The Editor, Sir:
Another year has passed and once again we know the names of those wonderful men and women, Jamaicans all, who have most deservedly been recognised by a grateful nation for their contributions to the welfare and well-being of their fellow citizens in a wide variety of spheres. Congratulations to each and every one of them. Well done!
However, there is a downside to all this in my humble opinion and hopefully next year, when we celebrate our 45th Independence Anniversary, more consideration might be given to the many contributions made by citizens in rural Jamaica rather than a select few mainly, though not of course entirely, from Kingston and St. Andrew.
Here in St. Ann, two names spring readily to mind and it just happens to be a coincidence that both are female. Our parish boasts one of the best, if not THE best Chamber of Commerce in Jamaica, and we have been singularly blessed by the unselfish and unpaid leadership of two ladies whose dedication and commitment are unparalleled in St. Ann. I speak of none other than past presidents, Jeanne Dixon and Pauline Haughton. Both deserve recognition and a national honour.
proper procedure to honour
Also on the subject of national honours, surely there should be a procedure in place to honour the sundry Custodes for their services in each parish. I venture to suggest that ALL Custodes should be awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander at the very least (CD), thus recognising the importance and value of this unique office. How can it be just to award one or more Custodes with the Order of Jamaica, whilst relegating others to lesser honours and some, be it observed, to no honours at all? Our Custos of St. Ann, ably assisted by his wife, is one such in the latter group. The Hon. Radcliffe Walters deserves better than this after several years of devoted and unselfish service - and I am sure there are others islandwide. For them the motto "Service above Self"
The public is unaware of the identities of the persons on the selection committee, or their terms of reference, but perhaps next year might be an appropriate time to widen the scope of that committee so that it can look for persons in all parishes worthy of public recognition.
I am, etc.,
DOROTHEA WHITEHORNE J.P.
