Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (left) speaks to some recipients of the Governor General's Award of Excellence who attended the pinning ceremony at King's House. Looking on is Lady Allen (right). - rudolph brown/photographer

Now that they have been awarded for their contributions to the society, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has urged the recipients of the Governor General's Achievement Award to continue to strive for excellence.

"All of the awardees, in as much as you have done so much so far, and have done so well, we still have to ask you to continue joining us, hands and heart, heralding a new day," said Allen. He encouraged the awardees to go the extra mile, or even two or three, until the job is done in the country.

He was speaking at a ceremony where approximately 20 awardees received pins at King's House. The recipients, who hailed from the three counties - Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey - were chosen out of a group of 40 and recognised for their varied contributions to the society.

Impressed with the stories

Allen revealed that he was impressed with the stories of people "who were working tirelessly in local communities and imparting values such as respect, discipline, integrity, as well as an appreciation for hard work".

Richard Powell, chief executive officer and president of the Victoria Mutual Building Society, also shared Allen's sentiments, as he too, recognised the contribution of the awardees.

Powell said the performances had shown that there were many people in society worthy of emulation. The awardees were heroes who make Jamaica a great nation, he said.

In her response on behalf of the awardees, Dr Janet Dyer, who won the award for St Ann, expressed gratitude to the governor general for continuing the tradition of recognising people for their endeavours.

"Though we come from different spheres of this world, I know we all have one thing in common, and that is our stride to make things better," Dyer said.

kimesha.walters@gleanerjm.com