President of City of Kingston Co-operative Credit Union Joscelyn Jolly (left), shares a joke with General Manager Brenda Cuthbert and Bertie Morris, vice-president. Jolly was fêted at a luncheon at Eden Gardens to celebrate his National Award on October 17. - Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
JOSCELYN JAY Jolly or 'JJ' as his friends call him is often a cool customer. But, surrounded by his family, neighbours, friends and colleagues, his delight was for all to see.
About 70 people gathered in the Savannah Room at the Eden Gardens Wellness Centre on Heroes Day to toast JJ's conferment of the National Honour Order of Distinction (Officer class) for his service to the credit union movement. He has served as president of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League and has been president of COK Co-operative Credit Union for more than 20 years. He has been accredited with contributing
significantly to the modernisation of the credit union movement.
During the toasts to Jolly, it was evident that there was strong respect and affection for him. His wife Laurel said that she couldn't recall a time he was not involved in service to others. Along with their children Ann-Marie, Dean, Jean and Petagay, she praised him for his love, consistency and for instilling in them the importance of charity and service.
Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League, praised JJ for "being presidential in bearing, conduct and deportment," and for "having the humility to walk with princes and inspire them to become kings."
Accolades also came from the Rotary Club of St. Andrew North (of which Jolly is a member); Dr. Wayne Reid, his neighbour and friend, and Albert 'Bertie' Morris O.D., vice-president and founder of COK.
In response, JJ reflected on the influences in his life over the years, thanked his family, friends and colleagues for supporting and advising him and returned the honour to them.
"Although I have physically received this award, I really receive it on behalf of my family and the wider family within the credit union movement. You have all contributed to my development and the the work," he said.
