On this National Heroes’ Day, despite distressing news, let us remember the people who continue to bring light and hope to Jamaica.

Among those who will receive national honours today are my friends, whose talent and professionalism have made our country proud. Natalie Thompson, Order of Distinction, Officer class (OD), is an accomplished cinematographer, her latest work being No Time to Die. Andrew Mahfood, Order of Distinction, Commander class (CD), is not only a business leader, as managing director of Wisynco, but also the dedicated chairman of Food For the Poor Jamaica. Arthur Hall, OD, and Earl Moxam, OD, are journalism legends. Justine Henzell, OD, is the hard-working co-founder of the Calabash Literary Festival. Kudos to colleagues PB Scott, Order of Jamaica; Neville Garrick, CD; Colette Roberts Risden, CD; Dr Edwin Tulloch-Reid, CD; Dawn Azan, OD; and Lenford Salmon, OD.

Last week CCRP honoured five stalwarts who have served beyond the call of duty: Dr Winsome Anglin Brown; Pixley Irons, OD; Steadman Fuller, CD; Dr Lilieth Nelson, CD; and Dr Margaret Dingle Spence.

Dr Brown is the former director of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Health Centre, through her leadership, the health centre was the first in the region to be named a voluntary counselling and testing centre for AIDS. She was instrumental in making The UWI the biggest blood donor group in the country. She was head of the Department of Community Health and Psychiatry and coordinator for graduate studies and research at The UWI. During the pandemic she served as deputy chair on the Campus Emergency Committee.

A former president of Lions Club of New Kingston, she unstintingly supports the blind and is a volunteer with the Foundation for International Self Help Development (FISH) clinic. She is a perennial committee member for international sporting events, including the Cricket World Cup.

Fuller, an avid proponent of lifelong learning, has been a pre-eminent figure in the Jamaican book industry for almost 50 years. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, he is chairman and managing director of the nation’s leading booksellers, Kingston Bookshop. His wife of 40 years, Sonia, has been his business partner as director of administration.

Fuller has served as custos for the parish of Kingston for over 13 years. He is chairman and co-founder of the Kingston and St Andrew Development and Homecoming Foundation Limited. He is a recipient of the Mico Gold Medal Award and is chairman of the board of both the Tulloch Primary School in St Catherine and Mona High School in St Andrew. Fuller’s community outreach sees his entire staff preparing hundreds of seasonal care packages for the imprisoned as well as back-to-school bags for needy children.

Irons exemplifies mentorship, service, and community involvement, whether in his own enterprise or in his participation in a variety of service and developmental organisations. His company, Iron’s Mechanical Services, is sponsor for scores of sporting events in St Ann. Irons was also affiliated with the Land Divestment Committee and the Rural Electrification Programme as a board member.

A dedicated Rotarian, Irons received the Rotary Service Above Self award three consecutive years. He is a passionate advocate for youth development, serving on the HEART/NSTA Trust’s Management Advisory Council and other youth-oriented interventions. Irons is the volunteer convenor of the CCRP Northeast Chapter. He says none of this would have been possible without his wife and family members.

Dr Nelson is an award-winning educator, published poet, musician, and entrepreneur who possesses a dual passion for the arts as well as the sciences. She has served as musical director of the University Singers, working with musical stalwarts Noel Dexter and Marjorie Whylie, among others. On the science side, Dr Nelson was a beloved teacher of chemistry and general science in Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Dr Nelson’s invaluable contribution to Jamaica’s energy sector includes the production of the Energy Coordinators Handbook for the Ministry of Mining and Energy in 2012. She has also served as managing director of Jamaica Laboratory & Industrial Suppliers Limited. She is the dynamic president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Jamaica branch.

Dr Spence, renowned expert in both clinical oncology and palliative medicine, has brought relief and dignity to Jamaica’s cancer patients. She is the senior medical officer of the Hope Institute Hospital, Jamaica’s only dedicated oncology and palliative care unit. She is also an associate lecturer in the Department of Medicine at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, and is currently the acting head of the Department of Radiotherapy at the Kingston Public Hospital.

Dr Spence’s fellowship in international pain policy at the University of Wisconsin focused on improving opioid accessibility in Jamaica, resulting in the immediate release of morphine tablets in 2012, not previously available.

She is currently working with the medical school at The University of the West Indies to develop a diploma in palliative medicine and to have palliative care medicine recognised as a medical specialty in Jamaica.

Farewell, dear Heather

We said a fond farewell to a star of the Digicel family, Heather Arnella (nee Hodgson) last week. Heather will always be the truest expression of active love. She was a lady of brief words but countless generous deeds.

Heather served as chairperson of the Governance Committee for the Digicel Jamaica Foundation and led by example. She travelled extensively as the group administrator for Digicel and was the go-to person not only in Jamaica but for the company’s international locations. Nevertheless, she remained humble and approachable. She respected everyone and stood up for humble folks. No wonder there has been such an outpouring of love for this warm-hearted lady who found time for everyone.

How she managed so many projects and still maintained her joy of life was amazing. Our dear fashionista friend Heather always carried herself beautifully, but it was her inner beauty that made her shine even brighter.

Her love of family, especially her dear daughter Dr Aimee Norman, and her mother Sybil Hodgson, was inspiring. She adored her grandchildren and would flash out photos on her phone as soon as anyone asked about them.

At the thanksgiving service the tributes of Digicel Chair Denis O’Brien; CEO Oliver Coughlan; a reading by her son-in-law Evangelist Renaldo Norman; the blessings of Rev Al Miller, her pastor; and the music of Ashe brought comfort to family and friends.

Rest in peace our unforgettable Heather.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is executive chair of PROComm, Prodev, and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.