Philanthropic Pharmacist to Receive OD on October 19

Filling a prescription for a customer may provide relief from an ailment but for Michael George Jones, pharmacist and owner of J&J Pharmacy Limited, service to others extends beyond the medicine dispensed at his pharmacy.

Through years of helping individuals and supporting community initiatives, Mr. Jones has made a lasting impact on the lives of others, with contributions spanning education, community development and individual assistance, reflecting his commitment to helping people, especially through difficult circumstances.

These acts have earned him the Order of Distinction (OD) award in the rank of Officer for philanthropy, which will be conferred at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony, scheduled for King’s House, in Kingston, on October 19.

For Mr. Jones, the recognition that accompanies a national honour was not the reason for his generosity. Helping others is a responsibility that he and his wife, Mrs. Berthlyn Jones, proudly carry.

“I never really thought of getting back something because I give something,” he said. “I am from a humble beginning, and because of that, I realise persons have needs, and, therefore, you try to satisfy some of those needs,” he said in an interview with JIS News.

When Lenroy Smith, a member of the disabled community, approached Mr. Jones for assistance several years ago, he was struggling to secure employment and support himself, because of his disability.

Mr. Jones’ support exceeded what Mr. Smith expected. Not only did he provide a stipend, but he also helped Mr. Smith’s mother, who was ill at the time.

“The feeling which I got at the time and still have is that Jehovah has been the one who has provided this help through his inspiration of Mr. Jones’ kindness,” Mr. Smith told JIS News.

The gesture left a lasting impression on Mr. Smith, who explained that Mr. Jones understands the “plight of the less fortunate and will assist without hesitation”.

Mr. Jones’ philanthropy has also extended to initiatives benefiting students across Western Jamaica.

Head of Commercial Business Development and Marketing at the MBJ Airport Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt, recalled his encouragement and commitment to the MBJ Charity Run/Walk.

When the event faced uncertainty amid the challenges confronting Western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, Mr. Jones encouraged Ms. Hislop-Holt to proceed with the initiative, while committing to increase his support.

“He said, ‘You know, if everybody is building back, it means that there’s an even greater need for the students, and so it’s something you should push to do’,” she recalled.

“I asked Mr. Jones if his company was in a position to join us again, and Mr. Jones’ response was ‘absolutely’,” she added.

She said his contribution reflected a commitment to assisting his parish, St. James, even during a difficult period when many businesses were recovering.

Ms. Hislop-Holt congratulated him on receiving the honour, noting that he embodies warmth, respect and kindness for others.

“I can say he’s deserving of this national honour because of the person he is and the work that he does,” she said.

His concern for others is also reflected in his relationship with employees at J&J Pharmacy.

Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Mr. Jones assisted employees facing challenges in restoring aspects of their lives.

The values underpinning his generosity can be traced to his upbringing and the example set by his mother, who demonstrated similar concern for others when they lived in Chesterfield, St. James.

As a teenager, Mr. Jones observed her sharing with members of their community and with friends during his high-school years.

Those experiences helped shape his approach to giving and caring for others, even through simple gestures of appreciation when he bakes fruit cakes for his employees and those at the Bank of Nova Scotia and the National Commercial Bank during the Christmas season.

Mr. Jones said that learning of the national recognition was a surprising and humbling experience, one that he first shared with his wife, who has been a part of the journey since the beginning of J & J Pharmacy Limited by offering homework help to students.

Looking ahead, Mr. Jones hopes to extend his support even more.

“I want to do more, in terms of setting up a Foundation. I have been trying to do this for years, not being successful yet – a Foundation which will allow me to do or to give in a more structured way,” he added.