BUREAU OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS FEATURE

In recognition of Inter-American Year of Women, the Bureau of Women's Affairs and Flair Magazine celebrate women who have made a significant impact in specific areas contributing to national development.

Dr Hyacinth Ione Boothe

Reverend Hyacinth Boothe's parents' influence has resulted in a lifetime of committed service to the Lord and the church."I was not attracted to the Deaconess Order, because it seemed lacking in the scope that I required to fulfil my call and ministry," she explained. "However, I was advised to offer myself as a candidate for that order, and I eventually became convinced at that time it was what Christ wanted me to do."

An intense individual, nothing escapes her.She has sharp analytical skills which are permeated with ethics, justice and fairness.

A graceful, loyal, caring, committed and compassionate individual, she extends herself beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions to assist those in need. An excellent teacher, she has a passion for liberation theology and has designed the course called Women, Liberation and Religion, which she has lecture part-time since her retirement.

Gender Issues

A dynamic trailblazer, Boothe was the first woman in Latin America and the Caribbean to be ordained as a minister in the Methodist Church in 1975.She was also the first Afro-Caribbean female to be awarded a PhD in theology from the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Boothe was also the first female vice-president of the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas. This is an umbrella group which unites Methodist women within eight geographical regions across four languages.

Boothe has brought about several changes in the Methodist church. Among them is that married deaconesses continue to function if they so desire, challenging the former requirement of resignation upon marriage.

Pioneer

A pioneer of women's issues, she has contributed significantly to women's development within the church. She has spent a considerable amount of time working among the disadvantaged through lobbying, advocacy and outreach, and single-handedly saw to the establishment and running of the Methodist Home in St Andrew.

Her work has not been limited to Jamaica. She has helped to bring about change in Barbados where she worked arduously among unmarried women, arranging for training in moral and religious instruction, as well as skills training to reduce their vulnerability.

Boothe has worn many hats such as deaconess, minister, chaplain and community advocate among other roles. She is also involved in telephone ministry.

A lively and eloquent public speaker, she has made a sterling contribution to her alma mater, St Andrew High School for Girls. Boothe has served on the school board and, even now, she visits once per week to 'rap' with her girls.

She has travelled widely and represented Jamaica and the United Theological College of the West Indies at the World Association of Theological Colleges and Schools. She has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and the numerous students who have interacted with her.

An avid reader and intense scrabble player, Boothe also enjoys reading, gardening and playing the piano.

Boothe has been published extensively and has numerous stories and adventures to share! Her book, Breaking the Silence, is a collection of her many sermons which continue to inspire a wide cross-section of persons at the international, regional and local level.