MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Two media practitioners here were among 14 people who were recognised with awards for their service to Manchester at this year’s National Heroes’ Day function in the parish.

Those honoured were Angelo Laurence and Courtney Morgan.

Laurence was recognised for over 20 years of “invaluable” service in print and television journalism in central and southern Jamaica.

“A man far ahead of his time, he envisioned the progress of cable television long before it became popular. He endured the scoffing of the business community when he decided he would establish such an entity. He was even chased away by one prominent financial institution when he attempted to acquire start-up capital for what would later become PACE (People, Art, Culture, Education and the Environment) Cable Television,” his profile said.

Laurence, who is now experiencing health challenges but whose business is still in operation, is also known to have offered training and development in areas such as news reading, writing and television presentation.

During his years working in media, he has had stints as a correspondent for The Gleaner and videographer for CVM Television.

Courtney Morgan has been a correspondent for sports and general news in Manchester for the RJR Communications Group for 19 years.

A self-taught journalist, he is said to have many accomplishments.

“Not only does he videotape events, he also reports on them doing voice-overs. He has made a habit of creating awareness of little-known communities,” his profile said.

An exposé on Brook’s Park in Mandeville, which he did, has reportedly helped to move the area from “a virtual cow pasture” to its current state as a widely used sports and recreational complex.

Also, a number of young sport talents were said to have been given needed exposure through his work.

The other awardees were: Sharon McBayne for education and guidance, Josephine Gayle for education and guidance, Step By Step Band for music and community service, Stacey-Lee Buchanan-Bromley for health, Melvin Powell for education, Peaches “Lady P” Thompson for entertainment and community service, Edric Maxwell for community service, Dr Gordon Earl Cowans for education and religion, Damean “Mr Khool” Carter for community service and Jean Anderson for business and volunteerism.

Centenarians Anna Rose Hudson Miller and Verbena Smith, who were both absent from the ceremony, were specially recognised.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Jean Anderson said that, undoubtedly, it was service given with no expectation of rewards.

“With God’s grace we will continue to live to give of our best to Jamaica, land we all love,” she said.