Sisterly love. Nikita (left) and Tosya Francis were there to celebrate with the awardees. - photos by Winsto Sill/Freelance Photographer

The after-awards-ceremony parties were many and three of those honoured shared the spotlight at one of them on Heroes' Day, Monday, October 20.

Ambassador Stan McLelland, Sydney Engel and Judge Pamela Appelt were hosted by The Gleaner's Oliver Clarke and his wife, Monica Ladd, on Monday evening.

The jovial McLelland, who is a former United States ambassador, had helped Jamaica to restart the export of canned ackee to the United States. The fruit was given a bad rap because of its toxic properties, but Ambassador McLelland helped pave the way for much-needed foreign exchange and recognition.

Engel started the MoBay Hope clinic and continues to support it. Both men received honorary Orders of Distinction (OD). Dr Appelt, a native of St Mary, received the OD (Officer Class) for dedicated service to Jamaica and the diaspora in Canada. Even before joining the diaspora committee she was always involved in the development of the land of her birth. She also works with the Early Childhood Foundation.

No speeches

There were no speeches, the evening's activities instead geared towards lyming by the pool, sampling hors d'oeuvres and enjoying the company of three great contributors to the nation.

Guests out included Robert MacMillan, Candy DePass, Tom and Rose Tavares-Finson, professors Hugh and Dorothy Wynter, Richard and Diana Stewart, Thalia and Michael Lyn, Judy Farmar, Jennifer Lim, Dr Karen Hilliard, Maurice and Valerie Facey, Heinz Simonitsch, Douglas and Michelle Orane, Ricardo and Suzanne Allicock, Monsignor Richard Albert, Paul and Becky Stockhausen, Marc Hart, Vikram and Aditi Dhiman and Valerie and Noel Campbell.

Awardee Sydney Engel and wife, Sylvia (second left), lyme with host Monica Ladd (left) and Jennifer Lim.

GraceKennedy CEO Douglas Orane entertains Dr Pamela Appelt (centre) and Thalia Lyn.

Monica Ladd is the perfect hostess with Marc Hart (centre) and award recipient, Ambassador Stan McLelland.

Pat Chuck (left) makes her point to Ricardo and Suzanne Allicock.