For over 20 years, he has satisfied the tasebuds of seafood lovers at home and abroad, as well as given back generously to his community of Alligator Pond in Manchester. For his hard work, Evrol 'Blackie' Christian, last month walked away with this year's National Commercial Bank's Nation Builder Award. On Sunday, some of his friends and suppliers went to the restaurant to say congratulations to him at a brunch organised by Annette Salmon of 20 Twenty Strategies Consulting.

Representing Jamlamb, Donnie Bunting recalled how, many years ago, he had heard about Blackie's skills with lobster dishes before meeting him. He praised him for his hands-on approach to business. "Having worked with him at food events over the years, I envisage great things for him in the future," Bunting said.

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Lorraine Clunie of Elegant Weddings also echoed these sentiments and said she saw Little Ochie franchises in the future, if Christian continued along the same path.

Halcott Holness of Wisynco lauded Christian's humility and pledged his company's continued association with him. Novelette Nembhard, who has supplied Christian with bammies since the start of his business, told the group that he was like a father to her and that, as a result of the collaboration, she was able to build her house.

Christian pledged to continue giving back to the community, and thanked everyone for the outpouring of good wishes.

Lorraine and Owen Clunie took the Sunday drive from the city to say congratulations to Blackie for winning this year's National Commercial Bank's Nation Builder Award.- photos by Barbara Ellington/Lifestyle Editor

Kevear and Ashleigh-Ann Clunie take time from their hand-held gadgets to pose for Saturday Social.

Olive Powell (left), and Novelette Nembhard, who has been supplying Blackie with bammies for his seafood restaurant from day one of his business.

Left: Little Ochie's world famous Evrol 'Blackie' Christian is lovingly hugged by his daughters Afrefa (left) and Nhanda Christian at Sunday's congratulatory brunch, hosted by his friends and suppliers at Alligator Pond. Christain was lauded for winning this year's National Commercial Bank's Nation Builder Award.