Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade

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Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (standing right) and Lady Allen ( standing second right), with recipients of the High Commission of Canada's inaugural 'Making a Difference Award', following a recognition ceremony today (July 19), at the official residence of the Canadian High Commissioner, Hon. Stephen Hallihan (third right) and his wife, Cathy Hallihan (second left). The recipients (seated from left) are: Democracy and Governance Fund Manager/Canadian Fund for Local Initiative (CFLI) Co-ordinator, High Commission of Canada, Dr. Deborah Duperly-Pinks; Superintendent/Director of the Jamaica Christian Boys' Home, Francis Knight; and Moira Morgan of Hush the Guns /Griffin Trust. Other recipients are: Fabian Brown (left), of the St. Patrick's Foundation and Citizens for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE); and Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of the Area Youth Foundation, Sheila Graham (third left).

Five outstanding Jamaicans were recognised for their contribution to social programmes undertaken throughout the island, at today's (July 19) inaugural 'Making a Difference Award' ceremony, held at the official residence of the Canadian High Commissioner, in Kingston.

The recipients are: Superintendent/Director of the Jamaica Christian Boys' Home, Francis Knight; Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of the Area Youth Foundation, Sheila Graham; Democracy and Governance Fund Manager/Canadian Fund for Local Initiative (CLFI) Co-ordinator, High Commission of Canada,

Dr. Deborah Duperly-Pinks; Mr. Fabian Brown of the St. Patrick's Foundation and Citizens for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE); and Moira Morgan of Hush the

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right) and Canadian High Commissioner, Hon. Stephen Hallihan (left), congratulate Fabian Brown of the St. Patrick's Foundation and Citizens for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) on his receipt of the High Commission of Canada's inaugural 'Making a Difference Award', during a ceremony at the official residence of the Canadian High Commissioner, in Kingston, today (July 19). Mr. Brown was one of five recipients presented with awards by the Governor-General.

Guns /Griffin Trust, a charity organisation in the United Kingdom (UK), with a Jamaican chapter.

An initiative of the Canadian High Commission, the 'Making a Difference Award' was created to formally recognise Jamaicans who have contributed to the fostering of positive relations between Jamaica and Canada.

The award will be given annually to individuals or organisations that make a significant contribution to the delivery of any programme of the High Commission, particularly which impacts Jamaica's well-being and development; provide outstanding service to Jamaicans (with some connection to High Commission of Canada programmes or activities); and foster relations between Canada and Jamaica.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who presented the recipients with their awards, praised them for the contribution they have made to social programmes in Jamaica, noting that they have given their time and talent to foster character building and development in young people.

"Your efforts ably supported by the High Commission, have provided leadership in communities where the need to build bridges and promote peace is greatest," he said.

The Governor-General noted that this recognition of exceptional individuals by the High Commission is another significant milestone in deepening the relationship between Canada and Jamaica.

"Your acknowledgement of these individuals who have worked with your Commission to implement projects in the communities at the grassroots level, clearly signals that you have acted on your expressed desire to help us make a difference," he said.

High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, Hon. Stephen Hallihan described the awardees as "every day heroes - those people that are with us through life, and that we come across on our journey through life, who actually are heroic in what they do for others and what they give to others with no thought for themselves."

He noted that a decision was taken earlier this year to begin to recognise these heroes that work in the background and who might not otherwise be identified and recognised.

The High Commissioner said the programmes in the High Commission were canvassed and a small process was put in place to allow for the identification of people that "are special to us, are special to Jamaica for what they do and also people that help us to deliver the types of programmes and assistance that Canada wants to deliver in Jamaica."

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