Jeffrey McKitty (left) accepts from Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall his award for the parish of St. Mary, at a function at the Runaway Bay HEART Academy, for recipients for the county of Middlesex. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Actively involved in every aspect of community service
Growing up in a humble and caring family, Jeffrey Lorenzo McKitty, along with his four brothers and five sisters, was taught the importance and value of a good education. This motivated him to gain admission to Mico College. An active participant in sports, Jeff McKitty represented Mico in cricket, track and field, and football.
Mr. McKitty, who was born on November 11, 1943 in Westmore-land, began his working career as a teacher, then moved into the hotel industry where he has worked unstintingly as a hotelier for 35 years, with 25 years at the level of a general manager. He is loved and respected by his staff who express pride at having him as the general manager of Beaches Boscobel Resort and Country Club.
A dedicated family man, he declared that his successes came because of the support from his wife, Yvonne, and his two daughters. One daughter is now a medical doctor in the United States and the other, a special education specialist of students identified with autism.
While living in St. Mary, he has been actively involved in every aspect of community service. Jeffrey McKitty has served as chair of the St. Mary Heritage Company Limited, the St. Mary Attractions and Tours Company, the Parish Library and the Oracabessa High School. While serving as chairman of the Orcabessa High School board he helped to establish links to develop a new library and a fully furnished and equipped computer lab.
Founder of fathering programme
An active member of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, he was instrumental in soliciting sponsorship from the Sandals group to host the St. Mary Agri-Expo, which promotes links between agriculture and tourism. In addition, he is also the founder of a fathering programme, which assists boys from single-parent homes.
The programme includes selecting male staff members of the Boscobel Resort to mentor these young boys. He was also instrumental in establishing a golden age men's group to which he supplied medication and food, and hosted treats for the members.
Jeff McKitty has also contributed to the welfare and development of many groups in his adopted parish. He established a youth programme at Jack's River, where he supplied books and paid the tuition of several students. In addition, he adopted the Mason Hall Primary School where he built sanitary facilities for the students, and the Boscobel Basic and Primary Schools, where he established a school feeding programme. He was also instrumental in building a computer lab at Boscobel Primary School.
A justice of the peace and an active supporter of the Port Maria Football Club and The St. Mary Cricket Association, Mr. McKitty is respected and seen as someone who deserves to be honoured. He has also initiated community/police links in all the police stations in the parish of St. Mary.
For his invaluable contribution and outstanding service to community development, Jeffrey Lorenzo McKitty is the 2006 St. Mary recipient of the Governor-General's Achievement Award.
