Geological Society of Jamaica past presidents who have served in the last 24 years pose with their awards. Front row (from left): Parris Lyew-Ayee, Elsie Aarons, Godfrey Perkins, Vincent Hill, and Michael Blackwood. Back row (from left): Anthony Porter, Trevor Jackson, Thomas Stemann, Ian Brown, Edward Robinson, and John Williams. - CONTRIBUTED
THE GEOLOGICAL Society of Jamaica's (GSJ) 50th anniversary banquet on December 2 had all the elements that make for a memorable evening: informative messages, special awards, fabulous entertainment, great food, and an able Master of Ceremonies in the person of Godfrey Perkins.
Held at The Ruins, Mona Visitors' Lodge, UWI, the formal affair was a fitting end to a two-day conference hosted by the GSJ as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The society was first established in 1955 to promote and encourage the study of geology and its applied sciences through meetings, field excursions, and publications. Parris Lyew-Ayee, president, said that the society had, for the most part, achieved these objectives, citing its publication record as its greatest achievement.
"We have put out some 500 technical papers through our journals, which are of international standard, and are used as standard references on the geology of Jamaica and the Caribbean," he said.
OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE
In considering the next 50 years, he said that he was optimistic about the future of the society and expressed confidence in the next generation of geologists. Dr. Murray Duke of the Geological Survey of Canada, who was guest speaker for the event, highlighted some of the global changes that have been forecast and the role that geologists can play in effectively managing these changes.
Six Jamaican geologists were presented with the inaugural De La Beche Award for their contribution to national development in specific areas: Dr. Raymond Wright, Energy Resources Management; Dr. Arthur Geddes, Industrial Minerals Development; Parris A. Lyew-Ayee, Bauxite Industry Development; Basil Fernandez, Water Resources Management; Rafi Ahmad, Hazard Management; and Franklyn McDonald, Environment and Development. The society also honoured 12 of its former presidents, and recognised its foundation members.
The gathering was entertained by the multi-talented Dwight Richards, who at one point relinquished the mike to Canadian High Commissioner Claudio Valle, for a well-received rendition of Sam Cooke's Wonderful World.
