Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall (front row, fifth left), poses with recipients of the Governor General's Achievement Award for Middlesex and representatives of the corporate sponsors during the county ceremony held at the Kendal Camp and Conference Centre in Manchester. The corporate sponsors of the award include Victoria Mutual Building Society, Scotiabank Jamaica, Jamaica National Building Society, FirstCaribbean and The Gleaner Company Ltd. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Fifteen senior and youth leaders were recognised yesterday for their contributions to nation building, as individuals from the county of Middlesex were honoured with the Governor General's Achievement Award.

During the county awards ceremony, held at Kendal Camp and Conference Centre in Manchester, Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall stressed that the recipients had contributed significantly to society through their selfless volunteerism.

Among the recipients was St Catherine youth awardee Tanya Merrick-Richards, who is responsible for the Youthlink community project, which provides education and support for young women.

St Mary senior recipient Richard Wates was awarded for his sustainable farming project in inner-city areas.

Women outnumbered

"The success of our country has been built on the strength of its communities, and that strength has been rooted in the spirit, ideas and passion of the people we recognise each year," Hall said.

Of the recipients, the 10 men outnumbered the women, a feat of which Tyrone Brown, youth recipient from St Mary, was proud.

"I feel privileged to represent a number of males who work in the community and volunteer as it's something that is usually dominated by females," he said.

Brown's grandfather, Selvin Graham, was a senior recipient in 1994.

Lorraine Ricketts, senior recipient of the award for Manchester, said she felt honoured to be recognised for her service to her community.

Left with renewed energy

She added that the award had left her with renewed energy. With more than 40 years' experience as an educator, Ricketts worked in the capacity of teacher, vice-principal and served as principal for 18 years at Porus Primary in Manchester.

During her tenure, she guided the school through a transition that saw both the pupils and staff excel and attendance improve.

Since the inception of the Governor General's Achievement Award in 1991, more than 200 people representing a wide range of professions and initiatives, have received an award.

In 2006, a youth award for excellence was established to support and recognise the youth advocacy and leadership qualities of individuals who have impacted their communities. Over the next two months, similar ceremonies will be held to celebrate significant achievements by people in the counties of Surrey and Cornwall.

Left: Clarendon senior recipient Jeanette Dowell-Brown poses with her plaque. Right: Clarendon youth recipients Latoya Palmer and Rayon Mclean show off their plaques.

Governor General's Achievement Award

Alece Hansel, youth recipient for St Catherine, has a laugh with Richard Wates, senior recipient for St Catherine.

Gareth Irvin (right), youth recipient for St Mary, takes a look at his plaque while Tyrone Brown, another youth recipient for St Mary, stands by.