Impacting Jamaica

Don Gittens is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited, whose mission is “to provide solutions in facilities maintenance, workforce education and training, and outsourced services.” He takes over from Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, who founded the company over 33 years ago. She remains chairman of the board of directors.

When it comes to achieving his goals as a leader, Gittens places the utmost importance on the well-being of the people who work for the organization.

He declares that the team is where leadership is built from the ground up. The CEO stresses the importance of showing others you have their backs when no one else will. “You will accomplish the level of productivity you seek,” argues Gittens as he emphasized the importance of taking care of the team.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon, the Manpower CEO points out that he will take “one percent of something rather than 100 percent of nothing”.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The SafeSpot Helpline is a toll-free number that provides counselling to children and adolescents needing assistance with their mental, emotional, and social well-being.

According to the Office of the Children’s Advocate, many Jamaican children need this kind of support and dozens of them are accessing the service. “The overwhelming number of children who reached out to us leave with their issue resolved,” declared Children's Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison.

SafeSpot Helpline (888-723-3776) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by intake officers, counsellors, and counselling psychologists. “It works. It’s confidential. It’s free. It’s supported by trained individuals,” emphasised Gordon Harrison.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, the Children's Advocate talks with host Keisha Hill about the work of SafeSpot and she urges all to spread the word about this important service available to Jamaican children up to 17 years old.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shanae Cooper Robinson, like many other females in her rural neighbourhood, did not wish to be associated with a negative stereotype. She desired change not only for herself but also for her family, notably her mother. She remained diligent and focussed, and now she is reaping the rewards of her dedication and labour.

She currently undertakes multiple duties. She is a mentor, author, motivational speaker, and educator. Her latest book, From the Root to the Fruit: Rising Above Adversities, encourages readers to confront their challenges head-on and improve themselves.

Cooper Robinson is an Executive Member of the Mentorship Association of Jamaica and a poet. 

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Keisha Hill, she discusses her appreciation for the arts and what inspired her to become an author.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nutrition is a vital component of health and development. Better nutrition is associated with more robust immune systems, safer pregnancies and deliveries, reduced risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and extended life spans.

Against this background, the Jamaica Council of Churches has launched a programme called "Faith-Based Spaces for Healthy Food Patterns" with the goal of reducing the number of lifestyle-related maladies in places of worship. 

To avoid comorbidities and chronic diseases, which continue to be Jamaica's leading causes of mortality, Jamaicans are being urged to adopt a healthier diet. It is essential to maintain a public education campaign that promotes healthy eating habits.

This episode of Impacting Jamaica, with host Keisha Hill, features Reverend Newton Dixon, General Secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches. He provides additional information about the church's initiative, "Creating Faith-Based Spaces for Healthy Food Patterns." And the importance of maintaining a nutritious diet. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Jamaican academic is enthused by artificial intelligence's potential for advancing society. Dr. Sheldon Campbell, a prominent scholar and author is excited about the prospective benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Dr. Campbell believes that many industries can benefit from the power of AI, particularly in terms of managing routine duties and increasing profitability, while taking precautions to mitigate risks.

In his new book, 'Maximising Technology,' Dr. Campbell provides a comprehensive guide to improving society with ChatGPT and 250 other artificial bits of intelligence. Check out his insights in this informative conversation with host of Impacting Jamaica podcast series, Shelley-Ann Harris.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ras Manga is of the opinion that music is an effective tool for swaying opinions. Because of this, he decided to start his own platform called Buss Dem Big in order to prevent the negative impacts that lude music or what he refers to as "noise" may have on young people who are easily influenced.

Buss Dem Big is a programme that is now broadcast every week, and it has been instrumental in the process of locating and showcasing reggae music producers from all over the world.

During this segment of Impacting Jamaica, Ras Manga and Tameka Gordon, host of the show, discuss a variety of topics, including Buss Dem Big.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entrepreneurship provides Janal McLean with a means to put all of her ideas into practise, and she has a lot of them floating around in her head.

McLean, who refers to themselves as a serial entrepreneur, places a strong emphasis on the value of conquering one's anxieties and taking a risk in order to pursue one's passion.

She established her company, EZY Advertising Management, on the basis that assisting other micro-small-and medium-sized businesses is the most productive way for her to utilise her skills.

McLean chats with host Tameka Gordon in this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, guidance counsellor, and motivational speaker Kemone Francis is a multi-talented individual.

Her story is living proof that educators play a critical role in identifying potentially difficult students and in guiding young people towards attaining their full potential.

“One day while coming from under the mango tree, a teacher saw me and she said, ‘Kemone, that is not who you are. There is more to you than that. Those words convicted me.’”

She is currently employed as a guidance counsellor and motivational speaker, both of which allow her to aid in "catching" young people.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica Kemone talks with host Tameka Gordon about her journey and the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phyllis Thomas has spent over 45 years in the field of journalism. Her career allowed her a voice to help others and for this she is grateful. The lessons and guiding principles she gained over the years are contained in her book, ‘I Dare You – A Climb to the Pinnacle of Journalism.’

Even though she is now retired, Phyllis continues to make contributions to the world of journalism since the book she has just published is an invaluable resource for both seasoned journalists and those who are just beginning their careers. The book is also required reading for the general populace.

For her, life is about never forgetting where you are from, finding your purpose and living that purpose and above all, remaining humble.

Phyllis chats with host Tameka Gordon in this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Errol Campbell's lifelong mission has been to encourage young people to realise their full potential.

The top spelling bee instructor has produced more than 14 parish champions and five national champions in a row, making him the undisputed leader in the field. On the other hand, he maintains that "success is a process and not an event".

He urges parents to encourage their children to be resilient in the face of adversity and to keep their eyes fixed on the prize, even if they are initially unsuccessful. "I think the lives of our children would be better if we could teach them to fail forward," he declares.

Follow his story in this episode of Impacting Jamaica with host Tameka Gordon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.