Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
Superintendent Ramsay-Nelson has a heart for helping the less fortunate.

Misha Lobban, Gleaner Writer

A best friend is like a four leaf clover ... hard to find and lucky to have.
- Unknown

Superintendent Ionie Ramsay-Nelson has received many commendations and accolades for being an outstanding female cop, and for having the distinguished record of being a pioneer in the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

She enlisted in the force at the age of 18 and made history in 1977 when she became the first female police motorcycle cop. She is also the first woman to have risen above the rank of corporal in the Traffic Division, and the first woman to head the traffic section of the police force in the Corporate Area.

Her elevation through the ranks of the police force over the years, from acting corporal in 1975 to that of superintendent in 1999, has been regarded as meteoric. In 2003, she was appointed head of the Constabulary Communication Network.

Her willingness to go beyond the call of duty has earned her two national awards - the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in 1995, and the St Bess Golden Badge Award in 1997 for outstanding service. She is also the recipient of the Gleaner Certificate of Merit Award (1987) for her outstanding achievements; the City of Kingston Tercentenary Award for outstanding service in law enforcement in 1992, and the Kencot and Sandy Park SDA Award for outstanding service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force and to the wider community.

A sports enthusiast and founder as well as former captain of the Spanish Town Crusaders women's cricket team, Superintendent Ramsay-Nelson has also received public recognition for her outstanding contribution to sports.

Her close friend is Jasmine Simms, caterer and deaconess at the Washington Gardens Seventh-day Adventist Church. In this week's feature, through the eyes of her close friend, we learn more about this multifaceted Jamaican woman, including her charitable spirit that fuels her commitment to help the less fortunate, as well as her passion for mentoring teenagers.

How did you meet Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, and how long have you been friends?

I have known her for years, as we were neighbours and we also worked together in the Women's Ministry at Washington Gardens SDA Church. However, we became close over the last four years after she underwent surgery, and during her recovery I would spend time with her and prayed with her.

Tell us what you admire most about her and why you think you have remained friends all these years.

I admire her love for people. Someone is always knocking at her door seeking her help, and she is always charitable. She has a heart for helping the less fortunate. She also has a passion for helping teenagers and is a great mentor to them.

As friends, we can always call on each other whatever the situation, and we know that we can count on each other for support. We also have the same passion for helping people, especially the poor and needy.

Tell us something interesting about her.

She is a sports enthusiast and was one of Jamaica's first female cricketers. She used to play cricket for a club in St Catherine, and although she no longer plays she never misses an opportunity to watch the game.

What are some of the things you talk about when you get together?

We discuss many things, including what we can do to improve the lives of others.

Share with us one of the happiest/memorable moments you have experienced with her.

She was a guest on the Susan show last year (she was being interviewed about her life and her achievements in the police force) and she invited me to be one of her guests in the studio. I felt really special to have been included.

Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of her, and why.

The fact that she has so much love to share with others.

What are her favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?

She is a vegetarian and she especially loves fish, peas and beans. She also loves mangoes; in season and out of season.

Gospel music is her favourite. Definitely cricket

Tell us the colour that you associate with her:

Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget

Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend

Red - signifying someone you really love

Green - signifying someone who has had a significant impact on your life

Green, because her charitable spirit always reminds me of the difference that love can make in the lives of others, and she gives me the zeal to go the extra mile to help others. She is a role model and she encourages and motivates me.

Please send your feedback and comments to lobban_misha@yahoo.com.