Gordon Town stalwart Norman Rookwood to get national award

Dedicated Gordon Town resident Norman Rookwood is set to be honoured for his service to the St Andrew community at next Monday's National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King's House.

For the past 50 years, he has been a driving force behind the community's development, shaping not only the landscape, but also the hearts and minds of its residents.

Rookwood, whose journey in community service began in 1967, will receive the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service. A pillar of community service in Gordon Town, Rookwood is driven by a deep concern for local youth who seemed disconnected. He helped establish the Young Men's Association under the mentorship of the late Eric Coverley, empowering young men to advocate for change and educating them on political, social, and economic issues. Three years later, the association expanded to include women, evolving into the Gordon Town Young People's Association.

""Empowerment and engagement were at the core of our mission. We wanted every voice in our community to be heard," Rookwood said.

But his vision extended beyond youth. Recognising the need for an inclusive representation, he transformed the organisation into the Gordon Town Community Development Council. Among his notable achievements is the establishment of a community centre in 1973, which he spearheaded by rallying local leaders and volunteers to create a hub for community functions and gatherings.

Under his leadership, Gordon Town has seen initiatives addressing critical needs, such as securing land for a dedicated football field in 1990.

"This was very important because our young people did not have a proper playing field in the area. There is a playfield at Gordon Town All-Age School (renamed Louise Bennett-Coverley All-Age School); but it is not really a proper place, as they cannot do a certain number of activities there. So it was important that we secure a property which can really cater to a lot of sporting activities," Rookwood said.

Passionate about cultural preservation, Rookwood led a campaign in 2012 to erect a statue of Jamaica's beloved storyteller, Louise 'Miss Lou' Bennett-Coverley, in Gordon Town square.

"Miss Lou represents the essence of our culture; it was important to honour her legacy," he says.

Each December, Rookwood organises Gordon Town's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a tradition that has fostered community spirit and spiritual reflection for more than two decades.

Additionally, he has initiated a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate Independence, to which dignitaries are invited and which fosters a sense of national pride.

Through it all, Rookwood has engaged in efforts to engender unity among the different religious denominations in Gordon Town.

For the past 15 years, he has organised monthly ecumenical prayer meetings, focusing on issues of national significance and promoting fellowship among community members.

Today, Rookwood continues his service as a justice of the peace, church leader, and board member at St Martin de Porres Primary School.