Rotarians offer 13 awards, honour community builders
Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer
MANDEVILLE, Manchester:
THE ROTARY Club of Mandeville and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) have given awards to 13 persons in the parish for their contributions to community and nation building through volunteerism or by way of their professions.
Former teacher and manager of the Manchester office of the JCDC, Pamela Pinto, was one of two persons honoured by the Rotary Club for her years of service to the community in the area of culture and music. Pinto, who retired last year, was hailed for her dedication and tireless efforts to expose and highlight culture in the parish as well as giving young people an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Historian and chairman of the JCDC, Hugh Nash, was also recognised by the Rotary Club for his years of service to the parish and in particular the Mile Gully community. Through his initiatives that community has realised the building of a library, schools, a health centre and a number of other facilities. He has been the driving force in preserving the historical artefacts and heritage sites of the community. Both Pinto and Nash were given plaques to mark their achievements during a ceremony at the Golf View Hotel on Tuesday, October 18.
Eleven other persons were also given awards on Heroes Day during a ceremony in the Mandeville Park for their contributions to their community and the parish. The event, which was attended by several hundres persons, also had skits and other performances to celebrate Jamaica's seven national heroes. The awardees were Hermentude Daley for community development; Corporal Albert Simpson, law enforcement and security; Sarah J. Brown, education; Dr Clifton Reid, sports and health; Phyllis W. Dawes, early-childhood education; Trevor A. Robinson, firefighting; Reverend Donald A. Johnson, education; Fay Heaven, business and philanthropy; Bishop Neville Gunter, religion, and Alvin Murray in the area of agriculture.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force band was also given a certificate of appreciation for their services to the parish over the years. Wreaths were also laid in the park in honour of the heroes.