Juliet Holness, wife of Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, and a member of the Jamaican parliament, has been invited and accepted the invitation of the Female Development World Organization (FDWO) to be the keynote speaker at the second annual Protect the Children Gala on April 29.
FDWO formerly known as Jamaica International Female Football Development (JIFFD) in Association with Kiwanis Club of Lauderhill will host youth and children advocates, community, business, faith leaders and dignitaries at the gala to held at the Hyatt Regency, Fort Lauderdale.
Mrs. Holness is one of the country’s leaders currently tackling the issue of child sexual abuse in Jamaica and across the Diaspora. She has been married for almost twenty years to Prime Minister Holness with whom she has worked tirelessly to raise their two sons – Adam and Matthew. She is also a well-known community servant and leader who made political headlines in Jamaica, with stunning upsets on her journey to Parliament. Among the issues which constantly occupy her mind, in addition to the welfare of her family, are matters concerning community development, gender equality, child abuse and disenfranchised youth.
A trained accountant and real estate developer, Mrs. Holness holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting and Economics from the University of the West Indies.
“We are grateful to the Jamaican government for supporting the prevention and eradication of child sexual abuse,” said Wayne Messam, Mayor, City of Miramar “Mrs. Holness is a vibrant champion of the people and we look forward to having her illuminate the issues, facilitate solutions and help us mobilize for positive outcomes for Jamaicans at home and those across our Diaspora.”
Business, community, faith and cultural leaders are invited to support this important event, designed to inspire activities and funds to support organizations in South Florida and Jamaica working with the survivors of child sexual abuse.
Lavern Deer one of the principal founders of FDWO and an organizer of the gala said “guests to the gala will enjoy an evening of networking, learning and giving; culminated by words for mobilization from the Spouse of the Prime Minister of Jamaica.”
