KINGSTON, Jamaica — A celebration of gratitude and community spirit marked a special evening for Devon Pen Primary and Infant School as alumni of the institution hosted an event to honour those who have significantly contributed to its growth and success over the years.

Approximately 29 individuals were presented with plaques for over 10 years of continuous service, over 10 years of multi-capacity service and over five years of invaluable service, as well as awards for sponsorship at the individual and organisational levels among other special recognitions.

The occasion, though on the eve of Principal Jennifer Burrell’s upcoming retirement after more than 31 years of service, was ultimately to say thanks to community members – directly associated with the school and those from Castleton where the institution is located – and other supporters who have helped the school thrive over the years.

Principal Jennifer Burrell and Member of Parliament (MP) for St Mary South East, Dr Norman Dunn smile for a picture at the Devon Pen Primary & Infant School Alumni Awards Banquet held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo: Gavin Jones)

“This event came about recently when I realised that I’ll be retiring very soon. And having been at the school for over 31 years, and having been collaborating with so many persons in and around our communities, I thought of this occasion where I could say thank you to them. So this is not really my retirement, but it’s a thank you,” Principal Burrell shared at the award ceremony on Saturday.

The event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, brought together varying community members, all of whom have been key to the school’s success.

Among the honourees was Member of Parliament (MP) for St Mary South East, Dr Norman Dunn, who expressed both surprise and gratitude for being recognised as an individual sponsorship awardee.

“I’m always supportive of the events within the constituency, more so our schools. But what I didn’t know is that I was going to be an awardee, so when I saw my name, I said, what?” Dr Dunn said.

The MP went on to praise Principal Burrell for her dedication and commitment to the school and community.

“There’s so much you can say about Mrs Burrell. I mean, when you see her graduation exercises, you can see the effort that is really placed on them. When you see the interest that she has, not just in the school, but the students and the community members because these are all community members who are here. Every single one is a community member,” he said.

Pointing to the dedication of the community members, Dr Dunn noted, “It’s a very small school but it shows the breadth of the interest and dedication that the principal and the staff has for the students and the community. It has really made Devon Pen Primary to what it is and this event is a reflection of that dedication.”

Also among the awardees was Manasa Brighton, who was honoured for over 10 years of continuous service to the school and wider community.

Manasa Brighton was honoured for over 10 years of continuous service to Devon Pen Primary & Infant School during the awards banquet held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo: Gavin Jones)

“Oh my! I feel so special. I have never been to the last floor on Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and Mrs Burrell bring me here and I’m so grateful for her contribution to my community in which I went to that school but she never taught me. She’s a great principal. She has brought up many kids in our community and she has done a wonderful, wonderful job for our school,” he said.

Antoinette Henry, a proud parent whose three sons attended Devon Pen Primary, also shared her excitement on being honoured for over 10 years of multi-capacity service.

Antoinette Henry was honoured for over 10 years of multi-capacity service to Devon Pen Primary & Infant School during the awards banquet held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo: Gavin Jones)

“I’m feeling very elated to be a part of this noble event,” she said. “I’m a proud mother. I have three sons that passed through this school. The last one just passed through the other day. So, I’m very excited and happy to be here.”

Errol Sinclair, an individual sponsorship awardee who has returned to his roots in the community after a successful career in the hospitality industry, spoke about his commitment to local development.

“I take my community to heart,” he said. “I was born in Castleton, grew up in Scott’s Hall, went out and got my career. I worked in hotels, worked at Jamaica House, worked in a number of places, and I’m back in the community, brought my expertise and started a retreat.”

“We take our community very serious. I’m worried now, this principal is leaving, we’re on a marathon, and she’s leaving her big shoes to fit, and I hope I can find somebody with that to fit it, because the community has started on a trajectory,” Sinclair added.

Also honoured as an individual sponsorship awardee was Jeffrey Campbell, more popularly known as dancehall star Agent Sasco, who shared that the Castleton community has embraced him since he has been there three years now.

Jeffrey Campbell, OD, and his wife Nicole McLaren Campbell are a picture of joy at the Devon Pen Primary & Infant School Alumni Awards Banquet held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo: Gavin Jones)

“I’ve been introduced to this community for three years now, and they have embraced me, you know, just 100 per cent. And, you know, naturally a part of that is also in how we work together. We started a recycling program in the community and proceeds from that and other things we use to support the school,” Campbell said.

Oswald Ayre, another local leader who was recognised for over 10 years of multi-capacity service, expressed pride in Principal Burrell for her contribution to the school and wider community.

“We are so proud of our principal,” he said. “It’s sad that she’s retiring, but that’s what age does to us and it creates space for more young people so retirement is good… But this, from the principal, is really a good showing, on her way out to say, I appreciate what the community did for us.”

Food for the Poor and the Jamaica Outreach Programme were also recognised as organisational awardees for their contribution to the school.