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Jamaicans in UK Honoured for Community Service

October 24, 2003

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Twelve outstanding Jamaicans and community organizations were recently honoured by the Birmingham-based Institute of Jamaican Nationals, for service to Jamaican communities in the United Kingdom (UK).
Heroes awards were presented to Councillor Des Wilson, former Lord Mayor of Nottingham; Ben Cummingham, Manager for the Project Planning and Training Centre; Eunice McGhie-Belgrave, Social Worker; Councillor Whit Stennett, Mayor of Trafford; Travis Johnson, Chairman of the Jamaica Society Leeds; Janet Henry, community activist; Roy Hewitt, social volunteer.
Sir William Morris, former General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union; Harry Goulbourne, Professor of Sociology and Director of Race and Ethnicity Research at the South Bank University Birmingham; Black Business (3B’s); Birmingham Cavillers Cricket Club and Monica Coke from Advantage West Midlands, were recognised with Special Awards.
Lloyd Blake, Secretary of the Institute, told JIS News that the awards recognised outstanding achievement and scholarship among Jamaicans in all sectors. He said the Institute wanted the awards to serve as an inspiration and a motivation for the Jamaican community, while recognising the work of the individuals and organizations that have benefited and brought acclaim to the community.
Michael Blake, Chairman of the Institute, said the 13-year-old organization felt that it had a responsibility to recognise Jamaicans in the UK, who were excelling in all fields, especially education, business and in the sciences.
“Most people are up to date with those who are excelling in music and sports and we wanted people to know of those who are doing well and excelling in all other areas”, he stated. He expressed the hope that the awards would inspire others to achieve and excel.
The Institute of Jamaican Nationals was set up in 1990 to promote educational projects, develop and enhance cultural values, promote social activities within the Jamaican community, support the welfare needs of the community to reduce poverty and neglect within communities and to provide links between Jamaicans in the UK and at home.
One of the Institute’s major projects is to set up a ‘Jamaica House’ headquarters, to provide a one-stop information centre for the community and serve as a day centre for the elderly. It will also provide information technology training and serve as a meeting place for the general community.

Last Updated: October 24, 2003

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