Recipients of CD ‘Honoured’ to Be Recognised

“Honoured.”

That was the common refrain on the lips of Jamaicans conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) this year, during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, held on the lawns of King’s House on Monday (October 16).

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Colette Roberts Risden, who was among the 27 recipients, told JIS News that the recognition was “truly an honour.”

She was awarded for outstanding contribution to the Public Service.

“It feels very good. I’m happy, I’m excited to be recognised for all the work that I’ve done in the public service, and especially in the field of social security,” she said with a smile.

Mrs. Roberts Risden told JIS News that her father was most excited and overjoyed about the national honour.

“[He had] mixed feelings because my mother passed two years ago; but he was extremely happy for me. I dedicate this award to my family and my staff, without whom this would not have been possible,” she said.

President of The Mico University College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock, similarly said he was honoured to receive the CD for his contribution to the field of academia.

He noted that as a public servant, he does not work for accolades; but when he receives them, he is “very appreciative”.

Dr. Pinnock recalled that his family was elated and immensely proud when they learned that he would be conferred with a national honour.

“Of all the persons along my journey, from birth until now, I must single out my parents and, of course, the Almighty God. I grew up with my parents and my grandmother; and so Miss Edna and Mommy Liz and Daddy Grange, I dedicate this to you,” he said.

Dr. Pinnock considers being Principal of Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College and President of The Mico University College, as chief among his top achievements.

“My personal achievements are my academic work. My masters and my doctoral degrees are also very important,” said Dr. Pinnock, who has headed The Mico for the last eight years.

Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of business process outsourcing (BPO) enterprise, itel, Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, who was hailed for his contribution to Jamaica’s BPO sector, told JIS News that the CD is “a true honour”.

Jamaica has the largest BPO market in the region, covering telecommunications, banking, insurance, healthcare, finance and accounting, gaming, and tech support.

“Watching the Business Process Outsourcing industry grow from 12,000 jobs when we started the business in 2012 to over 60,000 today, to be a main part of that, not only as an employer, but as one that started the industry association, to effectively be bestowed this honour by your nation is truly humbling,” he said.

It is estimated that the BPO sector contributes approximately $136 billion to the Jamaican economy annually, equivalent to about six per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Meanwhile, Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Vivene Harris, shared that she was very honoured and humbled by the recognition.

“It is indeed a great honour for your country to recognise you and the service you have given to it,” she said.