Board of Directors – JTA Co-operative Credit Union

Directors 1

Paul Adams

President of the Board of Directors

Mr. Adams is a distinguished educator and respected leader in Jamaica’s academic community. He currently serves as Principal of Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay, a role he has held since 2003, where he continues to champion excellence in education and school leadership.

Mr. Adams brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Managers of the JTA Co-operative Credit Union, where he has served with distinction for over two decades. He was first appointed Assistant Treasurer in 2003 and was elected President of the Board of Directors in November 2015, a position he continues to hold with dedication and integrity.

His commitment to the teaching profession is further evidenced by his rare achievement of being elected President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) on two separate occasions, underscoring his national impact and the confidence placed in him by his peers.

Throughout his career, Mr. Adams has held key positions in the education sector:

Classroom Teacher, Balaclava Secondary School
Lecturer, Bethlehem Teachers’ College
Vice Principal, St. Elizabeth Technical High School
Principal, Herbert Morrison Technical High School

His extensive experience, strategic vision, and deep-rooted commitment to education and cooperative development make Mr. Adams a valued member of the Board and a trusted advocate for educators and students alike.

Ena Barclay

Mrs. Ena Barclay is a seasoned educator and dedicated leader with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in Jamaica’s education system. She began her teaching journey in her native Westmoreland, at Sheffield All-Age School, and went on to serve at Trinityville Secondary School and Lyssons Primary School, where she also held the position of Principal.

A lifelong learner and advocate for professional development, Mrs. Barclay’s academic accomplishments reflect her commitment to excellence in education. She is a proud alumna of:

Manning’s School
Shortwood Teachers’ College
G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport
Jamaica School of Music
University of the West Indies, Mona – Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada
Commonwealth Fellowship, United Kingdom

Mrs. Barclay was elected to the Board of Directors of the JTA Co-operative Credit Union, where she serves with distinction. She currently holds the role of 1st Vice-President, contributing her insight, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the credit union movement and the welfare of educators across the island.

Mrs. Barclay is widely respected for her leadership, integrity, and lifelong dedication to advancing education and community service.

Sancia Stewart-Williams

Mrs. Sancia Stewart-Williams is a committed educational leader and the current Principal of Bethel Town All-Age School, a position she has held since 2017. Guided by the philosophy that education must go beyond the academic, she is a strong advocate for holistic student development—ensuring that children under her care are empowered intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

With a career spanning over two decades in education, Mrs. Stewart-Williams brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has served as a Lecturer at the International University of the Caribbean (2014–2016), a CXC English B Examiner (2014–2016), and a Teacher at Maud McLeod High School (2004–2017), where she was known for her dynamic classroom presence and student-centered approach.

Academically accomplished, Mrs. Stewart-Williams holds a:

Master’s Degree in Literacy – University of the West Indies, Mona
Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Science – Western Carolina University
Diploma in Double Option English – The Mico University College

She became a member of the JTA Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. in 2007, and began her service on the Board of Directors in 2020, bringing her educational insight and leadership acumen to the governance of the institution. She currently serves as 2nd Vice-President, playing a key role in strategic planning and organizational oversight.

A results-driven leader, Mrs. Stewart-Williams is also recognized for her expertise in:

Educational research
Project development and execution
Report writing
Team leadership and instructional coaching

Mrs. Stewart-Williams is widely respected as an educator who goes beyond the call of duty, a facilitator for teacher growth, and a steadfast advocate for the advancement of her students and peers alike.

Cyril Lebert

Board Treasurer

Mr. Cyril Lebert is a veteran educator, distinguished leader, and committed cooperative advocate whose professional journey has been defined by integrity, excellence, and lifelong service to education and the credit union movement in Jamaica.

Educated at Mount Vernon All Age School, Mico Teachers’ College, and the University of the West Indies, Mona, Mr. Lebert holds a Second Class Honours degree and an enviable track record in both academics and athletics. As a student at Mico, he was a celebrated athlete, earning 25 trophies, 9 cups, and 16 medals, while also demonstrating leadership as House Captain and Captain of the college’s track and field team. His all-round excellence earned him the Duff Memorial Prize and the title of runner-up in the Student of the Year competition (1964).

Mr. Lebert devoted over 33 years to teaching, 23 of which were spent as a principal. He later served the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) as Secretary for Professional Services for a decade, organizing professional development initiatives for educators across the nation. He also held the prestigious position of National President of the JTA, and previously served in various leadership roles including President and Treasurer of both District and Parish associations.

Mr. Lebert represented Jamaica on the international stage at several Education International Conferences in Washington D.C. (1998), Bangkok (2001), and Berlin (2005), and at regional forums in St. Lucia and Barbados (1994).

His commitment to public service has extended far beyond education. He has served on the Board of Directors of the National Housing Trust, contributed to HEART/NTA as part of the Lifelong Learning Development Policy Group, and was a member of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Values and Attitudes. He also played key roles in civic organizations such as PALS Jamaica Limited and Professional Guidance Information Services (PROGIS).

Throughout his career, Mr. Lebert has championed education, integrity, and financial empowerment. His long-standing contributions to national development and the cooperative movement make him a respected and valued member of the board.

Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith is an accomplished educator and seasoned leader in Jamaica’s credit union and education sectors, bringing over four decades of dedicated service and visionary leadership.

Mr. Smith holds a Teachers’ Diploma from Church Teachers’ College, a Diploma in Education from the University of Alberta, Canada, and both a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) from the University of the West Indies, Mona.

A devoted member of the JTA Co-operative Credit Union, Mr. Smith has held key governance roles including Director, 2nd Vice President, Assistant Secretary, and Secretary. His influence extends beyond the local level—he served as a representative on the League’s Central Finance Facility during its transition to the Credit Union Fund Management Company (CUFMC) and has been an Alternative Delegate to the League’s Annual General Meeting.

He has represented the Credit Union on the global stage, attending World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU).

Mr. Smith has been a pillar of the Jamaican education system, serving as a teacher and lecturer both locally and internationally. His academic career includes roles at Clarendon College, Calabar High School, St. Mary High School, and Church Teachers’ College. He also lectured in Nigeria and taught in the UK under the Commonwealth Exchange Programme.

Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has held several prominent roles in the JTA, including:

President
Secretary General
Senior Secretary, Member Services
Liaison Officer
Regional Officer (for the Southeast region)

Mr. Smith’s contributions extend into national development and civic engagement. He has served as:

President, Jamaica Association of Teacher Educators
External Examiner for teacher education programmes at UWI, The Mico University College, and Knox Community College
Board Member for Peace and Love in Schools (PALS) and Citizens’ Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE)
Member of the National Council on Drug Abuse
Past President of the Woodlawn Citizens’ Association and former Secretary of the United Nations Association of Jamaica (Mandeville Chapter)

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, Mr. Smith has received:

Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education (2013)
Jamaica Teachers’ Association Honour Roll Award (2013)

His enduring legacy in education and cooperative leadership continues to shape future generations and strengthen community development initiatives.

Directors 2

Dr. Margeret Bailey

Dr. Margaret Bailey is a distinguished educator and academic leader with over 30 years of experience in the field of education. She currently serves as the Principal of Rollington Town Primary School, where she is recognized for her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to academic excellence and community advancement.

A native of St. Ann, Dr. Bailey began her educational journey at Runaway Bay All-Age School and later attended the esteemed St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School. She pursued her teacher training at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College in Kingston before continuing her academic advancement at the University of the West Indies. There, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History (with Honours), a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology (with Distinction), and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology, conferred with highest commendation.

In 2004, Dr. Bailey was awarded a prestigious Research Fellowship at the University of Alberta, Canada, where she completed advanced training in qualitative research methodologies—further deepening her expertise in educational theory and practice.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bailey has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the holistic development of students and the empowerment of communities through education. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the National Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service to Education and Community Development in 2023.

Her leadership, scholarly insight, and community engagement make her a valued member of the Credit Union’s Board, where she brings a strong voice for education, strategic development, and service.

Karen Hewett-Kennedy

Mrs. Hewett-Kennedy is a seasoned educator and respected leader in Jamaica’s academic landscape, currently serving as Assistant Board Secretary and Director on the Board of the JTA Co-op Credit Union Ltd. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in educational leadership and institutional development.

Her professional journey began at Bridgeport High School, where she entered the classroom as a teacher and steadily advanced through the ranks to become Vice-Principal and ultimately Principal. Following her tenure at Bridgeport, she was appointed Principal of Portmore Community College, a role in which she continued to impact educational policy and student success until her retirement.

Mrs. Hewett-Kennedy holds academic qualifications from The Mico Teachers’ College and the University of the West Indies, institutions known for producing some of Jamaica’s most effective educators. Her exceptional service to the education sector was nationally recognized in 2013 when she was awarded the Order of Distinction for her contributions to education.

Her wealth of experience in academic administration, strategic leadership, and governance makes her an invaluable asset to the Credit Union’s Board, where she plays a key role in supporting its mission of financial empowerment and member service.

Lincoln James

Executive Director

Mr. James originates from the Parish of Hanover, where his teaching journey began at Jericho Primary School as a Pre-Trained Teacher. After completing his training, he assumed the role of Principal at Irwin Hill All Age School. His dedication to education led him to pursue further studies, graduating from the University of the West Indies in 1976 with a Bachelor of Education Degree. In 1987, he accepted the position of Vice-Principal at Mouldon Secondary School.

In 1992, Mr. James took on the role of Principal at Howard Cooke Primary School, where he served until his retirement. Mr. James holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University.

In addition to his accomplishments in education, Mr. James was elected and appointed to the Board of Directors of the JTA Credit Union in 2001, further contributing to the educational community.

Lebert Drysdale

Director

Mr. Drysdale currently holds the position of Regional Officer for Secondary Supervision in Region II, Portland, within the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information. His extensive career includes roles as an Education Officer at the Jamaica Teaching Council and acting positions as Senior Vice Principal and Vice Principal at Happy Grove High School. Additionally, he has served as a Lecturer at Mico University College.

Throughout his career, Mr. Drysdale has actively participated in various committees within both educational institutions and the Ministry of Education. He has demonstrated his commitment to community involvement by serving in leadership roles such as President and Vice President of Seaside Basic School P.T.A., Treasurer at Happy Grove High School, and currently as President of the Fairy Hill Estate Citizens Association. Moreover, he contributes to the spiritual well-being of his community as a Minister of Religion at the United Pentecostal Church.

Mr. Drysdale’s educational qualifications include a Master of Arts from Mico University College and a Bachelor of Science in Teaching from the University of the West Indies. Additionally, he has received training as a School Inspector in Information Technology Level 1. Elected to the Board of Directors in 2017, Mr. Drysdale continues to bring his wealth of experience and dedication to his role within the organization.

Ray Howell

Director

Mr. Howell embarked on his teaching career at Grateful Hill Primary School, where he dedicated his expertise from 1972 to 1985. Transitioning to Drews Avenue Primary in 1985, he continued to contribute to education until his retirement. Notably, Mr. Howell served as Principal of Edith Dalton James High School for several years, leaving a lasting impact on the institution.

His academic qualifications include obtaining a teaching Diploma from Mico Teachers’ College, as well as achieving a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Diploma in Business Administration, and a Master of Science Degree from the University of the West Indies.

Recognized for his significant contributions to education, Mr. Howell was elected to the Board of Directors of the JTA Co-op Credit Union in 2004. In 2013, he was honored with the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Services in Education, highlighting his exemplary dedication and impact in the field.

Directors 3

Lou-Ann Bramwell-Shakes

Director

Mrs. Bramwell-Shakes currently serves as a Teacher-Librarian at Hayes Primary & Junior High School. Her journey in education commenced at Kemps Hill High School, where she fulfilled roles as both a teacher and a netball coach. Graduating from Bethlehem Teachers College, Mrs. Bramwell-Shakes furthered her education, obtaining a Bachelor of Education from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University.

Recognized for her commitment to the educational community, Mrs. Bramwell-Shakes was elected to serve on the Board of the JTA Co-op Credit Union on May 4, 2013.

Melva Humes-Johnson

Director

Melva Humes-Johnson is the former Principal of Iona High School, embodying a deep commitment to education. Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Humes-Johnson has held various pivotal roles, including Senior Teacher, Head of the Disciplinary Committee, Vice Principal, Acting Principal, and her current position as Principal.

Her academic qualifications reflect her dedication to professional development. Mrs. Humes-Johnson holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Sheffield, a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of the West Indies, a Certificate for Effective Principal from the National College of Educational Leadership (NCEL), and a Diploma in Primary Education from Moneague College.

Mrs. Humes-Johnson’s leadership extends beyond her school, as she has served on numerous committees in various capacities. Notably, she has held positions such as President of the JTA West St. Mary District Association for two years, JTA Parish President for St. Mary, Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association Committee (PAC) at JTA, and Chairman of Secondary Schools at JTA. Her multifaceted contributions to education exemplify her unwavering dedication to the advancement of students, teachers, and the educational community as a whole.

Mr. Huit Johnson

Director

Mr. Huit, a dedicated lifelong educator, has recently retired after serving in various capacities at several institutions, including roles as Principal and Project Officer at Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET). A trained teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree and a Diploma in Physical Education, Mr. Huit’s passion for service has led him to offer his expertise on numerous committees.

Notably, Mr. Huit has chaired the National Sports Committee at JTA from 2007 to 2015, demonstrating his commitment to promoting sports and physical education. Furthermore, he has served as Lieutenant Governor for Division 23 West, Middlesex South, Eastern Canada, and the Caribbean in 2019, showcasing his leadership and organizational skills on an international scale. Additionally, Mr. Huit has contributed to community development as a Distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town in 2007.

Adding to his impressive service record, Mr. Huit now assumes the role of Board Director of the JTA Co-op Credit Union, further exemplifying his dedication to enhancing the educational and financial well-being of others.

Rudolph Sewell

Director

Mr. Sewell brings a wealth of experience in educational management to his current role as Vice President (Administration) at The Mico University College, a position he has held since September 2017. Prior to this, he served as President of the institution and also held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Education.

His academic credentials include an Executive Masters in Educational Management with Distinction from The Mico University College in collaboration with The Mona School of Business and Management. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Trade and Industrial Education with Honours from the University of Arkansas and a Teachers’ Diploma in Industrial Arts with Honours from The Mico College.

Mr. Sewell is actively engaged in professional associations, being a member of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA). He also serves as a board member of Jonathan Grant High School and The Mico University College.

His commitment to the Credit Unions is evident through his longstanding membership in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association Cooperative Credit Union (JTACCUL) for over 30 years. Moreover, from 2020 to 2023, Mr. Sewell contributed his expertise as a Member of the Supervisory Committee of JTACCUL, demonstrating his dedication to financial oversight and cooperative governance.

Alfred Thomas

Director

Mr. Thomas embodies the qualities of a resourceful and transformational leader, dedicated to empowering individuals to become impactful and successful members of society. Currently serving as Principal of Brown’s Town High School, Mr. Thomas’s educational journey began with graduation from Mico University College. He furthered his academic pursuits by earning a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Technology and a Master’s of Science Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration.

With a teaching career spanning over two decades, Mr. Thomas has held various roles, starting as a classroom teacher in 1999 and progressing to positions such as grade coordinator, Vice Principal, Acting Principal, and now, Principal.

Committed to serving his community, Mr. Thomas has been involved in numerous capacities, including membership on the Career Advancement Programme – National Technical Working Committee and serving as an Executive Member of the Inter Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA). He has also contributed as the Public Relations Officer for Region 3 Secondary School Leaders Association. Additionally, Mr. Thomas serves as a Justice of the Peace, further demonstrating his commitment to community service.

His dedication and contributions have been recognized by various organizations, including awards from Lasco/Jamaica Teaching Council. Notably, Mr. Thomas was honored with a Leadership Cup during the Pandemic in 2020, highlighting his exceptional leadership during challenging times in Region 3.