CCRP Living Legacy Awards recipients display their awards and citations following the ceremony on October 12, 2023 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. From left, Mr. Pixley Irons, Dr. Lilieth Nelson, Dr. Blossom Anglin Brown, Steadman Fuller. (Photo: Contributed)
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) honoured five outstanding Jamaicans with respective 2023 living legacy awards on Thursday (October 12) at a presentation luncheon held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
The honourees and the categories in which they were awarded are:
Dr Blossom Anglin-Brown for health, in memory of Syringa Marshall-Burnett;
Steadman Fuller for business, in memory of J Lester Spaulding;
Pixley Irons for philanthropy, in memory of Michael Fraser;
Lilieth Nelson for entrepreneurship, education and culture;
Dr Margaret Dingle Spence for cancer research and palliative care.
The CCRP, in a statement, indicated that Spence was unable to attend Thursday’s ceremony and will be presented at a later date.
In their responses, the recipients expressed their appreciation for being honoured and affirmed their commitment to continued service to their fellow Jamaicans.
The CCRP Living Legacy Award was created to honour individuals over 60 years old who have contributed to the growth and development of the country, going beyond the call of duty and displaying exemplary service and dedication in their fields of endeavour.
This is the tenth year that the CCRP Living Legacy Awards have been presented. The seniors organisation is pleased that the achievements of many of their honourees are finally being acknowledged as many were not known and celebrated previously.
CCRP Living Legacy Awards recipients at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. From left: Pixley Irons, Dr Lilieth Nelson, Dr Blossom Anglin Brown, and Steadman Fuller.
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.
A number of Jamaicans will be recognised for service to the country at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards.
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
Heather Arnella (right) and her daughter Dr Aimee Norman
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.
Brandon Howlett, a second-year student majoring in Business Management at the University of the West Indies, is no stranger to reading citations for the CCRP Living Legacy Awards. Having been a young reader last year, he felt great when asked to do it again as it showed that his reading had been well received. With enthusiasm, Brandon is eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to read the citation for Dr Blossom Anglin-Brown, who is being honoured for her outstanding contributions in the field of health, as well as the citation for Dr Lilieth Nelson for her outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, education, and culture.
Reading the citations for the awards will be three young adults who will bring diversity to the event and bridge the generation gap. The other young readers are Sashoi Nichols-Dobson and Shantay East.
Sashoi Nichols-Dobson
Nichols-Dobson will be reading the citation for Steadman Fuller, who is being recognised for his outstanding achievements in business and philanthropy. For Nichols-Dobson, Fuller’s achievements highlight that as a professional, one can be successful in many areas of life and not be restricted by one’s area of study.
Shantay East
East will be reading the citation for Pixley Irons, who is being recognised for his outstanding services in philanthropy and volunteerism for community development. East noted that she was elated when asked to be a young reader for the prestigious awards and is honoured to be part of something that acknowledges people like Irons, who go beyond the call of duty.
CCRP Jamaica will host its annual Living Legacy Awards on October 12 at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston to highlight five of those individuals 60 years and over who have contributed to the growth and development of the country, going beyond the call of duty and displaying exemplary service and dedication in their fields of endeavour.
The fifth honouree is Dr Margaret Dingle Spence, who is being recognised for her outstanding contributions in the fields of cancer research and palliative care. She will be unable to attend the ceremony and will be presented with her award at a later date.
This year marks the 10th staging of the CCRP Living Legacy Awards.
CCRP said it takes pride in honouring individuals who not only meet the requirements of their duties but who go above and beyond, deserving the utmost recognition. Through these awards, CCRP aims to shine the spotlight on those who truly make a difference and leave a lasting impact on their communities.
The event is sponsored by BPM Financial Limited, Cari-Med Group, Gallagher Insurance Brokers, Juici Patties, and National Baking Company.
CCRP, an advocacy organisation for seniors, has condemned the cruel firebombing of a community in Gregory Park which has claimed the life of 72-year-old Naomi Gocul.
Gocul, lovingly called Miss Sweeny, was seriously injured and hospitalized after the brutal attack which left another resident dead. She succumbed to her injuries Tuesday, leaving her community and others grieving and distressed.
Neighbours remembered her kindness while Member of Parliament Alando Terrelonge recalled that she was a devout Christian.
“The CCRP is demanding justice for Gocul and the victims of this heinous act. For a woman of such faith and generosity to face such horrific suffering is a sad commentary on the level to which some of our citizens have sunk.
“Our elders are constantly in fear, some facing extreme loneliness-especially those who live in violence-prone communities. Our elders deserve to live in peace, after many years of service to their communities, families, and organizations, but instead, they are facing gang violence and marginalization, amongst many other daily struggles,” said the advocacy group.
“We at CCRP are saddened by this tragedy and call on supporting stakeholders to create a safer environment for Jamaica’s vulnerable elders,” it said.
Source: Jamaica Observer | published Thursday August 24, 2023
Jean Lowrie-Chin, founder and executive chair of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), warmly addresses the audience at the March 2019 launch of the CCRP western Jamaica chapter in Montego Bay, St James. (Photo: Facebook @CCRPOnline)
Elderly advocacy organisation, the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), is condemning the cruel fire-bombing of a community in Gregory Park, St Catherine which has claimed the life of 72-year-old Naomi Gocul.
The CCRP, in a statement on Tuesday (August 22), indicated that Gocul, also affectionately known as ‘Miss Sweeney’ was seriously injured in the brutal attack which left another resident dead and several others hospitalised.
She succumbed to her injuries, leaving the wider community grieving and distressed. Neighbours remembered her kindness while Member of Parliament for East Central St Catherine Alando Terrelonge recalled that she was a devout Christian.
“CCRP demands justice for Miss Gocul and the victims of this heinous act. For a woman of such faith and generosity to face such horrific suffering is a sad commentary on the level to which some of our citizens have sunk,” the entity remarked.
“Our elders are constantly in fear, some facing extreme loneliness, especially those who live in violence-prone communities.
“Our elders deserve to live in peace, after many years of service to their communities, families, and organisations, but instead they are facing gang violence and marginalisation, amongst many other daily struggles,” the CCRP added.
The Jean Lowrie-Chin founded CCRP says it saddened by tragedy and called on supporting stakeholders to create a safer environment for Jamaica’s vulnerable elders.
Four lucky attendees of the CIBC Firstcaribbean and Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) “Tech Talk” Digital Banking and You webinar, were presented with tokens of appreciation for their participation during a visit to the bank’s Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston headquarters on May 25, 2023. Here Owen Francis (centre), Director Retail Banking Channels, CIBC Firstcaribbean is flanked by (l-r) Dwyneth Mclaughlin, Ina Crooks, Marcia Dean and Jeneita Townsend.
CIBC Firstcaribbean senior customers and members of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) recently participated in “Tech Talk”, a virtual webinar hosted by the bank to educate and sensitize persons 40 years and over on the benefits of using its digital banking channels.
The webinar, explored a range of topics including cyber security, online banking and mobile Apps, Smart ABMS capabilities and special benefits such as the CIBC Firstcaribbean Seniors Savings which offers interest rates on all credit balances above the threshold and a range of free services including transactions at Instant Tellers and no monthly service charges.
Owen Francis, Director Retail Banking Channels, CIBC Firstcaribbean, told participants that the bank was particularly appreciative of the opportunity to speak directly to its senior customers and CCRP members to apprise them of the very special products and services some of which were curated especially for them.
He said that “CIBC Firstcaribbean prides itself on giving our clients the privileges they deserve including, personalized and secure banking. Our customers know that we offer quality service, convenience, flexibility and accessibility to our suite of banking solutions”.
Mr. Francis said that “Tech Talk” was part of the bank’s efforts to help our clients to simplify their banking experience as they navigate our digital banking channels.
“We are intent on increasing your knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions as you manage your financial affairs and this webinar will improve your understanding of benefits offered by our bank and ensure you know how to access resources and support appropriate to your circumstances”, he told participants.
Pointing to changing needs of older customers Mr Francis said that “it is clear to CIBC Firstcaribbean that we are living longer and having greater responsibility for funding our retirement, so saving and building a personal ‘nest egg’ for the future are more important than ever.”
Expanding, Mr Francis said “Our senior population in Jamaica is diverse – at different ages, income levels, education, health, personal and family circumstances. So clearly, our bank’s approach is not a one size fits all. However, from our experience and research we know that everyone needs and appreciates guidance on how to efficiently conduct their banking business.”
Mrs Jean Lowrie-Chin, who Jamaicans will call blessed for her work with the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), hit the nail squarely on the head in her very helpful column in this newspaper.
“As hard as it is on Jamaicans to hear news of crime and violence, it is even worse for our elderly, especially those in violence-prone communities.
“Many suffer from underlying medical issues and disabilities and so the saying, ‘You can’t run, you can’t hide’ applies to them, literally. Besides that, abuse of the elderly is not only one of the most cruel and silent crimes in Jamaica, but also worldwide,” she wrote.
It is hard not feel a sense of remorse when one sees how senior citizens exist in Jamaica, generally speaking. The squalor bred by poverty that is the lot of too many in the rural parts is ugly and stomach-turning.
Add to that food security, inadequate access to specialised geriatric care, the high levels of violence and elder abuse pointed out by Mrs Lowrie Chin, and low levels of social security that expose them to sexual assaults and robbery.
There was once a popular view that one could judge the civilisation of a society by the way it treats its senior citizens, respecting them for their presumed experience, wisdom, and maturity. That appears to be a view of the past.
But Jamaica had better wake up to the reality that the country’s population is rapidly ageing. Our own Planning Institute of Jamaica insists that the population is becoming top heavy, with the elderly population — that is people aged 65 and over — expected to double by 2050, when they will constitute almost 20 per cent of the total population.
So, like the rest of the world, Jamaica will face the fact that an ageing population holds significant implications, such as will be immediately felt in labour market shortages and in the inadequacy of pension plans. That is in the short term and not somewhere off into the distant future.
In the latest revision of the National Policy for Senior Citizens, the state of the country’s aged is fairly accurately assessed and solutions to the challenges proposed through a multi-stakeholder approach designed to address social, economic and health barriers. We, of course, were dismayed to learn that only 23 per cent of the elderly have health insurance.
The stark reality is that the Government is doing almost as much as it can, given the limited resources, through programmes like the Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly, the National Health Fund, the National Insurance Scheme, the National Committee for Senior Citizens, and several others.
But a lot more will be necessary before we can hold our heads high about our treatment of the elderly.
The talk about forcing children to be responsible for their elderly parents is too thorny an issue to be relied on as a workable solution.
We might need to consider a two per cent tax on salaries above $10 million a year to build more infirmaries and assisted living facilities, increase social pension benefits, expand feeding programmes, subsidise transportation, and monitor private nursing homes, many of which are a putrid excuse for such.
This kind of tax will recognise the importance of tackling the problem as a national one and should be considered, even if it means putting it to a referendum.
This Christmas is no ordinary season of merriment for the seniors. The festivities have already reached mega levels as many of them turned out in fine style for a soca party planned and hosted by the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP).
Well over one hundred members of the seniors’ organisation gathered on the rooftop of the Phoenix Central building at 2 Phoenix Avenue, St Andrew, recently for an evening of fun and frolic. The event was a huge success as members enjoyed dancing to soca music from the eighties and nineties, played by Sapphire Disco with selector Omar C. For supper, they had a delicious meal catered by Phoenix Central’s Cafe Nita.
It was a time of lively fellowship, and the seniors enjoyed the breathtaking view of Kingston from the rooftop.
Jean Lowrie-Chin, CCRP’s founder and executive chair, was quite pleased with the turnout. She said that based on the positive feedback from the members who attended the event, the soca party could well become CCRP’s signature Christmas event.
Although they came prepared for an evening of dining and dancing, the CCRP members also brought the spirit of giving as they all came with gift bags filled with items of toiletries to donate to the Golden Age Home.
It has been a custom of the organisation since its inception in 2010 that at its annual Christmas event members would bring gift items for donation to the Golden Age Home. The gifts have been presented to the home by members of the CCRP Caring Committee.
On Tuesday, December 13, members of the Caring Committee of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) visited the Golden Age Home in Kingston where they handed over items of toiletries to the residents of Cluster D which were donated by their members at their Christmas Party held on December 6. Here, Morelene Moncrieffe (left), Supervisor of Cluster D accepts one of the bags with the donations from Hanna Dixon.
CCRP CELEBRATES WITH PRICESMART AT SOVEREIGN CENTRE: Executives from the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) (from left) Donna Singh, Marketing & Development Consultant; Jean Lowrie-Chin, Executive Chair; Denise Eldemire Shearer, Honorary Chair and Dorett Linton, Acting CEO, join with Jodi Lee Oakley (center) of PriceSmart in cutting a celebratory cake at the CCRP Christmas Bazaar at Sovereign Centre in Liguanea, St Andrew on Tuesday, December 20. Through the generosity of the management of Sovereign Centre, members of the seniors’ organisation were invited to display and sell their Jamaican made items at a store in the shopping centre during the Christmas season. The space was provided to CCRP rent and maintenance free.
Jamaica Highlights 