Elated, humbled and blessed

A Medal of Honour for Gallantry awarded posthumously to Constable Ricardo Fairclough has come as a “pleasant surprise” to the slain policeman’s family members who say the last four months have been heavy with grief.

Constable Fairclough was shot after challenging a gunman who had shot and injured a vendor in St Ann on April 15.

He later succumbed to his injuries at hospital.

Yesterday, he was named among 150 Jamaicans being bestowed with national awards in celebration of Jamaica’s 62nd anniversary of Independence.

The award has lifted the spirits of Fairclough’s family, who said there have been dark days since his killing that shocked the south Trelawny community of Litchfield.

“We are very elated. I know that the cause of death is not the best of things but I am very happy to know that the Government recognised him for his bravery,” Vintlyn Fairclough, the older sister of Constable Fairclough, told The Gleaner yesterday.

“I know that a lot of persons would not have done what he did and given up their lives. I’ve spoken to a lot of persons and they’ve said they would not have even intervened because they’re off duty. What he has done is a true characteristic of being a hero. So, we are very happy for this,” an emotional Fairclough added.

Constable Fairclough’s brother, Wayne, called his bravery “Christlike” noting that it was reflective of how he had always lived in service of others.

“Him lose him life but we proud of him and glad that him get this. It’s not easy; we still have the memories but little by little. You know…,” his brother said.

And much like the family, news of national awards came as a surprise to several other outstanding Jamaicans whose service to the country in their respective fields has been recognised.

For Dr Claire Grant, deputy CEO of broadcast services and content (group) at the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, joining the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer is “humbling”.

Grant has been honoured with membership in recognition of her service in the fields of journalism, media and communications, having been a media professional with more than three decades of industry experience across print, television, and radio, among other areas.

She also serves as the chair of the board of directors of the Barbados-based Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

“It’s certainly nice to know that what you do is appreciated at such a high level. It’s very humbling and it really kind of puts into perspective your life’s work and the fact that it has obviously had an impact and in enough of a way that you could get a national honour,” Grant said.

DECADES OF CONTRIBUTING

That feeling cuts across the board among awardees, most of whom have spent decades contributing to the development of their respective fields.

Since 1985, Courtney Campbell has been contributing to Jamaica’s financial sector. For that, the president and CEO of VM Group is being honoured with membership in the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander.

“It’s always good to be recognised, though we don’t do the work for recognition. I do the work that I’ve done because I’m passionately committed to purpose. To try to uplift my fellow man as captured in our national pledge,” Campbell noted.

“God has so blessed me with my family and a team at VM that shares that commitment. I regard this as the grace of God,” he added.

For more than a decade and religiously, Reverend Gary Harriott has prayed with the nation at midday.

Beyond that, he has for more than three decades served in the fields of religion, ecumenism and social advocacy.

Now, like Campbell, he joins the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander.

He said he had never stopped to think of a day he would be awarded for service he had given freely.

“Now that the acknowledgement is offered and the congratulations are coming from various persons, it really makes you feel appreciated for the work that you do, even though that has not been your motivation.

“You serve because you believe that it is contributing to the development of society. That is what continues to inspire me in my work and service,” Harriott said.

The awards, which take effect on Independence Day annually, are appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister.

Yesterday, former banker Minna Israel declared that it was “truly a happy Independence Day”, having learned of her national award.

Israel, who now serves as special adviser to the vice chancellor on resource development at The University of the West Indies, joins the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for services to the banking sector, educational development and for public service.

Israel told The Gleaner that she is overwhelmed with gratitude.

“This award and endorsement mean the world to me, and I am so honoured to be recognised for my efforts and contributions in the various aspects of my professional journey, including serving my country in various roles when called on to do so,” she said.

kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com