The Governor General’s Achievement Award Scheme celebrated its second year on October 27, 1993 at a heartfelt ceremony at Vale Royal, where 14 exemplary Jamaicans received commemorative pins recognizing their significant contributions to community and national life. Governor General Sir Howard Cooke praised these individuals for their selfless commitment and positive impact, emphasizing that Jamaica is rich with unsung heroes deserving of recognition.
Published Thursday, October, 28, 1993
GG Award winners hailed
THE second year of the Governor General’s Achievement Award Scheme climaxed
Wednesday, October 27 with a ceremony held at Vale Royal where the island’s 14 recipients were presented with commemorative pins.
The Scheme’s patron, Governor General Sir Howard Cooke, lauded the awardees while observing that the nation was blessed with people of merit who, though not in the limelight, were making distinguished contributions to community and national life.
Sir Howard said he felt ‘honoured and privileged’ to know that Jamaica was blessed with many persons of goodwill and merit who were committed to making the country a better place.
It was the first time that all the 1993 awardees were assembled in one place and thus it was an opportunity for all the winners to meet with each other.
The Award is sponsored by the Building Societies Association of Jamaica and The Gleaner Company. It is given to Jamaicans who have displayed outstanding citizenship and who have never before received a national honour.
The pins presented are engraved with the Scheme’s logo. Those receiving the commemorative pins were: Derrick Scott, of Trelawny; Doris Channer-Watson, of St. James; Enid Veronica Gonsalves, of Hanover; Rev. Enoch Blythe, of Westmoreland; Locksley Beadle of St. Elizabeth; Selvin George Stewart of St. Mary; Brenton Levene, of St. Ann; Leonard Burton, of Manchester; Marcia Mills-Forbes of Clarendon; Rev. Cedrick Lue, of St. Catherine; William Munroe of Portland; Evelyn Saunders of St. Thomas; Oscar Shim, of Kingston; and Veronica Carnegie of St. Andrew.
The awardees were chosen by a committee set up in each parish. Regional awards ceremonies were held earlier this year where the honourees were read a citation and presented with a plaque.
Among those present were the Custodes: Royland Barrett of Trelawny; William Craig of St. James; Percival Miller of Hanover; James Thompson of Westmoreland; Sydney Phillips of St. Mary; Dr. Osmond Tomlinson of St. Ann; James deRoux of Clarendon; Gladstone Lewars of St. Catherine; Conrad Turnbull of Portland; Isaac Matalon of St. Thomas; Rev. Canon Weeville Gordon of Kingston; Rev. Carmen Stewart of St. Andrew.
Custodes Malcolm Spencer Hendriks, St. Elizabeth and William Coke of Manchester were absent. Mr. Coke was represented by Venerable Archdeacon Walter O’Meally.
Speaking for the sponsors were Sonia Jones, a director at The Gleaner, and Joe Bailey, general manager of the BSAJ. Both pledged continued support for the Scheme while lauding the awardees on their achievements.
The Carifolk Singers provided musical entertainment.
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