Jamaican Olympian Briana Williams was among 12 honorees receiving Consulate General Heritage Awards in Sunrise, Florida on Sunday (November 7).

Williams, Jamaica’s youngest ever Olympic gold medalist, was honoured for being an embodiment of excellence and an example for youth worldwide. The other honorees represented a wide cross-section of service including healthcare, Education, Faith and Religious Leadership, Cultural Arts, Public Service, Youth Excellence, Philanthropy and Social Services and Corporate Responsibility.

“We honoured 10 individuals and two organisations, including Briana Williams,” said Consul General Oliver Mair.

“Briana was recognised for her youth leadership and her influence in the sport of track and field. She is a shining example of excellence, not only to Jamaica at home and abroad, of what you can achieve with hard work, dedication and commitment backed by God-given talent.”

Williams, who is preparing for the 2021-2022 track season, said she was honoured to be recognised by the Consulate General.

“For me, every season I want to show what young people like myself can achieve through hard work. And at the end of it, it’s always nice to be recognised, so I’m grateful for this award,” she said.

Also among the honorees, who have selflessly contributed to community enrichment and positive national representation were Andrea Dixon, Andrew Adams, Dr Yvonne Smith, Dr Pauline Jolly, Patrick Cha Fong, Audrey Anderson, Bruce Palmer, Xavier Murphy, Pastor Robert Stewart, GraceKennedy Foods and the Louise Bennett Coverley Heritage Council.