Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughan, of the Section of Child Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health, UWI, Mona has been appointed chairman of the National Early Childhood Commission by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. She received her instrument of appointment, along with other members of the Commission, in October 2003. Her term of office is six years in the first instance. The Early Childhood Commission was established by an act of Parliament in March, 2003. The Commission's functions are to advise the Minister of Education on policy matters for early childhood development in Jamaica. It will also prepare programme plans, monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs. The Commission has also been mandated to act as a co-ordinating agency for early childhood development, analyse resource needs and submit recommendations for budgetary allocation and supervise and regulate early childhood institutions. Dr. Samms-Vaughan, who is Senior Lecturer in Child Health and a Consultant Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician, was described in a recent newspaper editorial as having impressive qualifications for this appointment.