Archbishop Charles Dufour of Jamaica honoured by international faith-based community in Washington
By Derrick Scott
WASHINGTON, DC – Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston, Jamaica the Hon. Charles H. Dufour, DD, OJ, CD and Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Mandeville was among a group of world faith leaders honoured on Saturday, June 24, 2016 at an International Awards Gala in Maryland.
The event marked the culmination of the Third International Caribbean & African Faith-Based Leadership Conference (CAFBLC) in Washington DC, which drew faith-based leaders from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Among the honourees was Bishop Wellesley Blair of the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Archbishop Dufour was cited for his “outstanding leadership, ministry and humanitarian services” to Jamaica. In inviting Archbishop Dufour to accept the award, Dr. Dike noted that the Archbishop’s “holistic human empowerment and ministry have been admired by people all over the world.”
According to Dr. Dike, the CAFBLC is the event where they “recognize faith, civic, diplomats, and government leaders that are engaged in transformational leadership to their nation.” Other honourees were from the United States and Africa.
The Governor of the State of Maryland, the Hon. Lawrence Hogan, Jr. issued a Governor’s Citation recognizing and commending the honourees for the work they do in their respective communities.
The Governor’s Citation was presented on behalf of the governor by the Chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs Ambassador Curtis Ward, former ambassador of Jamaica to the United Nations (Security Council Affairs).
Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike, President of the CAFBLC, accepted the Governor’s Citation on behalf of the honourees. Ambassador Ward also presented the Governor’s Proclamation declaring June 2016 as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the State of Maryland.
Photo By Derrick Scott
The stated objective of the Conference was “to empower Caribbean and African leaders to facilitate economic empowerment and foster high ethical values in communities” served by the faith-based leaders.
Honourees were selected for their work uplifting communities in their respective countries.
The Conference, which ran from June 19-24, was launched at a gospel concert in Washington DC at which Jamaican gospel singer Lady Saw was among the entertainers. Lady Saw also treated the Gala attendees to two of her gospel songs.
Among those in attendance were Mrs. Sonia Ward, Ms. Joy Dufour, sister of the Archbishop, and Ambassador and Mrs. Hubert Charles of Dominica representing the Caribbean diplomatic corps in Washington DC.
