May 12, 2009
Blades ‘most grateful’ for OJ
Businessman Desmond Blades (left) beams as he accepts his national award – Order of Jamaica – from Governor General Dr Patrick Allen at a special ceremony of investiture at King’s House yesterday. Blades, 80, was recognised for his extraordinary contribution to Jamaica’s development. Yesterday, the businessman, who has been battling colon cancer for the past three years, said he was “most grateful” for the award and happy that the national recognition was “now considered due”. At the ceremony, Prime Minister Bruce Golding praised Blades’ resilience as a businessman, saying his life represented a “template” for success. The Order of Jamaica is the nation’s fourth-highest honour. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)
