Chief Trevor Lloyd Beckford,

Mark D. Williams
Mark D. Williams, an accomplished professional with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BEng Mech, Hons) from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Certified Renewable Energy Professional (CREP) from the Association of Energy Engineers, has been a pivotal figure in Jamaica's energy sector since 2008. His expertise spans renewable energy and mechanical engineering, underlining a commitment to sustainable development.

Williams has held significant roles, notably as Deputy Manager in the Office of the Principal Director (2014-2020), managing Jamaica's Energy Portfolio with a US$200M budget, and as Manager of the Economic Resilience and Sustainability for Jamaica Portfolio. His management skills shone through in projects like the establishment of the Jamaica Society of Energy Engineers, the National Renewable Energy & Efficiency Programme, and the Private Sector Renewable Energy Infrastructure Programme, demonstrating his ability to handle large-scale and diverse initiatives.

Williams' recent projects include leading the Utility Scale Energy Infrastructure Procurement Programme (2018-2020) with a US$671M budget, managing development services for MSMEs (2020-2022), overseeing a multi-family real estate development in St. Ann, and spearheading a utility-scale solar energy project (2023-present). These undertakings emphasize his adeptness in complex project management and solidify his standing as a leading figure in the fields of engineering and project management.

Janet Symister
Janet Symister Beckford is a distinguished figure in the Jamaican education sector, known for her three-decade-long contributions to Early Childhood Education. She held key positions in the Ministry of Education from 1979 to 2010, including roles in training educators and integrating computer technology in teaching. Her international representation at George Brown College, Canada, further highlights her expertise in the field.

Mrs. Beckford's community involvement is notable, especially as one of the original Regional Coordinators for The National Youth Service Programme in Jamaica, where she led over 3,000 youths in three parishes. Her academic achievements are extensive, including an MSc in Teaching & Learning and a BSc in Early Childhood and Middle Grade Education. She also played significant roles in educational initiatives like the Field Testing of the Health and Family Life Training Manual and the pilot phase of the Early Childhood Curriculum.

Beyond her educational and professional endeavors, Mrs. Symister Beckford is a passionate advocate for mental health and the rights of People of African Descent (PAD). She founded the Chance 2 Mental Wellness & Recovery Hub in Jamaica and Ghana, serves as chairman of the Chance Rehabilitation Centre in Jamaica, and holds positions in the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell, Hanover. Her dedication extends to being a trained mediator and a Minister of the Gospel.

Sonya Sinclair

Profile tobe updated

Mac Evans Adenyo: Educational and Technological Innovator, Ghana

Mac Evans Adenyo, hailing from Ghana, has a notable background in education and technology. He excelled academically in local Ghanaian schools and later at the International Prometric Centre, where he earned a Level 5 Degree in Computer Studies. His academic success led him to a visiting lecturer role at Green U College in Ghana, deepening his understanding of educational methods and practices.

Professionally, Adenyo has made significant strides. He founded nxtGen Info Tech, focusing on modernizing African businesses through automation and blockchain technology. He also established the Project Mother Earth non-profit, aiming at environmental sustainability, and Ghana Music Machine, promoting African music on a global stage. These ventures demonstrate his commitment to leveraging technology for economic and cultural growth.

Adenyo’s contributions extend to mentoring and STEM advocacy in Ghana. His "Tech is Easy" initiative aims to reduce the digital divide by equipping underserved communities with digital skills. His varied publications, including a highly regarded paper on African Traditional Religion, reflect his diverse interests and expertise. Adenyo’s pragmatic approach to education and technology marks him as a key figure in Ghana’s ongoing development.

Donnell Holness

Donnell Holness, an alumnus of Edna Manley College in Jamaica, is a distinguished figure in the realms of both music and technology. His journey began with a focus on classical and contemporary music, which later expanded into a formidable career in information technology. Over two decades of living and working in Austria have seen Donnell develop an extensive skill set, including programming, web development, app development, and strong strategic leadership abilities.

As a senior IT consultant, he has played pivotal roles in significant projects across the United States, Austria, Germany, and Jamaica. Donnell's diverse professional experiences also include meaningful engagements with social service organizations in Norway, Sweden, and India. Beyond his technical acumen, he is an accomplished musician, having toured across Europe and the United States, showcasing his talent in both classical and contemporary genres.

Donnell Holness represents the epitome of a multifaceted professional, seamlessly blending artistic talent with technological expertise and strategic leadership, making him an invaluable asset in any collaborative endeavor in the intersecting worlds of technology, business and music.

Craig Monteith

Craig Monteith is a highly experienced Senior Project Manager and Head of DADDS Real Estate Development Projects, boasting a 20-year career in architecture and project management. His educational foundation includes a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Atlantic International University, Florida. Additionally, he is skilled in GIS Technologies.

His career encompasses a broad range of projects, including National Housing Trust developments, private homes, commercial buildings, and government projects. Craig's expertise lies in his ability to merge aesthetic and functional elements in land development, guided by his proficiency in modern architectural techniques and GIS technologies.

As the leader of DADDS Real Estate Development Projects, Craig is recognized for his innovative management and strategic planning, ensuring high standards in every project phase. His combination of technical knowledge and creative insight makes him a respected figure in urban planning and real estate development.

Ella Williams
Ella Williams is a distinguished Business and Financial Consultant with over eighteen years of experience in banking, project administration, and business development. Her expertise includes significant contributions to NCB's Oracle Fusion Implementation and providing consultancy for startups, focusing on business plan development, financial planning, and operational improvements. Ella holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and an Advanced Diploma in Business Accounting, alongside certifications like CompTia Project+, Certified ScrumMaster, and Microsoft Office Specialist.

Her professional journey showcases roles such as Budget Administrator at National Commercial Bank, where she managed capital budgets and supported project managers, and Business & Financial Consultant at 8 Palms International, focusing on financial planning and business plan execution for small businesses. Ella's skills in financial analysis, budget management, and strategic planning have been pivotal in supporting startups and established businesses alike.

Ella's dedication to professional growth and her ability to drive business success make her an invaluable asset. Her academic background and certifications complement her hands-on experience, ensuring she delivers value and expertise to her clients and projects.

Grace Adwoa Sidsaya: Versatile Civil Engineer and Architectural Designer

Grace Adwoa Sidsaya, a Ghanaian national, holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and Architecture from China Three Gorges University. Fluent in English, French, Chinese, Dagbani, and Twi, her educational background is further enriched by her studies in Chinese Language and Culture. Her work experience spans Yichang Huagang Environmental and Construction Company and key roles in various international organizations, highlighting her expertise in building design and project management.

Grace's skill set is diverse, including proficiency in BIM, REVIT, AutoCAD, and a range of analytical and design software, alongside C++ programming. Her achievements are marked by awards in several construction technology competitions and recognition as an Outstanding International Student. Passionate about music and travel, she engages in hobbies like playing piano, guitar, singing, and creating YouTube content.

Based in Accra, Ghana, Grace is a dynamic professional poised for impactful contributions in engineering and architecture.

Wilberne Persaud

Wilberne Persaud, an alumnus of Guyana’s Queen’s College and The University of the West Indies (Mona Campus), graduated top of his class in BSc. (Econ.). A Commonwealth scholarship recipient, he earned his M.A. (Econ.) from the Victoria University of Manchester. Persaud then joined UWI’s Institute of Social and Economic Research and the Department of Economics, where he served as Head from 1987 to 1992.

His career extends beyond academia to consulting and advisory roles in Jamaica and the CARICOM region, focusing on poverty reduction, financial and macroeconomic advisory, and environmentally sustainable development for various national, regional, and international agencies.

He played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of Jamaica’s Indigenous Financial Services Sector post-1996. Persaud is also an active public figure, writing a weekly Op-Ed Column and delivering lectures and speeches on economics, corporate governance, finance, technology, and regional governance.

Dr. Weade Boley
Associate Professor Weade Kobbah-Boley is a celebrated broadcast journalist, academic, and advocate for women's rights, with a notable presence in both public service and academia in Liberia. A Fulbright Scholar, her distinguished career includes achievements such as, Vice Chairman of Liberia's National Transitional Government and leadership positions in various media and governmental organizations. Currently, she shapes policy and development as the Vice President for Institutional Development and Planning at the University of Liberia.

Additionally, she champions tourism and youth empowerment as CEO of Heritage Liberia. A seasoned international speaker with advanced degrees in politics and mass communication, Prof. Kobbah-Boley is also pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration.

Dr. Julian Walters

Dr. Julian Walters, an esteemed psychiatrist based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has established a significant presence in her private practice in Kingston. Her academic journey is extensive and diverse, encompassing fields of both medicine and law. She is an alumna of Oglethorpe University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Technology Jamaica, with specialized training in psychiatry from the Universities of Pittsburgh and Florida.

In her role as an Attorney at Law, Dr. Walters leverages her unique blend of legal expertise and psychological insight to conduct engaging and informative workshops. These sessions, well-known across various educational and religious institutions, showcase her exceptional ability to present, advocate, and orchestrate information in a manner that is both accessible and captivating to her audience. Her workshops are not only educational but also serve as a platform for advocacy and awareness in the realms of mental health and legal rights.

Dr. Walters is poised to spearhead an ambitious project, aiming to train 700,000 mental health specialists for the global Chance 2 Mental Wellness and Recovery Hubs. This initiative underscores her profound commitment to enhancing mental healthcare on an international level. Her efforts reflect a dedication to not only provide top-tier mental health services but also to educate and empower a new generation of mental health professionals, further amplifying her impact on the field.

Denver “JAMUSA” Silvera is a respected luminary in the entertainment industry, particularly within the Caribbean community in South Florida. His illustrious career commenced in Jamaica, under the mentorship of the legendary Lawrence “Jack Ruby” Lindo, and blossomed as he became a celebrated selector in New York during the vibrant 1960s. Silvera's journey led him to South Florida, where he left an indelible mark on the entertainment scene through his involvement with the Mello Canary Disco and as a host on WAVS 1170 AM.

Beyond his on-air and onstage presence, Silvera has played a crucial role in the marketing and promotion of countless events, significantly shaping the South Florida entertainment landscape. Notably, he contributed to humanitarian efforts by organizing events like the first Caribbean Model Competition and the Ethiopian Beauty Festival, which supported the fight against the Ethiopian famine. These endeavors highlight his dedication to leveraging entertainment for social impact.

Silvera's achievements have garnered him numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award by Best Of The Best, and a proclamation from the Broward County Commissioners establishing January 21st as “Denver ‘JAMUSA’ Silvera Day.” His commitment to cultural promotion and his philanthropic efforts to aid in global crises such as the Ethiopian famine have solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the realm of entertainment and community service.