Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Left: Garth Walker, promoter of Smirnoff Xclusive, with Tonisha Kong at the Rhodes Hall Plantation in Hanover last Saturday. Right: Garfield Taylor and Kellyann Wright enjoy the tantalising atmostphere at the Smirnoff Xclusive party. - photo by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

Twelve persons from St Elizabeth were recently honoured for giving sterling service as pioneers of the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation.

The 12 were officially recognised at a gala event, held at the residence of Mr and Mrs Wilfred Nembhard in Santa Cruz, for their contribution to community service locally and while living abroad. The gala is the foundation's annual way of awarding its members.

AWARDEES

They included Floyd Ebanks; Rev Canon Weeville Gordon; Dr Trevor Hamilton, marketing consultant; Desmond Henry (honoured posthumously); Oliver Jones; Crafton Miller, attorney-at-law; Doreen O'Connor; Dr Keith Panton; Donna Parchment-Brown, attorney-at-law; Dr. Joyce Robinson; Rueben Spencer and George Watson.

"There were some people who started the foundation and transformed the concept into reality, so we believe it was important for us to focus on the pioneers, who have worked assiduously to make it what it is today," said Dr Patrick Dallas, chairman of the foundation.

Elevating the community

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, whose mother originated from southern St Elizabeth, urged the foundation members to continue along the path of elevating their community and not to ever lose their vision. "We have to strengthen the foundations of our communities. I am so impressed and I commend you for being the pioneers in showing the way and I hope many other parishes will follow," Golding said.

He challenged them to be mindful that homecoming events are not merely held annually for the purpose of enjoyment, but to provide long-lasting leadership, inspiration and volunteerism.

With St Elizabeth being the forerunner in establishing a homecoming foundation, Dr Dallas said: "We are happy to see others following the trend, as this augurs well for Jamaica. It also keeps us on our toes to understand that there is more to be done, especially when we see that others look to us for leadership and innovation."

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (fourth from left), sharing in a special moment with pioneers of the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation, at a gala event in their honour, held at Mr and Mrs. Wilfred Nembhard's residence in Santa Cruz recently. Twelve pioneers were honoured in recognition of their service to the foundation and presented with citations. They include Floyd Ebanks; Canon Weeville Gordon; Dr Trevor Hamilton; Desmond Henry (posthumous); Oliver Jones; Crafton Miller, attorney-at-law; Doreen O'Connor; Dr Keith Panton; Donna Parchment-Brown, attorney-at-law; Dr Joyce Robinson; Rueben Spencer and George Watson. - Photo by Noel Thompson