July 21 – Dame Lorna Simon was born to Cecil and Lena Simon, both farmers. She was raised in the village of Liberta as the only girl among four children.
Her early education began at Teacher Mona’s Preschool, then at Liberta Primary School. Although her initial attempt at the primary exams was unsuccessful, she was able to secure entry into Princess Margaret Secondary School on her second attempt in 1964. This feat demonstrated her determination and commitment to improving her life from an early age.
Simon entered the public service at the age of 18 to supplement the family’s earnings. However, her dream of completing university was not forgotten; therefore, after a few years of working, she completed a Certificate in Public Administration with the UWI Mona Campus. Following this, she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Sector Management, also with UWI. Although it was challenging to juggle work, studies, and family, she credits the support of family members as being the main factor that helped her maintain a proper balance.
Simon would go on to serve throughout the public service for over 50 years, working in almost every major government ministry, including Education, Tourism and Environment, Carnival, Community Development, Foreign Affairs, and the Governor General’s Office. She served in various capacities, rising through the ranks from junior clerk to Permanent Secretary.
In 2002, she was appointed Supervisor of Elections, a position she held for 21 years until her retirement. As the first woman to serve in that role, she effectively combined her duties as a public servant with practical experience gained as a registration officer in the St. Paul’s constituency and as a Presiding Officer, leading her team to ensure a fair and transparent process. Soon after starting the role, she led the voter re-registration effort in 2003 in preparation for the March 2004 general elections. She utilized the Commission’s close relationship with the electoral office in Jamaica to access technical support and training, which was a key part of her management strategy during her early tenure as Supervisor of Elections. This support proved invaluable and laid a solid foundation for future successes for Ms. Simon and her team. She oversaw five general elections.
Ms. Simon’s professional portfolio includes serving on regional and international Missions to observe elections in countries as far away as Papua New Guinea, as well as closer to home in Central America and the Caribbean. In addition to her duties on these missions, she took advantage of the networking opportunities to curate best practices to improve the process at home. One significant change she implemented as a result of her experience with these exercises was the gender identification of voters, a system she had witnessed in action in Papua New Guinea.
Throughout the years, she was recognized for her commitment to excellence and her dedication to giving her best in her work duties. Simon’s efforts and outstanding public service were recognized in 2020 when she was awarded Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (DCN).
She announced her retirement in 2023. Her last duty was to preside over the Barbuda Council elections in March that year.
She encouraged those under her charge to engage in professional development, as this aids in better performance of the tasks assigned to them. This mantra she extends to all with whom she comes into contact. She reminds us of the value of giving of one’s best in each role assigned.