UDC Janitor Recognised for 42 Years of Faithful Service

Lennon Carl Henry is the epitome of the Jamaican spirit.

His hard work, dedication to family, resilience and determination to rise above challenges, has earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues at the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), where he has worked for 42 years.

On Monday (Oct. 16), Mr. Henry will be conferred with the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service at the National Honours and Award Ceremony at King’s House.

The honour is bestowed on persons who have rendered long and valuable service worthy of special recognition.

Not reluctant to share the struggles of his journey, the St. Ann native, who is employed at the UDC-owned Ocean Village Shopping Centre in Ocho Rios as a janitor, tells JIS News that he started working at the entity at the age of 17 to help his family.

He also assisted on the family farm located at Rocky Hill in Colgate, as well as doing odd jobs to bring money into the home.

Mr. Henry, who is the seventh of 11 children, tells JIS News that times were difficult for his family and he had to take on the responsibility, which cut his education short.

“I had to…help myself and to take some of the pressure off my family,” he points out.

“I didn’t get much education. I only did a couple of years at primary school because I had to help out, doing whatever work I could. I had to stop from school sometimes because it was really hard, so, I tried to go out early to work to try to help both myself and help my family,” Mr. Henry notes.

His parents passed away several years ago, and some of his siblings are based in Jamaica while others have migrated overseas.

After four decades at the UDC, Mr. Henry’s passion for his job continues to be his inspiration to give his best every day.

His duties entail keeping the building and grounds clean and helping with general maintenance and repairs.

A devoted father of three, Mr. Henry has instilled the value of education and hard work in his children.

“I know the value of education and I tried to teach my children that education and hard work is important,” he says.

Mr. Henry tells JIS News that he is honoured by the national award.

He commends the Government for recognising people across all classes for their contributions to the public service, no matter how small.

“For a long time, I have put a lot of energy into my job. To be given a long service award is an honour, and I accept this award with gratitude. To know that the government recognises me for my dedicated work, it really is an honour,” he says.

Mr. Henry is one of 126 people selected this year for recognition for their outstanding contributions to national development through service in various fields.

The National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on the 18th of July 1969, made it possible for the nation to recognise those who, by their service and contribution, have had a meaningful and significant impact on national life.