Tonoya Toyloy, Miss Jamaica World 2004 (left), poses with other beauties.
dedication that would be different. My personality is different so I definitely would have a different approach. I'm easy going, pleasant and tolerant. Generally I'd say a very nice person, gracious too.
FL: Youth crime, civil disobedience and moral collapse have often been traced back to the homes. Would you say women have given up on their social responsibility and are being side-tracked by a corporate, sterile culture?
TT: No, I don't think women have been side-tracked at all. I think what is lacking is the support and help that they should be getting. I think for too long they have been given that traditional role. If it's not the father ideally (providing that support), it has to be from the community.
I think women are doing the best they can. In the current economy it's necessary for most women to go to work too to provide for their children so it would definitely be unfair for us to say (they've given up on their social responsibility). It does take a village to raise a child, it's not an easy job and I think they are doing the best they can.
FL: What led you into the field of pharmacy? And, against the background of soaring drug costs, especially for lifestyle and chronic diseases, do you think the sector is doing enough to help the average Jamaican?
TT: As a teenager it was difficult to choose a career path so I got a lot of influence from my parents (counsellors too) and I did a list of the pros and the cons. Reading up on it I realised that the pharmacist has a great impact on the patient. They play an important role while at the same time having enough time for family, the arts, and other interests.
I think that it's a valiant effort in terms of the National Health Fund but there is always room for improvement. I'm out there and I'm speaking to the people and they think the benefits could be a little more, and I do agree. Drugs for lifestyle and chronic diseases are very expensive and people do need more help.
