As a woman who appeared in the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back and a former Miss World, now with the title minister of youth and culture, Lisa Hanna is a woman on a mission.
She has had the unenviable task of becoming a woman of substance and an internationally respected political leader.
Just who is this Lisa Hanna, MP for South East St. Ann, Jamaica, that we should pay attention to her?
Culturally, at the source of her Black-Chinese heritage she embodies overcoming hardship in public and in private, a champion for the youth and future of the country, putting in place systematic and sustainable change to protect the most vulnerable.
Her work is cut out for her. An average 220 cases of child abuse are reported weekly to the Child Development Agency (CDA) and Office of Child Registry (OCT). Some detail sickening, horrific and disturbing stories of abuse, rape and murder.
In today’s Jamaica, Hanna maintains her staunch resolve for guidance, mentorship and protection of children both at home and in the Diaspora.
In Hanna’s portfolio of governance she has accomplished clearing of backlogs of about 4,000 cases in 2014, increased the number of children in state care qualifying for tertiary education, cleared some 900 adoption cases since 2003, instituted a best practices program at Maxfield Park Children’s Home which includes extra curricula activities, and provided mentorship, field trips and training camps.
When it comes to culture her focus is on inspiring her peers to a higher degree of leadership while creating opportunities for engagement of the nation’s young adults and youth.
Regionally, she speaks of deep respect from her Caribbean Diaspora peers who have focused on her outspoken defense of progressive values and the continued support and engagement she receives from Jamaica’s international development counterparts including from the U.S. and China.
This is the true Jamaican grit of Hanna, from queen of the world to champion of a nation and inspired leadership.