Revered women of Old Harbour honoured on International Women’s Day

They are Custos of St Catherine Icylin Golding and businesswoman Monica Daley, both natives and residents of the community.

The women were recognised by the vibrant and influential business group for their sterling contribution and unwavering commitment volunteering their service to the community and its people for more than a century when combined.

The event was held at Russell’s T20 Restaurant and Sports Bar in the form of a brunch and awards ceremony.

A stunned and teary-eyed Golding who in the past has been bestowed with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) – the sixth highest national honour in Jamaica – said to be recognised by her own people at the community level is an extraordinary moment in her life. 

“I feel truly blessed. I feel honoured. I feel loved in my own community. I do not have to go out,” Custos Golding said to rapturous applause after receiving a citation and a plaque. “To Treacha (Reid) [President, South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce] and the members of the Chamber of Commerce, you are stepping in the right direction,” she adds “and we applaud you; and we thank you. I am thrilled with the support you are giving to this community. Continue to walk and do well. Thank you for the love one and all.”

“It is a pleasure to accept this token,” stated Mrs Daley, who also collected a citation and plaque. “I just want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for this gesture and I hope to continue to do what little I can until the Lord calls me home. Thank you very much.”

The event was historic and quite a momentous one for the community as the first ever of its kinds ever held in Old Harbour on International Women’s Day.

That it was organized by the chamber of commerce led by its president Treacha Reid, is also very fitting, as both honourees have had a remarkable impact on her life, with Daley being credited as the person who introduced her to a life of volunteerism.

On both citations presented it read in part: “The South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce, in celebration of International Women’s Day on this the eighth day of March 2023, takes this opportunity to recognize your sterling contribution to the community of Old Harbour through exemplary leadership and  empowerment of our girls and women to aspire to become the best version of themselves.

“Sometimes in the most difficult of environments, you consistently demonstrate the right attitude and aptitude with regards to what it takes to be a Woman of Power par excellence.

“That you have achieved so much in your lifetime in blazing a trail of excellence while creating new opportunities for other women, speaks volumes of how indebted we are to your immense contribution. Your service to the community is invaluable and as such it is with great pride and a privilege we honour you on this special day.”

Meantime, the occasion was significant for District Constable Majorie Mullings-Jarrett and Inspector Yvonne Christie-Fraser who were both recognised by the chamber for 34 and 35 years respectively of “ongoing commitment and dedicated service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force”.

They were each presented with plaques by SSP Christopher Phillips, commander in charge of the St Catherine South Police Division.

Christie-Fraser was overwhelmed by the recognition and had to be consoled by her colleagues and other women present. She eventually regained her composure to express gratitude.

“I have gone through a lot. In 2021 I was hospitalized because of covid and I know if it wasn’t for God I would not have been here today. So I have to praise God for what I have gotten today and I appreciate it so much and thank you all for seeing the good that I have done,” she said.

For chamber president Reid, who has been at the helm since 2021, it is important that the community recognize the legacy of Golding and Daley “lest we forget and run the risk of falling back into the dark ages of the past”.

“The battle for gender equality in a world that’s constantly changing remains a long and arduous task for those who believe that women deserve the right to self-determination. In order for this to be achieved, however, it has been long recognised that women must have a seat and their voices heard around each meeting table,” she told a packed audience of primarily women from the business community, academia, and other civic groups.

“This long battle for equality is far from over, though we can celebrate a day like this commemorating milestones those before our time had to overcome.

“It is imperative that we earmark events like this and honour the efforts of every woman in power who were unapologetic in their pursuit for freedom and fairness, for equality and equity.

“For this reason the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce has decided to honour these powerful women who have lived a life of total sacrifice of their time, personal resources and physical and mental health, in order for women like myself, and countless others, to be able to stand in the position we are in today.”

Reid was presented with the inaugural Dr Marsha Smalling Elevate Award for empowering and inspiring others through volunteerism. The award was presented by Dr Smalling who is the principal of Glenmuir High School.