St. Elizabeth’s Jeremy Palmer Gets National Honour for Service to Parish and Country

At age 16, when he joined the 4-H movement, Jeremy Palmer never thought that his life journey would have seen him contributing to his parish and country in various capacities, which has earned him national recognition.

On National Heroes Day, Monday (Oct. 21), the lawyer, teacher, former politician and mayor will be conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for five decades of service to his beloved parish of St. Elizabeth and the country.

Mr. Palmer, who still serves as Chairman of the St. Elizabeth 4-H Clubs’ Advisory Committee, believes that the organisation had a profound impact on his life.

It was through the 4-H movement that he developed the deep love for country that shaped his career paths and commitment to service.

Mr. Palmer, who became President of the Ballards Valley 4-H Club and was later elevated to national president, says that the organisation is a “hidden gem” as, in addition to emphasising youth in agriculture, “it is a major institution in teaching young people to love and appreciate their country.”

“A lot of what I got about my appreciation for Jamaica came out of the 4-H. It has shaped me to appreciate what Jamaica has to offer. We emphasise citizenship… how to be fair and balanced and ensuring that all sides are heard, even when the person conducting a meeting might have opposing positions, Mr. Palmer says, noting that as a Christian, he is also guided by his faith.

His love for his country and its people took him into the teaching profession.

“It is … about what we could do to make people’s lives better and uplift our country and education is that road to take masses of our people out of poverty,” he says.

He notes that with a good education, persons can work anywhere in the world and “many of our citizens have done so and they shine.”

“Because of the quality of the education that we produce in this country, it has helped a lot of people to find their way in life,” the Mico University College graduate adds.

“It was teachers who pushed me in my educational achievements and that is where I came into contact with the 4-H Club and with other social groups,” he says, while praising the achievements of the newer high schools.

Mr. Palmer’s patriotism directed his path in teaching, taking him to the then Bowden Hill All-age School in St. Andrew West Rural, which was facing challenges.

Mr. Palmer volunteered to lead the institution, which was on the verge of closure, as the hilly terrain made it difficult to attract teachers and students.

Under his leadership as principal, the institution thrived and remains open today.

Mr. Palmer has also served his parish as a lawyer, and former Mayor of Black River.

He is chairman of one of two Land Adjudication Committees in St. Elizabeth, where his services are provided free of cost. “In law, I am passionate about ensuring that families can access land titles,” he tells JIS News.

The national honouree wants to see more people of goodwill, and those who have benefited from the education system, returning to their communities and providing leadership and guidance to the youth.

Mr. Palmer served as Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Eastern from 1983-1989.

He was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Officer class, in 2016, and has been recognised by the St. Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation, and the 4-H movement for his service.

Mr. Palmer has also received the Mico University College Alumni Association’s Gold Medal Award, which is given biennially to outstanding past students of the institution.