ORLANDO – Jamaica’s Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Patrick Allen, and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Denise Allen, were guests of the Orlando Diaspora, last weekend, on their first official visit off the island since assuming the role earlier, in February.
Some 1,700 well-wishers participated in a recognition ceremony for the Governor General on Saturday (April 25) at the Mount Sinai Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Orlando.
In a brief inspirational message, the Governor General encouraged Jamaicans at home and those in the Diaspora to put aside their religious and partisan differences and come together to affect change in their communities.
Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Patrick Allen, O.N., C.D., addressing congregation at the Mount Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church
Describing Jamaicans as strong and resilient, Dr. Allen appealed to nationals to be community focused and continue on the path of national development especially as it related to our young people, he said. As former educators, both the Governor General and Mrs. Allen has had an interest in the areas of education and community outreach.
Expressing confidence that the country would be restored to its wholesome, Dr. Allen told his audience that Jamaica was grateful to its Diaspora for their efforts in economic development, at the same time encouraging them to continue to be instrumental in this regard.
The Governor General in his prayerful wisdom, told his audience that he was inspired to perform his role with impartiality and encouraged nationals to unite in the interest of the country’s continued progress and development.
On arrival at the Ceremony, the Governor General inspected a Pathfinders’ Honour Guard consisting of several church troupes in the Orlando area. This was followed by an international pageantry showcasing a flag parade of 20 nations and the respective national costumes.
In a two-hour programme themed “Out of Many One People”, their Excellencies enjoyed an evening of musical recitals from several community groups. These included performances from students from the Mount Sinai Academy and the Beryl Wisdom Academy, the Central Florida Mass Choir and the Forest Lake Academy Orchestra.
The Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Patrick Allen and Mrs. Allen at a Recognition Ceremony in their honour at the Mount Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church in Orlando, last Saturday (Apr. 25).
Gifts of appreciation were presented to the Governor General and his wife by representatives of Jamaican community associations in the Central Florida area including Mr. Wayne Golding, President of the Caribbean Bar Association of Central Florida, Mr. Herbert Dawkins, President of the Jamaican American Association, the Reverend Ralston Nembhard, of the clergical body, and media personality, Ms. Sandy Isaacs, host of radio program ‘Breakaway Moments’ highlighting Jamaica’s culture and heritage.
Her Excellency, the Most Hon. Mrs. Denise Allen (right) wife of Jamaica’s Governor General being greeted by Orlando media personality, Ms. Sandy Isaacs (left) at a Recognition Ceremony at the Mount Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church in Orlando, last Saturday (April 25). Looking on are (left) Ms. Therese Kirlew Holston and (far right) Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Patrick Allen, O.N., C.D.
Earlier that day, their Excellencies attended a church service where they fellowshipped with nearly 1,500 Jamaicans and friends of the Diaspora at the Mount Sinai SDA Church.
During the service, Mrs. Allen narrated a children’s story which spoke to character traits during early childhood. The story was a descriptive of the life of her husband through his early years which prepared him for his career, ultimately for the highest office in the country.
Both events were officiated by Pastor Herbert Davis of Mount Sinai SDA Church.
Their Excellencies were later hosted to a private reception by the Florida Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the South Eastern Conference of the SDA.
The Governor General was accompanied by his ADC, Captain D. Coriah.
