PORT MARIA, St Mary:
ST. MARY honoured only four of its local heroes at a National Heroes Day celebration on Monday in the Claude Stuart Park, Port Maria.
The four parish recipients were Gwendolyn Robinson, Cyril Knight, Althea Hamilton and Cleve Nichols, who represented a record low for the parish which is accustomed to honouring up to 10 persons at these functions, annually.
Citations presented lauded them for their achievements, and they were recognised for dedicated service to the parish and the nation as a whole.
Credit for service in the field of education and community development went to Mrs. Hamilton, currently the principal of Clonmel Primary and Junior High School. The school surged to prominence, gaining first place in areas of 4-H, school environment activities and sports. The Marcus Garvey award for excellence in the dance sector of the Jamaica Cultural Development's Festival of Arts was awarded to the school in 2001.
A long listing of Mrs. Hamilton's community involvement and awards were highlighted showing her willingness to share as well as her commitment.
Miss Robinson was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the community in the field of social work. She was referred to as a flame of light in her community giving special service to the most vulnerable (the young and the elderly). She is presently the acting manager of the local office of the Ministry of Social Security and Welfare. Miss Robinson started out as a clerk/typist and has served the ministry for 37 years rising through the ranks to the top post.
Displaying the highest level of accountability in all areas of her life, she has earned respect for being straightforward and producing quality work. Miss Robinson has been involved with the Red Cross for 23 years and now serves as chairman of the health and welfare committee of disaster preparedness.
The honour bestowed on Mr. Knight was in the field of social services. A retired director of security in the Correctional Services, he is involved in various activities, including lecturer at the Carl Rattray College and presenter at the regional conference on rehabilitation in Barbados, lecturer in first aid at St. John's Ambulance Brigade and chairman of the St. Mary Red Cross.
Mr. Nichols' contribution to community development and his country were revealed in a long list of his involvement for which he was honoured by the citizens of the parish.
Senior justice of the peace, Vincent Mason, who deputised for Custos A.A. Pottinger called for a united people to build back the parish to its former glory, bring back dignity and a sense of recommitment, just as the heroes did in the fight for their country.
Newly elected representative for Central St. Mary, Morais Guy, brought greetings. Tributes to the national heroes were presented by students and teachers of various schools. A march past of uniformed groups ended the mornings proceedings. The salute was taken by Mr. Mason.
