Like many years before, 2020 had much promise. But, as the months progressed, it became increasingly evident that humanity was caught grossly unprepared for what it had in store.

Amid the global health crisis brought on by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the subsequent economic fallout, as well as a hurricane season on steroids, droughts, locusts, conflict and everything else in between, 2020 has tested even the strongest-willed of nations.

In Jamaica, the story is no different. But women, weathering the brunt of 2020, have met the challenges face-on and persevered. 

Being a woman is tough and, depending on who you ask, the task is much more difficult in Jamaica. Nevertheless, despite these incredible odds, these women refused to sit quietly and flourished in roles of leadership, academia, conservation and advocacy, as well as entertainment.

As 2020 comes to a close, Our Today celebrates all Jamaican women as we highlight 10 remarkable personalities.

Diana McCaulay

Kingston native and four-time published author Diana McCaulay stands as one of Jamaica’s leading environmental activists.

An outspoken and well-read academic, McCaulay founded the nonprofit organisation Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) in 1991 and retired as CEO in December 2017. 

But don’t let her ‘retirement’ fool you, McCaulay has been among the loudest advocates in the Puerto Bueno Mountain outcry and against further urbanisation of Long Mountain. Most recently, she has lent her voice to criticise revived plans for mining in the sensitive Cockpit Country.

Lisa Hanna

People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for South East St Ann Lisa Hanna ends 2020 as one of the most powerful women in Jamaica.

Though the 45-year-old was unsuccessful in her bid to become PNP president, she ran a spirited campaign buoyed by massive popularity among young Jamaicans—securing 1,444 delegate votes in the internal election. 

Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie

As Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie has risen to be a reliable authority for citizens amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Bisasor-McKenzie is undisputedly Jamaica’s Anthony Fauci, but better. She offers recommendations steeped in reason and science to a panicked island, without much pushback.

Always calm and professional, the former emergency physician is proof ‘anything men can do women do it better’ and Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton should consider his administration all the more capable with her guidance.

Khadine Hylton

Known affectionately islandwide as Miss Kitty, Hylton’s story of success through adversity is inspiring.

The television and radio personality, now an attorney called to the Jamaican Bar, continues to set a prime example for young women – a responsibility she takes very seriously.

Diahann Gordon Harrison

An emblazoned passion drives Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison to fight for the preservation of rights of Jamaica’s most vulnerable. 

Her unwavering commitment to represent the views, advance quality service delivery and safeguard the collective well-being of all children across the island must be commended and encouraged.

Pamela Monroe Ellis 

Jamaica’s Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis stands as the vanguard of central government accountability and transparency.

Throughout 2020, Monroe Ellis and her office continued to expose several government inefficiencies and missteps at entities including the scandal-rocked Caribbean Maritime University, Office of the Prime Minister, Jamaica Urban Transit Company and the HEART/National Training Service Agency to name a few.

Koffee

Fast-rising sensation Koffee started her 2020 with a bang, becoming the youngest and first woman to cop the Grammy Award for Reggae—that was in January.

Fast forward to December and the singjay has snagged major endorsements from retail giants H&M, multinational financial services corporation Mastercard, Malta and more.

Oh, that and releasing one of the biggest songs of the year, Lockdown.

Koffee’s infectious smile, carefree vibe and winning personality are sure to dominate for years to come.

Shenseea

The year 2020 will never be forgotten by 24-year-old dancehall princess Shenseea. It wasn’t easy for the deejay because of the loss of her mother, Castilyn ‘Mama Shen’ Williams.

The unexpected passing inspired fellow musician Jada Kingdom to squash their beef and Shenseea had the entire country behind her as she mourned.

As the sorrowful summer passed, Shenseea again made headlines with the viral hit Lighter and snagged a few ambassador signings with UK clothing brand Pretty Little Thing. She looks to usher in 2021 with her collection of cosmetic eyelashes. 

Juliet Holness 

Juliet Holness has grown into a formidable political powerhouse, securing a comfortable second term for the Jamaica Labour Party as East Rural St Andrew member of parliament in the September general elections.

Following heavy rains associated with storms Delta, Eta and Iota, Holness quickly mobilised to assess the damage and provide assistance to the communities of Bull Bay and Gordon Town.

Kamala Harris

If India can claim her, then Jamaica can too!

The history-making first black, first female vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, closes off Our Today‘s top 10 women of 2020.

Not only does Harris have Jamaican ancestry coursing through her veins, she has visited the island on multiple occasions.