THREE JAMAICAN nationals living in South Florida were honoured recently for their service to that community, by the Miami-Dade City Commission.
They are Norma Bancroft, President of the Florida Association of Jamaicans, a community organisation based in Miami; Don Daley, radio personality and community activist, and Winston Simmonds, of the Caribbean Shipping and Allied Company.
The recipients were presented with proclamations by City Commissioner, Barbara Carey-Schuler, who praised them for their dedication and loyalty to volunteerism.
Apart from community projects, all the recipients were instrumental in the flood relief efforts for Jamaica during the May/June rains, which severely affected several parishes.
An active volunteer, Mrs. Bancroft was the first Chairperson of the Miami-Dade/Kingston Sister Cities programme in 1982. She has also been serving as President of the Florida Organisation of Jamaicans since 1992. This organisation has provided financial assistance for Jamaican students attending Barry University in Miami. Mrs. Bancroft also serves as Vice Chairperson for HOPE Incorporated.
Mr. Daley has dedicated himself to serving the entire Caribbean community, particularly Jamaicans in South Florida.
He has promoted and received support for governments' programmes and policies through monthly town hall meetings. He has used this forum to help Caribbean people voice issues affecting their daily lives, such as immigration and health. He also assists the indigent. As a community activist, Mr. Daly has been instrumental in bringing those issues to the appropriate US State and Federal agencies.
Owner of CRI Communications, Mr. Daley has brought the daily Jamaican news to American television since April 1995, by launching Carib News.
He has been the recipient of several community awards. In September 2000, Mr. Daley received a plaque from the Jamaican government, and in February, 2002, he was presented with a plaque by the Broward County Library Commission for his efforts to inform, educate and entertain the community.
Mr. Simmonds is a successful businessman who has used his shipping facility, Caribbean Shipping and Consolidating, in Miami, to help transport flood relief donations to Jamaica.
He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Lauderdale Lakes and West Sunrise where he serves as treasurer. Mr. Simmonds is also a mentor to children through the Kiwanis projects.
