A section of St Lucia Avenue was blocked off on Saturday, but it wasn't for a party; this event was much more worthwhile.

The Dispute Resolution Foundation hosted its 15th anniversary gala awards on its birthday, July 11, at the Courtleigh Auditorium. Founders, staff, volunteers and sponsors were all recognised for their contribution to the growth of the organisation that continues to teach people how to work through their differences. The DRF has 18 service points islandwide, and its influence from the boardroom to the classroom is growing annually.

Former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall had declared 2009 the National Year of Dispute Resolution, and it was his successor, Sir Patrick Allen, who pointed out that conflicts leading to tragedy were around from Biblical times. He suggested "simple, old-fashioned" methods like tolerance, cooperation and, of course, love, to stem the disputes that arise in everyday life.

But it wasn't all rhetoric and handing out trophies. Fab 5 proved again that they are among the best entertainers as they provided good Jamaican music for those in attendance.

Guests included: Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen; Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall; Omar and Lezanne Azan; Bishop Robert Thompson and wife Charmaine; Wesley Caine; Joshua Gordon; Winsome Wilkins; Aloun Assamba; Errol Greene; Millicent Lynch; Sherry-Ann McGregor; Belinda Nethersole; Ron Mason; Jennifer Williams; Leon Dundas; Vivian Gray; Marilyn Nash; Paul Hines; and Carol Bernard Madden.

Dr Velma Brown-Hamilton presents Governor General Sir Patrick Allen with a token. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Sherine Golding-Campbell (left) chats with Madeline and Steadley Webster.

Chief Justice Zaila McCalla (left) greets Karen Gentles, one of the award recipients at the Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) 15th Anniversary Gala Awards function, held at The Courtleigh Auditorium.

George Watson has the attention of Dulcie Bromfield.