The following are the parish recipients of the Governor -General's Achievement Awards for the county of Cornwall.
A prime mover in social development
Brown
WESTERN BUREAU:
George Constantine Brown, a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Cruz in St. Elizabeth, is described as "a prime mover in the social development of people in his community".
With his involvement in the Club since 1979, Mr. Brown has spearheaded contributions to the expansion and growth of the educational system in the parish.
It was quite fitting when the Justice of the Peace was chosen as the 2007 recipient of the Governor- General's Achievement Award (GGAA) for St. Elizabeth.
"I appreciate that (the award) and was looking (for it) and the impetus is to keep going," the 78-year-old son of Lancaster in Manchester said.
The service club member also raised funds to fight iodine deficiency in children and subsequently received international recognition for his efforts. He also contributed to the building of a holding area at the Pepper Health Clinic.
Mr. Brown also receivedthe 2003 Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for Community Service in St. Elizabeth and the United Nations Certificate for Voluntary Service.
Teaching at another level
Samuels
WESTERN BUREAU:
Melita Samuels realised her dream to hold a masters degree in Educational Administration at the University of the West Indies in November 2006.
The achievement capped her career as a trained teacher in the parish of St. James, following her retirement from the classroom in 2000.
Corinaldi Avenue Primary School and Glendevon Primary and Junior High schools have benefitted from the skills and nurturing abilities of Mrs. Samuels.
She developed a flair for writing short stories and plays; and is also the creator of the local televised series 'Lime Tree Lane', a hit on the former Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, now Television Jamaica.
"I am really humbled but at the same time, I am in awe," Ms. Samuels told The Gleaner after she was presented with the 2007 Governor-General's Achievement Award (GGAA) for the parish of St. James.
The 72-year-old retired principal is also the recipient of several medals and certificates for her literary efforts. Born at Hampton in St. James, Mrs. Samuels is the seventh of 13 children for Mr. and Mrs. Uriah Williams. Her father, a farmer, operated a sugar mill and from an early age, sold produce, which came from the farm, in Montego Bay.
Giving to enhance the life of others
Honeyghan
WESTERN BUREAU:
Despite his early struggles, the life of 46-year-old Melvin James Honeyghan has developed into one of commitment and sharing.
The Justice of the Peace, who operates Honeyghan's Funeral Home in Westmoreland, is a dedicated member of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Savanna-la-Mar.
According to his peers, Mr. Honeyghan is determined to "give back" to enhance the lives of others in his community.
"I think I am more than happy, because I am just doing my civic duty. It's good that I am leaving footprints behind for others to follow," he said of his 2007 Governor General's Achievement Award for his home parish.
Born on March 18, 1961 in Water Works, Westmoreland, Mr. Honeyghan is a certified auto mechanic. His interest in the mortuary business peaked during his employment at Sanford's Funeral Home, where he serviced the motor vehicles and drove the hearse on weekends.
Today, he owns seven hearses, 21 limousines, one truck and four buses; operates his own printing service, a casket-making enterprise, and employs 28 persons.
Strong contribution to education
Evans
WESTERN BUREAU:
The life of Maxine E. Evans is centred on her invaluable service to the Church and significant contribution to the educational system to enhance the lives of persons in Hanover.
The vice-principal of Rusea's High School is a trained mediator, and advocates for the teaching of mediation in schools and the wider community.
Her commitment to change and development is reflected in her foster parenting activities; her drive to provide meals for needy students and her sponsorship of the cost for their tertiary education.
"This award is actually an achievement and a synopsis of all I am prepared to do," commented the 2007 Governor-General's Achievement Award recipient for Hanover.
The certified evangelist serves as Sunday School superintendent and adult teacher and youth president at the Shiloh Apostolic Church in Hanover and assists her pastor in overseeing more than 30 members plus five churches.
Leading the community on a prosperous path
Wright
WESTERN BUREAU:
The 2007 Governor-General's Achievement Award (GGAA) recipient for Trelawny is Victor Douglas Wright, a Justice of the Peace, who has a distinguished career in education and community leadership.
Mr. Wright has been a member of the Jamaican 4-H Movement for 34 years, and has guided the activities of the Spring Gardens Branch of the Jamaica Agricultural Society for more than 40 years.
"This award makes my life feel rewarding and happy. I am even more inspired to do more in my community," said the Seventh-day Adventist church elder.
Born on September 13, 1939 in Rock Spring, Trelawny, he is the second of six children for Mr. and Mrs. Ruel Wright. When his mother died, he left Kingsway High School to pursue small farming, and to care for his younger siblings.
He later graduated as a trained teacher from Mico University College in 1975; obtained a diploma from the Moneague Teacher Training College and other courses related to school and educational administration.
He served as principal of the Wilson Run All-Age School in Trelawny until his retirement in 1999. Mr. Wright has received the Trelawny Parish Council Award for Community Service; the Jamaica 4-H Club Award for Outstanding Leadership; the Diabetic Association Award for Service; and the Senior Citizens Award for service.
