15 Middlesex residents get Governor General awards
Published:Sunday | May 28, 2017 | 12:00 AMOrantes Moore
PORT MARIA, St Mary:
Fifteen patriotic and community-focused citizens from the county of Middlesex were honoured last Thursday at the Anglican Church Hall in Port Maria, St Mary, during a presentation ceremony for the 2017 Governor-General Achievement Awards (GGAA).
The recipients, who hail from the parishes of St Mary, St Ann, St Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester, were each honoured with plaques acknowledging their commitment to service and national development.
During the event, which featured musical tributes from singer Tori Ann Gordon and saxophonist Lutalo Morris, who are both Jamaica Cultural Development 2017 gold medallists, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen urged the 150-strong audience to be inspired by the work the recipients had done.
BEACONS OF HOPE
He said: "Ladies and gentleman, the selfless acts of volunteerism and outstanding educational attainment of the GGAA recipients speak to the gains to be had when our objectives and actions are from a pure heart. These awardees have used their God-given talents to give back and help others. They have become beacons of hope in many communities.
"This year's GGAA theme, 'Inspiring and Energising Communities to Serve', is one that connotes action. It is a clear signal that as we cross this significant epoch of the programme, prospective awardees will have to renew their commitment and duty of care to our fellow man," said Sir Patrick.
He added: "Volunteering is a rewarding exercise. Through this act, it is my hope that others will replicate your example to energise their communities. Volunteerism builds individual character, encourages good citizenship and provides the opportunity to gain new skills and talent. It is also pivotal in establishing values (and it) promotes trust and reciprocity.
"As an extended Jamaican family, we must take the necessary action, re-evaluate ourselves and strive to embark on activities that will strengthen and energise our values. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."