Impacting Jamaica

As early as six years old, Garth Rattray knew he wanted to become a medical doctor. He saw his parents giving back to their community, and he wanted to do the same, but in a more substantial way.

Today, his ‘no charge’ list is very long, and after 40 years in the medical profession he has been conferred with an Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for his contribution to medicine, public education, and voluntary service.

“If you have the ability to help others…help a community, help individuals, help families,” said Dr Rattray. “You don’t have to be rich or powerful – just do what you can do. Even a kind word.”

Dr Rattray joins Impacting Jamaica host Keisha Hill to share his journey over the last four decades, and how he feels about being recognised with a national honour as Jamaica celebrates 60 years of political independence.

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Dr. Brandeis Denham Jolly wears many hats. He is a human rights activist, founder of Canada’s first Black-owned radio station – FLOW93.5 FM Toronto, founder of the prestigious Harry Jerome Awards, founder of the Black Business and Professional Association, and co-founder and president of the Committee for Due Process.

On Independence Day, August 6, the Government of Jamaica announced that Dr. Jolly will receive a national award – the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD) for his contribution to Jamaican diaspora in Canada and philanthropy. He will be formally presented with the award on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 20, 2022, in Kingston.

For his exceptional contribution to development, in November 2019, Jolly Way, a street in Scarborough, Ontario, was named after him. His memoir, “In the Black: My Life,” published by ECW Press, won the Toronto Book Award in 2017. "In the Black” is part memoir and part manifesto, documenting Jolly's personal struggles while also chronicling the stories of an entire generation of social activists. 

He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Toronto in June (2022) and was invested into the Order of Canada in 2020. The Order of Canada honours people who make extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Dr. Jolly joins host Neil Armstrong in this episode of Impacting Jamaica podcast series.

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During the past two years, if you’ve listened to the Jamaican news cycle on a regular basis, you would have gotten used to hearing a few voices every day.

Those voices provided information, updates, and guidance and how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica. One of those familiar voices is none other than Jamaica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie.

Dr Bisasor-McKenzie has 29 years of experience in the health care system in Jamaica, serving as head of the Accident and Emergency Department at the Spanish Town Hospital; Principal Medical Officer in charge of Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services Branch; before becoming Chief Medical Officer in 2018.

“Every day I learn something new and I am enjoying it,” she declared.

In 2019, she led the Ministry of Health and Wellness team in managing the dengue epidemic; and since February 2020, she has been at the front of managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the two years of the pandemic, she has been known for her critical analytic skills and swift, decisive actions.

On National Heroes Day, Monday, October 20, 2022, Dr Bisasor-McKenzie will collect a national award – the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander for public service in the field of health.

The award-winning physician chats with Shelly-Ann Harris in this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

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While growing up in Mt Olivet in Manchester, Astor Carlyle attended the United Church in his community. When everyone was choosing career paths, he knew he wanted to serve the religious community.

Today, he is the pastor of the Webster Memorial United Church in St Andrew. For his exceptional work, Rev. Carlyle has been conferred with an Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for contributions to religion and community development.

“I am deeply humbled that people of this great nation see in me traits and contributions worthy of celebration,” said the pastor.

He has a keen passion for church renewal and community transformation and has been widely engaged in different religious and community development programmes. He is also noted for his gifts in preaching, bible studies, and the faithful care of his parishioners.

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, with host Keisha Hill, the clergyman shares reactions to being conferred with a national award which he will accept on National Heroes Day, October 20. “I will gladly receive this award on behalf of my many other colleagues…I receive it on behalf of my flock at Webster who understand that our ministry is beyond the walls of a sanctuary,” he said. “I receive it in tribute to my friends who help me to remain human.”  

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Olive Parkins-Smith is the recipient of a Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service (BH/M) from the Government of Jamaica for her outstanding contribution to the Jamaica Diaspora in Canada.

The National Honours and Awards were announced on Independence Day (August 6) and will be presented on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 17.

Her commitment to community service is exceptional and she credits her late grandfather "for giving/teaching her the fundamentals of, and the importance of giving back, to show kindness, to be empathetic”.

He also taught her the importance of “sharing and understanding the feelings and the needs of others and acknowledging the existence and experiences of those who are different from you - most importantly the value of a good education".

In this episode of Impacting Jamaica, Ms. Parkins-Smith speaks with host Neil Armstrong about the recognition and her work.

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Mark and Charmaine Simpson are the powerful husband and wife team that founded Black History Studies (BHS).

BHS is a leading UK platform which offers a range of courses and events celebrating black history.

The couple work extensively with corporate and community organisations providing diversity training, outreach, and educational programmes.

Black History Studies provides courses, museum tours, international black history tours, film screenings and workshops.

The platform has a large international social media following and is growing daily. Currently it has 150,000 followers on Twitter and over 67,000 followers on Instagram. 

Both Mark and Charmaine are of Jamaican heritage and are passionate about educating the black British and global community about Black History. They are the focus of this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

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Omar Sweeney thought it was a prank when he was informed that he would be conferred with an Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for his contribution to the public sector.

“My number one interest is Jamaica and the development of Jamaica,” the managing director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) told Impacting Jamaica host Keisha Hill.

He is an astute engineering professional with over two decades of experience working with entities in Jamaica and overseas. Mr Sweeney served and continues to serve on several boards in both the public and private sectors.

JSIF is a key development agency, tacking issues that make people poor.

“It is very important work,” said Mr Sweeney who heaped praise on his exceptional JSIF team. “This type of work requires going the extra mile every single day.” 

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LeRoy Graham is defending Jamaica’s music legacy and culture, especially throughout diaspora communities in North America.

He wants to ensure that the truth and nothing, but the truth is told about the country’s music and its development.

Graham founded the True Tribute Organization Foundation in 2014 to support this mission.

It aims to be a key source of information on the accomplishments, invaluable contributions, and pioneering efforts of extra-ordinary influential pioneers of Jamaican music and culture.

He speaks with podcast host Keisha Hill in this episode of Impacting Jamaica.

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Esther Tyson, a respected former principal, and vice principal of notable high schools in Jamaica, author, advisor, coach, consultant, assessor, and board member will, in October, receive a national award – the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) – for her exemplary service to education. 

Join Impacting Jamaica host Shelly-Ann Harris for an interesting conversation with Mrs. Tyson about her proudest moments in education as well as her perspective on the causes and solutions for the current teacher brain drain issue being experienced in Jamaica.

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