Norma Fenton (left), president of the Association of Clubs in Westmoreland, receives the Michael Manley award from Glynne Manley, widow of the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley, during the Michael Manley Foundation's eighth annual awards cermony for Community Self-Reliance, held at the Little Theatre in St. Andrew yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

The loud cheers and huge smiles were indicative of the joy held by the members of the Association of Clubs when it was announced yesterday that they are this year's recipient of the Michael Manley Award for Community Self-Reliance.

The award, which recognises initiatives put on by communities in the advancement of the members of their communities and their surroundings, was handed over to the Westmoreland-based club in a ceremony held at the Little Theatre in St. Andrew yesterday.

Club president Norma Fenton said words could not describe her emotions and those of her club members. Smiling from ear to ear she told The Gleaner that her club's aim to make people self-reliant had paid off.

Dependency syndrome

"We do not believe in this handout thing because I think that is one of the things that lead to crime and violence, this dependency syndrome, so we try to change that, so this is the reason why we have developed all these different programmes."

The club is an umbrella organisation of seven community groups which have undertaken several initiatives, such as skills training, summer classes, computer training and literacy programmes, and is hoping that other communities will join with them in their thrust.

The organisation, which was started some 19 years ago with a loan of $100,000, was transformed by its founding members into an association which now helps young entrepreneurs.

The Association of Clubs was chosen from a field including five other community projects, which included the building of a park, the upgrading of a water supply system and a women's agricultural group.