THREE Jamaicans living overseas have been honoured with the Governor General’s Jamaica Diaspora Award of Excellence, and inducted into the Governor General’s Diaspora Hall of Fame.

They are Honorary Consul General to Atlanta, Georgia Vin Martin; accountant and business consultant from the United Kingdom (UK), Howard Francis; and teacher from Canada, Dudley Morgan.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen made the presentations at an award luncheon held as part of the just concluded 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay.

Glowing citations were paid to the honourees, with citations read extolling their contributions to the development of their country and local communities.

In his address, Sir Patrick lauded the awardees and the wider diaspora for continuing to lend their intellect and experience to the crafting of strategies to grow Jamaica, through the biennial diaspora conference.

“Indeed, you are here demonstrating your concerns for our beloved homeland, and your determination to be part of the solution to propel us towards a brighter future,” he stated.

“… We are acutely aware that, not only is the success of the diaspora-homeland partnership good for the development of Jamaica, but it is also good for the profile of the country,” added the governor general.

He noted that the way Jamaica is perceived internationally also impacts on the life of nationals in the diaspora, and how they are stereotyped in every field of endeavour.

In the meantime, Sir Patrick invited support for his ‘I believe Initiative’ which seeks to effect change across Jamaica. The aim is to inspire Jamaicans to believe in their potential and to continue building a peaceful nation.

He said that a partnership has been established with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), which will allow for contributions to be tax deductable for Americans, as long as it is done through the AFJ.

Martin, who replied on behalf of the recipients, said the honour will provide greater encouragement for them to continue pursuing their mission for the good of Jamaica.

“Motivated by love of our country and commitment to charity, we have come to recognise that volunteerism is not an option, it is a responsibility; a responsibility that has given us innumerable opportunities to experience real happiness through unconditional love and service to others,” he said.

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(howard francis)

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right) presents the Jamaica Diaspora Award of Excellence to accountant and business consultant from the United Kingdom Howard Francis, in recognition of his contribution to the development of his community and the island.

(dudley morgan)

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right) presents the Jamaica Diaspora Award of Excellence to Dudley Morgan. Morgan, who is a teacher in Canada, was among three members of the Diaspora recognised for their contribution to Jamaica and their local communities.

(vin martin)

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right) presents the Jamaica Diaspora Award of Excellence to outgoing honorary consul General to Atlanta, Vin Martin at the just concluded 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, St James.