Have you ever been hugged by Mama Joy Baker? Well, you are missing out big time. In those strong arms I felt the extraordinary love and caring of this legendary septuagenarian from High Holborn Street in downtown Kingston. This is the love that provided protection, support and sterling values to needy children. Now assisted by civic and corporate groups, Mama Joy began sharing with her tiny wages from sweeping streets and cleaning bars. Those arms are fearless - Mama Joy has fought thugs, once housed 96 youngsters in one home, and opened savings accounts for 316 children over the past 30 years.

Mama Joy was one of the 70 people receiving two categories of honours at the CCRP Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Awards held last Wednesday at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston. They were nominated by members of the CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) who honoured not only some well known achievers, but also some little known individuals. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, chief patron of CCRP, helped to inspire the idea for this programme through his "I Believe" philosophy which maintains that "there is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica".

At 96 years old, retired Governor General Sir Howard Cooke was the eldest recipient. He looked remarkable as he was presented by Sir Patrick and CCRP Chair Prof Denise Eldemire Shearer. This widely respected nation builder made King's House more accessible to Jamaicans. He it was who created the Governor General's Award. He had an early career as a beloved teacher and was president of the Jamaica Union of Teachers. He is the last surviving founding member of the People's National Party, MP for the West Indies Federation and Independent Jamaica's Parliament. He is a former Senate president and government minister, lay pastor and past chairman of Cornwall Council of Churches. Dr Martin Schade speaks glowingly of the role played by Sir Howard in hosting Inter-Faith prayer meetings at King's House.

They honoured Ms Sybil Francis, who at 92 years, still has those keen eyes that speak volumes of her strong presence. She headed the Social Welfare Training Centre for 18 years, and developed programmes for institutional strengthening while working with Jamaica's Child Development Centre and the Barbados Women and Development Programme. She was a recipient of the annual national Norman Manley Award for Excellence for service in the field of Community Development.

Syringa Marshall-Burnett is another national legend, having given over 50 years of outstanding service in clinical nursing, nursing administration, education and research. This born leader and passionate patriot has served at national, regional and international levels, consulting in Africa and the Americas. She is a former president of the Jamaican Senate, past chair of the International Council of Nurses and life member of the Nurses Association of Jamaica. The legendary Syringa is still in professional and political endeavours, and a wise and generous member of the CCRP board.

Karl Hendrickson, distinguished innovator, dedicated champion of private-sector development and quiet philanthropist was honoured. This business pioneer modernised local bread making, creating the memorable "National" brand. He spearheaded the development of one of Jamaica's leading corporate groups, and with his beloved wife Nell, mentored two succeeding generations who have become accomplished entrepreneurs in manufacturing, agro-industry and tourism.

During the 70s, Karl Hendrickson chaired the Rural Electrification Programme, collaborating with brainy chief Alva Anderson to bring light and power to thousands of deep rural households. He has also served Air Jamaica, JPS, JAMPRO, Free Zone Council and Jamaica Merchant Marine. He is a major but understated supporter of his alma mater, the Jamaica College Foundation, the University Hospital and many other worthy causes.

Karl Hendrickson's former classmate, R Danvers "Danny" Williams, was also declared a Jamaica 50 Living Legacy. Patriotism must have been on the JC menu in those days, because here we have a distinguished veteran of the life insurance industry, who was also a minister of industry and commerce and former senator. Danny Williams is the founder and past president and CEO of Life of Jamaica (now Sagicor Life, Jamaica). I was privileged to work on a committee with this gentleman and have never met a more phenomenal fundraiser. A meticulous yet cordial leader, in less than a year he raised $160 million to build the new cardio-thoracic surgical and intensive care building at UCHWI.

Danny Williams is past president of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf and is still active with the organisation. He served as chairman of JAMAL and the National Development Foundation of Jamaica. As chair of Jamaica College and the Jamaica College Foundation, he has been pivotal in transforming the school's buildings and facilities.

This column will tell you about more of the CCRP Jamaica 50 Living Legacy recipients in the weeks to come. It is important for Jamaicans to understand how we arrived at the Golden Jubilee of Jamaica's Independence with telephone books so large that they now have to be delivered in volumes of yellow and red, how Jamaicans continue to have the life expectancy of first-world countries, how Jamaica is the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean. We arrived here because of industrious, ingenious Jamaicans who did not wait for a handout.

Education Minister Deacon Ronald Thwaites has made the right decision to include the teachings of National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey in the school curriculum. Garvey was a champion of education and entrepreneurship - he detested idleness. He would have been proud of the Living Legacies who were honoured last Wednesday.

Monty Alexander's JA 50 NY Jazz & Reggae Festival

Monty Alexander, internationally acclaimed Jamaican jazz pianist, is also celebrating 50 years in music this year. He has been nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Reggae Album", and in commemoration of his 50 years he is hosting a two-week Jazz & Reggae Festival in New York at the world-famous Blue Note Jazz Club from February 20 to March 4. The reggae-invited guests include Toots, Sly & Robbie, Shaggy, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser, Diana King and Ernie Ranglin. One night is also being dedicated to the calypsonians of Trinidad and Tobago.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowriechin.blogspot.com

  10 comments

  0 comments

  2 comments

  4 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  1 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  0 comments

  1 comments

  15 comments

  4 comments

  22 comments

  0 comments

  12 comments

  10 comments

  0 comments