AS WE GATHERIN’ winds down in St John, 11 proud residents received recognition for their philanthropy, community work and civic-mindedness.
Earlier today the men and women were pinned with the Pride of Barbados awards by President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason in State House, Pine Road, St Michael, who congratulated and praised them, encouraging them also to continue the good work.
Director of We Gatherin’ Senator John King called the assembly the “best Barbados has to offer” and also encouraged them to continue creating a legacy.
“I want to encourage you to continue to do what you are doing because you never know who you are impacting I’m sure that in your own lives, there were persons who you would have known who would have impacted upon you to become the persons that you are so do the same and this legacy will continue,” he said.
Member of Parliament for St John, Charles Griffith, said he was particularly happy given the recent exhibition where several St John residents were honoured.
“This morning, for these ten individuals to come and receive these honours is truly a blessing. This is one of the legacies of the We Gatherin’ event . . . and it’s good for young people to see . . . what you do and how you treat to life and service could result in what is happening here,” he said.
One of the awardees, 82-year-old Pearson Stobart Bellamy, was honoured as a cultural icon and for fostering cultural education and preserving the oral traditions, rich history and cultural heritage of St John.
Myrtle Doreen Husbands, 80, was recognised for improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, and fostering a more caring and cohesive community. As a shopkeeper, she provided food, clothing, and financial support to the elderly and needy, while offering protection and refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children.
One of the younger awardees, De Andra Alicia Caroline Howard, 42, was recognised for her passion and dedicated services as an early childhood educator, UNICEF Youth Ambassador, and Parish Ambassador as well as for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education.
The other awardees are as follows: Richard Llewellyn “Uncle Lew”Arthur, who was awarded for his lifelong and dedicated service to Codrington Estate; Neville Patrick Bridgeman for his humanitarianism and philanthropy; Sonia Burgess-Haynes for her steadfast support for the needy and the empowerment of youth from low-income families through the Dr David Barnett Scholarship Fund and Kerrie Kares Foundation; Dr Keisha Chantal Nadeen Gustave for her demonstrated excellence in public health, nursing, and community empowerment and her lifelong dedication, and leadership in infection control, education, and mentorship; Samantha André Michelle Haynes for her unwavering commitment to educating and mentoring young people, civic service, and community development; Roland Antonio Waithe for his unswerving dedication to promoting sporting excellence and advocating for active ageing as an internationally decorated senior athlete; Dale O’Brian Lashley for being a respected entrepreneur as the managing director of Lashley and Waithe Fish Processing Inc. and his dedicated community work.
The Diaspora Award was given to Lennox Llewellyn Padmore, a former St John resident, for his pioneering work in agricultural development and self- sufficiency as a founding member of the Eastern 4H Club and co-chairman of the 4H Reunion Group. He was absent as he currently lives overseas. (CA)
