I Believe says bye to David Lawrence

In an impressive show of gratitude, members of the St James arm of the 'I Believe Initiative' (IBI) said a reluctant goodbyes to one of its outstanding stalwarts, Ambassador David Lawrence, in a colourful ceremony at the Montego Bay Yacht Club last week.

Ambassador Lawrence, who will be migrating to the United States shortly, was unaware of the event, clearly taken by surprise as he soaked up the accolades.

Among those present for the ceremony was St James' Custos Ewen Corrodus, who represented Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. The governor general had launched the 'I Believe Initiative' in 2011.

Corrodus, who noted that Lawrence had undertaken a tremendous task since his induction two years ago, urged him to continue to serve in whatever way he could, despite the fact that he will be away in the United States.

"He can get a group over there (USA) and become an ambassador-at-large, working for Jamaica, and donating what he can. So even though he will no longer be here, he will still be helping in a tangible way," Corrodus said.

PROMISED RETURN

Expressing gratitude to his fellow IBI ambassadors, Lawrence said he has every intention of coming back to help his home country.

"This programme seeks to enlist persons who are conscious of the ills of this country and are willing to do something about it," said Lawrence, operations manager and assistant general manager at the Montego Bay's Holiday Inn Resort.

According to Lawrence, since joining the initiative, he has taken part in a series of development projects geared towards youths, their families and the wider community.

"We've had some projects at schools, where we've targeted troubled children by bringing in a number of speakers, including judges, to impart knowledge to them, to tell them that even if they find themselves in certain situations they are not an outcast," said Lawrence.

Lawrence also spearheaded back-to-school treats in several communities, using his own personal resources alongside assistance from fellow ambassadors.

"I would want to tell every single one of them (fellow ambassadors) that they are nation builders. They are doing an excellent job and should not relent in anyway," said Lawrence.

The I Believe Initiative (IBI) was launched with a mandate to motivate and inspire young people to believe in themselves and their potential and to give service to their country. Its mantra i: 'There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica'.