Kool97fm Podcast

Singles Live for April 30th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for April 30th 2026 by Kool97fm

Jamaica's Gentle Voice Of Truth - Ernie Smith by Kool97fm

Singles Live for April 23rd 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for April 23rd 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for April 21st 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for April 17th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for April 15th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 26th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 25th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 23rd 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 20th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 18th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 17th 2026 by Kool97fm

At the forefront stands Bishop Christine Gooden Benguche, the first female president of the Methodist Church in Jamaica. In 2018, she made history when she became the first woman to be ordained as bishop within the church, a landmark achievement that opened doors for women in ministry across the island and the wider Caribbean. Bishop Gooden Benguche’s impact extends far beyond the pulpit. A devoted educator, teaching has long been central to her ministry, and she has served in various capacities at schools throughout Jamaica. She has served as Chaplain for St. Andrew Prep School and Shortwood Teacher’s College in Kingston. With a lifetime dedicated to faith and service, Bishop Gooden-Benguche embodies courage, compassion, and pioneering leadership, a true inspiration for women everywhere.

A prolific, award-winning poet, essayist and memoirist, Lorna Gaye Goodison made history in 2017 when she became Jamaica’s first female Poet Laureate. Through her work, she has memorialized Jamaican culture, womanhood, family life, and the enduring strength of the maternal figure. Her poem “I Am Becoming My Mother” remains one of her most cherished pieces, resonating with millions of readers across generations. Her awards are numerous, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize; the Henry Russel Award and the Shirley Verret Award for Exceptional Creative Work (University of Michigan); the British Columbia National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction; and the Musgrave Gold Medal. In 2013, she was conferred with Jamaican National Honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class). Her influence extends far beyond our shores. Goodison’s writing has been studied in English and Literature courses worldwide. In 2019, she became the only Jamaican to receive the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, honouring her remarkable body of work and international reputation. She is currently Professor Emerita at University of Michigan. From her first collection, Tamarind Season in 1980, to her celebrated memoir From Harvey River, Lorna Goodison has given us a legacy of language, memory, and identity, securing her place as a true pioneer of Caribbean literature. She is the eighth of nine children and sister of late journalist, author and playwright, Barbara Gloudon.

In 1994, Wyvolyn Gager made history when she was appointed Editor-in-Chief of The Gleaner, becoming the first woman to hold the top editorial post in one of the Western Hemisphere’s oldest newspapers. At the time, the appointment marked a major breakthrough in a newsroom long dominated by men. A proud native of Trelawny, Wyvolyn began her secondary education at Westwood High School for Girls before transferring to Excelsior High School in Kingston. She later attended the University of the West Indies. Her professional life started as a pre-trained primary school teacher in Trelawny, but she soon transitioned into journalism at The Gleaner, joining the newsroom as one of the few female reporters at the time. She quickly built a reputation for her strong writing and her ability to develop sources and compelling news stories. Her talent and determination opened doors, when in 1983, she was promoted to News Editor, a remarkable accomplishment for a woman. She later rose to the position of Associate Editor before reaching the pinnacle of Jamaican journalism as Editor-in-Chief. Gager led The Gleaner Company Limited’s newsroom for six years, guiding the publication through a changing media landscape. In the process, she demonstrated that women can lead editorial content at the highest levels of journalism. In 2014, Wyvolyn Gager was awarded the Jamaican National Honour, Order of Distinction, Officer Class in recognition of her contribution to journalism. In retirement, her commitment to the profession continues. She serves as a volunteer adviser to the Press Association of Jamaica. She continues to serve as a judge on the PAJ’s annual National Journalism Awards Committee. Wyvolyn Gager’s legacy remains a powerful reminder that breaking barriers can create opportunities for generations to come.

History was made in 2022 when, then Rear Admiral Antonette Weymss-Gorman was installed as the Jamaica Defence Force’s first female Chief of Defence Staff. At the time, she was the only female head of an armed force globally. But her groundbreaking journey began decades earlier. At just 19 years old, Wemyss-Gorman joined the Jamaica Defence Force, one of only two candidates selected from a pool of 34 applicants. During her basic training, there were no other female seafarers in the Coast Guard. Inspired by the strength of the women in her life, including her mother and grandmother, she became determined not only to succeed, but to change the face of the force for other women. In 1994, she was commissioned as the Jamaica Defence Force’s first seagoing female officer. Her steady rise through the ranks continued, and in 2002 she became Commanding Officer of Cutter Belmont Point, an 82-foot patrol boat, making history as the first woman to command a military vessel in the Caribbean. Wemyss-Gorman has also helped shape the region’s maritime future. She played a key role in establishing the Caribbean Military Maritime Training Centre, now the School of Maritime Studies, which began operations in 2012. She holds a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the University of the West Indies (Mona) With more than 30 years of distinguished service to the JDF; she has been honoured with numerous accolades, including the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service, the Military Commendation Medal and the Medal of Honour for General Service by the Government of Jamaica. A woman of many “firsts” Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman is an international trailblazer in military leadership. She recently announced the release of her first memoir, Life, Duty and Command, reflecting on her journey, leadership lessons, and decades of service.

By training and profession, Joy Spence is a chemist, but she is also globally recognized as the first woman to hold the title of Master Blender in the spirits industry. Her journey is one defined by a deep love for science and a determination to break barriers in fields traditionally dominated by men. While attending Holy Childhood High School, a beloved chemistry teacher sparked Joy’s fascination with the subject. After that teacher’s passing, she made a personal commitment to pursue chemistry and become an expert in the field. That promise guided her through her studies at the University of the West Indies, where she excelled academically, served as President of the Chemistry Club, and graduated with the highest average in chemistry. After a brief period teaching at her alma mater and the University of Technology, Joy was drawn into Jamaica’s spirits industry. In 1981, she became Chief Chemist at Wray and Nephew. Years of dedication and mentorship under Master Blender Owen Tulloch prepared her for a historic moment. In 1997, she became Master Blender, shaping the flavour of Jamaican rum enjoyed worldwide. Among Joy Spence’s numerous accolades are the Jamaican National Honour of the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) conferred in 2017, an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Loughborough and an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies. In 2018, she received the National Medal for Science and Technology, the first woman to receive this award. In 2017, Appleton Estate introduced the Joy Anniversary Blend, a limited-edition 25 Year-Old rum, to celebrate Joy Spence's 20th Anniversary as the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry. Wray & Nephew has officially named the Appleton Estate rum tour the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, in honour of her remarkable contributions to the company. Today, Joy Spence’s legacy continues through her ‘Foundation in Chemistry’ initiative, inspiring the next generation of young scientists across Jamaica.

In 2025, Hope Markes became the first black woman and Caribbean national to be elected as President of the 110-year-old Kiwanis International. An accomplished Kiwanian, community builder, and proud Jamaican, she has spent decades building a legacy of leadership and service. Markes is a co-founder and charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Hopewell in Hanover. She previously served as Vice President of Kiwanis International from 2024 to 2025, after completing three years on the International Board of Trustees. Her leadership journey also includes serving as Governor of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District during the 2013 to 2014 administrative year, guiding clubs across the region in service initiatives and membership growth. Markes’ dedication to children and community development has earned her numerous prestigious honours. These include the George F. Hixson Fellowship, the Walter Zeller Fellowship through the Kiwanis Children’s Fund and The Eliminate Project, the Mel Osborne Fellow award, Champion for Children recognition from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada, and the Godfrey Dyer Medallion from the Kiwanis Foundation of Jamaica. Her impact is also being recognised across the Jamaican diaspora. The City of Lauderhill officially proclaimed January 8, 2026, as Hope Markes Day, honouring her decades of service and global influence. Through service, vision, and determination, Hope Markes continues to blaze a trail for Caribbean women, proving that leadership rooted in service can inspire change around the world.

Power Thought for March 16th 2026 by Kool97fm

Singles Live for March 5th 2026 by Kool97fm

Singles Live for March 12th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 12th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 11th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 10th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 9th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 6th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 6th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 3rd 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for March 2nd 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 26th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 25th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 18th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 19th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 20th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 23rd 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 24th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 16th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 13th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 12th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 11th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 10th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for February 17th 2026 by Kool97fm

Singles Live for February 12th 2026 by Kool97fm

Singles Live for February 5th 2026 by Kool97fm

Singles Live for January 29th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for January 26th 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for January 21st 2026 by Kool97fm

Power Thought for January 20th 2026 by Kool97fm