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.

Rahman Bishen Surgbally is currently studying to become a pilot; and on the completion of his studies he plans to either join the Jamaica Defence Force, to study aviation; or to attend the Caribbean Maritime Institute to study navigation.

Rahman, who was born in Annotto Bay, St. Mary, was educated at Marlborough Primary School; and St. Mary High School. On graduation, in 2007 with seven CSEC subjects, he proceeded to pursue his pre-university level education and training to become a pilot.

In 2003, while in Grade 8, he enlisted in the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force. As a recruit he struggled with military drills and discipline; but developed, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, with responsibility for the care and welfare of eleven cadets in the Unit. One year later, he attained the rank of Corporal, and additional duties; and subsequently assumed the position of Company Sergeant Major, with responsibility for the operations and management of the St. Mary High School Cadet Unit.

Rahman was also appointed a Prefect at St. Mary High School, where he used his Cadet training to work with fellow students.

During his seven years as a Cadet, the work of the corps became an integral part of his life, as he learned about leadership styles. He also participated in Cadet Projects at the Swift Percel Boys Home, Stockholm Park Basic School, the Holland, Buff Bay, Dinthill High and St. Mary High Schools. His diligence led to earning certificates in administration, basic air training, as well as rescue and shelter management.

Rahman Bishen Surgbally, 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 Youth Award for Excellence for 2010.

Mrs. Linda Darnel Sutherland-Hines, currently the Director of Nursing Services at the Port Maria Hospital, has contributed more than 33 years of service in the nursing profession.  

 

As a Deacon, Lay Preacher and a devoted member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mrs. Sutherland-Hines has contributed many years of social service in the parish of St. Mary through the Baptist Social work Committee; and she served as Moderator of for the St. Mary Baptist Association.

 

Born in Mango Valley, in Western St. Mary, Linda attended the Bramble Primary School in that parish; and later, Wolmer’s High School for Girls, in Kingston where she completed her secondary education. In pursuit of her medical qualifications she first studied at the University Hospital School of Nursing, and

qualified as a Regional General Nurse. She also received her qualifications as a Midwife from the Jubilee Hospital School of Midwifery in 1981. She later successfully completed a Master of Public Educator Degree at the Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, at The University of the West Indies.

 

A very active member of the Port Maria community Mrs. Sutherland-Hines has also chaired the Board of the HEART Trust/NTA in St. Mary; and served as President of the Parent Teachers Association for the Port Maria Primary and High Schools. She was also a judge for the Secondary School Debate; and the JCDC Festival Queen shows. She currently chairs the Board of the Emmanuel Basic School.

 

“Giving back” is very important to Mrs. Sutherland-Hines, and, therefore, she assists needy students with school fees, uniforms and books.  She has also served as President of the Cuban Student Association.

 

Mrs. Linda Darnel Sutherland, it is with pride and confidence that your colleagues and 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 Achievement Award for 2010.

 

Elise Bernadette Barnett of Port Maria in St. Mary, the 2008 Festival Queen for her parish, is an exemplar of the focus that competition has placed on encouraging the emergence of young women with cultural awareness, talent and a passion for community development.

 

Her 2008 Festival Queen crowning, was the culmination of a life spent contributing to her church and community. An avid reader and budding poet from an early age, it was a mark of things to come that she was the Valedictorian at her graduation from the Port Maria Primary School.

 

Active in student activities at St. Mary High School, she participated in sports, debating and drama. Time was also found for her to act as a peer counselor and to perform voluntary service for her school.

 

A committed Christian, her high school years was also the period when she found she could serve her church more effectively. She taught Sunday School classes at Emmanuel Baptist Church, served its Youth Fellowship in several capacities and even lead services.

 

Elise’s sense of commitment led her to choose a career in nursing, and she is now pursuing her studies at The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, where she is also actively involved in student activities. Among her many commitments, Elise participated in an outreach programme at the August Town Basic School and volunteered at the Office of Special Student Services. 

 

A disciplined, hard working and committed young woman, Elise has immersed herself in serving her community while maintaining her integrity.

 

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

Dr. David Crawford, a Justice of the Peace of St. Mary, is a sportsman par excellence. His most outstanding sporting achievement has been in developing a foundation for cricket in the Parish of St. Mary.

 

Born in Kingston, the second of three boys, he attended the Mico Practicing Primary School and Wolmer’s Boys’ School where he excelled academically, but also developed a passion for cricket. He attended The University of the West Indies and graduated as a Doctor of Medicine while also finding time to participate in cricket, athletics and weightlifting. He expresses pride in having coached Shot Put and Weightlifting at Wolmer’s Boys’ School.

 

When he moved to St. Mary as a Medical Officer in 1975, he chose to assist with the development of cricket in the parish. In 1997 he was elected President of the St. Mary Cricket Association and was in the position for 20 years after serving as a Match Organizer and Umpire. In addition, he was also a member of the Marymount School Board.

 

He was called to service at the national level, and sat on the National Cricket Board for 20 years. He later became a Life Member of the National and St. Mary Cricket Boards.

 

Dr. Crawford was District Medical Officer in St. Mary for 27 years, retiring in 2002 after a distinguished tenure. He is Secretary/Treasurer of the North Eastern Medical Association and an active member of the Grace Missionary Church. He credits his wife, Blossom, and their three daughters for unwavering support of his cricket and other volunteer service. 

 

Dr. David Crawford, it is with pride and confidence that your colleagues and the members of the St. Mary GGAA Parish Committee have selected you as a worthy recipient of The Governor-General’s Achievement Award for the parish of St. Mary in the year 2009.

Trevor James Stoddart is a cheerful, dynamic person who has led a life of hard work, humility and charity. His service to the community of St. Mary began in 1978 when he moved from his home in St. James. Since then, he has become a sterling contributor to the parish, earning the distinguished award as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for
St. Mary in the Year 2007.

Now retired, Mr. Stoddart was recently honoured by the St. Mary 4H Club during its 60th Anniversary for his outstanding service to the club, with the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) 60th Anniversary Award. He has also received the Jamaica Agricultural Society’s Long Service Award. These accolades are testament to
his unwavering determination to be a positive role model and patron of community service.

A farmer, educator, sportsman, and Deacon in the Bethel Christian Church, Mr. Stoddart has used his years of experience to improve his community. He is a member of the Highgate Primary and Junior High and the Lindale Girls Home Boards. He was President of the St. Mary Jaycees and the Jamaica School of Agriculture (now
C.A.S.E.), Old Students’ Association, St. Mary Chapter; and a member of the St. Mary 4H Advisory Council, and the St. Mary Lions Club. The Lift-Up Jamaica Highgate Community Centre has also benefited from his voluntary service.

Trevor Stoddart has taught at the Marymount and St. Mary High Schools and has served as a member of the Highgate Zone of the Social Development Commission. The St. Mary Agriculture Show Committee also gained from his vast experience while he served as Chairman of the Livestock Exhibits Committee.

Born September 18, 1941 in George’s Plain, Westmoreland to Claude and Marie Stoddart, Trevor attended the George’s Plain Elementary School and Frome Secondary School, where he attained the Third Jamaica Local Examination. At school, he was involved in sports, the choir, students’ council, camera club and the Christian
Youth Movement.

After secondary school, he went on to work as a Branch Chemist at the Frome Sugar Factory, then attended the Jamaica School of Agriculture (JSA) where he earned a diploma in Agriculture. At the JSA, he developed a love for livestock and his desire for “life-long learning” saw him earning a certificate in livestock production from the University of Guelph in Canada in 1976, and a certificate in livestock farming systems from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1989.

An expert in his field, and while studying at the University of Guelph, he published a paper on Pig Production in Jamaica which is still widely used in Guelph . He has also published a book on Goat Production in Jamaica. After several jobs in livestock agriculture, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture as Livestock Research Assistant
and became Regional Livestock Officer.

Prior to retiring, he shared his knowledge in the field as Assistant Lecturer at the College of Agriculture, now the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE).

He has been married to Cynthia for 30 years and has four children and four grandchildren.

Trevor James Stoddart, it is with pride and confidence that your colleagues and the St. Mary committee of the GGAA Scheme have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for the parish of St. Mary in the year 2008.

The story of the life of Cinderella Lyons-Badroe, Lay Magistrate, teacher, wife and mother, is one of struggles, hardships and rewards. A weaker person would have given up in defeat; however, today this Principal Teacher at Martin Primary School, who has taught for 35 years, provides hope for others, given her passion to succeed...

From humble beginnings Selvin Stewart received elementary education.  He also passed the First Year Local Exams...

Growing up in a humble and caring family, Jeffrey Lorenzo McKitty, along with his four brothers and five sisters, was taught the importance and value of a good education. This motivated him to gain admission to Mico College. An active participant in sports, Jeff McKitty represented Mico in cricket, track and field, and football...

There is a plaque at Norma Creary's home in Port Maria which reads: 'Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man'...

Edwin Samuel Coleman was born in Clarendon on February 12, 1957, and is the eldest of four boys. He grew up in a single parent household as his father died when he was eight years old. Growing up was not easy as he assisted his mother with a small farming plot, which provided food for his family. His early schooling began at Simon Primary where he obtained a government scholarship to attend ...

Wesley Levy was born on June 20, 1929 in Free Hill St. Mary, of humble parentage. Donald Levy, his father, was a labourer, and his mother, Stella Levy, was a domestic helper. He graduated from Free Hill Elementary School, having been successful in the First and Second Year Jamaica Local Examinations. However, he was unable to attend any secondary institution because his parents could not afford ...

Unes Salvador McLean, the fifth of six children of Nathaniel and Celeste McLean, was born at Mount Zion in St. Ann on January 20, 1932. His parents were poor peasants who struggled to support the family and, despite the difficulties, they instilled in their children certain important values and attitudes which guided them through life. The lines from a popular song “If I can help somebody as I ...

He has been through a hurricane, two fires, and he lost his father before he became a teenager.  From the look of things, there’s no way the Governor-General’s Achievement Award could have been in his future. Surprise! That’s what it was, a surprise, said John Drake, St. Mary’s Governor-General’s Achievement award recipient for 2001. His friends say he deserves it but Mr. Drake, 74, is ...

Allan George Mitchell was born on 13th December 1913 and was the sixth of seven children born to modest farmers, Augustus Mitchell and Ruth Thompson of Clonmel, St Mary.  His mother died before he attained age five.  He attended the Clonmel Elementary School until age 14 when he gave up his studies in favour of employment to assist his ailing father and siblings. Young George began work ...

Allan George Mitchell was born December 13, 1913, the sixth of seven children born to modest farmers, Augustus Mitchell and Ruth Thompson of Clonmel in St. Mary. His mother died before he reached age five. He attended the Clonmel Elementary School until he was 14 when he was forced to give up his studies in favour of employment to help his ailing father and siblings. Young George got his first ...

Selvin Graham was born in 1933 at Mount Joseph District and grew up as a part of a small family in a matriarchal home where he was nurtured by a mother of two children who relied on farming and domestic work for income. He attended the Highgate Elementary (now All-Age) school until he was sixteen years old and then started working as a gardener. This presently gave way to Gleaner and peanut ...

Peter Xavier Williams was born in the district of Annotto River near Annotto Bay, St. Mary in 1933 the son of an Indian immigrant father and a second generation Jamaica mother of Indian extraction. He had three brothers who like himself attended the then Tryall Hill Elementary School. A military band concert held in Annotto Bay during World War II while he was a young lad served to ignite the ...

Reverend Seymour Hutchinson was born in Highgate, St. Mary 50 years ago as one of the seven children of his parents, described as decent, respectable and poor. Seymour attended Highgate basic and elementary schools where he attained the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Jamaica Local Certificate and spent 3 years at the Mico Teachers College graduating with honours. He subsequently worked for 23 years at St. Mary ...

Vincent Mason was born in Port Maria, St. Mary  in 1930, the son of humble parents Zachariah and Maud Mason. He attended Basic School, Port Maria Elementary School and later Crandall High in Kingston. He started making furniture from a small shed, expanded to a furniture factory, a store and appliance trader. From making coffins and caskets he developed into a funeral undertaking, the first ...

Leonard Percival Martin, born in 1918,is from a family of eleven children. His mother was household helper and his father, unable to own land, leased land as a small farmer. At the tender age of twelve, young Leonard had no choice but to abort his short educational career having attended Port Maria and Preston Hill Elementary school up to the third class. School became a luxury which Leonard ...

Cecelia Chung was one of six children who, with their parents, struggled to overcome the challenges of settling in a new land within a different culture.  When her parents emigrated from China, they took with them the entrepreneurial spirit, which Cecelia adopted, from a very young age.  Born on November 14, 1919 in Hampstead, St. Mary, young Cecilia attended the Port Maria Elementary ...