Jamaica MP Lisa Hanna Visits Guyana, Strengthening Ties with Women’s Empowerment Organisations

At the invitation of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG), Lisa Hanna, Hon. Member of Parliament in Jamaica and former Miss World, recently visited Guyana to share her expertise in leadership, advocacy, and women’s empowerment.

Hanna and the WCCIG engaged with two key organisations, Blossom Inc and Women Across Differences, sharing insights on resource development, mentoring, and strategic collaborations to strengthen support for women, children, and families in Guyana. In attendance representing WCCIG were Rowena Elliot, President; Josephine Tapp, President-elect; Shamela John, Treasurer; and Martina Johnson, Director of Communications and CSR.

At Blossom Inc., an organisation founded to support the Childcare and Protection Agency in Guyana and help children and families affected by trauma, discussions with its founder Dr. Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, centred on bridging gaps in expertise through mentorship and advocacy support, as well as fostering networks to bolster existing programs. Also representing Blossom were: Leanna Thompson (Programme Manager), Ronetta Knights (CAC & Extended Services Operations Co-ordinator), and Kerri Lambert (Education & Outreach Officer).

Following the discussions, Dalgety-Dean said, “Blossom Inc. was honoured to host Lisa Hanna during her insightful mentorship visit, which focused on advancing our shared mission to protect women and girls in Guyana from sexual violence and exploitation. This visit marked a significant step in fostering strategic advocacy and strengthening partnerships aimed at addressing gender-based violence at both national and regional levels.”

During the subsequent meeting with WAD, Ms. Hanna and WCCIG executives engaged in discussions with Ms. Clonel Samuels-Boston, Coordinator at WAD and Ms. Denese Griffith, Administrative Assistant, along with two young women who were once participants in the teen mothers’ program and who are now volunteers. Ms. Hanna and the WCCIG team heard details about some of the challenges women and girls face in Guyana, while the two young volunteers shared their stories, how their challenges impacted their lives, and how WAD helped them cope and become more resilient and successful.

The meeting provided a platform to explore future collaborations between WAD and the Women’s Chamber, emphasising shared goals of advancing women’s empowerment and community development in Guyana.

Ms. Hanna commended the WAD team for their impactful work and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting their efforts. WAD is an organisation dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls through education, training, and advocacy. With a strong focus on addressing gender-based violence and supporting underaged female mothers and mothers-to-be, WAD provides vital resources to advance community development.

Speaking about Ms. Hanna’s visit, WAD’s administrative assistant, Griffith said, “The Women Across Differences (WAD) team was pleased to welcome Lisa Hanna and the executives of the Women’s Chamber to its office … WAD is looking forward to future collaborations with the women’s chamber.”

The WCCIG looks forward to building on this engagement, creating pathways for sustainable partnerships that empower women and girls, and strengthen communities.