The Gleaner Company was presented with the Jamaica Committee Award of Excellence during Saturday's fund-raising Pineapple Ball event at The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Montego Bay, St James. The Gleaner's award comes as the company is celebrating its 175th year in business. Representing the newspaper are board directors (from left) Winston Dear, Deputy Managing Director Christopher Barnes, Dr Carol Archer and Morin Seymour. Adam Shepard (right) of the Jamaica Committee made the presentation. - Photo by Sheena Gayle
WESTERN BUREAU:
NOTING THAT Jamaica's destiny must be shaped by the country's brightest minds, The Gleaner Company's Deputy Managing Director Christopher Barnes has lauded the funding of a social-science scholarship in honour of the 175-year-old newspaper.
"Although this is not a journalism scholarship, I am heartened because excellence begins at home and family values is where we should start," said Barnes, who was addressing a large gathering of supporters who turned out for the Jamaica Committee Pineapple Ball at The Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in Montego Bay, St James, Saturday night.
"Jamaica's talent can be unlocked with opportunity, but sustained by good values."
Growth despite adversity
Tenable at the University of the West Indies, the scholarship, valued at US$5,000 (J$445,000), which is being funded and awarded by the Jamaica Committee, organisers of the annual event, has been named The Gleaner Company Award of Excellence.
The organisers also awarded the newspaper the 2009 Award of Excellence, not only for its contribution in keeping the public informed, but its fairness, integrity and commitment to the business.
"When Joshua and Jacob DeCordova began publishing their morning broadsheet 175 years ago in 1834, they could not have projected that their Compendium of News would become the giant that is today's Gleaner," said Jacky Shepard, a Jamaica Committee director, when announcing the award.
"The DeCordovas' small news and sales sheet has survived through strife, war, natural disaster and continuous change to expand and publish not only a highly respected daily edition, The Gleaner, but an afternoon tabloid, THE STAR, weekly and fortnightly newspapers, overseas editions and, keeping pace with modernity, its website, the Gleaner Online."
Hard-working staff
The Gleaner joined the ranks of previous recipients The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Dr Mercedes Dullum, cardiothoracic surgeon; and noted educator Dr Joyce Robinson.
"I am only the collector, I can't accept this award without recognising the tireless work, effort and emotion shown by The Gleaner Company's staff and support of our board of directors," said Barnes.
The Jamaica Committee, organisers of Pineapple Ball 2009, is a United States-based not-for-profit corporation. The annual fund-raising gala features fine cuisine and spirits, big-name local entertainment, lively dancing and a juried silent auction (of art, craft, jewellery, resort stays and more).
janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com