Fifteen awarded for excellence, community spirit in St James

In recognition of personal excellence and community spirit in the county of Cornwall, 15 people 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 St James and Trelawny. See E5. for the awardees for St Elizabeth.

EUGENNIE MINTO

Eugennie Minto (centre), receives her Governor General's Achievement Award 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 Acting Custos of St James, Larklin Hall.

Raised by a single mother, under impoverished circumstances, Eugennie Minto has risen against the odds, and catapulted to the pinnacle of success. Her life has been a testament to countless others.

She is a recipient of the Governor General's Achievement Award for St James.

Selling in the market on weekends, Minto quickly became an astute businesswoman, opening a number of businesses. Perhaps her most remarkable achievement was the establishment of Hotel Gloriana, a small hotel, which has gained international prominence. The story of her life was made into an autobiography and later portrayed on film.

"Because I come from a humble beginning, and was able to come out on top, and see all my dreams come true, I would like to impress upon people that don't have hopes, that there is hope out there for them," said Minto.

She says she tries to reach out to anyone she realises is in need, providing counseling and advice as well as financial aid. Hotel Gloriana is now a training ground for the development of many young people, who aspire to pursue careers in the hospitality field.

"They say a king doesn't have any honour in his country, but since I've started to get awards in my country, I say it's worthwhile living," she said.

JASON EDWARDS

Jason Edwards (centre), collects his Governor General's Youth Award for Excellence from Governor General, Sir Kenneth Hall while Acting Custos of St James, Larklin Hall looks on.

Having been actively participating in different voluntary organisations in his community, it has come as no surprise that Jason Edwards is a youth recipient of the Governor General's Achievement Award for St James.

Edwards, who was a member of the Jamaican Youth Ambassador Programme for three years, has also contributed in his community by operating a reading class for young men.

"I think that it is extremely important to give back to your community, as it's like your home so it is your job to help with its upkeep".

Edwards attends Northern Caribbean University where he is studying religion and is also working on obtaining an associate degree in Family Life. He said his goal is to become a pastor.

On hearing that he was going to be one of the recipients of the award. Edwards said stated that his reaction was one of joy and he found it very encouraging.

"When I listened to some of the other individuals and how much they were giving back, it really made me want to do more, and it has given me a greater sense of serving people," he revealed.

KADEEM GRAY

Kadeem Errol-Gregory Gray (centre), collects his Governor General's Youth Award for Excellence from Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall. Looking on at left is Acting Custos of St James, Larklin Hall. - Photos by Noel Thompson

His commitment and community spirit are two of the factors which contributed to 18-year-old Kadeem Gray being named as a youth recipient of the Governor-General's Youth Award for the parish of St James.

Gray frequently visits children's homes and offers his time to a street-feeding programme where he helps feed the homeless on Sunday evenings. Gray was inspired to start doing voluntary work through the youth programme at his church.

"The church has been a major part of my life. It has had a lot of positive impact on me as a person and I think that it is very important for young people to have God in their lives."

Kadeem describes himself as a devoted Christian and says that, without the influences of Christ in his life, he does not believe that he would be the kind of person he is today.

Gray's life philosophy is: 'Vision without action is merely a dream; action without vision passes time; but vision with action can change the world'. He is an outstanding student at Cornwall College where he is an upper sixth form student.

MAURICE LEVERMORE

Maurice George Levermore (centre) is a happy man as he collects his Governor General's Achievement Award from Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall. Looking on at left is Custos of Trelawny, Roylan Barrett. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Quiet and unassuming, Maurice Levermore saw a need for volunteerism in his community. With the belief that one must play an active role once there is something to be done, he has made great strides.

He has been named a recipient of the Governor General's Achieve-ment Award for his contributions to his community.

A senior teacher at York Castle High School, he was installed a justice of the peace in 1992 and serves Trelawny as chairman of the Clark's Town zone of the Lay Magistrates' Association.

He has been a convenor of the Police Consultative Committee for the Stewart Town police and acting chairman of the Stewart Town Basic School.

He has also been instrumental in the conception and development of the Clark's Town Citizens Association, a project which he says has been rewarding.

"Right now we have landlines. We really pursued it aggressively, even when we were told that it could not happen, we insisted through the citizens association," said Levermore.

He said Cable and Wireless later commended the way in which the community chose to lobby for the service and also gave the organisation a financial contribution.

Levermore revealed that he was humbled to be named a recipient of the award.

CAMEKE SHIRLEY

Cameke Shirley (centre) shows off a bright smile as she collects her Governor General's Youth Award for Excellence from Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, while Custos of Trelawny Roylan Barrett looks on.

"Serving is wonderful," says Cameke Shirley, one of two youth recipients of the Governor General's Achievement Award for Trelawny.

Shirley is an active member of her community, participating in a number of activities geared towards making it a better place.

A graduate of the University of the West Indies, and a teacher at the Albert Town High School, Shirley devotes much of her time to working with youth. She helps students who are challenged with reading problems and is the president of the Youth Fellowship group at the Glad Tidings Gospel Hall in Albert Town.

"I've always wanted to be involved in volunteerism, especially the Kiwanis Club," reveals Shirley. She is now the chairperson of the human and spiritual committee of the Albert Town Kiwanis Club. In addition, she engages in other activities such as visiting basic schools, where she is involved in awareness programmes.

"After I became involved, I saw the fulfilment that it brings, and that has kept me going," she added.

Shirley said she was honoured to be a recipient of the prestigious award. "I feel very honoured, but also humbled, because in many instances persons have served and gone unrecognised and it will propel me to keep on working."

CHEYENNE GRIFFITH

Cheyenne Griffith (centre) accepts her Governor General's Youth Award for Excellence from Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall. Custos of Trelawny Roylan Barrett looks on.

Volunteerism is a natural art that 18-year-old Cheyenne Griffith has mastered. She is a recipient of the Governor General's Youth Award for outstanding achievements and service to Trelawny.

According to Griffith, a part of her daily routine includes offering her time and service at the Hansbury Children's Home, where she makes regular donations and assists the children with day-to-day activities.

She revealed that her spirit of charity has been influenced by her mother.

"The role model in my life is my mother; she wants me to do well and that keeps me going, she is all the inspiration that I need to move forward."

Simply seeing a child in need is also enough to inspire Griffith to commit her time to volunteerism and she encourages others to do the same.

Griffith said she felt great pride on being named a recipient of the award.

"I'm delighted and proud to know that my parents are proud, they are the ones who have set the foundation for me so I am really happy," she said.

She will be attending the College of Agricultural Science and Education and is intent on pursuing an associate degree in hospitality and tourism.