Dorothy Ebanks-Rowe: Road Angel of the 1960s

Way back in 1969, when the thought of a woman driving a public bus in Jamaica was almost unheard of, Dorothy Ebanks-Rowe shattered barriers and made history.

At just 32 years old, she became the first woman bus driver for the Jamaica Omnibus Service (JOS), boldly navigating Kingston's bustling streets at a time when women were rarely seen in such roles.

A the fearless mother of four, Ebanks-Rowe's journey to this groundbreaking achievement began with a simple newspaper ad.

"Mi did need di work because mi children dem were small, and mi did have to take care of them," she shared.

Determined to provide for her family, she ignored societal norms, applied for the job, and showed up for the interview, only to find herself the lone woman in a sea of male applicants. But her confidence and experience - honed while driving minibuses in England - set her apart, and she secured the position.

The JOS operated a municipal bus service for the Kingston Metropolitan Area, from 1953 until it was wound up in 1983. For six years, beginning in 1969, Ebanks-Rowe was a fixture on Jamaica's roads, commanding respect and admiration as one of the best. Reminiscing on the days behind the wheels, she told THE STAR that they were great, especially at Christmas time.

"Mi was one dem driver that stop for everybody; all when no other driver nah stop, me stop. Suh when Christmas time come, people used to bring all kind a things come give mi," she recalled with a laugh.

"Mi did love Christmas time di most." From groceries to ground provisions, and sometimes even a little cash slipped discreetly into her hand with a 'Driver, Merry Christmas', and mi did appreciate it because mi always treat people wid respect," she said.

Affectionately called "the road angel," she took immense pride in her accident-free record and was dedicated to ensuring the safety of her passengers.

"Mi always treat people wid respect," she said, reflecting on the trust she earned throughout her career.

Now 87 years old, Ebanks-Rowe looks back fondly on her trailblazing days, but laments the decline in driving culture.

"Di road nuh safe nuh more," she said. "Driver dem nowadays, dem nuh tek time like how we use to. Dem a drive reckless wid people life, even with children on di bus. It wasn't like that in my time," she said.