Governor-General Kenneth Hall - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Their lives are exemplary. They not only live for themselves but cater to the needs of others. These are the recipients of the 2007 Governor-General's Achievement Award for the county of Middlesex. Four men and a lone woman were this year honoured for their selfless efforts in their communities.

CINDERELLA LYONS-BADROE

Cinderella Lyons-Badroe is an overcomer who has seen the face of struggle and tribulation. After giving 35 years to the classroom, she is the current principal of the Martin Primary School but finds time to volunteer her time and effort to many educational ventures with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, and the Social Development Commission while serving on other committees in her parish, St. Mary. Mrs. Lyons-Badroe says she is very grateful for the award and to know that her efforts have been recognised. She is also encouraging others to volunteer.

"I am a big volunteer and it (volunteering) is very important because there are some things that money cannot buy and it often takes someone to lead the way," she told The Gleaner. Mrs. Lyons-Badroe is also the founder of Flame Heart Youth Club. In 2005, she was honoured with the Prime Minister's teacher's award.

KENNETH BURRELL

Like many Jamaicans today, "walk and sell" was the occupation Kenneth Burrell held for years, plying domestic wares such as needles, clothespins and food seasoning in several markets. After only being educated up to the high-school level, Mr. Burrell now owns a haberdashery and agro-processing enterprise in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, putting him in a position to help youths and residents in need. To them he is a 'brother's keeper', conscious of being in a similar position earlier in his life. He does not go out of his way to do good things, it comes naturally.

"As long as I see a need, I will help but it's not all about me, it's the Creator who must get the glory," he said.

Mr. Burrell supports several charities, aiding street people, the elderly and children.

The Governor-General's Achievement Award recipient for Clarendon has made it his personal cause to enrich the lives of others. He says he will continue to give as long as he has the strength. He also plans to chronicle his experiences in a book to enrich the life of others.

GEORGE POWELL

George Powell lives by the philosophy that it doesn't take much to care. He says the smallest favour you offer unto someone can have a tremendous impact on that person's life. He encourages others to help without considering the benefits that one will gain from the act.

"Anything that you do, do it to the best of your ability and someone will recognise it," he says. 'Turbo', as he is fondly called, is committed to the development of youth.

Holding down odd jobs for several years, Powell, the Manchester awardee, is the proprietor of several establishments inclusive of a welding plant. He rents jackhammers and compressors; manufactures and rents amusement-park equipment, as well as trains security dogs.

As a youth, Mr. Powell peddled a cart transporting vendors' produce but rose above that to compete in track and field for Jamaica in more than 16 different countries.

Mr. Powell's community service is widespread. He is the founder of the 'Gift of Love' outreach programme, which assists in providing the elderly with meals and cleaning up communities in his parish. He says that this award has pushed him to do more.

LEON GORDON

Leon Anthony Gordon, the award recipient for St. Ann, is a justice of the peace and an educator who continues to contribute to the education of youth in his parish. He is a man committed to the enrichment of the lives of persons around him.

Born to a farmer and a shopkeeper, Mr. Gordon studied by lamplight and obtained success in education.

He is being recognised for his sterling contribution to the development of educational institutions, civil society and social organisations in the parish of St. Ann.

He is the founder and owner of Human Development Services Company Limited. Mr. Gordon provides security management training and recruitment for several industries. He is also a partner and managing director of Gordon's Printing Services.

ERNEST HOO

Ernest Hoo, a justice of the peace, businessman, humanitarian and philanthropist, has spent his lifetime working to enhance the lives of people in his community and build a better Jamaica. He has contributed significantly to the parish of St. Catherine, especially Spanish Town and its environs. Mr. Hoo has served as chairman of the board of the Spanish Town, May Pen and Lionel Town hospitals. He facilitated the physical upgrading of the Spanish Town Hospital by donating the first lighting-plant system to the hospital.

He also built a perimeter fence around the hospital complex, repaired roads on the compound, installed curb walls, established parking areas and signage. Recently, he donated six dialysis machines, costing some US$60,000, and provided funds to construct a building, at a cost of some J$5 million, to treat patients at a reduced cost.

In addition, he donated equipment to the Spanish Town Police Station including air-conditioning units, refrigerators, fax machines, copy machines, television sets and a Suzuki SUV. He is recognised as an exemplary man worthy of the award for the parish of St. Catherine.