Jean Lowrie-Chin, born on December 5, 1951, in Westmoreland, Jamaica, has carved an indelible mark in the realms of communication, advocacy, and literature. As a communications consultant, seniors advocate, author, and newspaper columnist, her multifaceted career embodies a commitment to service, empowerment, and excellence.
Education and Early Career of Jean Lowrie-Chin
Raised in a nurturing environment by her mother Maisie and stepfather Joscelyn E. Lowrie, a noted accountant, Jean’s early life was a blend of inspiration and strong values.
The family moved to Kingston, where Jean attended Alpha Preparatory School and later the Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha’ for Girls. Her academic journey continued at the University of the West Indies (UWI), where she earned a BA (Hons) in Literature from 1970 to 1973. She furthered her studies, obtaining an MA in Literature in 1987.
Jean’s professional journey began in journalism at the Jamaica Daily News, followed by a teaching stint at Calabar High School. Her passion for communication led her to a role as a PR Officer at Carifesta 76, a Caribbean festival, and subsequently to Dunlop Corbin Compton Advertising as a PR Manager. These experiences laid a robust foundation for her future endeavors in public relations and communication.
Founding PROComm and Advocacy for Seniors
In December 1978, Jean Lowrie-Chin launched PRO Communications Limited (PROComm), a pioneering communications firm. The company quickly became a cornerstone in Jamaica’s corporate landscape, offering public relations, advertising, and marketing services to esteemed clients like Digicel, Sandals Group, and the Electoral Office of Jamaica.
Jean’s husband, engineer Hubert Chin, joined PROComm in 1988, bringing invaluable IT expertise that propelled the company’s success.
Jean’s visionary approach extended beyond corporate achievements. In April 2010, she founded the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), an organization dedicated to the empowerment of Caribbean seniors. PROComm remains a major sponsor of CCRP, underscoring Jean’s commitment to social responsibility and community service.
Literary Contributions and Publications
Jean Lowrie-Chin’s literary prowess is reflected in her long-standing role as a columnist for the Jamaica Observer since 2001 and as a contributing writer for Jamaicans.com since 2004. Her book, “Souldance,” published in 2008, showcases her reflective and insightful writing style.
Her academic contributions include chapters in “Caribbean Quarterly” and “A History of Theatre in Jamaica,” celebrating the cultural and historical tapestry of the Caribbean.
Notable Achievements and Community Engagement
Jean Lowrie-Chin’s contributions extend to various directorial roles, including at PRO Communications Ltd, PRODEV Ltd, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Jamaica, and Food for the Poor Jamaica. Her leadership in these organizations reflects her strategic vision and dedication to excellence.
As a Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Andrew and Chair of the Digicel Jamaica Foundation since 2014, Jean’s influence spans both civic and corporate spheres. Her numerous awards, such as the Women’s Media Watch Trailblazer Award and the Jamaica 50 Award, celebrate her as a nation-builder and advocate for positive change.
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