Governor-General Professor, Kenneth Hall (left), presents Paul Patmore of Lowe River, Trelawny, with his award. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall was pleased as the citation for Paul Patmore was being read at the Governor-General's Achievement Awards ceremony in Montego Bay last month.

Mr. Patmore, a 36-year-old businessman of Lowe River, upper Trelawny, is arguably the youngest person to receive the prestigious award since the inception of the scheme in 1991. On Thursday, September 21, he was presented with his award.

"I am so happy. Right now I am even lost for words. I was not expecting anything like this," said Patmore. "As a Rotarian, our motto is service above self, so we never expect rewards for anything we do."

He told The Gleaner that "to be recognised gives me a good feeling and encourages me to keep doing what I am doing. I hope that I will be able to motivate other businessmen in the community to help others."

'Poor man's parlour'

Paul Wray Patmore was born on June 6, 1970, in the district of Lowe River, Trelawny, to parents Karl Patmore, businessman of Christiana, Manchester, and Sylvia Graham, dressmaker of Lowe River.

He attended the Lowe River Primary and Junior High School and was awarded a scholarship to attend Holmwood Technical High School. He later attended the National Academy of Mortuary Science in the United States, where he received a diploma in mortuary science.

Currently Mr. Patmore operates two morgues, one in Mendez Town, Trelawny, and the other in Spaldings, Clarendon. He also operates the White Dove Chapel and a villa in Lowe River.

Mr. Patmore employs 15 persons on a full time basis. His business is described as the 'poor man's funeral parlour' by many, as they believe that his funeral packages are the most affordable in central Jamaica.