Dr Patrick Allen ..."I stand here today in humility and say I have been richly rewarded - beyond my wildest dreams."

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Hundreds turned out on Thursday, May 28, at folly oval in Port Antonio to celebrate at a public reception in honour of Governor General Dr Patrick Allen.

The function, which was put on by the Lay Magistrates Association, also attracted residents from Fruitful Vale, Dr Allen's hometown, along with well-wishers from Hectors River in east Portland, and Windsor Castle in the west.

Member of parliament for Eastern Portland, Dr Donald Rhodd, praised the governor general for his outstanding achievements, especially given the fact that he was brought up from humble beginnings.

ambitions

"You have achieved much," he said. "You have made this parish proud. Your ambitions have been realised, and your success has restored hope to many who are often hampered by poverty."

The event also attracted dozens of students from Manchioneal All-age, Portland High, Port Antonio Primary, Fair Prospect High, Port Antonio High, and Titchfield High.

In his address, Dr Allen said that he was overwhelmed by the warm reception given to him and his wife. "I am home," he said. "I can hardly find words to adequately express my profound gratitude for the magnificent welcome which you have extended to us. The cordiality and outpouring of love is almost too much to take in."

The governor general pointed out that all the milestones achieved were as a result of total reliance on Divine leading and heeding the wise man's advice in the book of Proverbs to seek God's help in ordering his way and directing his path.

"I stand here today in humility and say I have been richly rewarded - beyond my wildest dreams. And you cannot understand how happy I am that you, my own people, are celebrating with me. I intend to honour my commitment and to carry out my duties with integrity, and also to maintain the trust which has been placed in me," Dr Allen said.