GoodHeart | Everton Dilworth honoured for strength, courage
Published:Saturday | June 21, 2025 | 12:06 AM
In an emotionally moving moment, Everton Dilworth stood on the stage at the recent Eternal Father Awards on Sunday to accept The Nation’s Compassion plaque – an award reserved for fathers who have demonstrated extraordinary strength, courage, love and compassion in the face of unimaginable loss.
This Father’s Day marked Dilworth’s first without his daughter, Anisa Dilworth, a 20-year-old first-year pharmaceutical technology student at the University of Technology, who was reported missing before her life was tragically cut short last month. Her sudden and heartbreaking departure left a void that no award could ever fill, but, in honouring Everton, the nation paused to recognise the depth of his grief and the quiet heroism of his resilience.
“It’s been hard. But, thankfully, I’ve received good support from the police force, the security force, church people, and family members – both biological and adopted,” Dilworth shared in an emotional interview with The Gleaner, adding “That’s why I’m able to stand on my feet and give this kind of extra support tonight. It has been tough, but, through the toughness, I’ve survived. It’s hard … it’s rough.”
Though still battling grief, Dilworth’s strength shone through as he spoke of Anisa’s warmth, energy, playful pranks, and natural ability to take on the role of a parent herself.
“She was a handful when she was home, but in a good way. She would check up on me constantly, especially when I was doing something outside. She was always there. She made the house come alive – she made it vibesy,” he said, adding, “The house feels empty without her. I really, really miss her.”
Everton is also the father of two sons, who, like him, are still grappling with the loss. One son is receiving counselling as he continues to process the pain of losing his sibling.
The Eternal Father Awards, known for its celebration of exemplary Jamaican fathers, sought this year not only to honour the joyful stories of parenting, but also to hold space for stories marked by grief and love.
To parents going through similar heartbreak, Dilworth offered advice from experience, “Have a good support system where you communicate frequently and freely with your children. So, if something should go wrong, you will know immediately.”