From left, Jason Jackson, Timar Jackson and Jodie-Ann Marshall

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

THE OVER 30 students who gathered at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel yesterday may have been the focus of the Governor-General's youth consultative breakfast, but it was their inspirational stories of single-parent resilience that moved a captivated audience.

As it has done since its inception earlier this year, the function gave some of Jamaica's youth leaders an opportunity to give their views on problems facing their country, as well as possible solutions.

Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall and ICWI's Dennis Lalor, who was the moderator, heard high school and tertiary-level students speak on issues from drug abuse among youth to the effects of growing up in single parent homes.

Tearful tribute

Nothing, however, tugged at the heart strings as the stories of determined parents who paved the way for their success to date.

Stories like that of 17-year-old Jodie-Ann Marshall. The Immaculate Conception High School sixth former gave a tearful tribute to her mother who raised her and a younger sister after her father's death when she was three years old.

"In excellence, Mummy has come a far way and she instilled in me from early that 'you need to go further'," she said.

Then there was Timar Jackson, former head boy at Vauxhall High School. He, three older brothers and a younger sister were raised by their mother, a bus conductress, in the community of Bull Bay, St. Andrew.

"I went to Vauxhall which many people consider a substandard high school," said 17-year-old Timar. "That motivated me to work even harder, and it makes me proud that I can stand here today as a former head boy who has achieved my subjects (nine CXCs) from a school that has been stigmatised as substandard."

Like Jodie-Ann and Timar, Calabar High School head boy Jason Jackson said he was also inspired by a determined mother. He said his formative years were spent in a one-bedroom home in Spanish Town with three brothers and five sisters.

"It is out of gratitude to the sacrifice of my mother that I want to contribute and succeed," the 18-year-old said. "My mother has never had it financially, but we should never focus on what others have, because I got love in abundance and that is more important."

Professor Hall, an educator for over 40 years before assuming the office of Governor-General early this year, said that in a country where crime consistently grabs headlines, it is important for media to highlight positive youth achievements.

Greetings came from Cannon Weeville Gordon, Custos of Kingston, while the Custos of St. Andrew, Bishop Carmen Stewart said prayer. The function was chaired by Hugh Morris, the national coordinator for the Governor-General's Achievement Award Scheme.

ACHIEVERS