Ninety-four-year-old Josephine Lowe sat with a proud, beautiful smile under a tent on the lawns of King's House in St Andrew yesterday as she witnessed the third of her 10 children being made a member of the Order of Jamaica.

Seventy-three-year-old Professor Henry Lowe was being awarded for his contribution to science, in particular the field of nutraceuticals, and to his mother and family this was just another step in the many proud moments he has brought the family.

"She is so so proud of him," Henry's younger brother Oscar Lowe revealed to The Gleaner, speaking on behalf of his mother.

"We are all very proud of him. I feel great because he has achieved something that we always expected him to do. He has always been the one to strive to do better and better. Growing up, he always said to us that if we don't want to contribute to Jamaica then it doesn't make sense, so he isn't going anywhere, he's going to be here playing his part."

Lowe was among the 157 Jamaicans who were presented with national honours and awards for outstanding contribution to the country's development through their service in various fields, at the National Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony.

Lowe is a scientist who specialises in medicinal chemistry, and for more than 40 years has worked in health sciences, wellness, technology and energy - nationally, regionally and internationally. He is an outstanding scientist, public servant, author, educator, and a successful entrepreneur.

Outstanding breakthrough

He has done extensive research and made an outstanding breakthrough in the field of nutraceuticals, most recently his anticancer research.

"I'm very proud and satisfied that I have been so recognised by the Government and people of Jamaica, and I also feel that it is a recognition of time that has come because a lot of people may not know this, but it is my 50th year of service to science education and science in Jamaica and globally, for that matter," Lowe stated.

"One important milestone is that my team, Dr Manley West, Dr Albert Lockhart and myself, were the first persons in the world to produce a commercial product from ganja, which is Canasol."

He added: "Also, everyone is well aware of the work we are doing with ball moss and the potential cure for cancer. I feel that we are well under way and it is only a matter of time. I hope that I will continue to get the support and blessing of the people of Jamaica."

Lowe's wife, Janet, her arm entwined in his, said: "I am extremely proud of him. He has worked very hard over the years and he deserves it."

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com