Jamaica’s Consul General  Sandra Grant Griffiths has announced the Consulate’s Diaspora Honours for 2013.  Thirteen (13) awards were presented in the categories of Changemakers, and  Luminaries, and one (1) as Special Community Merit award.

The 2013  Changemaker  Honours  were awarded  to Ambassador Sue Cobb, OJ, Humanitarian Extraordinaire; Lowell Hawthorne, CD, Business Leader Extraordinaire; and the Jamaica Ex-Police Association of Florida – Community Organization Extraordinaire.

The 2013 Diaspora Community Service Luminary Honours  were awarded  to South Florida entrepreneur, Chester Bishop; University of Miami (UM) graduate Ludlow Dawes;  cultural entrepreneur Mrs. Rosie Gordon-Wallace;  Senior Pastor, Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Richard Ledgister;  Business community consultant, Mrs. Hazel Maragh;  publicist Dr. Garth Rose; Lauderdale Lakes Mayor, Hon. Barrington Russell; promoter and radio personality, Denver  ‘Jamusa’ Silvera; and community activist and radio personality Ms. Diana Taylor.

A Special Community Merit Honour was awarded to 12 year old Joshua Williams, founder of Joshua’s Heart Foundation for his mission to tackle hunger in America and around the world.

The presentation of plaques and citations will take place at the stellar Jamaica Independence Anniversary Gala and Diaspora Honours “United…the Journey Continues” presented under the auspices of the Consulate General and the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA), a community-based charitable organization, on Saturday (Aug. 3) commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Signature Grand in Davie.

Extending  congratulations, Consul General Grant Griffiths emphasized that the awardees  have been  recognized for services directly supportive of Jamaica’s national development goals  as well as community service integral to the positive mission of the Jamaican Diaspora Community in impacting positively both local, Caribbean, and wider international society.

Based on approved criteria, a Jamaica Diaspora Honours Selection Committee  evaluated and approved the final selection of awardees from the large number of  exemplary nominations received.  These awardees, according to the Consul  General,  will now join the outstanding  changemakers, vanguards, luminaries who were recognized previously and  who continue to render significant service and enhance the positive image of our people.  Their contributions continue to reflect, collectively and individually, the promotion of “Brand Jamaica” as  displayed by our outstanding nationals in the strong communities established overseas, she added.