Ionie Ramsay-Nelson

Jamaica is blessed to have hundreds of women who have distinguished themselves in several spheres of endeavour, both at home and abroad. Since our last publication, 10 of our youngest female citizens went to Beijing, China, and left an indelible mark of excellence on the world.

Back at home, our first female motor cycle cop, Superintendent Ionie Ramsay-Nelson is now getting ready to retire. What utter excitement she generated in those early years as she zipped by on the motorbike in the early days of her career.

Historical moments

Kim-Marie Spence

Like all Jamaicans, I am proud of the achievement of Kim-Marie Spence who is now in training to be the first Jamaican and only woman from our region to make the Commonwealth Women's Antarctic Expedition in 2010.

I feel a special sense of pride in the phenomenal job that was done by this year's Gleaner Spelling Bee champion's coach, Primrose Swaby, who stuck to the task for years until she had a champion!

And, I remain touched by The Gleaner story of Verona Grant-Brissett who defied the odds and attained her heart's desire: to begin a nursing career at age 45, after devoting her life to the care of her orphaned siblings. She is my hero.

First Lady

First Lady Michelle Obama

All daughters of African foreparents are still relishing the fact that one of our own, Michelle Obama, is now the First Lady of the most powerful country on Earth. We live vicariously through her actions, love every fabulous outfit she wears and dream every night of waking up with arms like hers.

So, from the women who clean hundreds of pounds of fish, scrub floors, wash dishes and tend babies daily, to those who head corporate companies, we say well done. From the single mothers who go it alone, holding down jobs and keeping children focused, to our female politicians who sacrifice their lives for country, we say bravo!

I feel some disappointment that so many exemplary women have abandoned the core values that made our generation and our parents' generation the strong, God- fearing, honest, hard-working women we are today. So, I implore all women to return to the days when the concept of a village raising a child was a reality and not just a pretty line in someone's speech.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com

Barbara Ellington

Primrose Swaby

Verona Grant-Brissett