MONTEGO BAY, St James — Reggae crooner Gramps Morgan was a happy man on Wednesday after he collected his plaque from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, recognition for his philanthropic work in the areas of health care, education and community development.

Morgan was one of five recipients of the Governor General’s Achievement Award (Diaspora) for 2024, handed out during the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference that took place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.

Also among the awardees were Dr Dahlia Ann Blake out of the United States (contribution to medicine), Canada’s Mark Henry (support to diaspora members) and Steven Getten (youth advocacy), and Dr Pearl Ann Jarrett from the United Kingdom (community service).The Governor-General described them as “builders of hope and community”.

“They, like all of us, bring unique strengths to the table, each contributing to a better Jamaica. We applaud the work that you have done in your new homes while maintaining a deep connection to your homeland, Jamaica,” he said during the ceremony.

Morgan’s award was categorised under “Special Recognition”.

“To be recognised, it shows you that the work hasn’t been in vain,” the Morgan Heritage star told the Jamaica Observer as he clutched his plaque.

“It’s an honourable feeling,” he added.

He mentioned some of his work that earned him the recognition. Among the most recent was his work with the Mary Issa Paediatric and Adolescent Health Centre in St Ann.

“It was good. We raised US$400,000 in New York alongside Third World that was working with the Issa Trust Foundation and they brought me on the project,” said the People Like You singer.

He explained why he felt that project, in particular, was worth doing.

“A woman must can have a baby in peace; and a child, if they get sick, must can be able to get to the hospital and get proper health care,” Morgan declared.

“It was a small gesture but knowing that parents can take their children to the hospital, that’s important,” he stated.

Morgan intends to do more projects that can help Jamaica, where he still has deep connections despite living in the United States for a number of years.

“I want to build a lot of schools, a lot of hospitals, homes for people — especially the underprivileged — and for sure, one day I’ll build a church,” Morgan vowed.

He said he sees the award he received on Wednesday as also recognition of his contribution to the field of music, and he was equally elated about that.

“The message in reggae music is very, very powerful,” he said.

Morgan urged members of the diaspora and Jamaicans at home to work together to build the country.

“We live and see that Jamaica is a blessed country so we just need to remind people of our greatness and most importantly, to take care of each other, because we bad mind. Too much bad mind in Jamaica and we need to behave,” he chided.

“It is important for people to remember that and we, as ambassadors, it’s our duty to encourage people to take care of one another,” added Morgan.