Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Edith Allwood-Anderson, president of the Nurses' Association of Jamaica. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Edith Allwood-Anderson very often surprises even herself.

"Sometimes I introspect and wonder, 'who is this lady?'"

In one day she can tenderly offer professional advice to colleagues, while later that same day, she will transform into a fiery mother hen to conquer whatever it may be for her colleagues.

"I have in me the tenacity for leadership and for acquiring of whatever it is that I feel I need to receive."

She lives by her word. Less than a month ago, Allwood-Anderson, president of the Nurses' Association of Jamaica (NAJ), was at the helm of a prolonged nurses' wage battle with the Government. She stood her ground, militantly unyielding to their demands. In the end, she and her colleagues won. On August 29, they signed a new wage agreement.

Fearless

Her fearless leadership qualities can be traced to her upbringing. She learnt as a child to be a leader and to be responsible. Called Terry, a name given her by her mother who thought she would be a modern girl, Allwood-Anderson was raised with an extended family in Prospect District, Giddy Hall, close to New Market in St. Elizabeth.

"From early on I took on things other persons would never even imagine." These included the care of her mentally-challenged sister. Her sister suffered brain damage and died at aged 14.

She then became the only girl of three children and the eldest granddaughter. Often, she assisted in the care of her grandparents. She assisted in operating her mother's grocery shop.

"While my mother was out, I opened the shop and sold the goods. Then I went home and looked after dinner and took care of my grandparents by washing clothes.

My aunt, who is still alive at 97, said everyone marvelled at the fact that I was a little girl who cooked and pleased everybody and then go back to do business - and I was only 13 or 14."