Arthur Guinness concert achieves its real purpose

The Arthur Guinness Concert on September 27 has been etched in the memory of the 3,000 patrons who attended as one of the best events for the year. It was topped by the inspiring performance of Sizzla. But on Tuesday, the real purpose of the global Arthur's Day celebration was realised when 10 social entrepreneurs received $6.5 million courtesy of the Arthur Guinness Fund (AGF).

The 10 awardees were recognised at a ceremony on Tuesday at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel.

Across the world, proceeds from the Arthur's Day celebration goes towards the AGF to support social causes such as adult education, clean water programmes, and environmental causes.

embodIment of ideal

While there is no admission fee for the Arthur Guinness Day concert in Jamaica, Guinness decided to earmark $6.5 million to support 10 social programmes.

Guinness brand manager Racquel Nevins said: "Jamaicans have always been entrepreneurial and helpful. That's why Guinness sought 10 social entrepreneurs who embody this ideal and who are committed to making positive changes in Jamaica, similar to what our founder Arthur Guinness did in Ireland."

The top three awardees - Edris Whyte, Edward Case and Wynetta Wallace each received an Arthur Guinness Fund trophy along with $1 million towards their respective social projects. The other awardees received $500,000 each. They are Percival Buddhan, Christina Preston, Joan Webley, Jason Henzell, Vernon Williams, Andrew Ross, and Leanne Talbot.

Noted social entrepreneur, Dr Henley Morgan - a judge for the Arthur Guinness Fund - said to those in attendance that "Jamaican men and women were ranked in the top-10 nations as some of the most entrepreneurial citizens in the world in a recent study".

He believes that it is the same spirit which will propel the country to prosperity and develop inner-city communities.