Humble Jarrett grateful to be alive
EVEN AS he expressed overwhelming joy for the recognition he received at yesterday’s National Honours and Awards ceremony at King’s House, St Andrew, Earl Jarrett was most grateful to be alive. He was awarded the Order of Jamaica for exceptional contribution to the banking and financial sectors, public service, and volunteerism.
Jarrett fell gravely ill last year, but is now making a steady recovery.
The Jamaica National Group’s boss said the award signalled the importance of being grateful and humble, as the prognosis he received from doctors last year this time made life uncertain.
“You cannot imagine what it was like not being able to walk, not being able to talk, [and] in a hospital bed. In fact, last year this time, I was actually in a hospital bed in Miami and the prognosis wasn’t certain. I’m happy to be here today and for God’s kind blessings on me. For my fellow Jamaicans and the Government of Jamaica to have honoured me this way, I am quite happy,” he told The Gleaner.
“I feel extremely humbled. It was never the expectation that this would have happened in my life. I just simply did what I thought was best for my fellow Jamaicans and for the organisations of which I have been associated with over the years, so this is a great honour.”
HARD WORK PARAMOUNT TO SUCCESS
Jarrett said while he plans to focus more on resting, Jamaicans can expect more exceptional work in the financial service and philanthropy.
“I’ll be doing the same things but at a slower pace. I have to measure myself now because I am still recovering. But I’m still committed to Jamaica and to the causes that I support,” he said.
Godfrey Dyer, who received the Order of Jamaica for his contribution to the field of tourism, also expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that hard work is paramount to success.
“I’m feeling on top of the world. I didn’t expect it, so when I got it, I was very elated. Nothing changes. My aim is to continue doing what I am doing until I can’t do anymore,” said the chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund.
Other persons who were honoured include international entertainer Grace Jones; honorary congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Bishop Rowan Edwards; Guardian Life’s boss Eric Hosin; communications specialist Jean Lowrie-Chin; popular entertainer Winston ‘Yellowman’ Foster; chief education officer, Dr Grace McLean; and nurse Camille McIntosh, who was awarded the Badge of Honour for Gallantry for the display of bravery in saving the lives of 22 infants during a fire at the Neonatal Care Unit of the Victoria Jubilee Hospital.