By Marlene McPherson, Outlook writer 
TO REACH the position of director in charge of Standard and Procedure at the Correctional Services Department, Millicent Williams broke away from her ethnic traditions and heeded instructions from her 'inspirators'.
A young married woman, steeped in the Indian tradition where wives were not permitted to work, she had to bargain with her husband for her to take on the job that so many persons were encouraging her to take in the Correctional Services.
"I wanted to make my contribution to society and to the young people in particular," she quips. Eventually her husband permitted her to embark on her career path.
It wasn't her first love, but she became associated with this arm of the justice system as a secretary in the Probation Office in Morant Bay, on October 1, 1967.
"I wanted to become a teacher, but... I liked what the probation officers were doing," said Mrs. Williams.
So, to Corrections it was, proving that with hard work and dedication, anyone can rise from the bottom in an organisation, to the top. Her work was to earn for her the Governor-General Award and the National Medal of Honour for long and faithful service to the Correctional Service. She was named in the 'Who is Who' woman of the year 2000 international.
Under one umbrella
Let's back track to the year 1972. She was sent to the Kingston head office, where she worked with the then Chief Probation Officer Dunkley Allen, who has been credited for bringing the probation and prison services under the umbrella the Correctional Services. He became the Executive Director of the organisation and she continued to work as his secretary.
"It was Mr. Allen who recognised my potential," she stated.
He told her, "You are not making use of your potentials, you know good tactics, you know what good care is, go and write your application."
She continued, "Unknown to me, I was observed counselling a grandmother who had a 10-year-old who was giving her problems. When I was finished Eric Whittingham, a probation officer, commented that...'I would like to see the day before I die, you become a probation officer'."
Inspiration
This was seen as an inspiration and it was further strengthened by Emet Ramsay, another officer, who observed her work as a secretary and her assistance to others.
"Milli, why are you wasting time?" Mr. Ramsay would ask. She took their advice. She made her application and was accepted. Mrs. Williams was placed at the Family Court and in 1976-78 was assigned as one of the first set of Probation After Care Officers. She believed in academic pursuit for excellence so she took up studies at the University of the West Indies, gaining her Bachelor's degree in social work. Subsequent studies were pursued overseas. Her commitment to excellence brought her rapid promotion in different positions. She returned to the parish of St. Thomas and continued until 1990 when she was promoted to Senior Probation After Care Officer. The following year she acted as Regional Manager for the largest region.
Her move to directorship started in 1993 when she worked in the capacity of Regional Director for Portland, St. Mary, St. Ann probation offices. After seven years she became the director of Allied Services. Here, she dealt with the administration of the welfare of inmates, the parole system and psychiatric services.
She then went to the Risk Assessment Department, and later became the Director of Human Resource Development and Training and even later, assumed the role of Director of Community Relations.
The position of Director in charge of Standard and Procedure was the last position held by her, where she saw to the adherence to the policies, rules and guidelines.
Mrs. Williams' upward mobility is pale in comparison to her success story with her clients. This is so because of her philosophy.
"Look for the one good, work around the one good, with hard work with your clients, you will win."
She illustrated this using a real life scenario: A young man kept stealing, was incarcerated, yet he continued stealing whenever he was released. When he came back to her she told him that she was tired of seeing him in the same situation and he should make a change. With that statement she exhorted him to write all that he likes and that he does not like about himself. She cautioned him that she wanted the truth and not what he thought she would like
to hear.
After he did this, they discussed it. She said he was honest and she gave him a challenge to work on two dislikes and replace them with two other likeable qualities within a specified time.
Both worked assiduously. Eventually he received a job and he has been on the straight path since. She pointed out, "Never leave your clients without effecting at least one positive change, if this is not done your task is not complete."
Community service
She has translated this commitment to community services. She is involved as Justice of the Peace, chairman for many organisations/projects. She is respected and is still loved, especially by the community of Seaforth, St. Thomas, where she was born and grown. She lives in the community with her family. Her charm and friendly manner earned her the name 'Milli'.
For 37 years Mrs. Williams has proven herself to be a people person, rescuing those in
need and in the process she
has benefited.
Mrs. Williams, now 55 years
old, is on pre-retirement leave. However, she contemplates taking up another challenge. Watch out!
