Lady Bustamante was more than a wife and a private secretary to the late National Hero. Her voluntary contributions to society touched the lives of many poor Jamaicans.

Lady Bustamante

Hailed as an unofficial heroine by many Jamaicans, Lady Bustamante is best known as the woman who stood by Sir Alexander Bustamante's side in the trade union movement during a time of political change and ferment in Jamaica.

But Lady Bustamante was more than a wife and a private secretary to the late National Hero. Her voluntary contributions to society touched the lives of many poor Jamaicans. Lady Bustamante had a soft spot for the underprivileged and did active social work among port workers and their families, mostly in sugar communities.

She also assisted children whose parents were extremely poor. Her work with disadvantaged communities islandwide did not go unrecognised, as she received numerous awards, including: a plaque of recognition for work and dedication from Friends of the Poor Inc. Florida 1988, Committee for Christian Education of New York and Jamaica for service of dedication to the people of the World in Memory of National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, and a plaque for outstanding public service to Jamaica to mark the end of United Nations Decade of Women 1976-1986.

Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Valerie Juggan-Brown

In a period when security is one of the primary concerns of most Jamaicans, this woman has contributed extensively to protecting Jamaicans and their property.

Valerie Juggan-Brown, group managing director, Guardsman Group Limited, has held the post for the last 17 years.

The company is one of the leading security service providers in the Caribbean, providing mainlysecurity services for homes and corporations since 1977.

Mrs. Juggan-Brown has contributed to diversifying the company's services, developing the Guardsman Serenity Fishing and Wildlife Sanctuary where individuals can retreat and enjoy the wild life.

During her tenure at the company she has held the posts of managing director of Marksman Limited, group director of personnel and administration and chairman of the Guardsman Group Medical Centre.

Mrs. Juggan-Brown is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security and is a director of the Jamaica Society for Industrial Security.

She believes that as a Christian she can help Jamaica to be a better place by touching the lives of the children.

Marcia Daley Arensevia

Marcia Daley Arensevia's home is always full of children who are not her own. That is because this mother of four has opened her home and her heart to other children who are in need.

This phenomenal Clarendon woman and clerical assistant at Garvey Maceo High School since 1997 is a child rights champion.

"There is potential in every child, so once the need is there, I have to be there, being as supportive as I can," she said.

For Ms. Arensevia, being supportive can range from giving a student lunch money, to taking a child whose parents aren't able to care for them into her home for one to three years bearing all the financial costs. As the eldest of five children, she took on the role of mothering her siblings at the tender age of 12 when her mother migrated to the United States.

She believes that as a Christian she can help Jamaica to be a better place by touching the lives of the children. Sometimes this responsibility may seem too great, but she has never faltered in her faith, or in being there for those in need.

"I don't know how I manage, but it's the will of God."