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Dr Raymond Chang's big day

Published:Sunday | October 23, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Raymond Chang (left) has an ear for Stephen Lyn Kee Chow. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Raymond Chang (second right) has a family photo with daughter Brigette Chang-Addorisio, grandson Lucas Addorisio and son Andrew.
Former United States ambassador to Jamaica, Sue Cobb (left), and Audrey Hinchcliffe smile for the camera.
Raymond Chang (second right) and wife Donnette Chin-Loy Chang (second left) lyme with (from left) retired judge Justice Ian Forte, Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, Muna Issa, who's busy holding little Lucas Addorisio.
Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee (left) listens keenly to Sir Kenneth Hall.
Howard Mitchell and Valerie Facey are in deep conversation.
Having an animated conversation are (from left) Marlene Malahoo Forte, Minna Israel, June Wong and Jennifer Messado.
Proud grandpa Raymond Chang holds grandson Lucas Addorisio as they take a pic with Chang's aunt Joy Worton (left) and Ann Lyew-Ayee.
Former Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley (second left) joins (from left) Thalia Lyn, Patrick Lynch and Michael Lyn in conversation.
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Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

For such an 'ordinary guy', these were no ordinary plaudits.

Jamaican-born Canadian businessman Gladstone Raymond Chang was the toast of his peers on Heroes Day, as Canadian High Commissioner Stephen Hallihan hosted a reception to honour him. Earlier that day, Chang had received the Order of Jamaica at the ceremony of investiture and presentation of national honours and awards at King's House. Hallihan opined that both countries were proud to have Chang as a son and called him a true patriot to both countries. He labelled him an outstanding philanthropist and a true gentleman, sentiments that would be echoed by the other speakers.

Howard Mitchell, 'MC' for the evening, lauded his friend while roasting him, revealing Chang's early belief that he was an athlete and his 'fear' of his lovely wife, Donnette. Mitchell said his 'job' was to show that Chang was human after all (considering his many achievements in one lifetime). He made his point but also pointed out that it was this humanity that worked for Chang. Vice-chancellor at the University of the West Indies, called Chang a friend of UWI, briefly outlining his assistance to the school while GraceKennedy Chairman Douglas Orane called Chang a shy man who didn't like the spotlight. He marvelled at how successful Chang was at every thing he did and, yet, never talked about it. He reiterated that Chang was "an ordinary guy", letting out that sardines and crackers were his favourite meal.

Chang's sister, Island Grill boss Thalia Lyn, did the real roasting as she admitted she used to "beat up Ray" when they were children and revealed his fear of water. She theorised his reticent behaviour around women was the result of growing up with nine sisters! But she poignantly remembered their parents who weren't there to see this latest award presented to him, a man who was appropriately nicknamed '1,000 awards' by their grandfather.

Soon it was the big man's turn. He playfully shot back at his sister that though she had more hair, she forgot to mention that he was wiser! But he didn't hesitate to underline his love for Jamaica. Patting his chest, he said, "There's some attachment here. It's here and will never go away."

Guests out included former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall; former Prime Minister Edward Seaga and wife Carla; former Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and wife Jo-Ann; Education Minister Andrew Holness; Security Minister Dwight Nelson; Agriculture Minister Robert Montague; Labour Minister Pearnel Charles; Patrick Hylton; Dr Aggrey Brown and wife Jackie; John and Aida Issa, daughter Muna, son Joey and daughter-in-law Asha; Maurice and Valerie Facey; Father Gregory Ramkissoon; Stephen and Wendy Facey; Justin Felice; Earl Jarrett; Ann-Marie Feanny; Ruby Martin; Capt David McRae; Dennis Lalor; and Judith Douglas.