First female dean at UWI Medical School among honourees Lyndon Taylor/Contributor NEW YORK, NY: WHEN PROFESSOR Minerva Thame steps into the spotlight at the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala 2026, it will not be for a single achievement, but for a lifetime of service to children, mothers and families across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. PROFESSOR THAME will be among 15 exceptional women honoured at the prestigious International Women’s History Month event, set for Saturday, March 14, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. The gala celebrates women from diverse industries and levels of leadership whose work has significantly impacted Jamaica and the diaspora. A trailblazer in academic medicine, Professor Thame is professor of perinatal and paediatric medicine and consultant paediatrician in the Department of Child and Adolescent Health at The University of the West Indies, and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). Her career has seamlessly woven together clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, academic leadership and mentorship. From 2021 to 2025, she served as dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies, Mona, becoming the first woman to hold the post. Her tenure marked a historic milestone for the institution and underscored her steady rise through its academic ranks. Prior to her deanship, she held several senior leadership roles, including head of the Department of Child and Adolescent Health, deputy dean and chair of the Committee of Graduate Studies for the Faculty of Medical Sciences, director of THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MARCH 12 - APRIL 11, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: TWO VERY distinguished women will be the toast of the town on Friday, April 17, at the 14th anniversary staging of the Jah Jerry Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser at the elegant Eastwood Manor Caterers, Bronx, NY. “We are delighted to announce the selection of two amazing honorees, namely Ms Pat Chin, co-founder, VP Records Distributors, and Ms Angela Darling, founder and executive director, Love Your Breasts, Inc,” noted James Haynes, founder aand director of the Jah Jerry Foundation, Inc, a non-profit organisation named in memory of his father, the late Jerome Haynes, OD, affectionately known as ‘Jah Jerry’, a pioneer Jamaican musician and a founding member of the legendary Skatalites band. The dinner event starts at 8 p.m., and is the organisation’s marquee fundraiser, benefiting its signature ‘bridging the digital divide’ initiative, ensuring that no child is left behind in today’s digital age, through scholarships, equipment and bursaries. “The event is the annual dinner dance to raise funds to provide access to educational opportunities and make a difference in the lives of our young people. In addition, we want to recognise the extraordinary and exemplary contribution of our women to society,” offered President Haynes. As head of VP Records Distributors, Pat Chin will be recognised for her stellar role in the development and preservation of Jamaica’s popular culture through music. Angela Darling will be cited for her role in personal and community empowerment through healthcare, bringing critical care through awareness in women’s health. For tickets, or to make a donation, persons are invited to visit the organisation’s website at www. jahjerry.org. The food, music, company and ambience are always on point. Christine Marzouca & Dr Amanda Nelson/Contributors ATLANTA, GA: THIS WOMEN’S Month, we celebrate the incredible spirit of Jamaican women. From the vibrant streets of Kingston to the sunny shores of Montego Bay and across the diaspora, women continue to rise with courage, determination, and a deep commitment to making a difference. We carry the warmth and energy of our island wherever we go, and our actions reflect our belief in community, family, and purpose. Everywhere we look, Jamaican women are doing extraordinary things. In our hometown of Montego Bay, we have seen women transform small ideas into meaningful ventures, mentor young girls with intention, and lead initiatives that uplift entire communities. Across the island and throughout the diaspora, women are advancing in health, education, business, and advocacy, proving that leadership is not about titles but about service and consistency. Through our work in health awareness, we have witnessed firsthand how women encourage one another to prioritise screenings, embrace preventive care, and have honest conversations about their well-being. Breast cancer continues to affect families across our communities, and awareness remains critical. Choosing self-care is not indulgent. It is responsible. When women take their health seriously, families grow stronger and futures become brighter. This Women’s Month, Christine Marzouca and Dr. Amanda Nelson reflect on the strength, faith, and determination of Jamaican women at home and across the diaspora. From community leadership to health advocacy, this powerful tribute honours the women who continue to uplift families, inspire change, and carry the spirit of Jamaica wherever they go. Our Jamaican heritage teaches us perseverance and pride. The saying “Wi likkle but wi tallawah” captures that spirit perfectly. We may be small in size as a nation, but our impact is powerful. Whether at home or abroad, Jamaican women support one another, celebrate each other’s achievements, and pass wisdom from one generation to the next. This Women’s Month, we invite everyone to pause and recognise the women who have shaped their lives. Celebrate their sacrifices, honour their contributions, and encourage their dreams. From Jamaica to the wider diaspora, Jamaican women continue to inspire through faith, determination, and heart. Their strength is quiet but steady, their influence lasting, and their presence deeply felt in every space they enter. Jah Jerry Foundation honours two outstanding women at scholarship fundraiser Angela Darling, founder and executive director, Love Your Breasts, Inc. Pat Chin, co-founder VP Records Distributors, Inc. CONTRIBUTED Celebrating Jamaican women: strength, heart, and purpose Christine Marzourca Dr. Amanda Nelson Please see HONOUR, 5 Professor Gordon Shirley (left), pro vice chancellor and principal of the UWI Mona campus, presents the award to the most outstanding researcher to Dr Minerva Thame, from the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the UWI awards ceremony in recognition of outstanding researchers at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge. FILE Professor Minerva Thame among Jamaican women recognised
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