Three Receive GG’s Jamaica Diaspora Award of Excellence

MONTEGO BAY – Three nationals living overseas have been honoured with the Governor-General’s Jamaica Diaspora Award of Excellence, and inducted into the Governor-General’s Diaspora Hall of Fame.

They are Jamaica’s Honorary Consul General to Atlanta, Georgia, Vin Martin; Accountant and Business Consultant from the United Kingdom (UK), Howard Francis; and teacher from Canada, Dudley Morgan.

Governor-General, His Excellency The Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, made the presentations at an award luncheon held as part of the just concluded 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.

Glowing citations were paid to the honourees, with citations read extolling their contributions to the development of their country and local communities.

In his address, the Governor-General lauded the awardees and the wider Diaspora for continuing to lend their intellect and experience to the crafting of strategies to grow Jamaica, through the biennial Diaspora conference.

“Indeed, you are here demonstrating your concerns for our beloved homeland, and your determination to be part of the solution to propel us towards a brighter future,” he stated.

He added that “we ramp-up the Diaspora-Homeland partnership, we are acutely aware that, not only is its success good for the development of Jamaica, but it is also good  for the profile of the country.”

He noted that the way Jamaica is perceived internationally also impacts on the life of nationals in the Diaspora, and how they are stereotyped in every field of endeavour.

The Governor-General, in the meantime, invited support for his ‘I believe Initiative’ which seeks to effect change across Jamaica. The aim is to inspire Jamaicans to believe in their potential and to continue building a peaceful nation.

He informed that a partnership has been established with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), which will allow for contributions to be tax deductable for Americans, as long as it is done through the AFJ.

Mr. Martin, who replied on behalf of the award recipients, said the honour will provide greater encouragement for them to continue pursuing their mission for the good of Jamaica.

“Motivated by love of our country and commitment to charity, we have come to recognize that volunteerism is not an option, it is a responsibility; a responsibility that has given us innumerable opportunities to experience real happiness through unconditional love and service to others,” he stated.

CONTACT: BRYAN MILLER
JIS REGIONAL OFFICE
MONTEGO BAY