Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall and his wife Rheima Hall pose with Governor-General Achievement Award winners for Middlesex (standing from left) Leon Gordon, Ernest Hoo, Kenneth Burrell, Cinderella Lyons-Badroe and George Powell during the ceremony held at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports in St. Catherine on Wednesday. -Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

It was a regal affair Wednesday at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports when 14 hard-working Jamaicans were presented with the Governor-General's Achievement Award for the County of Middlesex.

In the beautifully decorated gymnasium at the Spanish Town, St. Catherine-based college, entrepreneurs Kenneth Burrell and George Powell, educators Cinderella Lyons-Badroe and Leon Gordon and businessman and philanthropist Ernest Hoo were hailed for their stellar contribution to the society.

Widened the award

Since taking up office last year, Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, widened the award to include the youth. As such, Jermaine Case, Ferdinand Sappleton, Tamara Swaby, Victoria Cole, Karen Tamasa, Stephanie Fletcher, Horane Henry, Japhia Langley and Chavette Burke received the Governor-General's Youth Award for Excellence.

The 14 were nominated by their peers and were honoured for their achievements and contributions to society, having come from humble beginnings. They all hail from the parishes of Manchester, St. Catherine, St. Ann, St, Mary and Clarendon.

Mr. Hoo facilitated the upgrading of the Spanish Town Hospital by donating the first lighting plant system.

He recently donated six dialysis machines, at a cost of US$60,000 and provided funds to construct a building at a cost of $5 million, to treat patients at a reduced cost. In addition, he donated equipment to the Spanish Town Police Station including air-conditioning units,refrigerators, fax machines, copy machines, television sets and a Suzuki SUV.

Mr. Powell, who after leaving school operated a pushcart, moving produce for vendors in the market, now maintains a welding plant, rents jackhammers and compressors, manufactures and rents amusement park equipment, among other things.

Gift of Love

He is the founder of the Gift of Love outreach programme in Manchester, which assists in providing the elderly with meals and in cleaning up the community.

In his remarks, the Governor-General said the awardees demonstrate that obstacles and differences can be overcome if citizens are prepared to seize the opportunities that are available.

This is the 15th year of the Governor-General's Achievement Award, which aims to put the spotlight on the unsung heroes from across the country who demonstrate true patriotism and love for their fellowmen.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com