14 From Middlesex County Receive G-G Award for Excellence

Fourteen residents from the County of Middlesex, who have contributed to the development of their communities and parishes in various fields, have been presented with the Governor-General’s Award for Excellence.

The awardees are: Jean-Pierre Kavanaugh, Chereese La-Vonne Ricketts, and Joan Anieta Smith from Manchester; Daren Sam-Anthony Miller and Aston Lloyd Messam from St. Catherine; Jewelle Shenelle Strachan, Desrene Denton, and Ransford George Davidson from St. Ann; Shaniel Caveiala Catnott, Peta-Gaye Rena Stewart, and Fredrick Anthony Young from St. Mary; and Sheree Stacy-Ann Brown, Junior Dalton Edwards, and Paulette Johanna Henry-Hall from Clarendon.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in his address at the award ceremony held on August 27 at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes, Clarendon, said the awardees have been contributing greatly to youth development, education and the well-being of families.

“What they have been doing in these areas is very critical, because they are helping us to return to our traditional concept where the village raises the child, where education is valued, and where each one strives to play his part in building our nation,” he noted.

The G-G called on communities to commit to the care and protection of children in the homes and in public places. “We must (also) emphasise the value of respect, and show that to each other, especially to the elderly,” he said further.

Custos of Clarendon, Hon. William Shagoury, said the work of the awardees is evidence that people in Jamaica are devoting time and effort to the welfare of others without seeking reward.

He told them that by helping to enhance the livelihood of citizens “each of you is contributing to the development of your respective parishes.”

Sheree Brown, who responded on behalf of the awardees, said the recognition will serve as a motivation for them to continue to serve “with the aim of contributing to the development of Jamaica.”

“We will continue to inspire others with our service,” she added.

The award function was held under the theme: ‘Values Through Volunteerism: Impacting Communities, One Community at a Time.’

The mission of the G-G award scheme is to recognise and promote excellence and empower Jamaicans to believe in themselves and achieve their potential, while contributing to nation building.