MONTEGO BAY, St James — Tamika Williams, owner and operator of Ahh Ras Natango Gallery and Gardens, admits that receiving an award at the St James Independence Flag Raising Civic and Awards Ceremony on Thursday was a meaningful experience.

“It’s a good feeling because sometimes we don’t recognise our own. So, usually it would have to wait 50 years after I’m not here for my children to see but I can see that I get the award,” she told the Jamaica Observer following the civic ceremony.

Williams is no stranger to accolades. Recently, her enterprise received a Top Attraction Certificate from Triple A’s Travel Inspiration division, recognising it as one of the world’s leading attractions.

However, she said there was something especially rewarding about being recognised by her own people.

Former schoolboy football standout Allan Ottey (right) is all smiles as he collects his Independence Award from Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon at the St James Independence Flag Raising Civic and Awards Ceremony on Thursday.

“You ever see the thing where they say a prophet is never recognised in his home? So when you get it outside, it shows that people who don’t know you seeing something, but when your own Jamaicans give it to you, it’s because you are doing something, so, it really makes me feel good,” said Williams who was among 17 recipients of the Spirit of St James Awards and the Mayor’s Special Awards presented during the ceremony.

She was recognised for her contribution to tourism, with Ahh Ras Natango Gallery and Gardens earning worldwide acclaim over the years.

But Williams pointed out that the attraction is still recovering after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Melissa last October.

“We’re trying to rebuild after [Hurricane] Melissa because our first job after the storm was to help our community to get back,” Williams said.

Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon presents the Spirit of St James award in the area of tourism to owner and operator of Ahh Ras Natango Gallery and Gardens Tamika Williams during the St James Independence Flag Raising Civic and Awards Ceremony on Thursday.

She was joined on the list of awardees by football administrator Bruce Gaynor, who was recognised for his contribution to the development of the sport not only in St James but also at the national level.

“When a citizen of Jamaica, and especially from Montego Bay, is recognised for the service that you do, it gives you the impetus to continue,” Gaynor told the Observer.

“I am a proud Montegonian all my life and this service that I give is thoroughly from my heart. I thank St James and I thank the mayor for recognising me,” added Gaynor.

Fellow football personality Allan Ottey was also recognised for his contributions to the sport, having distinguished himself at the schoolboy level with St James High, transitioning to playing professionally before becoming a coach.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon (left) presents Hezron Clarke with his award for his contribution to music during the St James Independence Flag Raising Civic and Awards Ceremony on Thursday.

“The first time I got this call, it brought so much joy to me. It’s a pleasure, I can’t stop smiling. It’s a nice feeling to get a nice award from the St James Municipal Corporation, so it’s a great feeling,” said Ottey.

Recipients were honoured for their contributions to commerce, education, community service, the arts, and several other fields.

Singer and songwriter Hezron Clarke was also among the awardees. He joked that he might write a song to mark the occasion but said he was grateful for the recognition.

“To know that they have been noticing the work that I’ve been doing and I wasn’t even trying to impress anybody, it’s just my heart,” he explained.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon (seated centre) along with the recipients of this year’s Independence Awards pose for a group picture on Thursday during the St James Independence Flag Raising Civic and Awards Ceremony on Thursday.

“For it to be recognised and to have an award for it, it means that I am an endorsed humanitarian,” said Clarke, who pointed out that much of his work has focused on advocating for the most vulnerable.

One of his songs, Save the Children, has been used as part of the Ananda Dean campaign, which was aimed at raising awareness about violence against children.

A notable absentee was national netball team captain and goalkeeper Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who was also recognised for her contribution to sport.

Other awardees included Delapenha Funeral Home, which was recognised for its contribution to the business community.