The Founder And Volunteer Adventurer Behind Jamaica Volunteer Programs
Maureen Wright-Evans
Maureen is the founder of Jamaica Volunteer Programs. She is a woman with an indomitable spirit and a determined and fierce competitor with a strong passion and will to succeed. No wonder her motto is ‘Never Give Up!’
Maureen’s love for volunteering began when she was only 12 years old. Her mother was a housekeeper/cook who worked in a Villa in the hills of the resort town San-San Jamaica. As she was poor and could not afford supervision for her only daughter, she hid her after school each day in the staff quarters at her place of work. But unknown to her mom, Maureen would wonder on the beach and talk to the guests about Jamaica.
It was on one of those days when Maureen was wandering on the beach that she met a couple from Windsor, Canada who was so impressed with the little girl’s love for her country that they found her mother and offered to sponsor her through high school.
Maureen recalls “This Was The Gift That Changed My Life” and has now blossomed into Jamaica Volunteer Programs.
In 2001, Maureen became restless and wanted to do something different but exciting. Her love and passion for Jamaica beckoned. She wanted to find a way to inject her passions into her business and asked herself “What can I give to help the people of Jamaica?” and “How can I make a difference using my love of travel and adventure?
“The answer to these questions came with one word “Volunteering”. Maureen then decided to create Volunteer Programs which would give volunteers a chance to share their skills and talents while getting back through the cultural enrichment of the island.
The rest they say is history, or in Maureen’s case “her story”!
Meet Other Key Players Of The Team
Omar Evans
Omar is our Program Coordinator/Marketer who is passionate about Online & Mobile Marketing.
Omar moved from Jamaica to Switzerland and for two years studied Mobile Marketing and other Intenet Marketing areas. He is passionate about cross channel marketing especially integrating Facebook + Mobile + Email Marketing
Here’s the guy behind the camera and one of the marketing experts of the family – owned business. If you allow him, he will certainly engage you in a conversation about how to use mobile marketing in your business.
His enthusiasm for life and caring personality will endear you to him. If you are looking to learn about the Jamaica behind the brochures or to sample ‘Night Life’ by going dancing at one of the many clubs/discos Omar is the “Go to Person’
Audley Evans
Audley is the Operations Manager and handles all the logistics for transportation. He is the one who will make sure you get picked up from the airport. If you are looking for an adventure and want to know Jamaica’s attractions he will organize the day tours.
Audley has an amazing knowledge of Jamaica’s scenic spots and if you are lucky to have him on one of your tours he will teach you about the hard to find fruits in Jamaica and actually find them for you.
Don’t forget to ask him about the story behind the stories he tells.
Marlon Evans
Marlon is one of our tour guides / social media marketer. He is a basketball player and a former member of Jamaica’s Junior Basketball team. His love of this sport shines through the minute you meet him and don’t be surprised if he invites you to play a game of basketball.
You will need a translator from time to time and Marlon will be there for you as the official language of Jamaica is English, however be warned, the moment you arrive at the airport, you will hear another language by the locals. Patios! A blend of English and African words first developed by the slaves on the sugar fields.
Learning Jamaican English will be fun and Marlon will teach you many new words such as No Problem Man!: Everything Is Ok!