level of education.
Despite her many professional ties, Mrs. Lynch has found time to be a wife and mother of two girls. She also believes that there is much more that she can achieve professionally.
