Dr. Vincent M. Lawrence (centre), the former chairman of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) receives a gift in honour of his service to the organisation. He is flanked by (from left) the President and CEO of the UDC, Marjorie Campbell, Deputy Chairman of the board of directors Jack Wilmot, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and immediate former Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

He served as the chairman of the board of directors of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) for 16 years, and at the end of it all, Dr. Vincent M. Lawrence, better known as Vin Lawrence, would almost appear ready to give another 16 years of service.

On Tuesday evening, the UDC hosted an appreciation reception and dinner at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, essentially to say 'thank you' to Dr. Lawrence for the years he gave to the organisation, and to herald the achievements of the organisation while under his leadership.

Before the official start of the programme, guests enjoyed a 'meet and greet' in the corridors outside the ballroom, until they were ushered inside for the formalities, and dinner. A video montage of projects carried out under Dr. Lawrence's chairmanship was shown on a large screen at the front of the ballroom, serving as a tribute to Dr. Lawrence and a pictorial reminded of much of his work.

Toasts

Followingdinner, members of the senior management team at the UDC toasted Dr. Lawrence. Dr. John Cooke, the current chairman of the UDC, was one who spoke, noting "myriad's of projects that impact the lives of many Jamaicans have been completed under his chairmanship".

The function was also attended by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, and former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who both heralded the work of Dr. Lawrence over the years.

Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson described Dr. Lawrence as "able, brilliant and committed", and went on to assert that "the name of Dr. Vin Lawrence will be indelibly etched in the pantheon of those who have made the UDC an enduring and successful organisation". "He has had many critics and detractors", continued Mr. Patterson, "but in the end he always got the job done".

PM Simpson Miller rightfully encouraged the guests to applaud the woman who stood by Dr. Lawrence in face of his demanding work obligations - his wife, Beverly.

Other guests included Noel and Jackie DaCosta; the reigning Miss Jamaica World, Sara Lawrence, who happens to be the niece of Dr. Lawrence; Alston Stewart; Maurice Johnson; Prudence Kidd-Deans; Derrick Kellier; Merle Wilson and Marsha Curry.