Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
HALL
OCHO RIOS, St Ann:
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Professor Kenneth Hall is calling on those in leadership at the national, parish and community levels to begin placing emphasis on youth development.
"We have an obligation to engage our young people, who represent the largest segment of our society," he said.
Professor Hall stated that while young people in Jamaica are achieving excellence in the classroom and in sports, they continue to be plagued by unfulfilled expectation that cannot be met, as a result of both the country's internal and external challenges.
The Governor-General made the call while speaking at a civic ceremony in St. Ann's Bay on Tuesday, to mark his first official visit to the parish since his appointment as Governor-General of Jamaica.
Professor Hall told the large gathering, headed by Custos of St. Ann, Radcliff Walters, and his wife, Norma Walters, that there are two main issues that must be addressed to assist the youth in meaningful development.
1. The incomplete agenda in regards to the fulfilment of their expectation.
2. The need to implement a programme that incorporates these expectations and desires; as well as one that provides opportunities for the productive use of their skills and abilities.
Professor Hall went on to announce that beginning this year, the Governor-General Achievement Awards Programme will be taken on a new dimension with the introduction of the Governor-General Youth Award for Excellence. "This initiative is critical as we seek to acknowledge and reward excellence throughout the lifespan," he added.
A colourful ceremony involving uniformed members of the Police Force and Members of the Prospect College Marching band, greeted the arrival of Governor-General Hall and his wife at Lawrence Park in St. Ann's Bay.
Children from various schools, smartly dressed in their school uniforms along with their teachers join the scores of justices of the peace, business people, political representatives, Members of the clergy and ordinary citizens of the parish, to warmly welcome their excellencies.
Methodist Minister, Rev Moses Benguche, led the gathering in prayer followed by Custos Walters who chaired the proceedings.
Chairman of the St Ann, Justices of the Peace Association, Dr Derrick Aarons brought greetings on behalf of his fellow J.Ps, while they were greetings from Mayor Delroy Giscombe, Member of Parliament, Shahene Robinson and Senior Medical Officer, Dr Horace Betton, followed by an eloquent introduction from Mr Herbert Murdock of the St Ann Home Coming Committee.
Presentation of gifts were made to their excellencies, by students of the St Ann's Bay Primary and Columbus Preparatory schools, while items in songs were rendered by the St Ann's Bay Primary School students, which received full endorsement of the Governor General.
The proceedings ended with Former President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Mrs Pauline Haughton who was a former student of Governor General Hall.
