Cari-Med founder and Chairman Glen Christian has extended heartfelt congratulations to his ‘philanthropic twin’ Gary “Butch” Hendrickson on being made a member of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in this year’s National Honours and Awards list.

Christian, who himself was vested with the OJ in 2001, toasted his long-time friend on Tuesday when the State made public the list of the Jamaicans who will receive their awards on National Heroes’ Day in October.

Hendrickson, the National Baking Company chairman and CEO who is among eight Jamaicans vested with the OJ, has pumped millions of dollars in education, particularly at the early childhood level, and has continuously helped many young entrepreneurs to realise their goals.

He and Christian share a passion for improving the education output to Jamaica’s children and have partnered on a number of projects to achieve that.

Both are recipients of the Jamaica Observer Business Leader Award — Christian as a solo winner in 2007 and Hendrickson in 2012 when the Hendrickson family businesses and GraceKennedy Ltd were jointly declared as the companies that have had the most profound impact on the Jamaican economy since Independence.

Following is the full text of Christian’s congratulatory message:

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my good friend Gary “Butch” Hendrickson on being awarded the Order of Jamaica.

Butch is widely recognised for his exceptional business acumen, which has driven the phenomenal growth of Continental Baking Company Ltd into a major foreign exchange earner.

Beyond his business success, he is a dedicated nationalist, giving his time and resources to promote and support small Jamaican business enterprises.

Butch is perhaps Jamaica’s greatest philanthropist, always putting the nation first. When he believes in a cause, you never have to ask for his support twice. He commits not only his money but also his time.

He is a fervent supporter of education, investing millions through his National Baking Company Foundation to bolster early childhood education with programmes like Crayons Count. More recently, he has dedicated himself to promoting STEM education, backing The University of the West Indies’ BOOST programme with an initial $160-million donation.

The National Baking Company Foundation also played a pivotal role in funding the construction of the state-of-the-art Union Gardens Infant School in the inner-city community of Union Gardens in South West St Andrew.

Butch Hendrickson’s unwavering dedication to Jamaica, his remarkable philanthropic efforts, and his visionary support for education and small businesses make him a truly deserving recipient of the Order of Jamaica. His legacy of service and generosity continues to inspire and uplift the nation.

Congratulations once again, Butch, on this well-deserved honour.

CHRISTIAN… Hendrickson a truly deserving recipient of the Order of Jamaica