In recognition of personal excellence and community spirit in the county of Cornwall, 15 stalwarts were honoured with the Governor General's Achievement Award, earlier this month, at the Negril Golf Club in Westmoreland. The group comprised five seniors and 10 youth recipients, whose lives showcase individuals, who have risen against the odds and were not only satisfied with their personal achievements, but decided to contribute to the well-being and development of others around them as well.
Today, we present the awardees for Westmoreland.
Melissa Stoddart
Melissa Stoddart (centre), receives her Governor General's Youth Award for Excellence from Governor General, Sir Kenneth Hall.
Having faced much tribulation, 21-year-old Melissa Stoddart, a recipient of the award for youth, said her biggest challenge has been the absence of her parents in her life.
"The whole aspect of the psychological development of knowing that you are loved by parents, or cared for, was totally absent from my life, and I feel that it is really important that persons participate in extra-curricular activities in school, because that has really been my source of strength and it has been what has kept me on the positive track," Stoddart said.
Enthusiastic
This enthusiastic philanthropist not only participates in peer development, outreach and volunteerism, but has represented Jamaica as a youth ambassador, joining forces with the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Council.
Stoddart said being named a recipient of the prestigious Governor General's Achievement Award is akin to attaining another milestone and she plans to use it as another way to reach young people.
Derron Lewis
Derron Lewis (centre), receives the Governor General's Award for Excellence from Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall at a presentation function, held at the Negril Hills Golf Club in Westmoreland on September 10. Looking on, at left, is Custos of Westmoreland, Dossell Owen Sinclair. Lewis, along with other young persons from the county of Cornwall, and five adults, were presented with awards for their contribution towards nation building. - Photos by Noel Thompson
The second recipient of the award for youth is Derron Lewis, who has contributed much of his time to volunteerism in his community.
The 35-year-old, who has been doing voluntary work since Hurricane Gilbert, says he feels it is "extremely important for youths to be involved in helping to develop their communities".
At present, Lewis donates his time to various charities. He is a member of the Westmoreland Corporate Credit Union, where he is one of the representatives for the delinquent committee and is on the board of directors. He has represented the organisation, both nationally and internationally, at the Jamaican conference of Credit Union, and his environmental services led him to Stine Valley, Canada.
He has also done voluntary service for the National Family Planning Board and Association for the Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Life issues
Lewis is in discussion with the Savanna-la-Mar Infant School, to discuss life issues with students, as he feels that youths must be taught from an early age.
"I was very ecstatic when I heard that I was going to be a recipient, I always give because that has always been in me, but I never expect to receive."
Caswell Dawes
Caswell Alexander Dawes (centre), receives his Governor General's Achievement Award from Governor General, Sir Kenneth Hall, while Custos of Westmoreland, Dossell Owen Sinclair, looks on.
"Because I've received so much help, it is beyond human for me not to try to help others, asserts Caswell Dawes, senior recipient of the award.
Involved in a number of outreach and community activities, Dawes walks his talk. Just this summer, he was part of a programme, Reaching Inner-City Students through Education (RISE), to assist slow learners in grade five, and assist them in their preparation for the Grade Six Achievement Test.
He is the treasurer of the Laura Daley Memorial Basic School, Llandilo board Scheme Christmas Fund, and the El Paso Community Dalling Street Project, and has assisted in community projects at Petersfield Primary School and Savanna-la-Mar hospital in Westmoreland. A lover of football, he is also the main sponsor of the El Paso football team and is a contributor to the Harmony Town football team.
Incentives
Speaking of the RISE programme, which provided students with lunch and gave them incentives to attend summer school, Dawes said: "Even if I see one out of those 60 students, who turned up, realise their dreams, just like I realised mine, it would be positive for me. That's where I get my enjoyment."
Dawes, who is the branch manager of Scotiabank Savanna-La-Mar, said he has received much help through way of guidance and mentoring.
"Because of what I have achieved, it is only fair, if I am to get the blessing of the Lord, that I help the less fortunate."
