Heloise Lewis

Distinguished educator of Spanish at the secondary and tertiary levels, Dr. Heloise Lewis is author of the textbook, Vamos Amigos, a longtime staple in Caribbean schools.

Dr. Lewis is best associated with Excelsior High School and the University of the West Indies. She is a member of the board of The Jamaica Association for the Deaf and is also involved with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). For her work in the field of education, Dr. Lewis received a national honour from the Governor-General for her great contributionto the field of education. At age 90, she continues to teach every week at home.

She participates fully in the life of the Church of the Ascension in Mona. She is a key person in major fund-raising activities, and the lively observance of church festivals.

Fully integrated into family life, Dr. Lewis is the beloved matriarch of an extended family that encompasses four main strands - Phillips, Lewis, Gayle and Wint. To them, she epitomises the traditional qualities of a ladylike, virtuous woman, who also nurtures a modern, upbeat spirit.

As a holder of a valid driver's licence, she motors her way - safely and carefully - over short distances in the Corporate Area. An avid gardener, her plants show the benefit of her personal attention, and her guests look forward to an evening where she will serve delicious home-made Dundee cake.

Joan Shaw

The School of Medical Radiation Technology has as its director a true professional with a passion for her field.

Joan Shaw has trained radiographers for more than two decades, and today, she continues to work her magic in the classroom where she teaches radioactive techniques. Ms. Shaw motivates students to learn their craft in detail, and to be prepared to display the highest attributes of the profession on entry into the workplace.

She has consistently lobbied for expanding the course content so that it can keep pace with international developments in the profession. Her efforts were instrumental towards the introduction of a course in ultrasound. Ms. Shaw has also overseen the introduction of a B.Sc. in radiation technology, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies. Ms. Shaw personifies true ladylike behaviour at all times.

Joan Shaw has trained radiographers for more than two decades, and today, she continues to work her magic in the classroom where she teaches radioactive techniques.

Dr Juliet Newell

Dr. Juliette Newell has single-handedly created an outstanding agro-processing facility from a backroom operation that she started in 1984.

Today, Tijule Company Limited produces world-class products for local companies such as GraceKennedy, Jamaica Standard Products and Burger King, and has also built the Juliana and Nel's Old Time brands for export to Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and The British Virgin Islands. The factory in May Pen handles the canning and frozen packaging of ackee and callaloo. It bottles condiments and also packages bammies.

Dr. Newell handles all areas of the business from product development to factory operations. She makes high-quality products which are acceptable in the global marketplace. Her business has gained Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification and is currently pursuing ISO 14000 certification that seeks to minimise harmful effects on the environment caused by a company's activities. Tijule Company Limited employs up to 200 workers on a seasonal basis.

It takes a phenomenal person to face and overcome all the odds that are against manufacturers in Jamaica today. Above all, Newell is a woman doing business in an environment that is still very male-dominated.

Dr. Newell is a humble, approachable person who is devoted to her duties as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Dr. Newell handles all areas of the business from product development to factory operations. She makes high-quality products which are acceptable in the global marketplace.

Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Josephine Heron

"You know that woman has helped more people in her life than both of us could imagine? You know her?" A co-worker asked pulling me aside as I escorted the lady dressed in a Salvation Army uniform into The Gleaner's offices. I shook my head.

He greeted her, not by name, but with a certain familiarity which left me feeling as if I was in the dark.

"It's a long time I haven't seen you in your hat," he said.

Josephine Heron smiled as we moved forward.

For the past 14 years, this phenomenal woman has assisted the homeless roaming the streets of Kingston. Most of her days are spent in St. William Grant Park, down-town Kingston bathing, feeding and providing companionship for the homeless and destitute.

"I just love them," the 56-year-old said, as if they were her own children. With no other job, her days are spent asking people to donate to the homeless.

It all started when Miss Heron left Holy Trinity High School, without many employment options roamed the streets herself.

A member of the Salvation Army encouraged her to attend the church. After procrastinating, she eventually made her way there and got into helping the poor.

"When I went out there (on the street), at first I was shy," she said. She is long past that shyness as she often shares her meals and takes naps on a piece of cardboard in the park.

Contribution

Like the people she assists, she is never certain where her next meal will come from. Her rent, utilities, food, and blood pressure medication are subject to what people contribute to her. There are moments when she cries from worry and embarrassment.

Recently she was stabbed and received two stitches. But she has no intentions of stopping.

"The Lord will provide; he will make a way," she said.

"You're the lady who's always bathing the people downtown," the photographer commented when he stepped in to snap her photo.