"Better late than never" is the proverb that 71-year-old Phillip Hamilton seemed to be saying when he proudly strutted to receive his award from Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall.

Mr. Hamilton is this year's recipient of the Governor-General's Achievement Award for the parish of St. Andrew.

The Justice of the Peace and educator of more than 40 years said he was very happy to be recognised.

"I am happy that it has taken place even at this late stage," he said, smiling.

Significant role in Jamaica's education

Mr. Hamilton has played a significant role in the shaping of the education landscape in Jamaica for more than four decades as a headmaster for several schools. He was also an education officer at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture where he had responsibilities for Region 6, which includes the parishes of St. Catherine and Clarendon.

In 1969, he was appointed headmaster of Glengoffe Secondary School in St. Catherine where he upgraded the operation of the institution. In 1976, he became headmaster of Denham Town Secondary School, which earned him the distinction of being described as "an oasis for education" in western Kingston. He subsequently became headmaster of St. Mary High School in 1985.

Equipped with his knowledge of school management and the changing needs of the education sector, Mr. Hamilton was named senior education officer by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture. He was appointed to supervise the operations of schools in Region 6. He was later appointed director of Anglican schools, working out of a church house in Cross Roads.