Reward for community service
Kiwanis Club of New Kingston honours two members of the clergy
Two outstanding members of the clergy — Sister Grace Veronica Yap and Reverend Canon Michael Allen — were honoured for community service by the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston at its August 19, 2026 meeting.
The citation to Yap, a Catholic nun and pastor, highlighted her call to ministry while an Anglican student at Immaculate High School, her graduate study in theology, tenure as principal of Marymount Preparatory School, pastoral work at Our Lady of the Angels Church and St Pius X Church in Olympic Gardens, as well as her invaluable pioneering work for peace in the communities of Trench Town, Kingston, and Braes River, St Elizabeth.
Allen was lauded for his service to the Anglican Diocese as a canon of St Jago De La Vega Cathedral and priest in various capacities. He currently oversees both the Church of the Ascension, Mona, and St Matthew’s Church at Jack’s Hill.
Allen, an Anglican priest and rector of Church of the Ascension, Mona, was lauded for his service to the Anglican Diocese as a canon of St Jago De La Vega Cathedral and priest in various capacities. He currently oversees both the Church of the Ascension and St Matthew’s Church in Jack’s Hill.
His service as divisional director for Christian education in the Department of Education and Youth at Church House and on the board of the National Library of Jamaica were also highlighted.
Sister Grace Yap (centre) receives her citation from Kiwanis Club of New Kingston President Veronica Taylor-Smellie. At left is Distinguished President Hermine Metcalfe.
A justice of the peace, Allen has been chaplain for Jamaica College, Westwood High School, and St Hilda’s Diocesan High School. He also serves on several school boards.
Citations and plaques were presented to both by President Veronica Taylor-Smellie, as well as Distinguished President Valerie Crawford and Distinguished President Hermine Metcalfe.
Master of ceremonies, Distinguished President Claudette Carter, led the gathering through a mixture of songs, the spoken word, prayers, and presentations, all related to service.
Vocalists Sanna Moore and Rhonda Davis also performed.
