The Governor-General’s
Achievement Awards Scheme
www.governorgeneralsawardsjamaica.com
award recipients
Clarendon //JEROMHA CROSSBOURNE (2010)

Jeromha Crossbourne, a Partner at Scott, Bhoorasingh & Bonnick, has been an Attorney-at-Law at the Jamaican Bar for more than five years, specialising in criminal and civil litigation. A motivated and goal oriented person, she has contributed her legal and motivational skills to assist others.

Ms Crossbourne was educated at the Norman Manley Law School at The University of the West Indies, Mona; and at the UWI Cave Hill.  He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree, Upper Second Class Division; and a Legal Education Certificate.

Awards & Achievements: Ms Crossbourne is an Honour Roll Graduate; has been the recipient of several awards including—The Douglas Fletcher Memorial Prize: for the outstanding Jamaican in academic achievement, interest in the Law School, discipline and attitude to society; Williams, McKoy and Palmer Prize: for outstanding performance in Criminal Practice and Procedure; Vaccianna & Wittingham Prize: for Criminal Practice and Procedure; and the Hon. Mr. Justice Courtenay Scipio Orr Memorial Prize: for outstanding Criminal Practice and Procedure.

Activities and Organisations: National Initiative for Street Children: presented in recognition of hosting motivational talks for the children.

She is a member of the Jamaican Bar Association; the Southern Bar Association; Honourary Secretary of the Girls Guides Association; and a Sunday School Teacher at the United Church of Jamaica. She is also a member of the Glenmuir Preparatory Past Students Association; and participated in the Glenmuir High School’s Past Student Mentorship Programme.

In her community, Ms Crossbourne is the Treasurer of the Volunteer Corps, and contributes some eight hours per week at a Children’s Home. She is also Treasurer for the Human Rights Committee

Jeromha Crossbourne, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Clarendon have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Award for Excellence for 2010.

Hanover //MERRITT LLOYD O’BRIAN DUNWELL (2010)

Merritt Lloyd O’Brian Dunwell was born in Hanover in 1987 and raised in the community of Sandy Bay. 

 

Mr. Dunwell, described by his peers and mentors as a results-oriented individual, is driven to excellence by a love for computers, challenges and change.

 

This, together with his passion for academic excellence, motivated him to successfully complete a course of study in Computer Upgrade and Repairs. All this was done while simultaneously preparing for the CXC examinations in eight subjects, including Information Technology, Technical Drawing and Electronics.

 

At Rusea’s, he was a member of the Cadet Core and participated in the music programme.  After leaving Rusea’s High School at age 15, he received a scholarship and enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programme at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU), a feat only few others had achieved before him.   He graduated at age 19.

 

While at NCU, Mr. Dunwell was a member of the 2007 Microsoft Imagine Cup Team.  The team made it to the semi-final round of the competition in the Interface Design Category.

 

A member of the Fletcher’s Grove Baptist Church since 1998, he served in the youth fellowship and assisted high school students in the community with their School Based Assessment coursework.  His enrollment as a student at the Okanagan College in Canada has allowed him to continue his community service at the Kelowna (Salvation Army) Community Church.

 

Merritt Lloyd O’Brian Dunwell, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Hanover have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Youth Award for Excellence for 2010.

Kingston //MS. KANDI-LEE CROOKS-SMITH (YOUTH AWARD - KINGSTON) 2009

Kandi-Lee Alexandria Crooks-Smith, who was born in Kingston, has always had an interest in working with young people. This passion led her to The Mico University College where she graduated as a trained teacher in 1999.  She is now the Principal of the Allman Town Primary School.

 

Mrs. Crooks-Smith has been teaching since 1998, starting with her tenure at the Constant Spring Primary and Junior High School. The decision to join the Allman Town Primary School family opened the door of opportunities.  Within a few years she was promoted to Senior Teacher, and has been Principal since September 2008.

 

Service to her community is integral to her passion for her students’ success, and to her own personal growth and development. Kandi-Lee has contributed by being the Director of Children’s Activity through a Child Evangelism Outreach Programme, with motto, ‘Every Child Needs Christ’. She is also a volunteer with the St. Paul’s United Church’s After School Remedial Reading Programme for students in Kingston. She is currently the coordinator and teacher for the Allman Town Primary School Parenting Study Circle, and the faculty advisor for the Optimist Club at the school and at the St. Mathew’s Church.

 

This outstanding and success-driven educator has fostered a special relationship with the parents of students attending the Allman Town Primary School by teaching them about the Child Care and Protection Act. She also guides them as they pursue small business ventures.

 

Kandi-Lee Alexandria Crooks-Smith it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Kingston have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Award of Excellence for the parish of Kingston, in the year 2009.

Manchester //CHARLENE JACKSON-MOHAN (2010)

Charlene Jackson, a graduate of the University of Technology, with a BSc. in Food Service Management, is known for her excellent oral and written communication skills; and her organized approach to carrying out projects effectively.

Born in St. James, she grew up in the parish of Manchester, where she attended the Mandeville Primary and Junior High Schools; as well as the Manchester High School where she attained eight subjects in CXC; and moved on to the University of Technology.

Miss Jackson made a significant contribution to the overall life of the student body at Manchester High School, through her synergistic involvement in extra circular activities, including—being a Prefect from 1999-2002; a member of the Girl Guide Association; Member of the 4-H Club; member of the Tourism Action Club; member of the Year Book Committee; member of the Girls Brigade Jamaica, 1995-2006; and was selected Brigadier of the Year in 2002.

She continued her involvement in building of social capital through her participation in numerous activities at the University of Technology. Some of these activities included: being a Service member of the Circle K; and her participation in the Cultural and Entertainment Committee for the Halls of Residence. She was also a Youth Representative for the CAANAC World Assembly in Trinidad & Tobago in 2007.

Since 2008 she has been employed as the Banqueting Manager at the Mandeville Place-Neils Auditorium. Motivated by her experiences and entrepreneurial spirit, Charlene plans to own and operate a full service hospitality facility, catering to functions. 

Charlene has also been the Associate Advisor on Cultural and Social Affairs at the Andrew United church; and believes that, “the toughest task is doable!”

Charlene Jackson, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Manchester have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Award for Excellence for 2010.

Portland //MR. HERMAN REID ( YOUTH AWARD - PORTLAND) 2009

The third of six children, and the first son, Herman Reid was born in Montego Bay, St. James to very humble parents, and spent the earlier years of his life growing up in St. Mary. Due to pastoral commitments, Herman’s dad migrated with the family to Portland in 1985 where they all reside to date.

Herman has been married to Lexia, the love of his life for over ten years and the union has produced a daughter, Lexania.

A graduate of Happy Grove High School, Herman Reid cherishes the many years he has spent at high school participating in track and field, and serving as a member of the 4H Club.  Armed with four CXC, and two GCE subjects, he entered the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) he pursued a Diploma in Primary Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He also obtained a certificate in coaching cricket at the primary school level.

While at CASE Herman was involved in college activities as the first year representative on the Student Council, Deputy Vice-Present of the Student Council, the Chairman for the sport committee, member of the college band, and Vice-President and President of the Universities & College Christian Fellowship (UCCF). This outstanding sportsman has also contributed much time to local sports as a member of the National Sports Committee for Primary, All-Age and Junior High Schools from 2005 to the present.

He has also served as a member of the National Coaching Team which took the junior Jamaica team to the British Virgin Islands, participating in the 2008 Caribbean Union of Teachers Games. A Parish Sports Coordinator from 2005 to 2008, Herman has taken time to serve as head coach and founder for the Portland Juniors Track Team, and Head coach of the Ken Wright Cricket, Football and Track & Field Teams.

In the community at large, he has served as President of the Long Bay Police Youth Club, and a seventeen-year stint in leadership in the Portland District of the scout movement up to the rank of Assistant District Commissioner. Serving as a Director on the Gospel Expression Band, Herman has provided in excess of twenty years of leadership to various church groups.  

Herman Hervin Reid, the Portland GGAA Parish Committee salutes you and has named you the Award Recipient for the Governor-General’s Award of Excellence for the parish of Portland in the year 2009.                    

            

 

St. Andrew //MS. KORDELL CLARKE (YOUTH AWARD - ST. ANDREW) 2009

 

Kordell Monique Clarke, a Bank of Nova Scotia Scholarship recipient for year 2003, successfully used the funds to facilitate her tuition for the five years of her secondary education.

 

A remarkable academic achiever, she has completed twelve CXC O’Level subjects, gaining seven distinctions and five credits.

 

Kordell has always challenged herself to achieve the highest level in all her endeavours. Her determination, coupled with the continued support of her mother and close friends, assisted her to complete her studies at the secondary level. She now aspires to study Actuarial Science as she believes this will not only make a difference in her life, but encourage other young persons to believe in their potential and take on challenges.

 

She has been awarded for outstanding performance at the CSEC level and received an Honours Diploma from the Convent of Mercy Academy for her academic excellence.

 

Voluntarism has been an important part of her daily life.  She is an active Inter-School Christian Fellowship member and served in the Key and Tourism Action clubs. She has a passion for Mathematics, dance and singing, and has participated in homework groups where she assists other students to complete assignments and attain success in examinations. Through her membership at the Ebenezer Methodist Church, she has been able to encourage her peers to achieve academic success and spiritual growth.

 

Kordell Monique Clarke it is with pride that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award Committee of St Andrew have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Youth Award of Excellence for the parish of St. Andrew, in the year 2009.

St. Ann //ROHAN CHAMPAGNIE (2010)

Mr. Rohan Champagnie strives to assist others to grow intellectually; and has organised clubs and spiritual ministries to enhance the lives of others. His own life was stimulated by persons such as Steve Rodney, a friend, who taught him to read. Mrs. Lorna Standford one of his teachers at Tackey High School, became his mentor, and guided his educational path.

After graduation from Tackey High School in 1996, Rohan matriculated at the University of Technology, where he achieved a Diploma in Technical Teacher Education in 2000; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with First Class Honours in Education, in 2005.

His teaching career includes working at the Ocho Rios High School; and as a part-time lecturer at the Jamaican Institute of Management.  The philosophy that has guided his development is that, “Success is not a talent, but an attitude.”

A baptized member and ordained Elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mr. Champagnie serves as a lay preacher, Sabbath school teacher and youth leader; and he also provides assistance to the host pastor in the supervision of various departments, as well as to conduct church services.

He is an active participant in outreach programmes, and was instrumental in establishing a Clinic Ministry at the Gayle Health Centre, where he holds weekly devotions with patients on Wednesdays. At Tacky High School, he leads devotions for both senior and junior students.

A cricketer, he was a valuable member of the Inter-Department Cricket Team; and an active participant in the 4-H Club. On a regular basis, he also visits the Port Maria Infirmary and the Richmond Adult Prison; and participates in the annual treats at these institutions.

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

St. Catherine //JASON LAMAR MCNEISH (2010)

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.

St. Elizabeth //ROGER MARVIN BENT (2010)

Roger Marvin Bent is from Top Hill in the parish of St. Elizabeth.  He was educated at Munro College, Bethlehem Moravian College and The University of the West Indies (Mona), where he is completing a Master of Arts Degree in Student Personnel Administration.

 

During his active undergraduate years at The UWI, Mr. Bent served in several key leadership positions including External Affairs Chairman for Chancellor Hall and the Guild of Students; as well as Vice- President of the Guild, and Guild President from 2008 to 2009.  Commuting Student Advisor and Assistant Coordinator of the UWI Debating Society are also areas in which he served as a post-graduate student.

 

The impact of his student involvement and activism extended beyond the university campus, as he was instrumental in initiating several student-based outreach programmes, which benefited residents in communities of Wildman Street, Mountain View and Windward Road, in the Corporate Area.

 

The Wildman Street Educational Programme, Peace Management Initiative and Help Our People Excel programmes in which Mr. Bent was involved, inspired and motivated residents in the respective communities to be the architects of their own destinies.  Young people and adults from these communities were prepared for the CXC examinations, free of cost, by students of The UWI. 

 

Mr. Bent was also involved in the Roots to Haiti Regionalism and Academic Exchange Programme, which was designed to bridge the gap and increase understanding between Jamaican and Haitian universities.  He is an assistant Pastor at the Bethel Apostolic Church in Southfield, St. Elizabeth where he continues to promote the empowerment of young people and adults.

 

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

St. James //EVERTON WESLEY ANDERSON (2010)

Everton Wesley Anderson has an unending concern for the safety of public health and believes it must be delivered at the highest quality, even if resources are limited.  He has dedicated more than a decade of his adult life to a career in the Public Health service, rising steadily to the position of Chief Executive Officer of one of the island’s busiest and largest health facilities, the Cornwall Regional Hospital. 

 

Mr. Anderson is seen as a visionary in the field of healthcare especially in the western region.  Under his leadership, the Cornwall Regional Hospital has been able to realize the construction of a new wing for the Cardiology and Intensive Care Units, a new Chemotherapy suite, and an Intransit Unit in the Accident and Emergency Department.  Several other upgrades to the physical structure of the hospital have also been achieved under his stewardship.  He was also instrumental in the introduction of Neuro-surgery to the western region. 

 

He is highly regarded and admired by staff and patients alike for his commitment to the delivery of the best quality healthcare to the people of western Jamaica.  The high esteem with which he is held has earned him the coveted title of All-Island Boss of the Year in 2003, presented by the Jamaica Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals.

 

As part of his community involvement, Mr. Anderson serves on the Boards of the Springfield Basic School, Maldon High School, Cornwall College Old Boys’ Trust Limited and Herbert Morrison High School. 

 

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

St. Mary //VERONIQUE JUANITA LAWRENCE (2010)

Miss Veronique Juanita Lawrence, a motivator, is recognised for her leadership qualities and being an excellent team player. An innovator, she has spearheaded school garden projects, established a literacy and numeracy resource room at Job’s Hill All-Age School; upgraded the school library, improved the school’s lunch programme; and improved the student literacy rate to one which exceeds the national average.

Working closely with the Parent Teachers’ Association and the Citizens’ Association she has influenced her community to become involved with activities at the school; and as a result the Job’s Hill All-Age School continues to benefit from this partnership.

Miss Lawrence attended Marymount High School; and subsequently achieved a Diploma in Primary Education at the College of Agriculture, Science & Education (CASE) in 1997. She also pursued tertiary studies at the University of Technology (UTECH) and was awarded the BSc in Food Production and Management in 2007.

At Marymount she was a member of the Red Cross Club, the Debating Society; and was a Prefect. While at CASE she was Secretary of the Student Council, and actively participated in sports, such as netball and volley ball.

Her work in the educational sector has mainly been at Job’s Hill All-Age School, where she was first a Senior Teacher; and is currently the Acting Principal. she has also served at Beecham Hill Primary School where she was introduced to 4-H Club activities, and subsequently established a club at Job’s Hill All-Age School.

In the wider community she has served as a mentor, a Sunday School Teacher; Secretary of the Women’s Mission Department at Highgate United Pentecostal Church; Presiding Officer in General and Parish Council Elections; and Secretary of the St. Mary Cricket Association.

She believes in working hard to achieve the best life has to offer. And, she maintains that, “If you are patient enough, people will surprise you with their very best side.”

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

St. Thomas //MS. LORI-ANN HAYE (YOUTH AWARD - ST. THOMAS) 2009

Lori-Ann Chevaughn Haye was born in the parish of St. Thomas, and has always shown an interest in the area of Economics. Her motivation for attaining a Bachelor of Science in Economics at The University of the West Indies, Mona is to find creative ways to effect change in her community, Jamaica, and the world.

 

Miss Haye is a past student of the St Thomas Technical High and Titchfield High Schools. While attending the St. Thomas Technical High School she was a member of the Debating Society and Speech, Drama and Key Clubs; but it was while attending Titchfield High that she honed her skills in the field of Business and was a recipient of the School’s Award for Accounting.

 

Miss Haye sees the importance of giving back to her community and has spent many hours assisting younger students with their homework and reading to the blind. She has volunteered at the soup kitchen at the Moses Baker Baptist Church which also has a ‘Feed the Elderly’ programme. Her participation in projects that included donating items to the less fortunate in her community has also benefited the Mustard Seed Communities.

 

Lori-Ann is described as a caring person who is always willing to share her facilities, possessions and talents with the less fortunate. She is a role model and a motivator.

 

Lori-Ann Chevaughn Haye it is with much confidence, that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award Committee of St. Thomas have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Award of Excellence for the parish of St. Thomas, in the year 2009.

Trelawny //CALVIN ALTEMAN HALL (2010)

Calvin Alteman Hall was born in St Ann and from very early, displayed a keen interest in making a difference to his country.  He has concerned himself with matters relating to community development and is a member of the Falmouth Heritage Restoration Company, and the Falmouth Missionary Church Youth Fellowship.  He is a volunteer with the elderly, and has organised special community treats for children with disabilities. His commitment to community development has earned him the Prince of Wales Foundation Award, and sponsorship to England on a special leadership training programme.

 

Mr. Hall was cognizant of the fact that he could make an even greater contribution to his community with the benefit of a solid education.  His academic achievements include CXC passes in Woodwork and Technical Drawing earned while a student at the Albert Town High School and Certification in Information Technology and Masonry from the HEART Trust/NTA in Falmouth, where he was named the Most Outstanding Student of his graduating class. 

 

After graduating from the HEART Trust/NTA programme, he joined the Falmouth Heritage Renewal training programme.  In six years, his dedication to his work and craft propelled him to become one of their leading trainers. He has taught at the local and international levels.  Mr. Hall’s work caught the attention of His Royal Highness Prince Charles who visited Falmouth in 2008.   He was invited to study at the Prince of Wales’ Building Crafts Apprentices Programme in London. He successfully completed the programme and was awarded the Hancocks Award for Outstanding Achievement.

 

Mr. Hall is lauded for his positive attitude, his attention to detail and his enthusiasm to learn. When he is not busy at the Falmouth Heritage Renewal, he works closely with disabled children.

 

Calvin Alteman Hall, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Trelawny have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Youth Award for Excellence for 2010.

Westmoreland //TANIEFA BEHARIE (2010)

Taniefa Latoya Beharie is described as an intelligent, driven, determined young philanthropist.  In addition to pursuing her studies in medicine at The University of the West Indies (UWI), she has found time to be involved in mentorship programmes in Craig Town and Hope Valley. She also makes monthly visits to the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.  She is a consistent lobbyist for the expansion of HIV/AIDS awareness among youth.

 

Miss Beharie is actively involved in student life at the Mona Campus of the UWI. Serving as the Vice-President of Alumni Programming of the Vice Chancellors Ambassador Corps, Vice-President of Internal Affairs for the class of 2013, she is also a member of the UWI Quality Leadership and several other Societies on campus.  She has led two student delegations to the ‘Students engaging the CARICOM Single Market and Economy through Field Promotion programme and is a member of the Future Leaders Conference.  She is the Altar Server at the Anglican Congregation of the University Chapel.

 

Miss Beharie is a graduate of the Savanna-la-Mar Primary and Mannings High Schools. She has a passion for medicine and desires to make a contribution to improving and impacting health and wellness in Jamaica. A second year medical student, her primary goal is to become a Cardiologist. 

 

Taniefa Latoya Beharie, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Westmoreland have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Youth Award for Excellence for 2010.





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