KINGSTON, Jamaica — A service of thanksgiving for Betty Ann Blaine, a woman celebrated for her dedication to children’s advocacy, will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, at Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew. In keeping with her vibrant spirit, the family requests that attendees wear colorful clothing.
Condolences can be shared via the website Forever Missed – Betty Ann Blaine, and the ceremony will be available for viewing under the title “Celebrating the Life of Betty Ann Blaine.”
Blaine passed away on May 13th in Georgia, USA, after a prolonged illness. She was 75 years old.
As the founder of Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC), Blaine was one of Jamaica’s most committed children’s advocates. The organization, established in 2002, described her as a “dedicated and multifaceted development giant.” Her work predates the official appointment of a Child Advocate in Jamaica, a role she embodied long before its formal creation in 2006.
The HTCC highlighted her lifelong dedication to the welfare of Jamaican children and their families, as well as her efforts to eradicate poverty. Blaine’s contributions extended beyond advocacy; she had over three decades of experience as an academic, development professional, and a leader in Jamaica’s NGO community. She was also a passionate campaigner for integrity, accountability, and transparency in national affairs.
Blaine founded two national organizations: Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) in 1992, and HTCC in 2002, both of which provide critical support to inner-city children, youth, and their families.
A devout Christian, Blaine is survived by her two daughters, Tarika and Monifah Barrett, her four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
