Golding hails Blades as icon of success - Businessman receives Order of Jamaica
Published: Wednesday | May 13, 2009
Desmond Blades, chairman and managing director of Musson Jamaica Limited, shares a moment with his great-grandchildren Oliver Scott and Cristina Subratie shortly after being conferred with the Order of Jamaica by Governor General Dr Patrick Allen during a brief ceremony at King's House in St Andrew yesterday - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
Desmond Blades, the managing director and chairman of Musson Jamaica Limited, has been conferred with the Order of Jamaica.
Blades was bestowed with the honour by Governor General Dr Patrick Allen during a quiet ceremony at King's House yesterday morning.
Accompanied by his wife, Peggy Blades, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a humbled Blades said he deeply appreciated the honour.
"I'm happy to be considered due. It is the receipt of an honour for which I am most grateful for," he told The Gleaner.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in making his address at yesterday's brief ceremony, described Blades as a man who went against the odds.
"At times when this nation was challenged, he has not only been able to survive but to succeed. He was able to grow and expand ... ," Golding said of Blades.
"When others see calamity, he looks at adversity and sees opportunity. He represents to Jamaica not only a story of success, but he is an icon," he added.
Blades as a businessman was also the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's (JCC) longest-serving president, as well as chairman of one of the island's largest charitable organisations - United Way.
He was recently honoured by the JCC for his contribution as chairman of the Tourism and Environment Committee.
