Intermitted rainfall did not stop the programme scheduled to honour some of St Ann’s unsung heroes, on Heroes’ Day at Lawrence Park, St Ann’s Bay, St Ann.
The Civic Ceremony was put on by the Civic affairs and Community Relations Committee of the St Ann Municipal Corporation on Monday, October 15.
The programme commenced with a parade by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Fire Brigade, Cadet, Pathfinders, Cub Scouts, Brownies and Girl Guides along Windsor Road in the parish capital.
Seven stalwarts were honoured for their excellence and selflessness in the categories of Entrepreneurship, Education, Sports/ Community Development, Disaster Preparedness, Community Service, and Religion/Community Service.
An original dub piece performed by the United Learning Centre’s music group is just one of the items that had the audience rocking in their chairs and clapping. Other items, expressing the diversity of the Jamaican heritage, came from Edna Rodney of the JCDC and the Ray Ban Dance Troupe.
The event, chaired by journalist, Halshane Burke, was held under the Theme, “Celebrating the Good in our Neighbourhood.”
Invocation was done by Pastor Philbert Whynn of the Brown’s Town Lifeline Deliverance Church of God, followed by the Welcome by Mayor Michael Belnavis. Mr Belnavis, spoke of the work and contribution of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes and the commendable contribution by the honorees.
Custos of St Ann, Norma Walters, brought greetings. In doing so Mrs Walters elaborated on the importance of living in unison and keeping the legacy, of Jamaica’s heroes.
Ms Walters also praised the Garden Parish, for giving rise to many of those things and persons, held in high regard, by the nation today. She showed great appreciation to the awardees, for keeping the torch ablaze in St Ann.
Likewise, Councillor Dallas Dickenson, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North East St Ann, Shahine Robinson, displayed his appreciation for the honorees “who have made risks and sacrifices for others.” He also made special commendations to the Municipal Corporation for “not scattering roses on their graves”, but recognizing them while they are alive.
Among those honoured were a former educator, aged 107, Iris Marie Russell and well known sport administrator and news correspondent, Clive Brown. The others were: Roy Cunningham for entrepreneurship; Beverly Skervin-Cannigan, for education; Neville McConnell, disaster preparedness; Hubert Williams, for community service, and Michael Campbell- for religion and community service.
Mr Campbell offered the response on behalf of himself and fellow honorees just before the vote of thanks by Kaydian Harty, public/ community relations officer at the St Ann Municipal Corporation.
