NCU Honours GG-Designate

The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) has conferred an Honorary Doctor of Public Service on Governor General-designate, Dr. Patrick Allen, for his contribution to education and work with public bodies.
Faculty and students of the university and civic and business leaders in Central Jamaica, attended the ceremony, which was held yesterday (Feb.17) at the institution’s Mandeville campus.
Former Professor at Andrews University in the United States, David Penner, who was guest speaker at the function, said that while Dr. Allen was pursuing doctorial studies at Andrews, he saw in him the qualities of a leader at the highest level.
“He combined work, study, family and church obligations well. He believes in service to others. He made sound and wise decisions after careful considerations and at all times in any debate, he makes balanced and fair judgement,” Dr. Penner stated.
In his reply, Dr. Allen, said that in assuming his new office, he would build on the foundation that was laid by his predecessors. “There is no need to fear for the future. This is not a glory for me, but for the will of God to be flourished throughout Jamaica,” he stated.
Among those who paid tribute to Dr. Allen were Custos of Manchester, Dr. Gilbert Allen; newly appointed Chairman of NCU, Derek Bignall; Corporate Communications Director at NCU, Nadeen Campbell; and Pastor of the Ridgemont United Church in Mandeville, Rev. Oliver Daley, who did the invocation.
Dr. Allen, who is former board chairman of NCU, and president of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will be sworn in as Jamaica’s sixth Governor-General on February 26.
He will replace Sir Kenneth Hall, who is to retire because of health reasons.