Yvonne Malabver, who has been blind since 2003, is being congratulated for serving the teaching profession for 35 years by Hopeton Henry, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association at yesterday's Golden Torch award ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. - photo by Shelly-Ann Thompson

Diabetes took Yvonne Malabver's sight in December 2003. Still, with no sight, Ms. Malabver, a mathematics teacher, remained in the classroom for another five months before going on early retirement in 2004.

The former Spanish Town High School senior teacher, along with 273 other educators across the country, were yesterday honoured with a Golden Torch award at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston.

The award, established by the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) in 1991, salutes teachers who have given 35 years or more of service to the profession.

Teachers are valued by society

Ms. Malabver, who taught for 35 years, said the award was further proof that teachers are valued by society.

"It feels like my labour was not in vain," said Ms. Malabver, who hopes to return to the classroom as a computer studies instructor.

Among the list of honorees were notable educators such as Hopeton Henry, president of the JTA, having served for 38 years; and Clement Radcliffe, principal of Glenmuir High School and past president of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association, for 36 years of service to the profession.

Mr. Henry said the honorees were the country's finest within the education sector.

"(They are) those who have been through the crucible and come out the best in terms of qualifications, experience and practice," Mr. Henry said.

The function, coloured with songs and poems by students from Calabar Primary and Junior High, and St. Peter Claver Primary schools in the Corporate Area, was sponsored by West Indies Alumina Company.

The honorees each received a plaque.