The anointing was flowing right from the start, when the Evangelist Jerry Jarvis opened up with prayer. As the organisers put it, you had to have been there, as it was described, “truly an hallelujah and Amen moment,” taking place at the Arts and Education Centre in Brades.
The packed house sang and clapped all night. Guest performer singing Evangelist Bridget Blucher was amazing. Feedback on the concert claims that Jerry Jarvis should be commended for bringing this top notch kind of gospel singing to the people of Montserrat. “…Brades centre was literally on ”fire”, very rarely you hear that kind of explosive gospel singing on island,” they said.”
Some locals also had a chance at bringing their talents forward…locals, like Thandie Williams, Flora Martin, young J. St. Hill Owen, There was a special performance from Joseph Daley from the UK.
The awards ceremony was considered to have had the sparkle of any number one awards show anywhere in the world. The awardees were of the big heart peoples who stop to look after elderly people. They are Mr. Kenneth Scotland, Mrs. Madge Donoghue, and Miss Molly Shiell.
The presenters were just as good. Presenters like His Excellency The Governor Adrian Davis, Bishop Dr. Melroy Meade, Mrs. Victor James, representing her husband Hon. Victor James.
The Miss Mary Fenton Award went to police officer, Mr. Kevin Barnes, who rendered a song as well. He is a singer in his own right. His singing ability comes as no surprised as his families are known to be singers. With the passion for gospel music and singing he accepted the Lord at the tender age of nine (9) years and has been singing for the Lord ever since. Just like Bridget, the crowd loved him…
It was just a night to remember!
Kenneth Scotland who was due to be awarded in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List with the British Empire Medal was honoured at the show for his services to the elderly through his work with the Golden Years Foundation and Meals on Wheels.
Governor Adrian Davis while offering congratulations to congratulations to the host of the show, noted that it was,, “refreshing to see that Christ is still part of Christmas in our beautiful island.” He postured, “I full endorse this award because Mr. Scotland shows a volunteer spirit that should act as a role model to us all. He shows a caring and loving spirit for all the elderly on the island and one that we can all emulate.”
Richard Aspin read the citation for Scotland which said, “In 1999 he took over as chairman of the golden Years Foundation, a position he holds to this day. He is a member of the Montserrat Diabetes , and in 2001 he took over the reins of the Meals on Wheels programme and is still there today. He helps to raise over One million dollars per year to keep the golden Years going and in excess of $100,000 per year for Meals on Wheels, which provides for over 40 persons who would otherwise go hungry to bed each night,” ending: “He is an inspiration and a role model to us all.”
Another awardee, Nurse Madge Mary Donoghue, described as one going beyond the call of duty in every capacity as a Psychiatric Nurse from once received an Award from the Seventh Day Adventist Women’s Ministry, for dedicated service in Psychiatric Nursing. She was attacked in the line of duty just six months before her retirement, but she remains an encouragement others. She is involved the First Aiders, and to date she ensures that Christmas Dinners are provided for the needy on Montserrat.
Nurse Donoghue devotes her life to the fulfilment of her retirement dream… caring for babies and young children, running a popular day-care centre, Aunt Madge Child Care. Aunt Madge as she is affectionately known also serves on the the Housing and land Allocation Committee. She believes, ‘one is never too old to learn.’
Jerry would like to thank all who assisted….Radio montserrat,tropical mansions,montserrat teporter, the ferry service,bishop melroy meade,sylvester Allen,Lislie sweeney,richard aspin,brades Pentecostal church,spadico taxie service,helen gerald resturant…..
