Monday, September 16, 2024

6 THE STAR NEWS • Monday, September 16, 2024 @JamaicaStar www.facebook.com/JamaicaStar • www.jamaica-star.com W hen she was recommended to pursue a stenograph/ court reporting course, Sandra Clemmings had no idea that it would bring such an extensive career. Now, after 29 years of service to the Houses of Parliament as the senior Hansard (which refers to transcripts of Parliament debates) writer, she will be conferred with a Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service on National Heroes Day in October. Born in Woodhall, Clarendon, the Edwin Allen High School past student pursued secretarial studies at Durham College of Commerce in Kingston. She began working at the finance ministry as a secretary and in less than a year, the stenograph recommendation came. She admitted to JIS News that she “knew nothing about it”, but “I was young and open for anything, so I went”. “They gave me this little black machine (the stenograph) and I said, ‘What is this?’ Then it was introduced, and from that day I fell in love with it,” she said. Clemmings’ training lasted for 15 months. “I was doing 200 words in some of the tests, but I graduated at 180 words per minute, and then I was placed at the Ministry of Labour. I stayed there for a short time because the IDT (Industrial Disputes Tribunal) needed some writers, and after being at IDT for a couple [of] years, I started going back to school, trying to get qualified in other areas,” she explained. Shortly after, the parliament had a shortage of Hansard writers, and she went to assist with committee meetings. Clemmings then applied for a vacant post, and Gordon House has been her place of employment since June 1995. “I love Hansard writing. It’s a profession where you gain a lot of knowledge, especially at the Parliament. I have learnt so much about legislation. Everything that happens in Jamaica begins in the Parliament or comes to the Parliament. I see the Parliament as a learning institution,” she shared. Tuesdays are her busiest days, as it starts with the Constituency Development Fund Committee meeting at 9 a.m. – which lasts for an hour – then another committee meeting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the sitting of the House of Representatives at 2 p.m. “After the House starts at 2 p.m. it (workload) goes up, depending on what is being debated or what is happening, and the House can sit very late,” she said. However, her work does not end when a sitting of Parliament or a committee meeting adjourns. “If there is an urgent request, we stay back and finish the notes, so that they can get it for the following day. After all the year’s sittings have been completed, then it is done in a book form and disseminated to the libraries and different government agencies,” she noted. A proud mother of two, she said the work and family life balance was made easier because of how supportive their father was. Her daughter is in her final year of marine biology studies at university, while her son is a member of the United States army. Clemmings said she experiences a strong sense of patriotism when she carries out her duties, knowing that she is contributing to the verbatim records of Parliament that will be referred to for years to come. “We don’t miss out anything – if there’s a chuckle, if there’s a laugh, or if there’s side talk. When you pick up the Hansard, it’s like you’re sitting in a live setting. It’s a fulfilling job, that’s why I’m here because I could’ve left for greener pastures,” she said. She also has a passion for volunteering and helping people, so she pursued an undergraduate degree in social work at The University of the West Indies, Mona, graduating in 2023. Clemmings volunteers on weekends at children’s homes, justice centres, and with a parenting association. Clemmings is eight years away from retirement and although she did not expect to receive a national honour, she is grateful. “I was humbled by it,” she said. She expressed excitement about the ceremony on October 21, which her daughter will attend, while her son will watch online as he will be on deployment. Unsung Parliament hero Parliament veteran Sandra Clemmings to be honoured for long and faithful service. C ontributed Sandra Clemmings to receive national honour for 29 years of service A t just 12 years old, A’Jani Adams has already perfected the art of balancing academics with extracurricular activities. The former Foundation Preparatory School student excelled in swimming, track and field, student leadership, and charity work with the school’s Helping Hands Club while maintaining stellar grades. His outstanding performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams has secured him a spot at Glenmuir High School, where he’s determined to excel both academically and athletically. “I’m aiming to see my name on the high achievers’ board in every grade,” Adams said confidently. “I’m also excited to join the track team and play basketball at my new school.” Inspired by his father and cousin, who have pursued different paths in engineering, young Adams is still deciding which engineering discipline to pursue, but is certain about his future career. His drive and focus are supported by his mother, Keisha-Kaye Williams, who expertly manages her role as a loans officer at Access Financial Services while caring for Adams and his two younger brothers. “My husband is overseas, so finding balance is crucial,” Williams explained. “During PEP preparation, we established a routine that included relaxation and family time. We have movie nights and go out for dinner to stay connected. When my husband is here, he follows the same routine.” Williams is confident in Adams’ future success, thanks to their proven preparation strategy. “We began preparing for PEP the summer before grade four. A’Jani did exceptionally well, skipping grade five and moving straight to grade six. Along with extra lessons and extracurricular activities, he was a reserve on the Junior Challenge Quiz team,” she said. Adams’ hard work was further rewarded when he was named the Most Outstanding Performer at the Access Financial Services PEP Awards in August. “As a mother, it was incredibly proud to hear his name called as the top achiever,” Williams added. After the first week of school, Williams reports that Adams and his younger brother have settled into a good routine. For parents sending their children to school for the first time, she advises: “Involve them in extracurricular activities, help with homework, and attend PTA meetings. Don’t just send them to school — actively support their learning and growth. Love them, encourage them, and be a positive influence in their lives.” A’Jani targets high achievers’ board Young star A’Jani Adams and his beaming mom, Keisha-Kaye Williams of Access Financial Services (AFS), celebrate his big win as Most Outstanding Performer at the 2024 AFS PEP Awards. C ontributed