Laura Redpath, Gleaner Writer

Dr Velma Brown-Hamilton is all smiles as she gets ready to be installed as the first female president of the downtown Kingston Rotary Club, last Wednesday. - Kyle Macpherson/ Photographer

Another crack will be made in that infamous glass ceiling that has come to represent the discrimination women experience because of their gender.

Dr Velma Brown-Hamilton is forging ahead by becoming the first female president of the Rotary Club downtown Kingston chapter since it was established 26 years ago.

"The men alone cannot function," she said with a laugh.

National Security Minister, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, who was expelled from the downtown Kingston chapter nearly 20 years ago when he spoke out against sexism in Rotary, supports Brown-Hamilton in her new position.

"I look forward to being there ... and seeing her become president of a club I helped found as a chartering member."

Comfortable with herself

Audrey Hichcliffe, close friend and first female president of the Jamaica Employers' Federation, had nothing but good things to say about Brown-Hamilton.

"I think it's a ground-breaking situation," she said. "She is very comfortable with herself and with people. That's my girl," she said laughing.

Brown-Hamilton is a practising lawyer and partner in Brown-Hamilton and Associates.

One of five children, she spent her early childhood years in Kingston before moving to Trelawny and attending Westwood High School for Girls.

Her aunt in Trelawny helped raise her and according to Brown-Hamilton, she has had a positive impact on her life and her position as a person dedicated to "service above self".

A main source of inspiration for Brown-Hamilton was the Rotary Club's polio initiative. This was close to her heart as she had a friend who had the disease.

"I thought the Rotary Club must be a great place," she said.

With that in mind and with Ryland Campbell's (chairman and CEO of Capital and Credit Financial Services) invitation, Brown-Hamilton set off to her first meeting six years ago.

However, the road has not always been smooth for her. She was once a guest speaker at the New Kingston chapter when she was resident magistrate and stood out, in a manner of speaking.

"The businessmen sat there and stared at me as if I was from another planet," she said.

Although women are said to be from Venus (and men from Mars), her work ethic is no different from other Rotarians.

"They have seen that women can come in and assist," she said.

Achievements

One of her achievements as a Rotarian is the 'Say No to Drugs' symposium, held at Campion College.

Being a teacher before taking on her career as a lawyer has influenced her in such a way that working with students is what comes naturally to her.

Once addressed as Woman Rotarian before the title was changed to Rotarian, Brown-Hamilton is paving the way for women in the downtown Kingston chapter.

"Our Rotarians are persons regardless of their genitalia," said Robin Levy, outgoing president.

"The fact that she is a progressive, vibrant woman is entirely coincidental."

Over the past six years, her visions have expanded and now include helping those who have impaired hearing and are unable to speak. She hopes to address this by encouraging Rotarians to learn sign language. Tackling juvenile diabetes is also on the to-do list, along with establishing a centre for literacy and technology.

Brown-Hamilton was pinned at the June 25 meeting at the Hilton Kingston hotel. She begins her term as president on July 1.