Gleaner journalist, human resource expert named honorary fellows
JOURNALIST JANET Silvera has been named a distinguished honorary fellow by the Montego Bay Community College (MBCC).
Silvera, an award-winning journalist and president of the Montego Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was given the prestigious honour at the college’s graduation ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on November 24.
She shared the spotlight with lecturer and human resource expert Rodcliffe Robertson.
Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary and sustained contributions to the college or western Jamaica, the two recipients boast professional careers marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct and civility.
In a citation read by MBCC lecturer Edris Johnson, Silvera was lauded as a philanthropist, who has made education one of her most enduring legacies, having raised over $23.5 million over the last six years to fund needy students in western Jamaica through her MoBay City Run charity.
The 10K/5K Run and Walk, which was established specifically to raise funds to support struggling university students hungry to fulfil their dreams and aspirations of attaining tertiary level education has supported hundreds of students at the MBCC since its inception.
Silvera is also the founder of advocacy group Sarah’s Children, which advocates on behalf of abused children and the elderly.
Robertson was recognised for his role in giving unparalleled support to the college’s work-experience programme by facilitating the placement of numerous students at both Sandals and Grand Palladium Resorts, where he has worked.
According to the institution, Robertson has mentored, motivated, and empowered students and provided financial assistance from his personal funds to needy ones while positively affecting the professional development of staff through mentorship and research.
Admired for his philosophy of service above self, Robertson is renowned to have provided leadership in a variety of organisations and institutions, guiding them to higher standards in addition to giving 25 years of voluntary service to the credit union movement in Jamaica.