Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Mrs. Hall as she prepares to take on her new role. - PHOTOS BY RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WHEN HER HUSBAND IS SWORN IN as Jamaica's fifth Governor-General on February 15, Jamaicans will have a new First Lady who is gracious, soft-spoken, extremely well educated, a proud mother and grandmother, and passionate about orphaned children. She kept her activities away from the lime-light all her life till last Sunday's Gleaner proclaimed her 'First Lady' to be. Her reaction: "All my anonymity is gone."
An apt statement as not much was known or written about Rheima Holding (as she prefers to be called), prior to two weeks ago when the announcement came that her husband Professor Kenneth Hall, principal of the University of the West Indies, would be the nation's next Governor-General.
Flair spoke to Mrs. Hall as she put the final touches on packing up her office at the Mona School of Business last week.
She revealed that she was overseas visiting with her son and newborn granddaughter when the news came from her husband.
"He considered it an honour and not something he could turn down," she said in reflecting on the impact of the news. I always support his decisions, because he makes good ones, count on that."
It was however, kept secret from the children until after it was announced in the press. Although adults, they were excited. But not knowing what the position holds for her, Mrs. Hall could not say what she was looking forward to most. She however understands that she will be asked to be patron of a number of organisations and lend her office to national causes.
And are there classes or seminars to brief future first ladies on their role and duties? Not at all, but outgoing First Lady Cooke has been very helpful in passing on some of her years of experience in the position. For her part, the future first lady would love to channel her passion into finding out what happens to children of all ages who have been left orphaned by parents who had AIDS.
"We know that there are organisations that focus on those infected with the disease but I am not sure there is a group that targets the orphaned and their well-being," she said. She pointed out that there are many who do not have the disease, but are still ostracised and she wants to do something about that. As a past president of Woman Inc., she also wants to lend some support.
