Doing voluntary work is a joy to Denroy Decardova Palmer. So receiving the Governor-General's Achievement Award for the parish of Portland, has motivated him even more.

"I am honoured to be getting an award for what I am suppose to be doing," he told The Gleaner.

A leader and founding member of the Manchioneal Community Development Committee, Mr. Palmer has spearheaded citizens associations in Barracks, Weybridge and Forth and the Farmers Group, now affiliated with the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS).

He is known for his voluntary work in projects such as housing, nutritional and social needs of indigents and young people. He has helped to finance housing solutions as well as an indigent feeding programme in the parish.

He was also instrumental in mobilising assistance for the Haitian refugees who landed at Manchioneal.

Mr. Palmer is known for his unquestionable integrity, which was evident when he refused to accept funds from questionable sources to underwrite a "Broiler Project" for the Manchioneal Youth Club.

He subsequently funded the project himself and the group was a recipient of the Michael Manley Award for Community Self-Reliance.

Recognition

Mr. Palmer was recognised for the work he has done in the community. In 2006, the New Testament Church of God in Manchioneal, the Jones Park Basic School and the Social Development Commission (SDC) for community service honoured him. He was also a nominee from 2004 to 2006 for the First Caribbean Heroes Competition.

Mr. Palmer believes more voluntarism is needed in Jamaica. "The youths today need guidance and we should provide that because we are the backbone of the country. So being a volunteer is my pleasure," he said.