Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Margaret Dingle Spence Receives CCRP Living Legacy Award
Tag: CCRP
CCRP recognises ‘living legends’ at 2023 gala
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.
Source: Our Today https://our.today/ccrp-recognises-living-legends-at-2023-gala/#:~:text=The%20Caribbean%20Community%20of%20Retired,Pegasus%20Hotel%20in%20New%20Kingston.
Despite the storms, give thanks, Jamaica
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.
Source: Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/despite-the-storms-give-thanks-jamaica/
Young readers for CCRP Living Legacy Awards
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.
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.
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.
Source: The Jamaica Gleaner – https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20231010/young-readers-ccrp-living-legacy-awards#slideshow-1
Brilliance and courage in Budapest
It was an amazing week for our Jamaican athletes and their fans as we ran, jumped, and hammer threw vicariously with them at the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships.
At the time of writing, Jamaica is second to the US in the points standings, with Kenya in third place. In medal standings we are fourth behind the US, Canada, and Spain. What a performance by our team, with gold medals from Danielle Williams in the women’s 100m hurdles, young Antonio Watson in the 400m event, and Shericka Jackson in a World Championships record of 21.41 seconds in the women’s 200m. We copped silvers from Hansle Parchment in the 110m hurdles, Wayne Pinnock in the long jump, Shericka Jackson in the 100m and the women’s 4×100 relay.
Contributed photo: Naphtali Junior.
It was in the women’s 4×100 relay that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce once again showed her grit. We noticed that she was not moving with her usual rhythm towards the end of her second leg to hand over the baton to Sashalee Forbes and at the end of the brilliant silver-medal run was not seen. We learnt later that she pulled a muscle in her right knee and had gone to get medical attention. What a champion she is! Track and field analyst Bruce James noted that the reflex action in such emergencies is to drop the baton and hold the injured limb but that mothers respond differently. “Mothers are amazing,” he enthused. “Shelly is amazing.”
We congratulate Shelly-Ann on her bronze in the 100m and the other bronze winners Rushell Clayton in the 400m hurdles, Tajay Gayle in the long jump and the men’s 4×100 relay. All team members deserve kudos because points are awarded up to eighth place, depending on the event, and it must have been their never-say-die attitude in the face of some of the biggest stars that took us to number two in the points tally.
Contributed photo – Naphtali Junior
Can Jamaica shine too?
Leahcim Semaj, basking in the glory of our athletes, posted questions that this column has been asking since 2008: “What if … Jamaica, as a nation, replicate the model that we have successfully used to become world-class in athletics in other areas of national life? Do we have the will? Is there the leadership?” I believe the key question is: Do we have the will? We have quality people in our Houses of Parliament and in our Cabinet, but it continues to be a puzzle as to why some are so slow to step up and deliver. We hear complaints about low productivity in areas of public service but in this day of high tech there must be ways to measure this.
On a positive note, our team members who attended a forum held by the Norman Manley International Airport last Friday, said that Opposition spokesman on transportation Mikael Phillips hailed Minister Daryl Vaz for speedily addressing the issues which now fall to his portfolio.
That same day Vaz saw to the off-loading of 50 new buses for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company. Jamaicans with disabilities will be happy to hear that these vehicles have been modified to accommodate those with mobility issues. We have ministers who can hold their own anywhere in the world and we can only hope they are not being held back by the internal political tensions that occur in both parties.
This is what we value in the world of athletics: When you are out there on the track or in the field, no one can try to hide your achievements. When you submit yourself to testing no one can accuse you of unethical behaviour. Although she was not selected for the 4×100, Elaine Thompson-Herah posted on social media: “Well done, ladies (heart emojis). One side Jamaica (flag emoji).”
A coalition for good
People have scoffed at Economic Programme Oversight Committee Chairman Keith Duncan’s call for a coalition of political parties to tackle the hard challenges that the country must overcome. This is because we are so steeped in this hostile political environment that we refuse to look towards the “One Jamaica” of which Thompson-Herah speaks.
As we tackle this crime monster, which has now resulted in the second firebombing, we refuse to accept that our political representatives could be so callous as to refuse to come together and agree on crime-fighting solutions.
Naomi “Miss Sweeney” Gocul, a senior citizen beloved by her neighbours, lost her life because of the cruel injuries she received from the Gregory Park firebombing. Jamaica’s senior citizens are the bedrock of their communities and the most faithful voters, there should be no question about finding the ways and means to protect these goodly Jamaicans.
Our netball star Latanya Wilson and her family were burnt out in the Central Kingston firebombing. How can this be her reward for flying our flag so high? Many of our athletes come from very humble communities, it is cynical to have time for them only when they bring us glory but have little care for the conditions under which they live.
May the achievements of our hard-working athletes inspire us to turn a new page for Jamaica. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Happy 100th, Norman Jarrett!
CCRP, the advocacy organisation for seniors, has been joining forces with the National Council for Senior Citizens to celebrate the 100th birthdays of Jamaicans.
Yesterday we made a special presentation to CCRP 2017 Living Legacy Honoree Norman Jarrett, who was born on July 27, 1923.
He is a passionate activist for the improvement of literacy among Jamaica’s young students and established the Norman and Cecile Jarrett Literacy Improvement Programme with his wife, fellow educator Cecile, in 2011. Through this programme, the Jarretts work with primary school students in the downtown Kingston area to improve their literacy. The project has been embraced by the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston, of which he is the chairman of the Human and Spiritual Values Committee.
Jarrett’s career as a teacher began in 1941 at Annotto Bay Elementary School as a pretrained teacher. After graduating from Mico Teachers’ College [now The Mico University College] he served as an all-age school principal for 20 years and at another school for nine years.
He was music coordinator and teacher at Papine High School for three years and spent the following 18 years as the training coordinator at the Jamaica Industrial Corporation and as an inspector and travelling officer with the Factories Corporation of Jamaica.
As a perennial volunteer, Jarrett has taught music at the Church of the Transfiguration Basic School for 30 years and he served as the full-time organist at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church for 22 years. The spry Jarrett still finds time to play the organ on a part-time basis in several churches around Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Canada. Among his many awards, he has received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service in the fields of music and education.
Happy 100th Birthday to a great Jamaican, Norman Jarrett, and congratulations to his supportive wife Cecile and other members of their caring family.
Jean Lowrie-Chin is the executive chair of PROComm and CCRP.
Source: Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/brilliance-and-courage-in-budapest/
Our elders deserve to live in peace
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
CCRP demands safer environment for elders after retiree dies in Gregory Park attack
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.
CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN, CCRP, TAKE DIGITAL BANKING TO SENIORS
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.”
Source: Jamaica Observer | CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN, CCRP, TAKE DIGITAL BANKING TO SENIORS
Seniors Party At Christmas
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.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20161223/seniors-party-christmas
CCRP Shares the Love this Festive Season
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.
Jamaica Highlights 