Saluting our female leaders

Elaine Grant-Bryan, Contributor

Jamaica's Prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, won a landslide victory in the general elections held last month. This country's first female prime minister, hers is a Jamaican success story and a great example of my: 'What What What Approach - What you do with what you have determines what you become'. Her efforts paid off after stressing her dedicated service to Jamaica of over 17¹/² years, and she is now responsible for steering our beautiful island as we navigate towards a progressive future. During her January 5 inaugural address, she shared, "All parties orange, green and blue should put aside our differences and strive for the nation's ultimate goals."

Secure financial goals must take priority. And many men and women who have become successful leaders today were raised by households managed by a woman alone. They had to be very skilful at managing their financial affairs and budgeting, to see their children through to a tertiary education. Women have been doing this for their families in Jamaica for decades. Currently, there is an increasing trend of Caribbean /Latin American female leaders, including the recent elections in Jamaica where several women were elected from both the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Now these decision makers will help to determine the financial success of our island.

These women are:

Portia Simpson Miller, PNP - St Andrew South Western (PNP president and prime minister)

Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, PNP - St James West Central.

Denise Daley, PNP - St Catherine Eastern.

Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, JLP - Trelawny Southern.

Olivia Grange, JLP - St Catherine Central.

Lisa Hanna, PNP - St Ann South Eastern and youth & culture minister.

Natalie Neita-Headley, PNP - St Catherine North Central, minister with responsibility for sports

Shahine Robinson, JLP - St Ann North Western.

I salute these women leaders as they collaborate with Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica at home and abroad in future initiatives to enhance Jamaica.

My Financial Tip: Take time to invest in yourself. The best leaders are those who have a track record of success.

Elaine Grant-Bryan - Empowerment speaker, Atlanta Mayor's Phoenix Award recipient, Leadership Sandy Springs Alumni Council Member, GSCA Counsellor of the Year. www.elainebryan.com