Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Awards Launched

KINGSTON — The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) on August 16 launched its Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Awards, which will honour nationals, 50 years and older, who have contributed to the growth and development of the country.

The awards ceremony, which will be held in commemoration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence, is scheduled to take place on February 8, 2012 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston.

In a message read by Public Relations Officer at King's House, Maxine Francis, at the launch held at the New Kingston-based hotel, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, welcomed the initiative, noting that it is important to acknowledge, recognise and honour those citizens, who have played such an active role in Jamaica’s progress.

“Our seniors and retired persons are the treasures of this country and they deserve recognition for their efforts, time and hard work that have so benefited Jamaica. They are a part of what is right with Jamaica. They must be valued always for their experience, wealth of knowledge, skills and the wisdom that can only come from a life well-lived and lived very long,” he stated.

Honorary Board member of the CCRP, Hon. Prof. Sir Kenneth Hall, noted that Jamaica’s development and success both locally and internationally could not have been possible “without the many…individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty and have made personal sacrifices in advancing the welfare of the country”.

Chairman of the organisation, Lascelles Chin, for his part, said he wholeheartedly endorsed the move to "honour our well-deserving citizens, who have greatly contributed to the development of this country”, noting that the LASCO Affiliated Companies will continue to support the activities of the CCRP.

Nominations for the Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Awards open from August 16 to October 14 and forms will be available at the CCRP's website at: www.ccrponline.org and at the organisation's head office at 6 Kingsway.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CCRP, Jean Lowrie-Chin, informed that only members of the organisation can submit nominations, but anyone who fits the criteria can be nominated. A total of 10 persons will be chosen from the group of nominees.

To be eligible, the nominee must be living, 50 years or older, and should be an innovator in a particular field or an initiator of a programme or prime mover of legislation of profound importance. The nominee should have gone beyond the call of duty and/or displayed exemplary service and dedication to a cause.

Formed in January 2009, the CCRP is a non-profit membership organisation for persons 50 and over, retired or preparing for retirement. It is the first comprehensive organisation for retired persons in the Caribbean.

Headquartered in Jamaica, CCRP is working to establish links in other CARICOM countries and in the Diaspora. The entity will also seek to align itself with similar organisations worldwide.

By ALECIA SMITH, JIS Reporter