United Way of Jamaica, the local arm of the international non-profit fundraising NGO, honoured 87 individuals, companies and partners who supported the organisation’s 2022 fundraising campaign at the Nation Builders’ Awards Gala.

Opening the award ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday, November 7, Ian Forbes, custos of St Andrew, highlighted the important role that volunteers play in saving communities and building Jamaica.

Speaking at the gala Dr Yolanda Hegngi, senior vice-president of international network at United Way, and a visitor from Cameroon, commended Jamaica on its progress with reducing unemployment among young people, and Jamaica’s ability to leave an impact on the world.

She said: “Jamaica is truly priceless. In 1858, two missionaries from Jamaica, Reverend Joseph Fuller and Joseph Merrick arrived in Cameroon, where they met my ancestors. They did not just bring religion; they started the first school in the country. We are the beneficiaries of your legacy.”

Keynote speaker Jeffrey ‘Agent Sasco’ Campbell spoke about the importance of gratitude for the positive attributes of Jamaica. He also encouraged his fellow countrymen to develop a sense of duty, and urged for understanding that building a nation means helping and developing its people, while advocating for changes