Hometown hero rewards Hagley Gap community stalwarts

Gratitude filled the air inside Russell's Club in Hagley Gap, St Thomas, on Saturday as community heroes, smiling from ear to ear, were honoured by the Austin Russell Foundation for their outstanding contributions to the development of their hometown.

The ceremony was organised by Austin Russell, a Canadian businessman who was born and raised in the community, which is located in the Blue Mountains. More than 60 persons were honoured for their contribution to the community through areas such as education, law enforcement, construction, agriculture, entertainment, tourism and spiritual well-being.

"A lot of persons have contributed to the building of this community, and it was important to show them the extent to which they are appreciated," said Russell. "It is just sad that some people who contributed to building the community have passed on."

The honourees included Gerald McDonald, who received the Community Champion Award for being an "unwavering champion of our community who embodies the true essence of selflessness, dedication and compassion".

"He gave major service to this community," Russell said of the man who answers to the name 'Bredda Mac'.

Russell recalled McDonald being the owner of the first market truck, a Fargo, which he used to transport vendors and their produce from the communities of Pennlyne Castle, Epping Farm, Minto and Hagley Gap to Coronation Market in downtown Kingston.

The Heart of the Community Award was presented to seven persons for their "exceptional commitment and unwavering dedication towards uplifting lives" in the community. The recipients were retired school principal Aden Jackson; Hazel Duffus, who served as an educator for 43 years; Hubert Grant; Julieth Barrett-Matherson; Olive Ogilvie; Stephen Duffus; and the Reverend Roy Melbourne.

Duffus, who is a retired district constable, was moved to tears as he collected his plaque.

"You will never see or find another one like him. He has a heart that is equal to none," Melbourne said of Russell, who has consistently given back to his community.

Angella Jackson, one of the 46 recipients of the Community Hero Award, noted that it was the first time members of the community were being honoured in such a manner.

"The love is just bubbling all over because I am feeling very good," she said. "This is an invaluable thing that you have put on, and none of us can repay you for kind deeds."

Sherman 'Bunny' Wright, another Community Hero Award recepient, said he had dreams of putting on a similar awards function, but was unable to execute because of limited funding. He lauded Russell for his decision to step forward in such a meaningful way.

"I am wide awake in my dreams," said Wright, the founder of Jamaica's first 'duppy band', which was formed in Hagley Gap. "I appreciate it. Nuff love and respect!"

The 'duppy band', which was at one point called Negro Vibration, performs at wakes and setups. The concept has since been copied and replicated in several areas of the country. Russell said that the conceptualisers of the band were not only forward-thinking, but were talented musicians who could have made it on a bigger stage if they had the opportunity. He said that he has been told of similarly gifted youngsters in the community and has taken steps to harness their talents.

"A brand new community band is coming to Hagley Gap for the youth," Russell announced.

"They say youngsters are here and I told them that I am not going to give them any second-hand band. I went and I purchased a brand new instruments for them."

Russell, who is co-owner of Tinnels Jamaica Patties in Canada, emigrated to that country in 1991. The businessman and philanthropist said he is committed to giving back to his community.

"This is where I was born and raised, and I will never turn my back on Epping Farm, Hagley Gap," Russell said.