Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has praised Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston, Rt Rev Charles Dufour, for his outstanding leadership and lifelong service to humanity, with a particular focus on the poor and vulnerable in Jamaica.

Bartlett was the guest speaker at the 29th Annual Fundraising Dinner hosted by the Good Shepherd Foundation, which Archbishop Dufour founded in Montego Bay to support various charities and the Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica.

The event honouring Dufour was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday, April 26, drawing a full house of patrons from the Jamaican diaspora in the USA.

In his address, Bartlett commended Dufour for creating a legacy rooted in compassion, education, and community development. He noted that the Foundation’s work aligns closely with the values of the late Pope Francis, whose commitment to peace, care for the oppressed, and focus on the welfare of children resonate with the Foundation’s mission.

Bartlett highlighted several impactful initiatives spearheaded by the Good Shepherd Foundation, including the Hope Hospice for elderly citizens living with AIDS, the Home of Charlotte’s Children, and the expanded Good Shepherd Medical Centre. He emphasised that these efforts provide vital social support in western Jamaica, a region also experiencing rapid tourism growth.

He also applauded the work of Friends of Good Shepherd International (FOGS), which was founded by Archbishop Dufour in 1996 to garner overseas support for the Foundation’s initiatives. FOGS, he noted, plays a central role in funding education and healthcare projects, including its Youth Education Fund that assists students from primary to tertiary levels with tuition, books, and transportation.

Sharing his personal commitment to education, Bartlett outlined plans for a groundbreaking Early Childhood Education Centre in Barrett Town and called for support in raising US$1.5 million for its development.

Minister Bartlett concluded by acknowledging Archbishop Dufour’s legacy as a servant leader, advocate for the marginalised, and unifier across faiths and communities. He also invited guests to visit Jamaica, celebrating the island’s natural beauty and rich culture as the country continues to advance socially and economically.