MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in collaboration with the Manchester Municipal Corporation honoured eight community members here on National Heroes’ Day.

Desmond Harrison, a former mayor and current Jamaica Labour Party councillor for the Christiana Division, and Brenda Ramsay, who recently retired from representational politics, were recognised in the category of politics and public service.

Bishop Enoch Cornwall took the award for religion, and Gloria Bogle, Sonia Edwards Black, Pauline Roberts and Peter ‘Pierre’ Morris were honoured in the category of community service.

Morris, who passed on tragically, was recognised posthumously.

He was described as a gentle giant, unsung hero, historian, folklorist, cultural icon and community stalwart who gave 40 years of service.

Morris’ citation said that among the activities in which he would regularly engage was the annual ‘Fus a Augus’ event in the culturally rich community of Maidstone in North Western Manchester.

He had reportedly started assisting St Mark’s Anglican, Mandeville Parish Church that he attended, with preparations for Independence service, when he was “snatched by death”.

Daisy Morgan, 102, was honoured in her absence as a centenarian in the parish.

Here are photo highlights from the day’s event.

— Alicia Sutherland