Cooke

There were many Jamaican leaders, past and present, at the Hilton Kingston hotel on Saturday night, as the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) honoured former governor general, Sir Howard Cooke with a gala dinner.

Sir Howard was present in his role as first patron of the UTCWI Foundation, a tax-exempt company established to raise funds to maintain the college. Many notable speakers were on hand to sing his praises, including former prime minister, P.J. Patterson, and the governor general of Belize Sir Colville Young.

A giant of a man

Sir Colville described Sir Howard as "a lion, a giant of a man", while Patterson, the keynote speaker, applauded his decades of work for "a most deserving cause". Patterson spoke of the importance of the Church as "a moral compass" and praised Sir Howard's dedication to supporting the college. Sir Howard, governor general from 1991 to 2006, was visibly moved, saying in his speech, "I am overwhelmed ... this is a great night."

Much recognition was also given to Lady Cooke, both by introductory speakers and Sir Howard himself, who called her "one of the main sources of [his] inspiration".

Among the other guests were Governor General Dr Patrick Allen, and his wife, and leader of the People's National Party and Opposition leader, Portia Simpson Miller. The entertainment for the evening included songs from Keisha Patterson and Karen Smith, OD, as well as dancing from the L'Acadco dancers.

The music during dinner from 'A Touch of Elegance' and Smith's closing song The God be the Glory were especially well received.

The college comprises a number of Protestant denominations and exists "to prepare men and women for mission and service in the church and society". Rev Dr Lesley Anderson, president of the UTCWI, told The Gleaner, "The immediate goal is to complete the expansion of the library," where construction of a second floor is almost completed. The long-term goal is to raise $40 million for a new office and a classroom building.