THE OUTSTANDING personality for 2010 ought to be someone who has made a significant contribution to the welfare of Jamaicans here and abroad. This person ought to demonstrate courage against the odds. This person ought to be a symbol of hope and a unifying figure. Last year saw some outstanding achievements.

There was Christopher Gayle's triple century in a Test match at Galle, Sri Lanka. By making 333 runs, he has made the highest score by a West Indian, outside of the Caribbean; and highest score by any batsman against Sri Lanka. Gayle is only one of four men in the history of Test cricket to have scored two triple centuries, the other three being world record holder Brian Lara, Australian Don Bradman and Indian Virender Sehwag. Gayle's accomplishment was remarkable as it was in his first match after being deposed as captain, showing character in the face of adversity.

Veronica Impressive

Then there was Veronica Campbell-Brown, 2010 CAC Athlete of the Year, who is the reigning Olympic 200m champion and the second most-decorated female athlete in Olympic history in terms of gold medals. In March, Veronica extended her impressive championship records by taking the World Indoor title in 60m in Doha, Qatar. In the outdoor season, she set world season leading times at 100m (10.78) and 200m (21.98), and remained unbeaten at 200m.

Then there was Greg Christie, contractor general, who had out-standing compliance from govern-ment agencies and who is seen as a symbol of fearlessness and anti-corruption. Furthermore, the meticulous reports and up-to-date website demonstrates profession-alism, transparency and competency.

And not to mention Karl Hendrick-son, retired business tycoon who leads a family business in baking, hospitality and chicken business which employs approximately 3,000 persons. The conglomerate in 2010 acquired The Jamaica Pegasus, while donating $50 million to Jamaica College. Mixing entrepreneurship with education is a winning formula.

Mike Fennell, as president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was bold to oversee the award of the Games to New Delhi, India, an emerging nation, when there were so many detractors. The Common-wealth Games in India turned out to be the biggest ever, and that is another star in his crown.

Other noteworthy performances that gained international recognition included Minister of Finance Audley Shaw's Jamaica Debt Exchange and Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett's leading Jamaica to win numerous tourism awards and outperforming some destinations in tourism arrival growth.

Back from brink of anarchy

However, the most outstanding personality for 2010 was Owen Ellington, commissioner of police. He brought Jamaica back from the brink of anarchy. There were many stories about the weaponry of the underworld, the organisation capacity and reach of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke who was extradited. The burning of police stations frightened Jamaicans at home and abroad and confirmed our worst fears about the power of the underworld. However, with calm-ness and professionalism, he has demonstrated that the police force, assisted by the military, is capable of handling persons involved in the drugs and weapons trade. The society breathes more freely today. The murder rate has dropped by 15 per cent. For the first time, there is a feeling that there is no political garrison that is off-limits for the police. He is also not afraid to transfer senior officers and try new strategies. He appears truthful in his speech. He led the charge against a popular and well-loved clergyman facing the charge of obstructing justice. He understands the link between crime and the country's economic performance. There are some unresolved issues from 2010 such as what happened in the killing of Keith Clarke and 73 persons in the Tivoli incursion. However, after the extradition fiasco and bad international media coverage, Ellington has restored hope to Jamaicans here and abroad.

Ellington was the most outstanding personality and deserves the support of the citizenry with information, through confidential lines, and the human, technical and financial resources from the government.

Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.