As we celebrated women across the globe for International Women’s Day on Mar 8, 2021, it is a pleasure to highlight the achievements of one of our daughters of the soil.  Dr. Allyson Leacock-daughter, sister, aunt, dancer, actress, broadcaster, communications expert par excellence, volunteer and Combermerian.

As one of the first girls to enter the sixth form in 1973, Allyson pursued studies in English and French and was involved in athletics and dance; An active student, she started a dance group and was the successful recipient of Best Choreographer for a piece entered in the Barbados Arts Council competition at that time.  

Allyson’s journey into broadcasting began while yet a student at Combermere, when she was invited, by a sixth form teacher, to host a radio programme in the summer, at Barbados Rediffusion.  Her tenacity resulted in  her snagging an interview with Sir Elton John, who was on holiday in Barbados and so impressive was this feat, she was subsequently offered a position on the Barbados Rediffusion team.  Although she admits that at this time, she had given no thought to pursuing a career in broadcasting or journalism, this experience would become the launching pad for an interesting, dynamic and diverse career in broadcasting and communications.

The pursuit of excellence while doing what you love has always been an essential ingredient to her success.  Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Education as well as a Diploma in Education, from Stirling University, Scotland.  Allyson returned to Barbados where she landed a position at VOB as Assistant Programme Manager, moved on to be the first Manager at the Frank Colllymore Hall before becoming Cultural Affairs Specialist at the US Embassy.  Allyson also holds master’s and Ph. D degrees in Educational Technology, Concordia University.

It doesn’t stop there, however; Allyson has over 38 years in executive management in corporate communications, media , needs assessment, human resource development, training and leadership as well as over 43 years in broadcast media which includes production and presentation as TV News Anchor and also as General Manager at the CBC;  Her interests and skills in culture and the arts, in particular, were honed during her tenure as CEO, National Cultural Foundation with responsibility for charting Barbados’ cultural development.

In more recent years, Allyson has led a coalition of 112 media houses in 24 Caribbean countries and can proudly say she has trained over 2,000 Caribbean broadcasters.  Additionally, she has served as Executive Chairman of the Global Media AIDS Initiative and was the Chairman of the Global Steering Committee for World AIDS Campaign for 2 years.  Today, she holds several key roles in the industry, and it is a wonder how she juggles it all.  Allyson is the Director of National Transformation Initiative, Chairman-Barbados Broadcasting Authority, Chairman –International Institute of Communications Small Nations Regulators’ Forum, Chairman-Barbados Youth ADVANCE Corps Training Committee, Deputy Chairman Combermere School and an independent Media and Human Development Consultant. 

It is clear that excellence is one of her hallmarks ably supported by the tenet that for there to be excellence you must prepare, prepare, prepare!  This multi-talented lady still finds time to engage in her philanthropic pursuits and is a volunteer with Special Olympics and the Barbados Council for the Disabled.  

Her time at Combermere, albeit short, had a tremendous impact on her life; from friendships formed, the mentorship of teachers such as Charlie Pilgrim, Carl Wade, Keith ‘Spoony’ Roach, Harry Sealy and Dorien Pile to name a few, and the memories which will last a lifetime.  For Allyson, Combermere memories were awesome!   Up and On!