Gladys McDowell shows off some of her awards of recognition for her outstanding contribution in education and in her community. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

For most of her life, Gladys McDowell has been offering her services to people. For 43 years, she served in the education arena and, since retiring 11 years ago, she has diverted all her attention to her position as senior justice of the peace in Claremont, St Ann.

It was a wet and rainy day in the parish when The Gleaner visited McDowell at her home in Claremont. She was not at her best, healthwise, but nonetheless opened up her home for an impromptu meeting.

Sitting on the patio of her house/office, McDowell was quick to point out that even though she is 81 years old, she remains active in the community.

"I helped to set up the South East St Ann Civic Benevolent Society. Through this registered organisation, we do a lot of projects."

She is also an active member in church and noted that she enjoys conducting Sunday school and being part of the women's auxiliary group.

Does everything on computer

It is not often someone McDowell's age might be seen around a computer, but that is how she chooses to get her job as justice of the peace done.

"Everything I do, I do it on the computer, not by hand. I am not too literate, you know, but I can do the basics on it," she said pleasantly.

Operating as a justice of the peace since 1970, McDowell regards her journey as one of fulfilment and satisfaction. And making a difference in people's lives is easily the highlight of her journey so far.

"To know that I can help and let people feel satisfied; especially those who come for recommendations ... ."

As a justice of the peace, she is also asked to sign bonds for the granting of bail for persons in lock-ups. She is also visited for advice and guidance.

"They come here for me to sign bonds to get their relatives out of jail. They come to me to talk and get advice. And many of them come back to tell me thanks, too, for the help," she said, smiling and seeming quite satisfied by the thought.

Many people in Claremont, St Ann, have been recipients of McDowell's assistance. People who live here and abroad have been given a chance to succeed by the well-known justice of the peace.

"What is really interesting is that you have people who start from the bottom and have progressed both here and abroad and, occasionally, they give me a call or visit just to say 'hi'."

Little rest

Her job, though, sometimes takes up her personal time.

"Sometimes, bright and early in the morning they come. Sometimes, I don't even get any rest. Like when I underwent surgery, every minute somebody would come for a recommendation or for me to sign bail bonds for them. But what to do?" she said with a smile.

A widow, McDowell finds strength in her three sons, who she says are her inspiration.

"Two are engineers and one is a doctor. They are always checking up on me and I am extremely proud of them," she stressed.

Good deeds should not go unrecognised and for sure McDowell's work has been celebrated. In 2003, she was given the Order of Distinction for her work in education, among many other numerous awards received from her community, church and other organisations.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com