Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Capt. Barrington Antonio Irving Jr. receives one of her famous kisses from Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

When Capt. Barrington Irving Jr. was flying around the world, we're not sure if he ever thought his welcome back home would have been so grand.

After being greeted at the Norman Manley International Airport last Friday and then being whisked around Kingston in a motorcade, the humble captain was the guest of honour at a concert held at Emancipation Park that evening.

Being only 23, Capt. Irving epito-mises the excellence of youth and fittingly, all the performers were young people not only saluting the young man, but also saluting all that is right about Jamaica. Minera Primary, the Tivoli Dance Group, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission gospel winner Garfield Reid and the band C-Sharp were among the performers providing the evening's entertainment.

Capt. Irving was presented with the Youth Musgrave Medal for his achievements. His citation spoke of his dedication in washing planes just to pay for his flight lessons. It told of his commitment to aviation when he turned down a football scholarship because he was determined to be a pilot.

GIFTS FOR THE CAPTAIN

Capt. Barrington Antonio Irving Jr. (left) chats with Errald Miller, husband of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at the concert in his honour held at Emancipation Park, Park Boulevard, New Kingston on Friday August 3.

After being presented with the medal, the citation and other gifts, capt. Irving had a few gifts himself for Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, as he presented her with one of his flight suits and some of the charts and maps he used during his 97-day journey.

When he took the microphone, with great anticipation from the audience, he gave out "Jamaica, I'm home," to thunderous applause. "History was born here, so why not bring history back here," he continued. He thanked his family and expressed his pride at being a Jamaican. He remembered the persons who said he couldn't make it and that he would come home, "in a box". "Well, I am home and I'm not in a box," he joked.

Not even showers which forced guests to bring out their umbrellas caused much discomfort at this event. The people were just having too much fun and wanted to stay and support their son of the soil.

Left: Girls from the Old Harbour Primary School perform "Jamaica" at the concert to honour Capt. Barrington Antonio Irving Jr. Right: The Tivoli Dance Group drew quite a response with their 'flight simulation'.

Members of the Ashe Ensemble in performance at the reception and concert for Capt. Barrington Antonio Irving Jr., held at Emancipation Park, New Kingston on Friday. Right: Jahzan Mclaughlin was one of the popular performers at Capt. Irving's concert.