NEW YORK, USA — Seven stalwarts in their field, who have established close linkages to Jamaica, and are committed to service, were honoured during Children of Jamaica Outreach’s (COJO) 30th Anniversary Gala here Saturday night.

COJO founder Gary Williams said the awardees have made a profound impact in their respective fields and communities, and their dedication to business, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and philanthropy embodies the values that COJO upholds — service, leadership and a commitment to uplifting others.

COJO is a non-profit, United States-based organisation established in 1994 with the aim of helping to improve the health, education and general well-being of undeserved children in Jamaica and the United States (US).

The awardees were Lorna Hawthorne, philanthropist, business leader, advocate for education and community involvement; Dr Sandra Lindsay, vice-president, public health advocacy at Northwell Health, US; Andrew Morris, co-founder and CEO, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace Inc, US; Maurice and Allison Russell, entrepreneurs and philanthropists; David L Shields, vice-president, Island Routes, Jamaica; Marcia Skyers-James, director, sales and marketing, The Kimberly Hotel, US; and Dr Patricia V Smith, founder of Sweet P Home Care, US, author, healthcare pioneer and philanthropist.

As the co-founder of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, Hawthorne has been the driving force behind the brand’s growth into a national franchise, with over 120 locations across nine states in the US. Hawthorne is also founder and chairperson of the Lowell F Hawthorne Foundation, an organisation dedicated to continuing the legacy of her late husband, Lowell, by providing educational opportunities and financial support to underserved students in the US and the Caribbean. Her commitment to giving back extends to numerous community outreach activities, including breast cancer awareness campaigns, coat drives, and scholarship programmes benefiting aspiring leaders in both the US and Jamaica. She currently serves on the board of several organisations, including American Foundation for The University of the West Indies.

Dr Lindsay, recipient of the Pioneer Award, is best known as the first person in the United States to receive the COVID vaccine in 2020, outside of a clinical trial. She migrated from Jamaica to the US as a youngster, and has nearly 30 years’ experience in the health system, championing public health education issues. She has given back in service to Jamaica through medical missions, and most recently, through her foundation’s period poverty initiative to provide supplies to high school girls and women.

Morris and his wife Jean launched Sam’s 32 years ago. He migrated from Jamaica in 1979, and worked his way up from foot messenger, to bank clerk, to journalism, and eventual business ownership. As a CEO, he has mentored many youngsters, sharing his experience through seminars. He has received numerous awards for outstanding community service, and for being an outstanding business person.

The Russells are owners of Mona Prep Daycare in Queens, providing high quality education to students. They met as young professionals over 50 years ago in Jamaica, and are known for their generosity and hospitality. They both taught high school students, and Mrs Russell was a volunteer for unpaid extracurricular classes. Countless colleagues and workers have benefited from their benevolence.

Shields, recipient of the Visionary Award, was honoured for his contribution to COJO and his dedication to its mission. With more than 35 years’ experience in industry relations, business development, trade relations and sales and marketing, he has been a driving force behind Island Routes’ growth and success. Nearly 30 years ago, he became involved in supporting disadvantaged children in Jamaica while working at Desnoes & Geddes, a cause that would shape much of his life’s work. As deputy director of tourism marketing for the Jamaica Tourist Board, he facilitated extensive collaboration among partner agencies to promote the needs of the children of Jamaica. He is an advocate for organisations that support children in need, and has played a key role in forging collaborations with Sandals Foundation across the Caribbean, working on initiatives that support schools and local communities.

Skyers-James has over 40 years in the hospitality industry, and dedicates significant time and resources to supporting her community through volunteer work, and supporting organisations that support young people in the US and Jamaica, with a focus on education, mentorship and empowerment. She is the recipient of several awards for service.

Dr Smith, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, immigrated to the US from Jamaica at age 19, and now has a doctorate in nursing science, building a multimillion-dollar company that has helped transform the landscape of home health nursing in New York. Sweet P Home Care has blossomed into a home-care powerhouse, employing hundreds. She is committed to supporting children in State care and orphanages, to ensure that they are not deprived of the resources they need to thrive.

For the past three decades, COJO has provided scholarships and critical assistance to children in need, particularly in Jamaica, raising over US$1 million to grant access to education, healthcare, infrastructure and technology to young people. Since its establishment, it has contributed more than US$300,000 to support young adults in State care in Jamaica, enabling them to, among other things, access tertiary education.

The gala is a fund-raising event that honours individuals who have supported the organisation’s mission.

— Petulia Clarke