Mavis Gwendolyn Gilmour-Petersen, OJ, CD (born 13 April 1926) is a Jamaican medical practitioner and politician, representing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). She served as minister of education from 1980 to 1986.[1]
The Honourable, Dr. Mavis Gwendolyn Gilmour-Petersen | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Social Security and Consumer Affairs | |
| In office 1986–1989 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor General | Sir Florizel Glasspole |
| Prime Minister | Edward Seaga |
| Preceded by | Neville Gallimore |
| Succeeded by | Portia Simpson-Miller |
| Minister of Education | |
| In office 1980–1986 | |
| Prime Minister | Edward Seaga |
| Preceded by | Phyllis MacPherson-Russell |
| Succeeded by | Neville Gallimore |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mavis Gwendolyn Gilmour 13 April 1926 St. Elizabeth, Colony of Jamaica, British Empire |
| Political party | Jamaica Labour Party |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Awards | Order of Jamaica (2009) |
Early life and education
editGilmour-Petersen was born on 13 April 1926, in St Elizabeth. She is the daughter of Isaac and Adelaide Holness. Gilmour-Petersen attended Blake's Tutorial College; Howard University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.[1]
Medical career
editGilmour-Petersen graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in 1951. She then served at a number of hospitals in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. In 1959 she embarked on her Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Upon completion, she was appointed Consultant Surgeon at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and become the first woman surgeon in the Caribbean, serving the KPH from 1960 to 1976.[2][3]
Political career
editGilmour-Petersen entered elective politics in 1976 and won the St. Andrew West Rural constituency which she held until 1989. As a member of Edward Seaga's Cabinet, she served as minister of education from 1980 to 1986 when she was replaced by Neville Gallimore. She then served as minister of social security and consumer affairs from 1986 to 1989.[1]
Honours and awards
edit- Gilmour-Petersen was awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class in 2004.[4]
- She was awarded Jamaica’s fourth-highest honour, the Order of Jamaica, in 2009.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Dr Mavis Gilmour makes it 92 not out". Discover Jamaica (Jamaica Observer). 15 April 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ Boyce, Travis D.; Chunnu-Brayda, Winsome (June 2012). "Not Obligated to Be Obliging: A Case Study of Jamaican and South Carolinian Educational Leaders". Journal of Pan African Studies. 5 (3). Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "25th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine (1958-1983)" (PDF). Association of Surgeons of Jamaica. p. 7. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ Avia Ustanny (7 November 2004). "You inspired me". Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Jamaica to Honour Outstanding Citizens October 19". Jamaica Information Service (JIS). 14 October 2009. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
