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Jamaica: Number one household worker named

Jamaica: Number one household worker named

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by IDWFED published May 31, 2014 12:00 AM
There were hugs, laughter, and tears of joy after Elaine Duncan won this year’s inaugural GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year award. Duncan topped the field of 11 people shortlisted from over 100 nominees for the award, which honours Jamaica’s finest and exemplary household workers.

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Number one household worker in Jamaica named | Jamaica Observer

Excerpt:

There were hugs, laughter, and tears of joy after Elaine Duncan won this year’s inaugural GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year award.


Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (right) and Chief Executive Officer, GraceKennedy Group,
Don Wehby (centre), applaud the winner of the inaugural GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White
Household Worker of the Year Award, Elaine Duncan, as she holds her trophy high.
(PHOTOS: JIS)


Duncan topped the field of 11 people shortlisted from over 100 nominees for the award, which honours Jamaica’s finest and exemplary household workers.

Second place went to Mervelyn Brown, while Edward McGowan, the only male in the final 11, finished third.

All 11 workers were honoured during a special luncheon hosted by GraceKennedy Limited, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on Friday.

Keynote speaker Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the event was special, not only for the winners, but also for the wider population of household workers, whom she described as critical to Jamaica’s development.

“The work you do is of importance to our nation. You allow many men and women to leave their homes, their children, their property, and their most personal lives in your trusted hands, while they attend to other areas of business and nation building,” she said.

The Prime Minister noted that household workers are among the society’s most marginalised employees adding that, in many instances, little value is placed on their work and worth.

She noted, however, that over the years, successive administrations have instituted measures to cushion and reduce the impact of some of the challenges household workers encounter. These, she pointed out, include introducing legislation, such as the Minimum Wage Act.

Simpson Miller said, as a profession, and in light of ongoing advocacy for gender equality, household work can and is no longer confined to women, although dominated by them. She said the profession now incorporates men whom, she contended, must be accorded respect.

The Prime Minister commended GraceKennedy for recognising household workers, and acknowledged the invaluable work of the late Dr Heather Little-White, after whom the award is named.

Elated winner, Elaine Duncan, thanked her employer for nominating her, as well as her family, and Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) President, Shirley Pryce, for their support. She also thanked GraceKennedy and the Heather Little-White Foundation for giving recognition to Jamaican household workers.

“I must say that I am very pleased and grateful, and happy and overwhelmed to be the number one helper in Jamaica,” she said to loud applause.

In addition to winning the top trophy, Duncan received $250,000; an account, opened in her name at First Global Bank, with $10,000; and a $50,000 Hi-Lo Food Stores gift certificate. She also gets to select a secondary school student whose tuition will be financed by GraceKennedy for one year.

 

Source: JIS/Jamaica Observer

Story Type: News

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