Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent (left) in discussion with Yvonne Coke (centre) and Carmen Rochester. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Apart from being the breadbasket parish, St Elizabeth has some talented people and organisations too.

The annual St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation's Golden Awards banquet highlighted some native St Elizabethans (and a few 'naturalised' ones), who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields and have made significant contributions to the parish, Jamaica and the world. It is also the foundation's major fund-raising event.

The Jamaica Pegasus hotel took on a rustic Jamaica look for the event, the 16th awards dinner in the foundation's history. Even the menu reflected the names of some of St Bess' most beloved towns. There were many St Elizabeth jokes, including the parishioners' love of rum and 'shwims' (shrimps).

In a snazzy touch, each golden award had its own symbol. So, Fitz Rowe took the Golden Nugget for Business; Reverend Father Barrington Buchanan (in absentia) got the Golden Book for education; Joan Lobban received the Golden Pen for public service, and Olympian Brigitte Foster-Hylton got the Golden Spike for sports.

Special awards (Golden Stars) went to banker Ryland Campbell, the Jamaica National Building Society and businessman Stephen Jones.

Chairman of the foundation, Dr Patrick Dallas, highlighted some of the foundation's work in 2008 and the advances made, including a new home for the secretariat (Duke Street), a new website and various projects, set to begin.

Entertainment was provided by the smooth Harold Davis, ably assisted by the powerful voice of Diamara Neil, who evoked cheers with her renditions of Fever, Natural Woman and other songs.

Stephen Jones gets a sweet joke from Millicent Lynch of Caymanas Track Limited at the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation's Golden Awards banquet.

Jonathan Brown (left) jokes with award recipient for business, Fitz Rowe, at the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation's Golden Awards banquet.