Jennifer Anderson, president of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew, pins Judy Hylton with the Club Service Award while Richard Ayoub looks on at the club's installation on Tuesday night at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. - COLIN HAMILTON/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
ROTARIAN JENNIFER Anderson Tuesday night broke gender barrier when she was installed as the first female president of the 40-year-old male dominated Rotary Club of St. Andrew.
"I feel excited but a little nervous because I am working with about 80 per cent men and they are expecting me to change the world," she told The Gleaner following the installation ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.
She said her enthusiasm and strong belief that a difference can be made were some of the factors that contributed to her being
elevated to the highest level of the club.
Mrs. Anderson announced that her administration would be embarking on a six-month skills training programme for 100 inner-city youths. According to her, the country is battling with crime and violence and research has consistently shown that most deviant males are from the inner city, with little or no qualification.
The president noted that the aim of the project is to provide the youths with sustainable training and skills for employment. They will be trained in plumbing, electrical installation, and conflict resolution, among other things. They will also be given remedial lessons in mathematics and English language.
OPERATION FRIENDSHIP
Mrs. Anderson said her club has partnered with Operation Friendship and the HEART Trust/NTA. At the end of the programme all graduates will be CARICOM Single Market-certified.
"Hopefully we see a reduction in unemployment and crime and violence," said the president.
Mrs. Anderson succeeds Robert Gregory, executive director of HEART Trust/NTA, who served as president for the 2005/2006 Rotary year.
Guest speaker Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who is Jamaica's first female head of Government, congratulated Mrs. Anderson for taking up the mantle of leadership for the male-dominated club.
The Prime Minster also lauded the Rotary Club for its initiative in providing skills training for inner-city youths. In addition, she praised them for the unity in the club.
"I wish politicians would follow in your footsteps, where we can unite around issues affecting the majority of the people," Mrs. Simpson Miller said.
She told the gathering that the country will never move forward until everyone is united, starting with politicians.
