By Roy Sanford, Freelance Writer
This year's Governor-General awardees for the county of Cornwall pose with Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke (centre). From left to right: Ganze Thompson, St. James; Advira Lawrence, Trelawny; Lorene Holness-Muir, Hanover and Basil Hubert Bennett from St. Elizabeth. Missing is Daniel Anthony Grizzle of Westmoreland, who is overseas on a business trip. -Roy Sanford / Freelance Photographer
WESTERN BUREAU:
FIVE PERSONS from the County of Cornwall had their bask in the sunshine yesterday, as they were showered with praises and accolades by Jamaica's Head of State, Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke.
The five, who have served their communities with undying dedication, were presented with the Governor-General's Achievement Awards at a function at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay.
The recipients were Basil Hubert Bennett, St. Elizabeth; Daniel Anthony Grizzle, Westmoreland; Lorene Holness-Muir, Hanover; Advira Virginia Lawrence, Trelawny and Ganze Thompson from St. James.
The awardees were described by Custos of St. James, Clarence Nelson, as "good role models" who through their actions have become "bastions of society". He told the awardees, "You have impressed other Jamaicans who are adrift in a sea of crime and drugs."
In congratulating the recipients, Sir Howard said that Jamaica is a land of great people who have often forgotten their past achievements. "We (the people of Jamaica) are the greatest," he declared to loud applause. "However, we don't talk about our past achievement; we talk only about the soiled things."
He said he felt inspired while listening to the achievements of the awardees. "I feel moved this afternoon when I listen to the tributes of the achievements of our people," he said. "We have some of the finest businessmen in the world, we have some the finest teachers, agriculturists, and hoteliers here. Just look around and you will see."
Speaking on the behalf of the awardees, Basil Bennett, awardee from St. Elizabeth, described the occasion as a unique one. "On the behalf of my fellow awardees I would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation for the recognition given to us for the life-long effort we have made to build our parishes," he said. "We are happy this recognition is given to us while we are still alive and we appreciate it." This year's awardees bring to 145, the total number of persons presented with the awards since it was implemented in 1992.
The aim of the Governor-General Achievement Award Scheme is to recognise persons who from modest economic and social conditions uplift themselves, while making a notable contribution to their communities.
