JIS Senior Reporter Impacting Lives Through Service

Despite facing great personal adversity early in his life, Garfield Angus has beat the odds and is now empowering others to do the same.

A community champion from the rural district of Kitson Town in St. Catherine, Mr. Angus transformed his challenges into a powerful force for good, inspiring countless lives through his unwavering dedication to education and community upliftment.

The Senior Reporter at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) was one of 37 people presented with the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) for 2025, at King’s House, on Thursday (June 26).

The prestigious award is bestowed on persons in various age categories who are impacting community and national life, despite facing challenges.

“To be acknowledged by the Head of State, it validates what I have been doing. It shows the sponsors that what they have been doing was really changing lives. I am revelling in humility and feeling inspired to continue doing what I’m doing,” Mr. Angus told JIS News.

He shared that his civic endeavours began at around age 15 with his involvement in church groups that supported the indigent and a police youth club in his community.

“There were talented students in the club and because they were in the club and I wanted them to do well, the school fees became a part of my responsibility,” the Senior Reporter outlined, explaining how he became involved in supporting students’ education.

His commitment to community building, education and youth empowerment led to him, in 2014, co-founding the Kitson Town Primary School Past Students Association at the behest of former principal, Ruby Gibbs.

He served as Vice President until 2017, when he assumed the role of President of the Association and served until 2022.

Under his leadership, the organisation has coordinated annual Education Awards Banquets to recognise and motivate academic excellence among students.

In 2017, the Senior Reporter founded the Kitson Town Civic Committee which has recognised unsung community leaders and contributed to community building through myriad projects.

“We have recognised close to 30 people, so far. We have two awards now – one for the community builders and the Leslie Hanson award for teachers. Recently, we honoured outstanding mothers as well,” Mr. Angus told JIS News.

In fulfilment of his commitment to education, he also funded 20 scholarships for underprivileged high school students in 2017.

The scholarships were funded from the proceeds of the sale of the Senior Reporter’s book, ‘Triumphs’, a compilation of short stories highlighting various aspects of the Jamaican culture and lifestyle.

In 2021, the Kitson Town Civic Committee, through Mr. Angus, obtained tablet computers for all teachers at the Kitson Town Basic School.

Later in 2022, he led a transformative project that mobilised volunteers and resources to paint and revamp the institution.

Mr. Angus explained that his commitment to education stemmed partially from the challenges he experienced with his educational pursuits.

“At the age of 14, my guardian passed away, forcing me to drop out of school while still in the primary system. I spent two weeks waiting at the gates of a high school in the parish, hoping for a chance. When I was finally able to see the Principal, I was told there was no space for me,” he outlined.

“That same evening, I met a schoolmate who told me about another high school in Spanish Town that was accepting students. The next day, I went there filled with hope, only to be told that if I had come a day earlier, I would have been accepted. Despite these setbacks, I was fortunate to have good people in my life and an unwavering determination to rise above my circumstances. The journey was long, far too long, but I persevered,” the Senior Reporter shared.

While he was unable to embark on the traditional educational journey that he would have liked, Mr. Angus never gave up on his goals.

He shared that he discovered his passion for journalism around the age of 15 and became a voracious reader of the Gleaner and a committed listener to RJR News on the radio.

The Senior Reporter recalled how he would listen to the annual Budget Debates, eagerly writing down the main points and crafting his own news stories.

He would later listen to the evening news and check to see if his stories made the cut, basking in joy when they did.

This passion for journalism would lead him to seek out courses in the area.

While he was unable to afford the tuition for the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), he furthered his studies through correspondence programmes and at the London School of Journalism.

Mr. Angus would later obtain employment at the Jamaica Record, which then transitioned to the Jamaica Herald.

This was followed by a stint at the Sunday Herald and finally employment at the JIS, where he continues to tell the stories of Jamaicans today.

The Senior Reporter noted that his employment at the JIS has boosted his community work, as it has facilitated connections with people and organisations that have supported his philanthropic efforts.

Mr. Angus’ work as a journalist and his commitment to community development and education led to him being presented with an honorary school-leaving diploma from the José Martí Technical High School on Wednesday (July 2).

In accepting the award, he noted that it is a personal honour and a meaningful recognition of his commitment to the school and its values.

“I hope it serves as an inspiration to future generations, encouraging students to engage with their communities and give of themselves for the betterment of our nation. Let this award be a reminder to always strive for excellence and never give up on your dreams. No matter the obstacles, find a way to rise. And when you do, use your education and skills to create positive change, just as I have used journalism to shine light and hope in some of the darkest places,” Mr. Angus told students at the ceremony.

Reflecting on both his career journey and involvement in the community, the Senior Reporter pointed to the difficulties he faced and credited his caregiver, Miss Govie, for giving him the firm foundation that set him on the right path.

“A part of my mission before I depart this earth, is to ensure that as many children as possible, don’t go through the hardships that I went through. If it’s even one that I can cause to take education seriously, then I believe that my time on this earth has been worthwhile,” he affirmed.

He encouraged others to give back to their communities, no matter how small.

“If you haven’t started, I beg you… at your workplace, in your family, your community, do something good,” Mr. Angus urged.

In addition to the GGAA and the honorary diploma, Mr. Angus also received the Trailblazer Award from the New York-based Pollyanna Project and a Humanitarian Award from the Kitson Town Civic Committee, earlier this year.