Nora Viola Henriques has given a lifetime of professional service in nursing and as a volunteer at the YMCA in Jamaica for more than 40 years. She was the first female to be appointed Chairman of the Board of the YMCA, and served in that capacity from 1985 to 1987 and from 1989 to 1991. She also served as President of the National Council of YMCAs in Jamaica from 1990 to 1991.

Jason Lamar McNeish, a former Head Boy of St. Jago High School, left an indelible mark on his peers and teachers, given his discipline, decorum, humility and integrity. He is the holder of seven CXC subjects, five CAPE subjects, and a BSc. in Tourism Management.

At St. Jago High School, Jason was President of the Tourism Action Club; Chairman of the Magazine Committee; President of Y-Teen; Chairman of the Ball and Dinner Committee and the Mr. and Mrs. St. Jago Competition.

He matriculated at The University of the West Indies, where he studied Tourism Management, pursuing courses in—Eco-Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Polices and Planning, and Marketing.

At the UWI he was Vice-President of the UWI Guild, 2010; President of the UWI Tourism Society 2008-2009; Publications Committee  Chairperson, Guild of Students, 2008-2009; Choir Member, Chancellor Hall, 2009-2010; and the conceptualiser of the Guild’s Entrepreneurship Competition.

Despite a tight study schedule, Jason also worked in his community as President and co-founder of the Eltham Acres Police Youth Club, 2006. He organised youth camps, sought sponsorship for classes and motivated members. He was also President and Team leader of the Jamaica Hurdles Crew.

Jason has worked with a number of corporate entities including Air Jamaica, the Jamaica National Building Society and the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. He maintains an abiding interest in tourism, given its mix of sectors such as—transportation, agriculture and culture.

His ultimate dream is to manage his own company, to give back to society by creating employment, to contribute to his country and be able to sponsor outreach programmes.

Jason Lamar McNeish, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of St. Catherine have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Award for Excellence for 2010.

Sheldon James White plans to be a Computer Programme Developer and Website Designer because “the world is fast becoming a seamless, global village in this computer dominated age.”

Sheldon is currently a Personnel Banking Officer at the Bank of Nova Scotia, where he has been employed since 1999; and he has worked in several capacities, including: Relief Personnel Banking Assistant and Teller Supervisor; Sub-Treasury Teller, 2003-2009; Teller, 1999-2003; and Current Account Filing Clerk, 1999. At BNS he has worked at the Scotia Bank Centre, as well as several branches, including Cross Roads, King Street, Premier and New Kingston.

Sheldon White is a graduate of the University of Technology, with a BSc. in Computing and Management Studies, 2009. His other educational achievements include a Certificate of completion from Jamaica College, 1992-1998; and several GCE and CXC subjects.

An active member of the New Testament Church of God, in Braeton, Mr. White has served as a Deacon for more than seven years. He is President of the Men’s Fellowship, Assistant Sports Director; Choir Director; Member of the Finance Committee; Leader for Hospitality; Coordinator of the Technology Department; Sunday School Teacher; Church PRO; and Youth Fellowship Liaison Officer.

He was a volunteer for the World Cup Cricket held in the Caribbean; and an International Cricket Council volunteer at cricket matches at Sabina Park. He also participates in his Citizens’ Association; and is a regular donor to the Blood Bank.

His personal ambitions include bridging the gap between adults and young people; influencing his peers to be role models for young people; and using computer technology to make the lives of others easier.

Sheldon James White, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of St. Catherine have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Youth Award for Excellence for 2010.

Since 1991 the GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS has annually identified fourteen persons, one from each parish, who have from modest social and economic circumstances uplifted themselves and shown substantial social and economic upward improvement.  These persons must have never received a national award and must be actively involved in community activities.   Persons are nominated by their communities. Under this scheme The Governor General’s Youth Award for Excellence, an initiative of  His Excellency, The Hon. Kenneth Hall, was first presented in 2006 also been presented in recognition of excellence among Jamaican youths. Sponsored by The Gleaner Company, Jamaica National Building Society, Victoria Mutual Building Society and the Building Societies association of Jamaica the programmes continue to inspire achievement at all levels of national activity.