Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Chairman and managing director of The Gleaner Company, Oliver Clarke (right), chats with Richard Ashenheim (left) and John McLean at the Gleaner Honour Awards ceremony, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday
Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer (right) jokes with her sister Jane (left) at the Gleaner Honour Awards ceremony. In the background are Chloe Morris and Sgt. Alphanso Gossop. - PHOTOS BY RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WITH A sea of gold and yellow, the Gleaner Company's 26th Annual Honour Awards ceremony was a colourful affair on Monday afternoon at the Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.
Whether it was through the mural of a giant 'G' illuminated by spotlights, the vibrant performance of the Kencot Youth Choir or the radiance that emanated from the award winners, it was a 'supernova-esque' experience.
But perhaps what caused the most appeal was that this year's award sought to highlight the voluntary spirit, something that can illuminate our country in these dark times. The Gleaner Company, as it has for over two decades, awarded persons and organisations who are doing something right in the island.
PRAISE IN SONG, SPEECH
The mood in the Montego and Negril suites of New Kingston's Jamaica Pegasus Hotel was mellow on Monday as guests had cocktails; gifted keyboard player Alex Martin providing some sombre notes, including L-O-V-E and Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World.
The Youth Choir gave a riveting performance in song and, at times, in speech, all with the theme of giving God thanks for bringing us, all of us regardless of creed and status, to this point.
Promptly at 1:00 p.m., guests sat down to what proved to be a scrumptious lunch. Later, they dined on broiled fillet of snapper; roasted boneless loin of lamb; delectable dessert in the form of gingerbread soufflé; all with tasty wine to tickle the lips.
At intervals, young actors portraying persons from various lifestyles stood like statues in various poses. Their ability to stand completely motionless awed the crowd and elicited well-deserved applause.
But the afternoon's focus was all about the honourees. There were nine honour awards; two certificates of merit and three recipients of the Gleaner's Youth Honour Award. When the respective winners or their stand-ins went up, saxophonist Ian Heard blew melodic tunes from his instrument, adding to the afternoon's ambience.
Guests were also treated to video presentations about all winners, who were selected by an independent panel, chaired by Professor Gerald Lalor.
GROUP OF THE YEAR
There was a pleasant surprise when, instead of a Man of the Year, it turned more into the Group of the Year.
Food for the Poor, St. Andrew Settlement, the Salvation Army, Pentecostal Tabernacle and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, all received the coveted Gleaner Award.
Rt. Rev. Alfred Charles Reid of the St. Andrew Settlement replied on behalf of the award winners, stating that the award was a "celebration of excellence in all areas" and that it highlighted the goodness and humanitarianism that defines Jamaicans.
ATTENDEES
Guests at this truly uplifting event included president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Beverley Lopez; Media Association of Jamaica president, Brian Schmidt; Newton James, Lisa Johnston, Gleaner directors including Carol Archer and Morin Seymour; new United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson and her son, Brett Johnson; Archbishop Lawrence Burke; Dr. Johnathan Greenland; Carol Tyson; TVJ's general manager Kay Osborne; Florence and Wentworth Pearson; Josh Chambers; 1993 Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee champion Charles Deans; Lloyd and Phyllis Henry; Worrel Walsh; Dr. Aston Barnes; Nigel Coke; Dr. Aston Tai; John McLean, wife Caryl and son Christopher; Noel and Constance Lee; Woodrow and Patricia Mitchell and Sgt. Alphanso Gossop.
