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.

Nikita Henry is currently a part-time teacher at Bishop Gibson High School, and plans to pursue a career in teaching, and has stated her intention to attend university to attain a Bachelors degree in Chemistry and Education.

After attending Bishop Gibson High School from 1999 to 2003; she went on to St. Hugh’s High School, 2003-2005 where she attained eight GCE and GCE O Level subjects, respectively. A graduate of Church Teachers’ College, Miss Henry pursued a teaching course in Double Option Science, studying Biology and Chemistry as a major; and Physics as a minor. During her high school years, she was President of the Planeteers Club; Secretary of the French and 4-H Clubs; and a member of the Debating Society, as well as the School’s Challenge Quiz Team.

As a Peer Educator, Nikita was instrumental in developing a fundraiser to allocate funds to assist children living with HIV. She participated in marches held on Worlds AIDS Day, in 2006 and 2007. As Vice President of the Manchester and Upper Trelawny Area Council, she coordinated meetings for the Anglican Church and the Anglican Youth Fellowship.

In the wider community, she has been engaged in a wide range of voluntary services, working with the Manchester Infirmary, the Elizabeth’s Nursing Home, the Windsor Children’s Home and the Bustamante Hospital for Children, in Kingston.

Miss Henry always reaches out to others, volunteering to teach science to primary school students while mentoring others in her work through Rotaract Club; as well as her participation in the St. Mark’s Anglican Fraternity and Choir.

Nikita Henry, 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 Youth Award for Excellence for 2010.

Stanley Cava Skeene has lived an exemplary life motivating students and influencing adults in the parish of Manchester, where his diligence and commitment to education resulted in the transformation of the May Day School, changing the life of an entire community.

 

As the Bursar and Principal of May Day School, from 1977 to 1994, with the assistance of the parents of students, he expanded the physical plant to include eleven additional classrooms and a workshop. He proudly advised the Ministry of Education that he had taken the school off the shift system. As students’ performance increased, the school was duly recognized for its academic and athletic performances.

 

Stanley was taught to read by his Great Grandmother. At age eight, when he entered school, he was moved from “A Class” to “First Class,” in one month; and was always ahead of his class at Newton All-Age School, and later at Glen Stuart All-Age School in Maggoty. He also attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School.

 

Mr. Skeene is a graduate of The University of the West Indies, where he attained an M.Ed degree in Educational Administration; and a post graduate diploma in Management Studies. He also holds a ABBA degree in Management Studies from the Centre for Degree Studies. And, he earned a Certificate in Secondary Education, specializing in Mathematics, Science and Physical Education from Mico Teachers’College, now Mico University, where he was voted “the Most Outstanding Student.”

 

From an early age Stanley Skeene helped others, he was a versatile young man, whether it was in the classroom, the 4-H Club, a cricket team or the elderly in his community. He could also cook, sew and bake; and earned the title, a “Jack-of-all-trades.”

 

In his professional life Mr. Skeene has been associated with many professional organisations including being a: member, Vice President and President of the Association of Principals & Vice Principals; member, Treasurer, Vice President and President of the Mico Old Students Association, Manchester Link; member, Director, Vice President and President of the Lions Club of Porus; Zone Chairman, District Drug Awareness Chairman, Deputy District Governor of the District 60B Lions Club International; Treasurer, and the Lay magistrate Association of Jamaica, Manchester Chapter.

 

For his tremendous contribution to his country he has received awards from the government and a host of companies and organizations including: The Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation, for service to Education, 2009; the Cynthia Powell Award from the Manchester Principals Association for school plant improvement; a Plaque from the Ministry of Education, Region 5 Cluster for long and distinguished service to Education; citation and plaque from the Association of Principals and Vice Principals for long and distinguished service to Education and country; and, a Plaque from May Day School for 34 years of service to the institution, among others.

 

 

Stanley Skeene believes one should, “Think well of others—always, and you will live a happy life.”

 

Stanley Cava Skeene, JP, it is with pride and confidence that your colleagues and the members of the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Committee of Manchester have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for 2010.

 

Nicholas Edward Powell is in his final year of studies at the University of Technology, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering; and his major project at UTech is to design a hurricane-proof and computerised greenhouse, to facilitate farmers.

 

At Porus Primary, his mathematical skills emerged at an early age, when he placed first in the Butterkist Primary Math Competition at the parish level and seventh at the national level. He was also first in an internal competition for students in Grades Five and Six; and subsequently received the Bert N. Mitchell Award for being the Most Outstanding Student in 1998.

 

At Glenmuir High School he was a member of the Environmental Club, the Drama Club and an active participant in the school’s Festival Choir. He was also successful academically, obtaining nine CXC subjects with five distinctions, and also one GCE subject.

 

From his early years, Nicholas demonstrated an interest in farming. Now he maintains his own small farm where he cultivates short term crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, cucumber and sweet potatoes. He has also diversified his activities to include coffee and yam, and currently employs between five and eight persons on a weekly basis. In 2008, he obtained a Certificate in Tissue Culture and plans to use this knowledge to assist other farmers.

 

In 1999 he became a member of the Coffee Grove Church of God and an active participant in church activities, including: being a member of the Youth Choir, Youth PRO, Men’s President, Assistant Treasurer of the Church, Kindergarten and Junior Sunday School Teacher, as well as a member of the Church Committee.

 

In 2006 he launched a fundraising project, The Revolutionary Movement, for community development. The returns from funds collected at family fun days and concerts resulted in the purchase of four computers to educate young persons in the community. The upgrading of sanitary facilities at the Coffee Grove Basic School, and educational assistance for students are also part of his community involvement.

 

Nicholas Powell, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the GGAA parish committee have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Youth Award of Excellence for the parish of Manchester in the year 2009.

 

 

Vesta Alexander White, a retired Senior Public Health Inspector, made significant contributions to the health sector in Jamaica, for more than 37 years during his tenure at the Mandeville Parish Council. And, during those more than three decades, he was instrumental in carrying out many changes in the sanitary standards of public spaces in that parish.

 

Mr. White completed his Pupil Teacher Examination by correspondence; and later received training in public health at the Rapid Results College in London, England, with emphasis on areas such as: health education, sanitary science and public health administration. He subsequently participated in several local training courses conducted by the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO).

 

Formerly a volunteer with the Jamaica Welfare Limited, which is now the Social Development Commission (SDC), Mr. White played a pivotal role in educating young people about public health. In his local community, he served as founder of the Ward Avenue Neighbourhood Watch Committee, and the National Men’s Fellowship of Jamaica.  As a volunteer with the United Manchester Association, he was able to focus on community development, cricket, and the Each One Teach One Programme.

 

He served on the boards of the Albion, Ebenezer and May Day Primary Schools; and has been recognized for his contribution to community service by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The Manchester Neighbourhood Watch and the Manchester Civic Association have both recognized the many years of volunteer service of this dedicated Jamaican.

 

Vesta White, it is with pride and confidence that your colleagues and the members of the GGAA parish committee have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for the parish of Manchester in the year 2009.

Verona Lorraine Ricketts began her illustrious career in Education Administration at the Anchovy Elementary School. Bent on contributing to her alma mater, which she attended between 1949 and 1958, she served for three years as a Junior Teacher before honing her teaching skills at the Shortwood Teachers’ College.

While she pursued her teaching certification, this young woman received a distinction in physical education and was an active collegiate athlete. This earned her a nomination for the Enos Nuttal Award for Overall Performance.

Self-motivated to achieve academic excellence; she pursued a series of administrative and leadership courses offered by the Ministry of Education and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. Mrs. Ricketts is also certified in the Fundamentals of Management, a designation she earned at the Management Institute for National Development.

Her second stint in the classroom was at the Porus Primary School, where she served for 38 years as Teacher, Senior Teacher, Acting Vice Principal, Acting Principal and, for 18 years, Principal. She developed the school’s mottos, “Together We Serve” and “Only The Best Is Good Enough”, which provided the stimulus for achievement among the academic staff and student population.

Within this new culture of achieving excellence, Verona Ricketts facilitated a windfall of victories in sports, the performing arts, The Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee Competition and boosted the school’s attendance to 95% percent. Also, under her watch, the school’s favourability increased leading to a 20% increase in
enrolment at the institution.

Mrs. Ricketts demonstrated keen interest in the development of her staff, motivating them to enhance their knowledge through additional tertiary education. Through a vibrant Parent Teachers’ Association, which she integrated into the wider Porus community, Mrs. Ricketts enriched that district by spearheading an active Parenting Club. In 2003, she was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for the parish of Manchester.

Born June 10, 1941, in Comfort Hall, St. James, Verona Ricketts later moved to Manchester, but as a young girl, she lived the classic life of a country girl, rearing animals, fetching water and firewood, and caring for her siblings.

Verona has a daughter and an adopted son, both of whom have followed in her footsteps in the field of education administration.

A devout Christian for more than 30 years, Mrs. Ricketts serves her Baptist church as a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the choir.

Verona Lorraine Ricketts, it is with pride and confidence that your colleagues and the GGAA committee of Manchester have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for the parish of Manchester in the year 2008.

George Washington Powell, fondly known as “Turbo”, is a fine example of how personal ambition and drive can triumph over all odds. Today, having worked at many odd jobs, he maintains a welding plant, rents Jack hammers and compressors; manufactures and rents amusement park equipments, as well as, train security dogs...

Born on April 2, 1949, in Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine to Murrel Gordon and Eutedra nee Perkins, young Owen Gordon grew up in a humble and caring family with fifteen siblings...

Jacob Robinson's family started to experience real hardships when his father died when he was four years old. The death created new responsibilities for each member of his family, who had to grow small crops to feed themselves and sell in their community in St. Elizabeth...

In a society where the philosophy of "every man for himself" remains rife, it's rare to find someone who believes in being his "brother's keeper". Dr. Jeffrey Norman Gayle, this year's Governor-General's Achievement awardee from Manchester, is one such man, however...

Rev. Edmund Folkes was born in Brown’s Hall, St. Catherine.  One of 13 children for his father Adohihah, a teacher and small farmer, his mother Louise, a housewife and dressmaker...

From a modest background, Leonard Burton received his early education at the Mount Olivet Primary then accounting at Holmwood Technical High School. Showing initiative he sold ‘snowball and bullas’ at school to assist the family finances as well as his own. A deeply Christian man he became involved in Sunday School from an early age...

Carmen Margarita Ward has survived great difficulties, having lost her mother when she was thirteen months old, and received then, no childhood support from her father. She grew up with her maternal grandmother a post office messenger/attendant, who though willing, had very little time between traveling on the job, to provide adequate care.  Consequently, Carmen was shunted from one ...

Anthony Eric Clarke Watson was born on November 19, 1951 in Mile Gully, Manchester; the sixth of eleven children from a humble and loving home in a community with a unique history of caring and sharing.  Young Anthony and his siblings, benefited from the love and care of their father Samuel, a small farmer, and mother Pearl, a full-time homemaker who managed the family finances. Infant and ...

From a very early age, the shining example of one dedicated teacher inspired James McLaughlin to set his focus on pursuing a career in teaching. His father’s wish for him to become a tailor was influenced by the fact that the family income could not support any pursuit of higher learning. The family could be aptly described as among the poorest of the poor, but James surmounted the difficult ...

Tatyana Elnora Armstrong was born December 4, 1935 in Queensbury, St. Elizabeth. She is the second of the six children of Harold and Myrtle Bent, farmer and housewife. The oldest girl, Tatyana played an authoritative and sometimes nurturing role in the lives of her younger siblings. On Saturdays, she assisted her parents in the small grocery shop they operated in Queensbury square. She attended ...

Born in Newport, Manchester on January 4, 1950 in very humble circumstances, to Robert and Margaret Thompson, Herbert is the last of seventeen children. His is a compelling and enthralling story of triumph over adversity, of the realisation of a dream over the reality of parental domination and of education and perseverance over ignorance and submission.   Young Herbert had the ...

Who from humble beginnings rose to be pastor of 5 congregations of the United Church. He serves his community as a Lay Magistrate, founded the Conference Centre of Project Ebenezer and has adopted and raised 33 needy children in addition to his own. Edmund Folkes was born in Brown's Hall, St. Catherine 58 years ago, one of 13 children of his father Adonijah, a teacher and small farmer and his ...

Daphne Gordon was born in June 1930 in Chantilly, Manchester the first of 10 children of her parents. However, because they could not cope with the numbers, Daphne was adopted by her aunt when she was three years old. Brought up in a one room house, she was later to assist in building a home for her aunt. Daphne's aunt was very firm on education and hence Daphne was never absent from ...

Kenneth Gordon came from humble parents in St. Catherine in 1932. Father was engaged in small-scale cane farming and boiled wet sugar which mother sold in the market to support the family. She also broke stones, which she sold to Public Works. He left elementary school in 6th standard when he was 11 years old owing to the death of his mother. He burnt coal which he sold to people in order to help ...

Born in 1928, Mr. Vernon Emmanuel Chong was the seventh of eleven children, of parents who operated a small shop in Harry Watch, Manchester. Being one of the youngest in the family did not exclude him from making his contribution to the livelihood of the family. His chores included assisting in the raising of goats and rabbits and carrying water over long distances by donkey. Yong Vernon attended ...

The Governor-General Achievement Award winner for the parish of Manchester is Mrs. Claris.

Richards. A retired seamstress, Mrs. Richards is a shining example of selflessness and true gentility to all. Over her 80 year life-span, she has put consistently put service above self. Her numerous contributions to her parish have earned her widespread recognition and appreciation -no less than she ...