YEAR THREE of Women in Film and Television - Jamaica (WIFT JA) was marked by a changing of the guard at a recent General Meeting held on January 22, 2003. Natalie Thompson, the first President of the organisation stepped down to make way for Maxine Walters, while taking up the position of Chair of the Video Committee.
Other Executive members for 2003 include Angela Patterson, vice president; Jennifer Armond, treasurer; Amanda Lopez, secretary, and chairs for Committees are Elle Rickham, fundraising; Cheryl Ryman, public relations; Sarah Manley, membership; Tanya Taylor, workshops and Pat Amos, database and communications. The WIFT JA Advisory Board is pleased to have Julia Lannaman, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Marcia Forbes, Brian St Juste, Del Crooks and Andrea Davis serve in 2003.
It is hard to believe that it was only two years ago that Women In Film and Television (WIFT) put down roots in Jamaica. Since then, WIFT Jamaica Chapter (WIFT JA) has taken a number of bold new steps. WIFT JA has grown beyond all expectations and with the recent changing of the guard on the Board, it is poised to make an even greater impact on its members and the society at large.
Ambitiously, WIFT JA hosted the International Summit at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica in November 2002. Approximately 125 delegates from as far afield as South Africa, New Zealand, United States, Europe, Canada and the rest of the Caribbean came on shore.
Women, and yes, men came to share their work and ideas and engage in strategic networking - the ripple effect of the latter is still being felt. By their own testimonials, the event was a resounding success with frequent references to the sheer beauty and "relaxed elegance" in which the "excellent panels and brilliant workshops" were staged.
For 2003, plans are well on the way to run a series of exciting programmes, workshops and fundraisers in the upcoming year. One major undertaking is the programme "Inspire and Educate" which is geared to teaching young people how to use video technology to tell their stories.
WIFT JA is enriched by women who have substantial experience in all aspects of the local film and television industry. They are enthusiastic, bright, determined, and committed to the industry, WIFT JA and the possibilities that it holds for women. One can be quite sure that only bigger and better things can be expected of WIFT JA and their new Executive Board for 2003.
Women in Film and Television Jamaica is a member of the prestigious professional association for television professionals WIFT International. The Jamaican Chapter represents television professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean.
