Emerging from humble beginnings to make valuable contributions to their communities, three Jamaicans were given special recognition by the 30^th Anniversary Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA), during a ceremony held at King’s House on Thursday (July 29).

They are Dr Chris Kevin Parchment from the county of Cornwall, Krisan Chantae Ennis from Middlesex, and Khadine Natoya ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton from the county of Surrey.

The 30^th Anniversary award recipients are among 44 Jamaicans presented with the GGAA this year for outstanding community service.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, the other honourees were recognised virtually.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, who made the presentations, commended the recipients for their contributions, particularly during the pandemic.

“At this time of unprecedented strain on our communities, it is gratifying to see our people serve those on the front lines and in communities that need assistance to cope with the effects of the pandemic,” Sir Patrick said.

The governor general said their service would help to make a significant impact on Jamaica’s development.

Parchment, a resident in general surgery at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James, was recognised for offering free medical service in his community of George’s Plain in Westmoreland, which he does every weekend.

Parchment told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) that he was honoured by the recognition and noted that it has motivated him to do even more to serve his community.

“It’s a catalyst for me to do more and to be an inspiration to others, so that they too can one day get this prestigious award,” he said.

Krisan Chantae Ennis, deputy youth mayor of Mandeville, was acknowledged for service to the youth, which includes donating more than 144 chickens and the required feed to the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf.

She told the JIS that she wanted to work with children’s homes to provide résumé-building activities for those who are preparing to exit the State care system.

Hylton, a media practitioner and attorney-at-law, received the special award for outstanding service through her annual blood drive and scholarship programme for needy students.

She said being recognised was not something she had expected, because she was not aiming for an award.

“However, it does feel very good to be recognised for your efforts and it makes it even more heart-warming when persons like the Governor General can see that people in Jamaica are working,” she said.

Hylton intends to continue the blood drive and hopes to extend the scholarship programme to benefit students in need across all 14 parishes.

“I love my country because it is important to understand that to whom much is given, much is expected. Don’t ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. If we want Jamaica to be the place where we can work and raise families, we must be a blessing to others, and to that end I’m very grateful,” she said.

The GGAA was established in 1991 to recognise Jamaican citizens from humble beginnings who have improved themselves through their own efforts and are working to serve their communities.

The programme has been expanded to include a youth component (ages 18-35 years) for individuals who excel academically, demonstrate strong community leadership, and exemplify strong interest in Jamaica.