NORTHERN CARIBBEAN University will, on Tuesday, February 17, pay tribute to its outgoing board chairman, Governor General-Designate of Jamaica, Dr Patrick L. Allen.

The special convocation, which is being held to laud the life and work of Allen, will be held at the university's main campus in Mandeville.

At the event, the university will confer the Honorary Doctor of Public Service on the former president of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Throughout the years, the outstanding minister and educator, extraordinary leader and dedicated public servant, has served the country in various spheres. His commitment to service and his undeniable positive influence have been evident through his work at the church, community, national and regional levels.

National interest

Dr Allen worked in the govern-ment school system for over a decade before entering the ministry full time. He has served as pastor for over 20 congregations in Clarendon and St Catherine, and also as president of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. As president of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, he was accountable to the World Church and the local constituency for the growth and development of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in The Bahamas, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and The Turks and Caicos Islands.

His involvement in issues of national interest have included his participation in the Police Civilian Oversight Authority, the Strategic Review Implementation Oversight Committee of the Jamaica Con-stabulary Force and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica. Allen, has also served as justice of the peace for Manchester since 2003.

In 2006, Allen was recognised for his years of service when the National Honour of Commander of the Order of Distinction was conferred on him by the Govern-ment of Jamaica.