CCRP honours 62 'Living Legends' in celebration of Jamaica's golden jubilee

Sixty-two Jamaicans who have given outstanding service to nation-building were recently recognised and awarded as 'Living Legends' by the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP). Occasion was the organisation's Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Awards held in commemoration of Jamaica's golden jubilee. The event took place at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. More than 500 guests attended.

Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Awards and commemoration pins were presented to the stalwarts in nation-building. Singer and musician Keith Lyn and the Alpha Boys' band provided the entertainment, while Legacy awardee Glenroy 'Ernie' Smith wowed the audience with a surprise set of vintage music.

The awardees have contributed to every area of Jamaica's life - philanthropy, social work, culture, religion, sports, entrepreneurship/business, science, health, education, media, government, electoral reform, the performing arts, protocol and dispute resolution.

Among the award recipients were Professor Emeritus Sir Roy Augier and Vivian Crawford, executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, who were acknowledged for their role in heritage/cultural development.

Mamma Joy Baker, renowned for feeding and caring for poor children in inner-city downtown Kingston.

Professor Edward Baugh was awarded for contribution in the field of education and communication.

Professor the Honourable Anthony Chen received his in recognition for his work in climate studies.

Sybil Francis got one for establishment of social work services and training in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Ferdinand Mahfood's was for the establishment of the largest charity in the Americas, Food For The Poor, and Honourable Maurice Facey got his for philanthropy. Honourable Barbara Gloudon was awarded for contribution to the Little Theatre Movement and journalism. Honourable Karl Hendrickson and Francis 'Paco' Kennedy got theirs for entrepreneurship.

Dr Henry Lowe, Honourable Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, Honourable Teddy McCook and former Governors General Sir Howard Cooke and Sir Kenneth Hall were among those who received honorary awards.

Keynote speaker Sir Patrick Allen, governor general, commended the recipients for their unselfish service to the nation. "You represent the living treasures of this country, and deserve recognition for your effort, time and hard work that have built a solid foundation for succeeding generations. This is what we refer to when we talk about what is right with Jamaica," said Sir Patrick.

He advised them to make a consistent effort in mentoring the youths. "I will also use this opportunity to encourage our award recipients and all of our mature citizens to remember the importance of mentoring the younger generation. With the social challenges currently facing our families and communities, guiding, befriending and encouraging the young is more urgently needed than ever."

Fastest growing sector

Pointing out that the ageing population is the fastest growing sector, currently comprising 11 per cent of the Jamaican population, and projected to represent 15.8 per cent and 21.8 per cent of the nation in 2030 and 2050, respectively, the governor general cited the need for entrepreneurs to apprise themselves of the socio-economic opportunities offered by this demographic of the population.

"Increasing numbers of seniors mean a host of specialised and other age-related services and products will be in demand, in larger and larger quantities. This will offer investment and entrepreneurial opportunities to enterprising Jamaicans, including seniors who wish to continue working," Sir Patrick stated.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Derrick Kellier and CCRP Chairman Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer also addressed participants. Professor Eldemire-Shearer underscored the importance of recognising seniors' contribution to society, and their potential and desire to continue making a meaningful contribution. "We also know how challenging it is to be part of a sometimes undervalued group. To be unfairly disenfranchised by barriers such as fixed income or no income due to over low pension coverage, and mandatory retirement age," noted Professor Eldemire-Shearer. "Not to mention some daunting age-related health concerns and no health insurance in a society which, although making efforts, can be unforgiving to seniors."

She called for talent, experience and wisdom of sebiors to be valued and respected.

She noted that CCRP is the first non-governmental comprehensive organisation for retired persons in the Caribbean, and has a 600-strong membership.

Professor Edward Baugh, who responded on behalf of the recipients, said the effort by CCRP to associate the achievements of the awardees with the celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary is a distinction, which shall be cherished by all the awardees.

CCRP is the brainchild of media expert Jean Lowrie-Chin and was launched in April 2010. Lowrie-Chin said the mission of the organisation is to "ensure that the vast talent, experience and wisdom of our seniors will be respected, and that they enjoy the quality of life which they so richly deserve". She was honoured for being a 'Living Legacy Behind the Scenes' for her pioneering in founding a proactive lobby.

CCRP provides free seminars on topics such as financial planning and retirement, personal safety and security, health and wellness, opportunities for volunteering and for mentoring young persons, and a range of educational seminars, among many other benefits.

CCRP Legacy Award Recipients

Beverley Anderson-Duncan, Professor Emeritus Sir Fitzroy Augier, Joy Marlin 'Mamma Joy' Baker, Professor Emeritus Edward Baugh Sr, Mary Benedict, Kenneth Benjamin, Bishop Herro Blair, Ryland Campbell, George Carter, Professor Emeritus Anthony Chen, William Chin See, QC; Vivian Crawford Clifton, Honourable Maurice Facey, Sybil Francis, Barbara Gloudon, Helen Houghton-Clean, Honourable Karl Hendrickson, Audrey Hinchcliffe, Richard Ho Lung, Francis 'Paco' Kennedy, Professor Gerald Lalor, Percival La Touche, Michael Lee-Chin, Henry Lowe, Alan Magnus, Isabel Magnus, Ferdinand Mahfood, Winston 'Sparrow' Martin, Honourable Neville 'Teddy' McCook, Honourable Corrine McLarty, Professor Errol Miller, Alma Mock-Yen, Dr Henley Morgan, Honourable Errol Morrison, Merrick Needham, Donna Parchment-Brown, Dorrie Patterson, Msgr Gregory Ramkissoon, Honourable Molly Rhone, Dr Joyce Robinson, Dr Alfred Sangster, Glenroy 'Ernie' Smith, Bishop Carmen Stewart, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, Natalie Thompson, Dr Molly Thorburn, Shirley Tyndall, Dr Cecile Walden, Irene Walter, R. 'Danny' Williams, Cynthia Wilmot, Professor Hugh Wynter,

HONORARY AWARDS

Former Governors General Sir Howard Cooke and Sir Kenneth Hall, Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, chair, CCRP; Lascelles Chin, immediate past chair; CCRP directors Syringa Marshall-Burnett, Vilma McDonald and Lester Spaulding.

Photos by Rudolph Brown/Photographer