Commemorative Diamond Jubilee medals, created “in recognition of the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty, The Queen,” were bestowed at a special Diamond Jubilee Medal Awards ceremony held at King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica, where 61 Jamaicans were recognized for outstanding contributions to nation building through service in the fields of health, security, and emergency care.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, who presided over the function, congratulated the awardees for their selfless service and contribution to the nation’s safety and protection of the nation. “I warmly commend you for your career achievements in your respective organisations and hope that you will continue to give of your best in the service of your homeland,” he said.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in offering commendation to the awardees, noted that the quality of their contribution to the country is a “fine example of patriotism that makes us proud. [. . .] Over the years you continue to attract admiration and honour, not only within our nation, but in other parts of the world where you have served. The award of these commemorative Diamond Jubilee medals by Her Majesty, The Queen, further underscores the recognition of your distinguished service and contribution.”

Six persons were presented with medals for their service at the helm of a state agency or organisation dedicated to security, and health and emergency services. These were: Chief of Defence Staff Major General Antony Anderson; Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington; Commandant, Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), James Golding; Commissioner of Corrections Lt Colonel Garfield Prendergast; Commissioner, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Laurie Williams; and Principal Medical Officer/Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse.

Additionally, 45 uniformed personnel received awards for their service in the field of security. These included nine officers from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF); nine from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); nine from the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF); nine from the Department of Correctional Services; and nine from the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

In the meantime, 10 persons from the Ministry of Health were presented with medals for their contribution to the development of health and emergency services. These were: Chief Medical Officer Dr Eva Lewis-Fuller; Director, Health Services Planning and Integration, Dr Denise Duncan-Goffe; Senior Medical Officer, (Health), Dr Pauline Weir; Senior Medical Officer Dr Cecil Batchelor; Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Leila McWhinney-Dehaney; Regional Nursing Supervisor Ilene Buckle-Brown; Deputy Matron Jennifer Price-Miller; Nurse Anaesthetist, Hyacinth Rankine; and Community Nurse Vivine Martin.

Diamond Jubilee medals have also been presented to individuals in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

For more information, see http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/61-get-Queen-s-Diamond-Jubilee-Medals_13236418

Photo: Sir Patrick Allen presents the medal to Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, principal medical officer/director of emergency, disaster management and special services in the Ministry of Health.