![President of Northern Caribbean University, Dr Lincoln Edwards (left) and Acting Dean of the College of Humanities, Behavioral & Social Sciences (right), Dr Vincent Peterkin, stand with Professor Marilyn Anderson (center) recipient of the order of distinction in the rank of Officer (OD). [Photo: Yorkali Walters]](https://jmunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/awards-at-kings-house-2023-192-min-500x375.jpeg)
November 8, 2023 | St. Andrew, Jamaica | Ruth-Ann Brown, East Jamaica Conference
On a day dedicated to honouring heroism and selfless service, 205 extraordinary Jamaicans, including eight devoted Seventh-day Adventists from the East Jamaica Conference (EJC) and Northern Caribbean University (NCU), were recognized for exemplary service and gallantry during the National Honors and Awards Presentation and Investiture Ceremony at King’s House, St Andrew on Oct. 16, 2023.
Leaders from both EJC and NCU along with church and family supporters gathered to witness as Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen bestowed awards in various categories including medicine, education and gallantry.
Medicine
Dr. Edwin Tulloch-Reid, a member of the Andrews Memorial Adventist Church received an Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for service in the field of medicine, specializing in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Tulloch-Reid, a renowned cardiologist, views health as a state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being and is a strong advocate for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Gallantry
Elder Keith Nugent, a devoted first elder at the Andrews Memorial Adventist Church, stood out as a true hero, receiving a Badge of Honor for Gallantry {BH (G)} for his exceptional act of bravery in 2022.
On April 8, 2022, in a moment of crisis, Elder Nugent joined another, Ruel Grant, risking his life to save four ladies from a burning motor vehicle that exploded minutes later.
Both men who were strangers at the time and traveling separately, came upon the overturned vehicle that had trapped five ladies inside. The experience and the images have lingered with Nugent as he recalled working tirelessly, returning time after time determined to pull each lady from the burning vehicle. Regrettably, despite their valiant efforts, one remained trapped and lost her life. His faith-inspired courage and selflessness were celebrated on Heroes Day as both men stepped up to be awarded on the red carpet.
“For me, the act of helping someone, is very much intertwined with my Christian beliefs and in those moments where you have to make a split-second decision about helping or not helping, it comes down to who you are”, shared Nugent who was traveling with his wife and a relative to a funeral at the time of the accident. “To a large extent that is determined by your belief system and your personality, the rational side of the mind versus the emotional side struggles to make that ultimate decision”.
Nugent is encouraged and humbled by the recognition.
“While we do not do good to be recognized, it certainly does buoy one’s spirit up to have the government and your peers recognising your actions,” concluded Nugent.
Education & Community Service
Three of the eight Adventists awarded received a Badge of Honor for Meritorious Service {(BHM)}.
Clad smartly in her Pathfinder regalia, Beulett Carol Hunter, JP stepped forward to receive a Badge of Honor for Meritorious Service {BH(M)} to education and uniformed youth groups in schools and communities. For more than four decades Hunter, from the Pembroke Hall Adventist Church worked in youth development and education serving the youth of the East Jamaica Conference and the Jamaica Union in various roles and representing the ministry locally and internationally.
Though she has taught and lectured in at least six schools, and as a Senior Education Officer in Tertiary Supervision at the Ministry of Education, her heart lies in church ministry.
“When you think of the work of youth ministries, it pales in comparison to education. Being in youth ministries, and being an advocate for Pathfindering in schools and communities, I feel very honored. It’s just soaking in, I had to wear the uniform. Salvation and service is the philosophy of youth ministries and the philosophy of my life,” shared Hunter after the ceremony.
Claudette Genas, JP who serves as women’s, children and adolescent ministries director of the EJC and a member of the North Street Adventist Church, was also honored for commendable community service through the EJC.
