Jamaicans Honoured in Chicago

Ten Jamaicans residing in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States, were honoured on February 21, for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican community, by the Jamaican Consulate in that city, at its annual awards banquet, held at the Chateau Del Mar Country Club, in Hickory Hills.
Those receiving the service awards were: Donald A. Pettis, Snr., Lester B. Phillips, Elfreda Sproul, Dr. Clement Rose; Attorney-at-law, Lester L. Barclay, Dr. Wayne Blake, Dr. Winston Burke, Ronald B. Lewis, Dr. Dwight E. McLeod and Jean Martin. They were honoured for serving in various fields, including philanthropy, law, medicine, entertainment, and community leadership and service.
The awards were presented by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Anthony Johnson, who also delivered the keynote address.
Ambassador Johnson lauded the awardees for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican community in Chicago, and for assisting in various projects in Jamaica. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica, I want to commend you for giving back to your adopted home, Chicago, and the land of your birth, Jamaica. We owe you all a debt of gratitude,” he said.
The Ambassador paid tribute to Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Chicago, Lloyd Hyde, for serving the Jamaican community in the city of Chicago for approximately 19 years and for organising the awards banquet for over 25 years. Mr. Johnson praised him for serving his countrymen living in Chicago with distinction and for representing his country with honour.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Air Jamaica co-sponsored the awards gala, which included a reception, an auction, and performances by the West Indies Dance Company. The more than 300 patrons danced to the music of the Indika Reggae Band.