Word Time Ministries to “Arise and Travail….” in New Year
“Inspiring” Theme Selected for 2011
Kingston, Jamaica, December 22, 2010
By Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman and Michael Schurton
“Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” has been unanimously selected as the theme for 2011 for the international non-profit Ministry Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
Word Time Ministries of Jamaica today announced the new theme for the New Year after several entries and a series of votes. From a list of top 5 inspiring themes “Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” was chosen by senior ministry officials and members.
In making the announcement, the Ministry officials stated that “Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” is both a momentous and monumental theme selected and one that speaks to our courage and indomitable spirits. The organization, which will be embarking upon its 17th year in Ministry, has therefore declared 2011 to be a year of Victory and a time to Arise.
The new theme was proposed by the ministry’s special advisor and its newest director, Sharon Anderson, Director Designate for the portfolio Sports and Community Relations.
Chairman of the Ministry Michael Schurton J.P. said that he is both challenged and unimaginably inspired by an awesome theme. “This clearly indicates the spiritual fortitude and resilience of the Ministry to continue its mission to make a difference in the lives of others with the living word” Schurton said. Schurton also stated that he was extremely pleased with the high level of participation of members throughout the entire selection and voting process. The submission and voting process took place over the last three months.
“Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” won 92% of the votes from the delegates. This is a record highest percentage vote for a theme over 17 years of voting. Word Time Ministries has had a long tradition of utilizing a strict voting process in selecting its annual themes. Proposed themes with the lowest votes are eliminated in a series of votes until the final two. The winning theme must command a majority to be accepted as the wining theme. The theme “Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” was specially selected as a rallying call for the Ministry’s 17th Annual General Meeting and Excellence Awards which is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica starting at 11:00 AM.
Chairman Schurton also expressed his gratitude to Sharon Anderson for selecting an inspiring theme. He also was thankful to all those who participated by submitting their entries and those who took the time to vote
“Thank you so much for your prayerful support in selecting this appropriate theme for the New Year in Ministry with an even greater resolve to glorify God through the Word and service” Schurton said.
In her reaction, Director Designate of Sports and Community Relations, said that she was "truly humbled and thankful to obeying the spirit of the Lord in proposing the theme." She said that the theme was not just selected for the Ministry but for the nation of Jamaica which needs to arise from its decades of decline - spiritually, morally, socially and financially. She also stated that Word Time Ministries was founded on prayer and faith and believed that a ministry committed to travailing in prayer, can make an even greater difference in effecting positive changes in the nation. Anderson further stated that "given the challenges the ministry was faced with during 2010. Anderson further stated that “it’s high time for members to wake up from the past, arise from their slumber, arise from despair, arise to a new call of the Lord and walk in the season of triumphant change."
“Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” won ahead of “Revived, Renewed for the Challenges of New Frontiers in Ministry” which was proposed by former National President and long standing member, Richard Lawrence. Lawrence is currently making 15 years of service to the ministry.
Themes 1995-2011
2011 “Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change”
2010 Go Forth and Conquer. The Lord Is with You
2009 Renewed by Thy Grace
2008 Be Steadfast and Unmovable…
2007 Restore the Joy for the Word and Service.
2006 Committed to the Call…Fulfilling Purpose
2005 Abiding in the Word…Fulfilling the Call
2004 Abiding in the Word…Abounding in the Work of the Lord
2003 Pursuing the Challenges with Greater Faith
2002 Rise Up & Conquer in the Power of God
2001 Claiming Victory Through Prayer & Faith
2000 Pressing Towards the Goal by Faith
1999 Save the Nation with the Word
1998 Heal Our Land With Thy Word
1997 Standing on the Word… Moving by Faith
1996 Committed to the Word… Moving By Faith
1995 Growing By Faith to Declare His Word
December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Precious Medals...COMPLETE OLYMPIC MEDALS COLLECTION ENDS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR in Canada
Precious Medals...COMPLETE OLYMPIC MEDALS COLLECTION ENDS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR in Canada
TORONTO, Canada (October 22, 2010) –
Michael Schurton
Winning an Olympic Medal is a rare feat which only the elite athletes around the world have been able to experience. Recently I was privileged to experience an even greater and unbelievable feat. I was able to see firsthand the entire collection of Olympic Medals from 1896.
The entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games (dating back to their inaugural events in 1920 and 1896 respectively), was on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.
This was the first time ever, the complete collection of the Olympic medals arrived in North America. Canada was the country of choice to boost of this unprecedented achievement.
As I viewed the entire collection I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. The pride of Canadians as they witness the 2010 Winter Olympics filled my thoughts. Then also the pride of the entire nation of Jamaica overwhelming surged and flooded my thoughts and emotions. I will the first to admit that been a Jamaican born Canadian I could feel and identify with the pride of both nations. Canada hosting the Winter Olympics and Jamaica of course a powerful player on the world stage of track and field and winning several of these Olympics Medals proudly on display on Canadian soil.
One question that came across my mind was what the possible value of such a collection was. The most logical answer to this question would of course be - priceless.
The Olympic Medals
The Olympic Medals embodies strength, determination and courage. The Olympic medal symbolizes the pinnacle of sporting achievements.
Making its North American debut the complete Olympic Medal Collection is on loan from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The exhibit is a North American exclusive and marks the first time the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, has made the collection available for display outside of their museum walls.
As a tribute to the Sporting discipline of Ice Hockey in the Olympic Games, the exhibits includes the Official Olympic Poster from each of the games featuring Ice Hockey, starting with 1920 games in Antwerp, Belgium.
Beaming with pride about the Olympic Medal Collection was Kelly Masse, Director, Corporate and Media Relations. Masse stated that the collection was an unbelievable. “No other collection can be compared to the display of the entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games. This is the biggest display for the Hockey Hall of Fame. People from all over the world have journeyed to the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the display.”
Commenting on her thoughts for the 2012 Olympic in London Masse stated that see would love to see the athletes representing Canadian well and hoping for great success of the team. “I like to see the Canadian athletes being successful on the medal podium and also enjoying every moment of the Olympic game in London” Masse said.
“Displaying these medals gives the Hockey Hall of Fame a chance to share the Olympics with our guests in a unique way as momentum and the reliving of the excitement of the 2010 Games in Vancouver,” said Phil Pritchard, Curator, Hockey Hall of Fame. “We are grateful to the Olympic Museum for entrusting us with this incredible collection.”
While the Olympiad can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 776 B.C., the medal tradition began with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, where only the top two finishers were recognized - winner received a silver medal and a crown of olive branches, while the second-place finisher was awarded a bronze medal and a crown of laurel.
Over time, the doctrine of three medals – gold, silver, bronze for the top three finishers respectively, took form. The last Olympic gold medals that were made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912. Today, the gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of at least 92.5 percent silver, with the gold medal covered in six grams of 24-karat gold.
The Winter Olympic medals have no standard design, hence their unique shapes and non-traditional materials, like those of the 1992 Albertville medals, which are mostly glass. Summer medals, however, almost always depict Nike, winged goddess of victory, on the front in some fashion. Each medal attempts to capture a unique quality depicting the terrain and culture of the host city.
Hockey made its debut at the Olympics as a demonstration sport in 1920. The Winnipeg Falcons, whose roster was comprised of mainly Icelandic-Canadians, were the first Olympic champions of hockey. Since then, hockey has arguably become the centerpiece of the Winter Games. Seven nations have claimed hockey gold. The Canadians were the victors for six of the first seven tournaments.
My personal observation revealed an extremely keen interest in the medals from the Olympic Games held in Germany. These medals sparked a lot of interest given the intrigue surrounding these games. The history that surrounded the games held in Germany held a place of awe among visitors to the exhibition. The Olympic game was held in German in 1936 in Berlin, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich in 1972 and more recently the summer Olympics Berlin in 2008.
Canada’s role in the Olympic movement has also been outstanding. Canada hosted the Summer Olympic Game in Montreal in 1976, Winter Olympics in Calgary 1988 and then Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Canada (CAN) has sent athletes to every Winter Olympic Games and almost every Summer Olympic Games, the exceptions the 1896 Summer Olympics in which it did not compete, and the 1980 Summer Olympics, which it boycotted. Canada has won at least one medal at every Olympics in which it has competed. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is the National Olympic Committee for Canada.
The 2010 Winter Olympics, which Canada hosted in Vancouver, saw Canada set a series of gold medals records in a single Winter Olympics.
Through the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada has won a total of 405 medals in the Summer and Winter Olympics. Here is the breakdown: Summer Games: Gold: 58 , Silver: 94 , Bronze: 108 Total Summer: 260. Winter Games Gold: 52 , Silver: 45 , Bronze: 48 , Total Winter: 145
Jamaica’s indelible mark on the Olympic Games has long been celebrated throughout the world. Jamaica has won a total of 55 medals in Olympic competition. Since first participating in 1948, Jamaican athletes have won 14 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze medals, all in Summer Olympic competition. Jamaican athletes have never won a medal in the Winter Olympics.
Jamaica has established and maintained a remarkable sporting record over the past half-century. Since 1948 Jamaicans have won many Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. Jamaica's track and field athletes are acknowledged to be among the best in the world. In addition, Jamaica has held several world records, and produced world famous cricketers, boxers, footballers, cyclists, weight lifters and wrestlers.
In 1988, Jamaica participated in the Calgary Winter Olympics in the bobsled event, finishing 29th overall in their first Winter Olympics Games. The team also participated in the 1992 Winte Olympics in albertville and finsihed 34th. In 1994, at Lilehammer, the team had its best finish, placing 14th in the four-man event, ahead of Japan which finished 15th. The performance of the Jamaican Bobsled Team - a phenomenon made more remarkable by the fact that Jamaica is a tropical island which has never seen snow - achieved additional fame through the Walt Disney movie "Cool Runnings".
Usain Bolt of Jamaica is the current World and Olympic record holder other 100 meters and 200 meters. Both records we achieved in the Beijing 2008 olymipcs where Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser also one gold in the women's 100 meter final followed by her teammates Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson who tied for the Silver medal. Shericka Williams added a silver medal to Jamaica's tally along with the Olympic record gold medal by Melaine Walker's in the 400m hurdles and Veronica Campnbelll-Brown successfully defended her Women's 200m title, crossing the line for gold
In the 1996 Olympic Games, Jamaica won six medals - one gold, three silver and two bronze. In the 400 metres hurdle Deon Hemmings won Jamaica's first Olympic gold medal in a female event and James Beckford won Jamaica's firt long jump medal.
One of our greatest sports personalities and olympians is Merlene Ottey, OD, who received the appoint of Ambassador at Large by the Government in 1993.
Ottey was the first female Jamaican Athlete to have won an olympic medal, and the first female in the English Speaking Caribbean to have won two olympic medals. Merlene has made and broken many track and field records and has won many awards.
Jamaica also performed well in the 1997 Junior Carifta Games, accumulating 61 medals - 28 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze. The 1998 Carfita Track and Field Games, were held in the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago between April 11 and 13. Jamaica dominated the games and placed first with 31 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Jamaica has also exhibited outstanding performances in football and netball. Jamaica currently holds the number 5 world ranking in netball.
In addition to traditional sports such as horse racing, auto racing, seasonal bird shooting and regattas, there are several `new' sports. These include ballooning and go-kart racing. Deep seas fishing tournaments are held periodically throughout the year an attract international participation.
The complete Olympic Medal Collection is a once in a life time exhibition. This was indeed a rare and remarkable opportunity to view the collection, the symbol of sporting excellence. The collection featured the gold, silver and bronze medals from every summer and winter Olympic Games from 1896 to the last games in 2010, the Winter Olympic held in Vancouver. The collection represented 47 glorious years of Olympic history.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame ("HHOF") is a museum and place of entertainment offering state-of-the-art exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational programming from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, Canada. Its mandate is to recognize and honour the achievements of individuals who bring special distinction to the game of hockey, and to collect, preserve and exhibit objects, images and resource materials connected with the game as it is played in Canada and throughout the world.
TORONTO, Canada (October 22, 2010) –
Michael Schurton
Winning an Olympic Medal is a rare feat which only the elite athletes around the world have been able to experience. Recently I was privileged to experience an even greater and unbelievable feat. I was able to see firsthand the entire collection of Olympic Medals from 1896.
The entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games (dating back to their inaugural events in 1920 and 1896 respectively), was on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.
This was the first time ever, the complete collection of the Olympic medals arrived in North America. Canada was the country of choice to boost of this unprecedented achievement.
As I viewed the entire collection I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. The pride of Canadians as they witness the 2010 Winter Olympics filled my thoughts. Then also the pride of the entire nation of Jamaica overwhelming surged and flooded my thoughts and emotions. I will the first to admit that been a Jamaican born Canadian I could feel and identify with the pride of both nations. Canada hosting the Winter Olympics and Jamaica of course a powerful player on the world stage of track and field and winning several of these Olympics Medals proudly on display on Canadian soil.
One question that came across my mind was what the possible value of such a collection was. The most logical answer to this question would of course be - priceless.
The Olympic Medals
The Olympic Medals embodies strength, determination and courage. The Olympic medal symbolizes the pinnacle of sporting achievements.
Making its North American debut the complete Olympic Medal Collection is on loan from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The exhibit is a North American exclusive and marks the first time the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, has made the collection available for display outside of their museum walls.
As a tribute to the Sporting discipline of Ice Hockey in the Olympic Games, the exhibits includes the Official Olympic Poster from each of the games featuring Ice Hockey, starting with 1920 games in Antwerp, Belgium.
Beaming with pride about the Olympic Medal Collection was Kelly Masse, Director, Corporate and Media Relations. Masse stated that the collection was an unbelievable. “No other collection can be compared to the display of the entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games. This is the biggest display for the Hockey Hall of Fame. People from all over the world have journeyed to the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the display.”
Commenting on her thoughts for the 2012 Olympic in London Masse stated that see would love to see the athletes representing Canadian well and hoping for great success of the team. “I like to see the Canadian athletes being successful on the medal podium and also enjoying every moment of the Olympic game in London” Masse said.
“Displaying these medals gives the Hockey Hall of Fame a chance to share the Olympics with our guests in a unique way as momentum and the reliving of the excitement of the 2010 Games in Vancouver,” said Phil Pritchard, Curator, Hockey Hall of Fame. “We are grateful to the Olympic Museum for entrusting us with this incredible collection.”
While the Olympiad can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 776 B.C., the medal tradition began with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, where only the top two finishers were recognized - winner received a silver medal and a crown of olive branches, while the second-place finisher was awarded a bronze medal and a crown of laurel.
Over time, the doctrine of three medals – gold, silver, bronze for the top three finishers respectively, took form. The last Olympic gold medals that were made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912. Today, the gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of at least 92.5 percent silver, with the gold medal covered in six grams of 24-karat gold.
The Winter Olympic medals have no standard design, hence their unique shapes and non-traditional materials, like those of the 1992 Albertville medals, which are mostly glass. Summer medals, however, almost always depict Nike, winged goddess of victory, on the front in some fashion. Each medal attempts to capture a unique quality depicting the terrain and culture of the host city.
Hockey made its debut at the Olympics as a demonstration sport in 1920. The Winnipeg Falcons, whose roster was comprised of mainly Icelandic-Canadians, were the first Olympic champions of hockey. Since then, hockey has arguably become the centerpiece of the Winter Games. Seven nations have claimed hockey gold. The Canadians were the victors for six of the first seven tournaments.
My personal observation revealed an extremely keen interest in the medals from the Olympic Games held in Germany. These medals sparked a lot of interest given the intrigue surrounding these games. The history that surrounded the games held in Germany held a place of awe among visitors to the exhibition. The Olympic game was held in German in 1936 in Berlin, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich in 1972 and more recently the summer Olympics Berlin in 2008.
Canada’s role in the Olympic movement has also been outstanding. Canada hosted the Summer Olympic Game in Montreal in 1976, Winter Olympics in Calgary 1988 and then Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Canada (CAN) has sent athletes to every Winter Olympic Games and almost every Summer Olympic Games, the exceptions the 1896 Summer Olympics in which it did not compete, and the 1980 Summer Olympics, which it boycotted. Canada has won at least one medal at every Olympics in which it has competed. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is the National Olympic Committee for Canada.
The 2010 Winter Olympics, which Canada hosted in Vancouver, saw Canada set a series of gold medals records in a single Winter Olympics.
Through the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada has won a total of 405 medals in the Summer and Winter Olympics. Here is the breakdown: Summer Games: Gold: 58 , Silver: 94 , Bronze: 108 Total Summer: 260. Winter Games Gold: 52 , Silver: 45 , Bronze: 48 , Total Winter: 145
Jamaica’s indelible mark on the Olympic Games has long been celebrated throughout the world. Jamaica has won a total of 55 medals in Olympic competition. Since first participating in 1948, Jamaican athletes have won 14 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze medals, all in Summer Olympic competition. Jamaican athletes have never won a medal in the Winter Olympics.
Jamaica has established and maintained a remarkable sporting record over the past half-century. Since 1948 Jamaicans have won many Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. Jamaica's track and field athletes are acknowledged to be among the best in the world. In addition, Jamaica has held several world records, and produced world famous cricketers, boxers, footballers, cyclists, weight lifters and wrestlers.
In 1988, Jamaica participated in the Calgary Winter Olympics in the bobsled event, finishing 29th overall in their first Winter Olympics Games. The team also participated in the 1992 Winte Olympics in albertville and finsihed 34th. In 1994, at Lilehammer, the team had its best finish, placing 14th in the four-man event, ahead of Japan which finished 15th. The performance of the Jamaican Bobsled Team - a phenomenon made more remarkable by the fact that Jamaica is a tropical island which has never seen snow - achieved additional fame through the Walt Disney movie "Cool Runnings".
Usain Bolt of Jamaica is the current World and Olympic record holder other 100 meters and 200 meters. Both records we achieved in the Beijing 2008 olymipcs where Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser also one gold in the women's 100 meter final followed by her teammates Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson who tied for the Silver medal. Shericka Williams added a silver medal to Jamaica's tally along with the Olympic record gold medal by Melaine Walker's in the 400m hurdles and Veronica Campnbelll-Brown successfully defended her Women's 200m title, crossing the line for gold
In the 1996 Olympic Games, Jamaica won six medals - one gold, three silver and two bronze. In the 400 metres hurdle Deon Hemmings won Jamaica's first Olympic gold medal in a female event and James Beckford won Jamaica's firt long jump medal.
One of our greatest sports personalities and olympians is Merlene Ottey, OD, who received the appoint of Ambassador at Large by the Government in 1993.
Ottey was the first female Jamaican Athlete to have won an olympic medal, and the first female in the English Speaking Caribbean to have won two olympic medals. Merlene has made and broken many track and field records and has won many awards.
Jamaica also performed well in the 1997 Junior Carifta Games, accumulating 61 medals - 28 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze. The 1998 Carfita Track and Field Games, were held in the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago between April 11 and 13. Jamaica dominated the games and placed first with 31 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Jamaica has also exhibited outstanding performances in football and netball. Jamaica currently holds the number 5 world ranking in netball.
In addition to traditional sports such as horse racing, auto racing, seasonal bird shooting and regattas, there are several `new' sports. These include ballooning and go-kart racing. Deep seas fishing tournaments are held periodically throughout the year an attract international participation.
The complete Olympic Medal Collection is a once in a life time exhibition. This was indeed a rare and remarkable opportunity to view the collection, the symbol of sporting excellence. The collection featured the gold, silver and bronze medals from every summer and winter Olympic Games from 1896 to the last games in 2010, the Winter Olympic held in Vancouver. The collection represented 47 glorious years of Olympic history.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame ("HHOF") is a museum and place of entertainment offering state-of-the-art exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational programming from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, Canada. Its mandate is to recognize and honour the achievements of individuals who bring special distinction to the game of hockey, and to collect, preserve and exhibit objects, images and resource materials connected with the game as it is played in Canada and throughout the world.
COMPLETE OLYMPIC MEDALS COLLECTION ENDS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR AT THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
COMPLETE OLYMPIC MEDALS COLLECTION ENDS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR AT THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
TORONTO, Canada (October 22, 2010) –
Michael Schurton
Winning an Olympic Medal is a rare feat which only the elite athletes around the world have been able to experience. Recently I was privilege to experience an even unbelievable feat. I was able to see firsthand the entire collection of Olympic Medals from 1896.
The entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games (dating back to their inaugural events in 1920 and 1896 respectively), was on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.
This was the first time ever, the complete collection of the Olympic medals arrived in North America. Canada was the country of choice to boost of this unprecedented achievement.
As I viewed the entire collection I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. The pride of Canadians as they witness the 2010 Winter Olympics filled my thoughts. Then also the pride of the entire nation of Jamaica overwhelmingly surged and flooded my thoughts and emotions. I will the first to admit that been a Jamaican born Canadian I could feel and identify with the pride of both nations. Canada hosting the Winter Olympics and Jamaica of course a powerful player on the world stage of track and field and winning several of these Olympics Medals proudly on display on Canadian soil.
One question that came across my mind was what the possible value of such a collection was. The most logical answer to this question would of course be - priceless.
The Olympic Medals
The Olympic Medals embodies strength, determination and courage. The Olympic medal symbolizes the pinnacle of sporting achievements.
Making its North American debut the complete Olympic Medal Collection is on loan from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The exhibit is a North American exclusive and marks the first time the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, has made the collection available for display outside of their museum walls.
As a tribute to the Sporting discipline of Ice Hockey in the Olympic Games, the exhibits includes the Official Olympic Poster from each of the games featuring Ice Hockey, starting with 1920 games in Antwerp, Belgium.
Beaming with pride about the Olympic Medal Collection was Kelly Masse, Director, Corporate and Media Relations. Masse stated that the collection was an unbelievable. “No other collection can be compared to the display of the entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games. This is the biggest display for the Hockey Hall of Fame. People from all over the world have journeyed to the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the display.”
Commenting on her thoughts for the 2012 Olympic in London Masse stated that see would love to see the athletes representing Canadian well and hoping for great success of the team. “I like to see the Canadian athletes being successful on the medal podium and also enjoying every moment of the Olympic game in London” Masse said.
“Displaying these medals gives the Hockey Hall of Fame a chance to share the Olympics with our guests in a unique way as momentum and the reliving of the excitement of the 2010 Games in Vancouver,” said Phil Pritchard, Curator, Hockey Hall of Fame. “We are grateful to the Olympic Museum for entrusting us with this incredible collection.”
While the Olympiad can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 776 B.C., the medal tradition began with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, where only the top two finishers were recognized - winner received a silver medal and a crown of olive branches, while the second-place finisher was awarded a bronze medal and a crown of laurel.
Over time, the doctrine of three medals – gold, silver, bronze for the top three finishers respectively, took form. The last Olympic gold medals that were made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912. Today, the gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of at least 92.5 percent silver, with the gold medal covered in six grams of 24-karat gold.
The Winter Olympic medals have no standard design, hence their unique shapes and non-traditional materials, like those of the 1992 Albertville medals, which are mostly glass. Summer medals, however, almost always depict Nike, winged goddess of victory, on the front in some fashion. Each medal attempts to capture a unique quality depicting the terrain and culture of the host city.
Hockey made its debut at the Olympics as a demonstration sport in 1920. The Winnipeg Falcons, whose roster was comprised of mainly Icelandic-Canadians, were the first Olympic champions of hockey. Since then, hockey has arguably become the centerpiece of the Winter Games. Seven nations have claimed hockey gold. The Canadians were the victors for six of the first seven tournaments.
My personal observation revealed an extremely keen interest in the medals from the Olympic Games held in Germany. These medals sparked a lot of interest given the intrigue surrounding these games. The history that surrounded the games held in Germany held a place of awe among visitors to the exhibition. The Olympic game was held in German in 1936 in Berlin, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich in 1972 and more recently the summer Olympics Berlin in 2008.
Canada’s role in the Olympic movement has also been outstanding. Canada hosted the Summer Olympic Game in Montreal in 1976, Winter Olympics in Calgary 1988 and then Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Canada (CAN) has sent athletes to every Winter Olympic Games and almost every Summer Olympic Games, the exceptions the 1896 Summer Olympics in which it did not compete, and the 1980 Summer Olympics, which it boycotted. Canada has won at least one medal at every Olympics in which it has competed. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is the National Olympic Committee for Canada.
The 2010 Winter Olympics, which Canada hosted in Vancouver, saw Canada set a series of gold medals records in a single Winter Olympics.
Through the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada has won a total of 405 medals in the Summer and Winter Olympics. Here is the breakdown: Summer Games: Gold: 58 , Silver: 94 , Bronze: 108 Total Summer: 260. Winter Games Gold: 52 , Silver: 45 , Bronze: 48 , Total Winter: 145
Jamaica’s indelible mark on the Olympic Games has long been celebrated throughout the world. Jamaica has won a total of 55 medals in Olympic competition. Since first participating in 1948, Jamaican athletes have won 14 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze medals, all in Summer Olympic competition. Jamaican athletes have never won a medal in the Winter Olympics.
Jamaica has established and maintained a remarkable sporting record over the past half-century. Since 1948 Jamaicans have won many Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. Jamaica's track and field athletes are acknowledged to be among the best in the world. In addition, Jamaica has held several world records, and produced world famous cricketers, boxers, footballers, cyclists, weight lifters and wrestlers.
In 1988, Jamaica participated in the Calgary Winter Olympics in the bobsled event, finishing 29th overall in their first Winter Olympics Games. The team also participated in the 1992 Winte Olympics in albertville and finsihed 34th. In 1994, at Lilehammer, the team had its best finish, placing 14th in the four-man event, ahead of Japan which finished 15th. The performance of the Jamaican Bobsled Team - a phenomenon made more remarkable by the fact that Jamaica is a tropical island which has never seen snow - achieved additional fame through the Walt Disney movie "Cool Runnings".
Usain Bolt of Jamaica is the current World and Olympic record holder other 100 meters and 200 meters. Both records we achieved in the Beijing 2008 olymipcs where Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser also one gold in the women's 100 meter final followed by her teammates Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson who tied for the Silver medal. Shericka Williams added a silver medal to Jamaica's tally along with the Olympic record gold medal by Melaine Walker's in the 400m hurdles and Veronica Campnbelll-Brown successfully defended her Women's 200m title, crossing the line for gold
In the 1996 Olympic Games, Jamaica won six medals - one gold, three silver and two bronze. In the 400 metres hurdle Deon Hemmings won Jamaica's first Olympic gold medal in a female event and James Beckford won Jamaica's firt long jump medal.
One of our greatest sports personalities and olympians is Merlene Ottey, OD, who received the appoint of Ambassador at Large by the Government in 1993.
Ottey was the first female Jamaican Athlete to have won an olympic medal, and the first female in the English Speaking Caribbean to have won two olympic medals. Merlene has made and broken many track and field records and has won many awards.
Jamaica also performed well in the 1997 Junior Carifta Games, accumulating 61 medals - 28 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze. The 1998 Carfita Track and Field Games, were held in the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago between April 11 and 13. Jamaica dominated the games and placed first with 31 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Jamaica has also exhibited outstanding performances in football and netball. Jamaica currently holds the number 5 world ranking in netball.
In addition to traditional sports such as horse racing, auto racing, seasonal bird shooting and regattas, there are several `new' sports. These include ballooning and go-kart racing. Deep seas fishing tournaments are held periodically throughout the year an attract international participation.
The complete Olympic Medal Collection is a once in a life time exhibition. This was indeed a rare and remarkable opportunity to view the collection, the symbol of sporting excellence. The collection featured the gold, silver and bronze medals from every summer and winter Olympic Games from 1896 to the last games in 2010, the Winter Olympic held in Vancouver. The collection represented 47 glorious years of Olympic history.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame ("HHOF") is a museum and place of entertainment offering state-of-the-art exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational programming from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, Canada. Its mandate is to recognize and honour the achievements of individuals who bring special distinction to the game of hockey, and to collect, preserve and exhibit objects, images and resource materials connected with the game as it is played in Canada and throughout the world.
TORONTO, Canada (October 22, 2010) –
Michael Schurton
Winning an Olympic Medal is a rare feat which only the elite athletes around the world have been able to experience. Recently I was privilege to experience an even unbelievable feat. I was able to see firsthand the entire collection of Olympic Medals from 1896.
The entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games (dating back to their inaugural events in 1920 and 1896 respectively), was on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada.
This was the first time ever, the complete collection of the Olympic medals arrived in North America. Canada was the country of choice to boost of this unprecedented achievement.
As I viewed the entire collection I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. The pride of Canadians as they witness the 2010 Winter Olympics filled my thoughts. Then also the pride of the entire nation of Jamaica overwhelmingly surged and flooded my thoughts and emotions. I will the first to admit that been a Jamaican born Canadian I could feel and identify with the pride of both nations. Canada hosting the Winter Olympics and Jamaica of course a powerful player on the world stage of track and field and winning several of these Olympics Medals proudly on display on Canadian soil.
One question that came across my mind was what the possible value of such a collection was. The most logical answer to this question would of course be - priceless.
The Olympic Medals
The Olympic Medals embodies strength, determination and courage. The Olympic medal symbolizes the pinnacle of sporting achievements.
Making its North American debut the complete Olympic Medal Collection is on loan from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The exhibit is a North American exclusive and marks the first time the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, has made the collection available for display outside of their museum walls.
As a tribute to the Sporting discipline of Ice Hockey in the Olympic Games, the exhibits includes the Official Olympic Poster from each of the games featuring Ice Hockey, starting with 1920 games in Antwerp, Belgium.
Beaming with pride about the Olympic Medal Collection was Kelly Masse, Director, Corporate and Media Relations. Masse stated that the collection was an unbelievable. “No other collection can be compared to the display of the entire collection of 140 medals, featuring medals from each and every 47 Winter and Summer Games. This is the biggest display for the Hockey Hall of Fame. People from all over the world have journeyed to the Hockey Hall of Fame to see the display.”
Commenting on her thoughts for the 2012 Olympic in London Masse stated that see would love to see the athletes representing Canadian well and hoping for great success of the team. “I like to see the Canadian athletes being successful on the medal podium and also enjoying every moment of the Olympic game in London” Masse said.
“Displaying these medals gives the Hockey Hall of Fame a chance to share the Olympics with our guests in a unique way as momentum and the reliving of the excitement of the 2010 Games in Vancouver,” said Phil Pritchard, Curator, Hockey Hall of Fame. “We are grateful to the Olympic Museum for entrusting us with this incredible collection.”
While the Olympiad can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 776 B.C., the medal tradition began with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, where only the top two finishers were recognized - winner received a silver medal and a crown of olive branches, while the second-place finisher was awarded a bronze medal and a crown of laurel.
Over time, the doctrine of three medals – gold, silver, bronze for the top three finishers respectively, took form. The last Olympic gold medals that were made entirely out of gold were awarded in 1912. Today, the gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of at least 92.5 percent silver, with the gold medal covered in six grams of 24-karat gold.
The Winter Olympic medals have no standard design, hence their unique shapes and non-traditional materials, like those of the 1992 Albertville medals, which are mostly glass. Summer medals, however, almost always depict Nike, winged goddess of victory, on the front in some fashion. Each medal attempts to capture a unique quality depicting the terrain and culture of the host city.
Hockey made its debut at the Olympics as a demonstration sport in 1920. The Winnipeg Falcons, whose roster was comprised of mainly Icelandic-Canadians, were the first Olympic champions of hockey. Since then, hockey has arguably become the centerpiece of the Winter Games. Seven nations have claimed hockey gold. The Canadians were the victors for six of the first seven tournaments.
My personal observation revealed an extremely keen interest in the medals from the Olympic Games held in Germany. These medals sparked a lot of interest given the intrigue surrounding these games. The history that surrounded the games held in Germany held a place of awe among visitors to the exhibition. The Olympic game was held in German in 1936 in Berlin, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich in 1972 and more recently the summer Olympics Berlin in 2008.
Canada’s role in the Olympic movement has also been outstanding. Canada hosted the Summer Olympic Game in Montreal in 1976, Winter Olympics in Calgary 1988 and then Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010.
Canada (CAN) has sent athletes to every Winter Olympic Games and almost every Summer Olympic Games, the exceptions the 1896 Summer Olympics in which it did not compete, and the 1980 Summer Olympics, which it boycotted. Canada has won at least one medal at every Olympics in which it has competed. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is the National Olympic Committee for Canada.
The 2010 Winter Olympics, which Canada hosted in Vancouver, saw Canada set a series of gold medals records in a single Winter Olympics.
Through the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada has won a total of 405 medals in the Summer and Winter Olympics. Here is the breakdown: Summer Games: Gold: 58 , Silver: 94 , Bronze: 108 Total Summer: 260. Winter Games Gold: 52 , Silver: 45 , Bronze: 48 , Total Winter: 145
Jamaica’s indelible mark on the Olympic Games has long been celebrated throughout the world. Jamaica has won a total of 55 medals in Olympic competition. Since first participating in 1948, Jamaican athletes have won 14 gold, 24 silver and 17 bronze medals, all in Summer Olympic competition. Jamaican athletes have never won a medal in the Winter Olympics.
Jamaica has established and maintained a remarkable sporting record over the past half-century. Since 1948 Jamaicans have won many Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. Jamaica's track and field athletes are acknowledged to be among the best in the world. In addition, Jamaica has held several world records, and produced world famous cricketers, boxers, footballers, cyclists, weight lifters and wrestlers.
In 1988, Jamaica participated in the Calgary Winter Olympics in the bobsled event, finishing 29th overall in their first Winter Olympics Games. The team also participated in the 1992 Winte Olympics in albertville and finsihed 34th. In 1994, at Lilehammer, the team had its best finish, placing 14th in the four-man event, ahead of Japan which finished 15th. The performance of the Jamaican Bobsled Team - a phenomenon made more remarkable by the fact that Jamaica is a tropical island which has never seen snow - achieved additional fame through the Walt Disney movie "Cool Runnings".
Usain Bolt of Jamaica is the current World and Olympic record holder other 100 meters and 200 meters. Both records we achieved in the Beijing 2008 olymipcs where Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser also one gold in the women's 100 meter final followed by her teammates Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson who tied for the Silver medal. Shericka Williams added a silver medal to Jamaica's tally along with the Olympic record gold medal by Melaine Walker's in the 400m hurdles and Veronica Campnbelll-Brown successfully defended her Women's 200m title, crossing the line for gold
In the 1996 Olympic Games, Jamaica won six medals - one gold, three silver and two bronze. In the 400 metres hurdle Deon Hemmings won Jamaica's first Olympic gold medal in a female event and James Beckford won Jamaica's firt long jump medal.
One of our greatest sports personalities and olympians is Merlene Ottey, OD, who received the appoint of Ambassador at Large by the Government in 1993.
Ottey was the first female Jamaican Athlete to have won an olympic medal, and the first female in the English Speaking Caribbean to have won two olympic medals. Merlene has made and broken many track and field records and has won many awards.
Jamaica also performed well in the 1997 Junior Carifta Games, accumulating 61 medals - 28 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze. The 1998 Carfita Track and Field Games, were held in the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago between April 11 and 13. Jamaica dominated the games and placed first with 31 gold, 21 silver and 17 bronze medals.
Jamaica has also exhibited outstanding performances in football and netball. Jamaica currently holds the number 5 world ranking in netball.
In addition to traditional sports such as horse racing, auto racing, seasonal bird shooting and regattas, there are several `new' sports. These include ballooning and go-kart racing. Deep seas fishing tournaments are held periodically throughout the year an attract international participation.
The complete Olympic Medal Collection is a once in a life time exhibition. This was indeed a rare and remarkable opportunity to view the collection, the symbol of sporting excellence. The collection featured the gold, silver and bronze medals from every summer and winter Olympic Games from 1896 to the last games in 2010, the Winter Olympic held in Vancouver. The collection represented 47 glorious years of Olympic history.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame ("HHOF") is a museum and place of entertainment offering state-of-the-art exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational programming from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, Canada. Its mandate is to recognize and honour the achievements of individuals who bring special distinction to the game of hockey, and to collect, preserve and exhibit objects, images and resource materials connected with the game as it is played in Canada and throughout the world.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Michael Schurton Celebrates 40 years of Service
Michael Schurton Celebrates 40 years of Service
By Trevesa Ashman and Roxanne Schurton
October 25, 2010
Jamaican born-Canadian, international humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Michael Schurton is celebrating 40 years of volunteerism and service to the nation.
The Chairman of the non-profit youth ministry based in Kingston, Jamaica Michael Schurton is observing a double celebration as this year also marks 33 years of ministry.
Schurton started his work as a volunteer on from age seven on October 7, 1970 with the Jamaica 4-H Movement. He has given outstanding service with the Jamaica 4-H Movement over many years. He was board member of the Trelawny Parish Advisory Board, Special Advisor, April 1990, Director, January 1991 and Public Relations Officer. He was chairman of the Parish Achievement Day Committee. He was selected as Boy of the Year for two consecutive years in 1977 and 1978. He also served as distinguished Club President for the Falmouth All Age School and the William Knibb Memorial High School. He also served as parish manager for a short stint before starting his media career with JBC Radio Waves and the Gleaner Company as a rural correspondent.
He has held several positions with various organizations and institutions. These include President, Trelawny Cultural Movement, April 1979, Board Member, Board of Governors, William Knibb Memorial High School, November 1981, Public Relations Officer, Trelawny Cultural Development Committee, May 1990, President, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae, Branch, November 1990, Vice Chairman, St. James Special Olympics Committee, April 1992, Director, Administration & Academic Studies, Studio Workshop Institute, April 1994, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Western Hospitality Institute, August 18, 1998, Vice Chairman, Friends of Habitat for Humanity, St. Andrew, April 2000, Director, Public Relations/Media/Library Ministry, Pentecostal Gospel Temple, January 20, 2003
Michael Schurton was made a Life Member of the The Bible Society of the West Indies, on January 21, 1997.
Schurton started his work in ministry from an early age. He gave his life to the Lord from age 12 and was baptized on April 24, 1977 at age 14.
Michael Schurton has served as a Sunday School Teacher and Christian Education Teacher in Jamaica, United States and Canada. He started his Christian teaching service at the King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church as a Sunday school teacher and the New Converts Care Ministry.
In October 1994 in obedience to the call of God he founded Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, a non-profit youth organization with a mission to transform inspire and empower young people and also to reach out to children in children homes and all-age, primary and junior high schools with the message of hope, faith and love from God’s word.
On October 24, 1993 in celebration of his 30th birthday he re-committed himself to the Lord to be set apart for service at a special service of consecration and dedication at the Kings’ Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion Road, Montego Bay, St. James.
On April 28, 1994, Michael Schurton made a passionate plea was for the establishment of an youth organization to promote values among the nation youth and transform their lives by the positive and life changing word of God. He made this plea while addressing the St. James 4-H Club’s Annual Parish Achievement Day.
On October 25, 1994 he answered the call and founded the youth ministry, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica after his return from Canada on a mission’s trip.
He has lead Word Time Ministries of Jamaica with purpose, passion, excellence and distinction. He has served the Ministry in almost every capacity; Director of Administration and Evangelism (1995-1997), Director of Prayer & Evangelism (1997-1999), Director of Evangelism (1997-1998), Director of Marketing & Public Relations (1998-2001), Director of Evangelism and Outreach (2000-2002), Director of Public Relations, Media & Evangelism (2002-2007). He served as the Ministry’s first National President for four consecutive terms from 1994-2004 spanning over a decade. He retired from the position as President and was appointed Chairman of the Board in January 15, 2005. He established the Leadership programme for youth workers in ministry; partners in missions for personal evangelism in schools, children’s homes and the community and several other initiatives to equip and empower youth people for service.
He has rendered outstanding services to several churches in Jamaica, the United States and Canada including: Pentecostal Gospel Temple, Kingston, Jamaica; Director of Public Relations, Media, & Library Ministries, Assistant Executive Coordinator, Public Relations Ministry, Member of the Council of Directors; One Way Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Norwood, St. James, Sunday School Teacher; Nelsonville United Pentecostal Church, Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday School Teacher, Hospital Ministry, Youth Ministry; King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion, St. James, New Converts Ministry, Prayer and Outreach Ministry, Abundant Life Christian Ministries, Toronto, Canada, Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education, Convention Chairman. In preparation for leadership and Christian Ministry he pursued Biblical studies at the Whole Life Ministries Bible School and the Living Fire Bible School. He was awarded Life Membership with The Bible Society of the West Indies on January 21, 1997 in recognition of outstanding services in the distribution of Bibles and Christian Literature through Jamaica.
His involvement in other areas of society has been wide and varied. He has served a number of organizations in various capacities including the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA), Jamaica Special Olympics Committee, Jamaica 4-H Movement, Jamaica Adult Literacy Movement (JAMAL), Drug Abuse Committee, Trelawny Environmental Protection Association (TEPA), Trelawny Early Childhood Board, Trelawny Parish Library, Trelawny 4-H Clubs, , Trelawny Association of Branch Societies, St. James 4-H Clubs, St. James Special Olympics Committee, St. James Red Cross, St. James Association of Branch Societies, Trelawny Credit Union, Montego Bay Credit Union, and Broadcast and Allied Credit Union.
Schurton's appointment as President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae Branch, allowed him to work closely with many small farmers. He travelled many miles in the rural parts of Trelawny, St. James and St. Ann to meet with farmers and to champion their cause and be a strong advocate for their concerns.
He collaborated with local farmers from rural Trelawny and won the award for Jamaica Agricultural Society’s Most Outstanding Branch of the Year Award. He has also won several individual awards in the annual Horticultural competition at the Annual Hague Agricultural & Industrial Show. He served on the board of the Trelawny Association of Branch Societies and committee member of the Hague Agricultural and Industrial Show Committee. He has also worked with the St. James Association of Branch Societies and the Montpelier Agricultural & Industrial Show Committee.
Michael Schurton is a Media and Marketing Consultant by profession. In September 1998 he established his own marketing and public relations firm, Premium Communications. He has worked in several fields; education, journalism, accounting, sales and marketing and major industries such as hospitality and tourism, insurance, and media. The companies he has worked include; Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel (1981-1989), Mutual Life Assurance Society (1989-1990, Western Hospitality Institute (1992-1994) and Studio Workshop Institute (1993-1995). He also worked as a teacher at the Falmouth All Age School where he focused on religious and physical education.
His involvement with the Jamaican media landscape has been outstanding. He has also worked at several media houses as a reporter, features writer, and sales and marketing executive and at senior management levels. These media houses include: The Gleaner Company (1989-1991), Island Broadcasting Services, KLASS FM (1989-1991), Western Publishers Limited, Western Mirror (1989-1992), Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation-JBC Radio West (1989-1990), Western Broadcasting Services Limited, Radio Waves (1990-1995), The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, LOVE TV(1993-2005). In October 1998 he was commissioned as the marketing consultant for TBC Radio through his company Premium Communications.
While at Western Broadcasting Services Limited he worked as news and sports reporter, sales and marketing executive, Senior Sales & Marketing Executive and Assistant Sales & Advertising Manager.
At Western Broadcasting Services Limited he had the distinction of being the first recipient of the Employee of the Year Award (1993) and also acted as General Manager.
On April 5, 1993 he joined The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, as a Regional Marketing Executive. On January 16, 1995 he was appointed the first Sales & Marketing Manager for The National Religious Media Commission where he gave exceptional service as a Marketing Executive and the Sales and Marketing Manager for the National Religious Media Commission LOVE FM and LOVE TV Network from 1993-2005. He was indispensable member of the management team and worked tirelessly in placing both LOVE FM and Television in the minds of listeners, viewers and advertisers. He played an integral part in branding the LOVE Radio and Television Network and establishing the network as the number one Family Station in Jamaica. During his tenure at the LOVE FM he also acted as General Manager.
While at The National Religious Media Commission he established the Executive Business Training Programme. He served as the Chairman of Staff Awards Committee and the Advertising Agency Awards. He led his marketing team to win the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) Media Award for Most Improved Customer Service. He played a pivotal role in maintaining the radio station’s market share which ranked position #3 among 14 National Radio Stations. He conceptualized and produced the marketing and public relations programme “Here Comes Love”. “Here Comes Love” was the signature marketing campaign for LOVE FM which traversed numerous communities and parish and countries in the Caribbean.
Michael Schurton is the recipient of several media awards. In February 1993 he received the 10th Anniversary Awards from The National Religious Media Commission for dedicated and invaluable services in development of the station and again on October 28, 2005 for outstanding contribution to LOVE FM and LOVE TV and Outstanding services to the Advertising Agencies. He was awarded by the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) for his outstanding services to the Advertising Industry in 1997, 1998 and 2000.
He has worked as producer for a number of radio programme series and live broadcasts including “Morning Glory”, “Sunday Glory”, “Sunday Showcase”, “Caribbean Hour”, “Evening Praise Live”, “Back to Basics Concert Series”, “Hospital Call”, Annual Dove Awards, and the Marlin Awards. During his tenure at LOVE FM he created the radio features “Saturday Praise”, “Solid Praise”, “And Jesus Said”, “Kids Praise” and “Kid’s Song”.
He spearheaded the station’s national outreach programme in hospitals with live broadcasts of “Hospital Call” from every parish in Jamaica focusing on the sick and afflicted in hospitals across Jamaica, bringing them hope, love, solace and the message of the healing God. This outreach also extended to the George Town Hospital in the Cayman Islands Hospital and the Holberton Hospital in St. John’s Antigua & Barbuda. He has also produced several live broadcasts for Sandals Resorts, Super Clubs and the Jamaica Tourist Board from Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Michael Schurton is a strong supporter of initiatives to transform the nation into a better society. He has given outstanding advertising and marketing support to some of the nation’s biggest gospel concerts and productions, locally, regionally and internationally. He played a significant and instrumental role in assisting the formulation and development of the musical evangelism programme “Back to Basics, Restoring the Nation to God”.
He has also played in various radio drama and programme series aired on JBC/Radio West, Radio Waves, including “I man is a Citizen”, “Insight” and “What’s Right with Teenagers”. Among his media productions are several live broadcasts from across the Caribbean and the United States. These programmes were aired live from Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda. His main focus has been to promote regional integration and travel by showcasing exciting Caribbean Destinations. In October 1998 he was among a select team of persons invited to produce and provide coverage of The Year of Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.
Michael is an avid sports fan. He was junior cross country champion in the Kiwanis Club of Falmouth, Cross Country Run, and intermediate cross country champion at William Knibb High School and also represented the school at Western Champs in the medley relays. He showed great leadership and lead his house to several victories as house captain. He has also covered several sporting events including: ISSA DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, National Premiere League, ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary Schools Champs, JTA Primary & Junior High Champs, Gibson Relays, Jamaica Invitational and the Jamaica National Junior and Senior Trials, Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships and the IAFF World Junior Championships in Athletics, Carifta Trials, and the Annual Sports Championship for Special Institutions organized and staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. Additionally he has covered the University of Toronto’s Festival of Excellence and the Canadian National Trails.
He has also worked on several local and international events which he has produced and covered including the Annual JCDC Gospel Song Festival, 1995-2005, (Kingston, Jamaica); Barbados Gospel Festival, 1999-2005, (Bridgetown, Barbados); Marlin Gospel Awards and Oasis Music Conference 2000-2003, Nashua, Bahamas; Mega Fest Conference, August 3-6, 2005, (Atlanta, Georgia); Annual Dove Awards and Gospel Music Association Week, April 22-28, 2004, (Nashville, Tennessee), World Junior Culinary Olympics, May 1-8, 1997 (Toronto, Canada).
In April 1998 he was among six persons selected from Jamaica to receive specialist training from Voice of America/International Media Centre based in Washington, DC. He received training in Sales & Marketing Management and Radio and Television Sales Management, sponsored by the United States Information Service (USIS). He also received additional training from the United States Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Christian Broadcasters, in Nashville, Tennessee.
He represented Jamaica at the International Communications Forum and Media Conference, Kingston, Jamaica, April 15-19, 1999. He has also attended several Media conferences in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Lucia, United States and Canada.
He is a multi gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech Competition. He has performed in the JCDC Festival of the performing in speech, dance, drama and music from the age of seven. He has represented both the parishes of Trelawny and St. James in the performing arts. He was awarded the Trelawny Cultural Committee Award for the Most Outstanding Performance in the speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Performance in Speech & the Performing Arts; and the Alice J.M. Rhodd Award for Most Outstanding Performance in the Performing Arts. His involvement with the JCDC has been long and outstanding ranging from a performer, adjudicator, committee member and sponsor. In November 1992 he completed specialist training programme by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in speech and drama.
He has served as an adjudicator for the Optimist International Oratorical Competition, Trelawny Festival Queen Competition and the St. James Festival and Farm Queen Competitions.
His involvement, work, contributions and ministry have impacted several communities and parishes including Trelawny, St. James, St. Ann, St. Catherine, and Kingston & St. Andrew.
Among his innovations has been the establishment and staging of several events for children’s homes including the Annual Sports Championships for special institutions, Cultural Championships, Christmas Treat and Musical production “Come Let Us Adore Him” Fruit Festival, Back to School Outreach & Concerts “Touching Hearts…Changing Lives”, Bible training programme and home work and mentorship programme at the Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home. In 1996 he initiated and was the executive producer of the Gospel Concert series "Go Light Your World" to raise funds in aid of The Walker's Place of Safety, Half Way Tree Primary School and Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
His commitment to Sports Evangelism and sports development in athletics inspired him to launch a unique sports programme. In April 2001, he envisioned sports championships for special intuitions. On May 19, 2001 he staged a sports and fun day for the boys of the Jamaica Christian Boys Home which was an overwhelming success. Fulfilling a promise he made to these young athletes on October 21, 2001, he organized and staged the first staging of the Annual Sports Championships for children’s home. He was motivated by the vision that sports competition, especially athletics was a way to help young people experience the full spiritual dimension in the race of life. He believed that as athletes explore their athletics skills and pushed themselves to their physical limit, they experience the higher power of the grace of God as the source of all strength. The championship has been a major success and is now in its ninth year of staging. His desire to see the championship develop and expand has lead him to attend a number of sports conferences including the Caribbean Sports Conference, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Sports Conference, Wholelife Sports Ministries, Sports Development Conference.
In recognition of his service and contribution to the nation he was nominated for Montegonian of the Year (1993), in the fields of Education, Media and Community Development, and the Gleaner Honor Award (2003) in the field of Voluntary Services.
He was awarded: Chairman of the Board Award, Outstanding Contribution to School Life, William Knibb High, 1982, Trelawny Chamber of Commerce & Industry Award, Outstanding Services in the Field of Journalism, Gold Medalist, JCDC Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Overall Performance, JCDC, Festival of the Performing Arts, Gleaner Award Nominee, Voluntary Services, December 1, 2003, Long Service Award, 10 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, October January 2005, National Religious Media Commission, Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Industry and Leadership of Marketing Team, October 28, 2005,
Long Service Award, 15 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, January 31, 2009, Dr. Carmen Stewart Award for Excellence in Leadership Award, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009
His dedicated work and outstanding services as an extra ordinary volunteer and community leader goes beyond church and ministry. He also gives of time in performing civic duties for the Ministry of Justice. On July 23, 2003 Michael Schurton was commissioned as Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Andrew and became a member of the St. Andrew Lay Magistrate Association.
He has established himself in the eyes of many young people as a man of unyielding principles, and character and a man of purpose, vision and inspirational leadership qualities. He is known as a disciplinarian, teacher and counselor. He believes in principle over power, character over convenience. We can only pay a greater tribute to this outstanding Jamaican by our commitment and work to build on the legacy and foundation which he has laid.
His guiding philosophy in life is, “Spiritual and social service is the best work of life”. His philosophy: Recognizing and pursing your God given purpose creates the foundation for success and the fulfillment of your destiny. He is influenced by the scripture “Humble yourself under the might hand of God and He will exalt you in due time”. His favourite Bible characters, the heroes of faith, Nehemiah, Gideon and Joshua.
By Trevesa Ashman and Roxanne Schurton
October 25, 2010
Jamaican born-Canadian, international humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Michael Schurton is celebrating 40 years of volunteerism and service to the nation.
The Chairman of the non-profit youth ministry based in Kingston, Jamaica Michael Schurton is observing a double celebration as this year also marks 33 years of ministry.
Schurton started his work as a volunteer on from age seven on October 7, 1970 with the Jamaica 4-H Movement. He has given outstanding service with the Jamaica 4-H Movement over many years. He was board member of the Trelawny Parish Advisory Board, Special Advisor, April 1990, Director, January 1991 and Public Relations Officer. He was chairman of the Parish Achievement Day Committee. He was selected as Boy of the Year for two consecutive years in 1977 and 1978. He also served as distinguished Club President for the Falmouth All Age School and the William Knibb Memorial High School. He also served as parish manager for a short stint before starting his media career with JBC Radio Waves and the Gleaner Company as a rural correspondent.
He has held several positions with various organizations and institutions. These include President, Trelawny Cultural Movement, April 1979, Board Member, Board of Governors, William Knibb Memorial High School, November 1981, Public Relations Officer, Trelawny Cultural Development Committee, May 1990, President, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae, Branch, November 1990, Vice Chairman, St. James Special Olympics Committee, April 1992, Director, Administration & Academic Studies, Studio Workshop Institute, April 1994, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Western Hospitality Institute, August 18, 1998, Vice Chairman, Friends of Habitat for Humanity, St. Andrew, April 2000, Director, Public Relations/Media/Library Ministry, Pentecostal Gospel Temple, January 20, 2003
Michael Schurton was made a Life Member of the The Bible Society of the West Indies, on January 21, 1997.
Schurton started his work in ministry from an early age. He gave his life to the Lord from age 12 and was baptized on April 24, 1977 at age 14.
Michael Schurton has served as a Sunday School Teacher and Christian Education Teacher in Jamaica, United States and Canada. He started his Christian teaching service at the King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church as a Sunday school teacher and the New Converts Care Ministry.
In October 1994 in obedience to the call of God he founded Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, a non-profit youth organization with a mission to transform inspire and empower young people and also to reach out to children in children homes and all-age, primary and junior high schools with the message of hope, faith and love from God’s word.
On October 24, 1993 in celebration of his 30th birthday he re-committed himself to the Lord to be set apart for service at a special service of consecration and dedication at the Kings’ Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion Road, Montego Bay, St. James.
On April 28, 1994, Michael Schurton made a passionate plea was for the establishment of an youth organization to promote values among the nation youth and transform their lives by the positive and life changing word of God. He made this plea while addressing the St. James 4-H Club’s Annual Parish Achievement Day.
On October 25, 1994 he answered the call and founded the youth ministry, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica after his return from Canada on a mission’s trip.
He has lead Word Time Ministries of Jamaica with purpose, passion, excellence and distinction. He has served the Ministry in almost every capacity; Director of Administration and Evangelism (1995-1997), Director of Prayer & Evangelism (1997-1999), Director of Evangelism (1997-1998), Director of Marketing & Public Relations (1998-2001), Director of Evangelism and Outreach (2000-2002), Director of Public Relations, Media & Evangelism (2002-2007). He served as the Ministry’s first National President for four consecutive terms from 1994-2004 spanning over a decade. He retired from the position as President and was appointed Chairman of the Board in January 15, 2005. He established the Leadership programme for youth workers in ministry; partners in missions for personal evangelism in schools, children’s homes and the community and several other initiatives to equip and empower youth people for service.
He has rendered outstanding services to several churches in Jamaica, the United States and Canada including: Pentecostal Gospel Temple, Kingston, Jamaica; Director of Public Relations, Media, & Library Ministries, Assistant Executive Coordinator, Public Relations Ministry, Member of the Council of Directors; One Way Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Norwood, St. James, Sunday School Teacher; Nelsonville United Pentecostal Church, Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday School Teacher, Hospital Ministry, Youth Ministry; King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion, St. James, New Converts Ministry, Prayer and Outreach Ministry, Abundant Life Christian Ministries, Toronto, Canada, Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education, Convention Chairman. In preparation for leadership and Christian Ministry he pursued Biblical studies at the Whole Life Ministries Bible School and the Living Fire Bible School. He was awarded Life Membership with The Bible Society of the West Indies on January 21, 1997 in recognition of outstanding services in the distribution of Bibles and Christian Literature through Jamaica.
His involvement in other areas of society has been wide and varied. He has served a number of organizations in various capacities including the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA), Jamaica Special Olympics Committee, Jamaica 4-H Movement, Jamaica Adult Literacy Movement (JAMAL), Drug Abuse Committee, Trelawny Environmental Protection Association (TEPA), Trelawny Early Childhood Board, Trelawny Parish Library, Trelawny 4-H Clubs, , Trelawny Association of Branch Societies, St. James 4-H Clubs, St. James Special Olympics Committee, St. James Red Cross, St. James Association of Branch Societies, Trelawny Credit Union, Montego Bay Credit Union, and Broadcast and Allied Credit Union.
Schurton's appointment as President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae Branch, allowed him to work closely with many small farmers. He travelled many miles in the rural parts of Trelawny, St. James and St. Ann to meet with farmers and to champion their cause and be a strong advocate for their concerns.
He collaborated with local farmers from rural Trelawny and won the award for Jamaica Agricultural Society’s Most Outstanding Branch of the Year Award. He has also won several individual awards in the annual Horticultural competition at the Annual Hague Agricultural & Industrial Show. He served on the board of the Trelawny Association of Branch Societies and committee member of the Hague Agricultural and Industrial Show Committee. He has also worked with the St. James Association of Branch Societies and the Montpelier Agricultural & Industrial Show Committee.
Michael Schurton is a Media and Marketing Consultant by profession. In September 1998 he established his own marketing and public relations firm, Premium Communications. He has worked in several fields; education, journalism, accounting, sales and marketing and major industries such as hospitality and tourism, insurance, and media. The companies he has worked include; Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel (1981-1989), Mutual Life Assurance Society (1989-1990, Western Hospitality Institute (1992-1994) and Studio Workshop Institute (1993-1995). He also worked as a teacher at the Falmouth All Age School where he focused on religious and physical education.
His involvement with the Jamaican media landscape has been outstanding. He has also worked at several media houses as a reporter, features writer, and sales and marketing executive and at senior management levels. These media houses include: The Gleaner Company (1989-1991), Island Broadcasting Services, KLASS FM (1989-1991), Western Publishers Limited, Western Mirror (1989-1992), Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation-JBC Radio West (1989-1990), Western Broadcasting Services Limited, Radio Waves (1990-1995), The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, LOVE TV(1993-2005). In October 1998 he was commissioned as the marketing consultant for TBC Radio through his company Premium Communications.
While at Western Broadcasting Services Limited he worked as news and sports reporter, sales and marketing executive, Senior Sales & Marketing Executive and Assistant Sales & Advertising Manager.
At Western Broadcasting Services Limited he had the distinction of being the first recipient of the Employee of the Year Award (1993) and also acted as General Manager.
On April 5, 1993 he joined The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, as a Regional Marketing Executive. On January 16, 1995 he was appointed the first Sales & Marketing Manager for The National Religious Media Commission where he gave exceptional service as a Marketing Executive and the Sales and Marketing Manager for the National Religious Media Commission LOVE FM and LOVE TV Network from 1993-2005. He was indispensable member of the management team and worked tirelessly in placing both LOVE FM and Television in the minds of listeners, viewers and advertisers. He played an integral part in branding the LOVE Radio and Television Network and establishing the network as the number one Family Station in Jamaica. During his tenure at the LOVE FM he also acted as General Manager.
While at The National Religious Media Commission he established the Executive Business Training Programme. He served as the Chairman of Staff Awards Committee and the Advertising Agency Awards. He led his marketing team to win the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) Media Award for Most Improved Customer Service. He played a pivotal role in maintaining the radio station’s market share which ranked position #3 among 14 National Radio Stations. He conceptualized and produced the marketing and public relations programme “Here Comes Love”. “Here Comes Love” was the signature marketing campaign for LOVE FM which traversed numerous communities and parish and countries in the Caribbean.
Michael Schurton is the recipient of several media awards. In February 1993 he received the 10th Anniversary Awards from The National Religious Media Commission for dedicated and invaluable services in development of the station and again on October 28, 2005 for outstanding contribution to LOVE FM and LOVE TV and Outstanding services to the Advertising Agencies. He was awarded by the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) for his outstanding services to the Advertising Industry in 1997, 1998 and 2000.
He has worked as producer for a number of radio programme series and live broadcasts including “Morning Glory”, “Sunday Glory”, “Sunday Showcase”, “Caribbean Hour”, “Evening Praise Live”, “Back to Basics Concert Series”, “Hospital Call”, Annual Dove Awards, and the Marlin Awards. During his tenure at LOVE FM he created the radio features “Saturday Praise”, “Solid Praise”, “And Jesus Said”, “Kids Praise” and “Kid’s Song”.
He spearheaded the station’s national outreach programme in hospitals with live broadcasts of “Hospital Call” from every parish in Jamaica focusing on the sick and afflicted in hospitals across Jamaica, bringing them hope, love, solace and the message of the healing God. This outreach also extended to the George Town Hospital in the Cayman Islands Hospital and the Holberton Hospital in St. John’s Antigua & Barbuda. He has also produced several live broadcasts for Sandals Resorts, Super Clubs and the Jamaica Tourist Board from Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Michael Schurton is a strong supporter of initiatives to transform the nation into a better society. He has given outstanding advertising and marketing support to some of the nation’s biggest gospel concerts and productions, locally, regionally and internationally. He played a significant and instrumental role in assisting the formulation and development of the musical evangelism programme “Back to Basics, Restoring the Nation to God”.
He has also played in various radio drama and programme series aired on JBC/Radio West, Radio Waves, including “I man is a Citizen”, “Insight” and “What’s Right with Teenagers”. Among his media productions are several live broadcasts from across the Caribbean and the United States. These programmes were aired live from Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda. His main focus has been to promote regional integration and travel by showcasing exciting Caribbean Destinations. In October 1998 he was among a select team of persons invited to produce and provide coverage of The Year of Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.
Michael is an avid sports fan. He was junior cross country champion in the Kiwanis Club of Falmouth, Cross Country Run, and intermediate cross country champion at William Knibb High School and also represented the school at Western Champs in the medley relays. He showed great leadership and lead his house to several victories as house captain. He has also covered several sporting events including: ISSA DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, National Premiere League, ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary Schools Champs, JTA Primary & Junior High Champs, Gibson Relays, Jamaica Invitational and the Jamaica National Junior and Senior Trials, Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships and the IAFF World Junior Championships in Athletics, Carifta Trials, and the Annual Sports Championship for Special Institutions organized and staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. Additionally he has covered the University of Toronto’s Festival of Excellence and the Canadian National Trails.
He has also worked on several local and international events which he has produced and covered including the Annual JCDC Gospel Song Festival, 1995-2005, (Kingston, Jamaica); Barbados Gospel Festival, 1999-2005, (Bridgetown, Barbados); Marlin Gospel Awards and Oasis Music Conference 2000-2003, Nashua, Bahamas; Mega Fest Conference, August 3-6, 2005, (Atlanta, Georgia); Annual Dove Awards and Gospel Music Association Week, April 22-28, 2004, (Nashville, Tennessee), World Junior Culinary Olympics, May 1-8, 1997 (Toronto, Canada).
In April 1998 he was among six persons selected from Jamaica to receive specialist training from Voice of America/International Media Centre based in Washington, DC. He received training in Sales & Marketing Management and Radio and Television Sales Management, sponsored by the United States Information Service (USIS). He also received additional training from the United States Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Christian Broadcasters, in Nashville, Tennessee.
He represented Jamaica at the International Communications Forum and Media Conference, Kingston, Jamaica, April 15-19, 1999. He has also attended several Media conferences in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Lucia, United States and Canada.
He is a multi gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech Competition. He has performed in the JCDC Festival of the performing in speech, dance, drama and music from the age of seven. He has represented both the parishes of Trelawny and St. James in the performing arts. He was awarded the Trelawny Cultural Committee Award for the Most Outstanding Performance in the speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Performance in Speech & the Performing Arts; and the Alice J.M. Rhodd Award for Most Outstanding Performance in the Performing Arts. His involvement with the JCDC has been long and outstanding ranging from a performer, adjudicator, committee member and sponsor. In November 1992 he completed specialist training programme by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in speech and drama.
He has served as an adjudicator for the Optimist International Oratorical Competition, Trelawny Festival Queen Competition and the St. James Festival and Farm Queen Competitions.
His involvement, work, contributions and ministry have impacted several communities and parishes including Trelawny, St. James, St. Ann, St. Catherine, and Kingston & St. Andrew.
Among his innovations has been the establishment and staging of several events for children’s homes including the Annual Sports Championships for special institutions, Cultural Championships, Christmas Treat and Musical production “Come Let Us Adore Him” Fruit Festival, Back to School Outreach & Concerts “Touching Hearts…Changing Lives”, Bible training programme and home work and mentorship programme at the Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home. In 1996 he initiated and was the executive producer of the Gospel Concert series "Go Light Your World" to raise funds in aid of The Walker's Place of Safety, Half Way Tree Primary School and Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
His commitment to Sports Evangelism and sports development in athletics inspired him to launch a unique sports programme. In April 2001, he envisioned sports championships for special intuitions. On May 19, 2001 he staged a sports and fun day for the boys of the Jamaica Christian Boys Home which was an overwhelming success. Fulfilling a promise he made to these young athletes on October 21, 2001, he organized and staged the first staging of the Annual Sports Championships for children’s home. He was motivated by the vision that sports competition, especially athletics was a way to help young people experience the full spiritual dimension in the race of life. He believed that as athletes explore their athletics skills and pushed themselves to their physical limit, they experience the higher power of the grace of God as the source of all strength. The championship has been a major success and is now in its ninth year of staging. His desire to see the championship develop and expand has lead him to attend a number of sports conferences including the Caribbean Sports Conference, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Sports Conference, Wholelife Sports Ministries, Sports Development Conference.
In recognition of his service and contribution to the nation he was nominated for Montegonian of the Year (1993), in the fields of Education, Media and Community Development, and the Gleaner Honor Award (2003) in the field of Voluntary Services.
He was awarded: Chairman of the Board Award, Outstanding Contribution to School Life, William Knibb High, 1982, Trelawny Chamber of Commerce & Industry Award, Outstanding Services in the Field of Journalism, Gold Medalist, JCDC Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Overall Performance, JCDC, Festival of the Performing Arts, Gleaner Award Nominee, Voluntary Services, December 1, 2003, Long Service Award, 10 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, October January 2005, National Religious Media Commission, Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Industry and Leadership of Marketing Team, October 28, 2005,
Long Service Award, 15 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, January 31, 2009, Dr. Carmen Stewart Award for Excellence in Leadership Award, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009
His dedicated work and outstanding services as an extra ordinary volunteer and community leader goes beyond church and ministry. He also gives of time in performing civic duties for the Ministry of Justice. On July 23, 2003 Michael Schurton was commissioned as Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Andrew and became a member of the St. Andrew Lay Magistrate Association.
He has established himself in the eyes of many young people as a man of unyielding principles, and character and a man of purpose, vision and inspirational leadership qualities. He is known as a disciplinarian, teacher and counselor. He believes in principle over power, character over convenience. We can only pay a greater tribute to this outstanding Jamaican by our commitment and work to build on the legacy and foundation which he has laid.
His guiding philosophy in life is, “Spiritual and social service is the best work of life”. His philosophy: Recognizing and pursing your God given purpose creates the foundation for success and the fulfillment of your destiny. He is influenced by the scripture “Humble yourself under the might hand of God and He will exalt you in due time”. His favourite Bible characters, the heroes of faith, Nehemiah, Gideon and Joshua.
Michael Schurton Celebrates 40 years of Service
By Trevesa Ashman and Roxanne Schurton
October 25, 2010
Jamaican born-Canadian, international humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Michael Schurton is celebrating 40 years of volunteerism and service to the nation.
The Chairman of the non-profit youth ministry based in Kingston, Jamaica Michael Schurton is observing a double celebration as this year also marks 33 years of ministry.
Schurton started his work as a volunteer on from age seven on October 7, 1970 with the Jamaica 4-H Movement. He has given outstanding service with the Jamaica 4-H Movement over many years. He was board member of the Trelawny Parish Advisory Board, Special Advisor, April 1990, Director, January 1991 and Public Relations Officer. He was chairman of the Parish Achievement Day Committee. He was selected as Boy of the Year for two consecutive years in 1977 and 1978. He also served as distinguished Club President for the Falmouth All Age School and the William Knibb Memorial High School. He also served as parish manager for a short stint before starting his media career with JBC Radio Waves and the Gleaner Company as a rural correspondent.
He has held several positions with various organizations and institutions. These include President, Trelawny Cultural Movement, April 1979, Board Member, Board of Governors, William Knibb Memorial High School, November 1981, Public Relations Officer, Trelawny Cultural Development Committee, May 1990, President, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae, Branch, November 1990, Vice Chairman, St. James Special Olympics Committee, April 1992, Director, Administration & Academic Studies, Studio Workshop Institute, April 1994, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Western Hospitality Institute, August 18, 1998, Vice Chairman, Friends of Habitat for Humanity, St. Andrew, April 2000, Director, Public Relations/Media/Library Ministry, Pentecostal Gospel Temple, January 20, 2003
Michael Schurton was made a Life Member of the The Bible Society of the West Indies, on January 21, 1997.
Schurton started his work in ministry from an early age. He gave his life to the Lord from age 12 and was baptized on April 24, 1977 at age 14.
Michael Schurton has served as a Sunday School Teacher and Christian Education Teacher in Jamaica, United States and Canada. He started his Christian teaching service at the King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church as a Sunday school teacher and the New Converts Care Ministry.
In October 1994 in obedience to the call of God he founded Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, a non-profit youth organization with a mission to transform inspire and empower young people and also to reach out to children in children homes and all-age, primary and junior high schools with the message of hope, faith and love from God’s word.
On October 24, 1993 in celebration of his 30th birthday he re-committed himself to the Lord to be set apart for service at a special service of consecration and dedication at the Kings’ Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion Road, Montego Bay, St. James.
On April 28, 1994, Michael Schurton made a passionate plea was for the establishment of an youth organization to promote values among the nation youth and transform their lives by the positive and life changing word of God. He made this plea while addressing the St. James 4-H Club’s Annual Parish Achievement Day.
On October 25, 1994 he answered the call and founded the youth ministry, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica after his return from Canada on a mission’s trip.
He has lead Word Time Ministries of Jamaica with purpose, passion, excellence and distinction. He has served the Ministry in almost every capacity; Director of Administration and Evangelism (1995-1997), Director of Prayer & Evangelism (1997-1999), Director of Evangelism (1997-1998), Director of Marketing & Public Relations (1998-2001), Director of Evangelism and Outreach (2000-2002), Director of Public Relations, Media & Evangelism (2002-2007). He served as the Ministry’s first National President for four consecutive terms from 1994-2004 spanning over a decade. He retired from the position as President and was appointed Chairman of the Board in January 15, 2005. He established the Leadership programme for youth workers in ministry; partners in missions for personal evangelism in schools, children’s homes and the community and several other initiatives to equip and empower youth people for service.
He has rendered outstanding services to several churches in Jamaica, the United States and Canada including: Pentecostal Gospel Temple, Kingston, Jamaica; Director of Public Relations, Media, & Library Ministries, Assistant Executive Coordinator, Public Relations Ministry, Member of the Council of Directors; One Way Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Norwood, St. James, Sunday School Teacher; Nelsonville United Pentecostal Church, Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday School Teacher, Hospital Ministry, Youth Ministry; King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion, St. James, New Converts Ministry, Prayer and Outreach Ministry, Abundant Life Christian Ministries, Toronto, Canada, Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education, Convention Chairman. In preparation for leadership and Christian Ministry he pursued Biblical studies at the Whole Life Ministries Bible School and the Living Fire Bible School. He was awarded Life Membership with The Bible Society of the West Indies on January 21, 1997 in recognition of outstanding services in the distribution of Bibles and Christian Literature through Jamaica.
His involvement in other areas of society has been wide and varied. He has served a number of organizations in various capacities including the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA), Jamaica Special Olympics Committee, Jamaica 4-H Movement, Jamaica Adult Literacy Movement (JAMAL), Drug Abuse Committee, Trelawny Environmental Protection Association (TEPA), Trelawny Early Childhood Board, Trelawny Parish Library, Trelawny 4-H Clubs, , Trelawny Association of Branch Societies, St. James 4-H Clubs, St. James Special Olympics Committee, St. James Red Cross, St. James Association of Branch Societies, Trelawny Credit Union, Montego Bay Credit Union, and Broadcast and Allied Credit Union.
His appointment as President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae Branch, allowed him to work closely with many small farmers. He travelled many miles in the rural parts of Trelawny, St. James and St. Ann to meet with farmers and to champion their cause and be a strong advocate for their concerns.
He collaborated with local farmers from rural Trelawny and won the award for Jamaica Agricultural Society’s Most Outstanding Branch of the Year Award. He has also won several individual awards in the annual Horticultural competition at the Annual Hague Agricultural & Industrial Show. He served on the board of the Trelawny Association of Branch Societies and committee member of the Hague Agricultural and Industrial Show Committee. He has also worked with the St. James Association of Branch Societies and the Montpelier Agricultural & Industrial Show Committee.
Michael Schurton is a Media and Marketing Consultant by profession. In September 1998 he established his own marketing and public relations firm, Premium Communications. He has worked in several fields; education, journalism, accounting, sales and marketing and major industries such as hospitality and tourism, insurance, and media. The companies he has worked include; Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel (1981-1989), Mutual Life Assurance Society (1989-1990, Western Hospitality Institute (1992-1994) and Studio Workshop Institute (1993-1995). He also worked as a teacher at the Falmouth All Age School where he focused on religious and physical education.
His involvement with the Jamaican media landscape has been outstanding. He has also worked at several media houses as a reporter, features writer, and sales and marketing executive and at senior management levels. These media houses include: The Gleaner Company (1989-1991), Island Broadcasting Services, KLASS FM (1989-1991), Western Publishers Limited, Western Mirror (1989-1992), Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation-JBC Radio West (1989-1990), Western Broadcasting Services Limited, Radio Waves (1990-1995), The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, LOVE TV(1993-2005). In October 1998 he was commissioned as the marketing consultant for TBC Radio through his company Premium Communications.
While at Western Broadcasting Services Limited he worked as news and sports reporter, sales and marketing executive, Senior Sales & Marketing Executive and Assistant Sales & Advertising Manager.
At Western Broadcasting Services Limited he had the distinction of being the first recipient of the Employee of the Year Award (1993) and also acted as General Manager.
On April 5, 1993 he joined The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, as a Regional Marketing Executive. On January 16, 1995 he was appointed the first Sales & Marketing Manager for The National Religious Media Commission where he gave exceptional service as a Marketing Executive and the Sales and Marketing Manager for the National Religious Media Commission LOVE FM and LOVE TV Network from 1993-2005. He was indispensable member of the management team and worked tirelessly in placing both LOVE FM and Television in the minds of listeners, viewers and advertisers. He played an integral part in branding the LOVE Radio and Television Network and establishing the network as the number one Family Station in Jamaica. During his tenure at the LOVE FM he also acted as General Manager.
While at The National Religious Media Commission he established the Executive Business Training Programme. He served as the Chairman of Staff Awards Committee and the Advertising Agency Awards. He led his marketing team to win the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) Media Award for Most Improved Customer Service. He played a pivotal role in maintaining the radio station’s market share which ranked position #3 among 14 National Radio Stations. He conceptualized and produced the marketing and public relations programme “Here Comes Love”. “Here Comes Love” was the signature marketing campaign for LOVE FM which traversed numerous communities and parish and countries in the Caribbean.
He is the recipient of several media awards. In February 1993 he received the 10th Anniversary Awards from The National Religious Media Commission for dedicated and invaluable services in development of the station and again on October 28, 2005 for outstanding contribution to LOVE FM and LOVE TV and Outstanding services to the Advertising Agencies. He was awarded by the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) for his outstanding services to the Advertising Industry in 1997, 1998 and 2000.
He has worked as producer for a number of radio programme series and live broadcasts including “Morning Glory”, “Sunday Glory”, “Sunday Showcase”, “Caribbean Hour”, “Evening Praise Live”, “Back to Basics Concert Series”, “Hospital Call”, Annual Dove Awards, and the Marlin Awards. During his tenure at LOVE FM he created the radio features “Saturday Praise”, “Solid Praise”, “And Jesus Said”, “Kids Praise” and “Kid’s Song”.
He spearheaded the station’s national outreach programme in hospitals with live broadcasts of “Hospital Call” from every parish in Jamaica focusing on the sick and afflicted in hospitals across Jamaica, bringing them hope, love, solace and the message of the healing God. This outreach also extended to the George Town Hospital in the Cayman Islands Hospital and the Holberton Hospital in St. John’s Antigua & Barbuda. He has also produced several live broadcasts for Sandals Resorts, Super Clubs and the Jamaica Tourist Board from Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Michael Schurton is a strong supporter of initiatives to transform the nation into a better society. He has given outstanding advertising and marketing support to some of the nation’s biggest gospel concerts and productions, locally, regionally and internationally. He played a significant and instrumental role in assisting the formulation and development of the musical evangelism programme “Back to Basics, Restoring the Nation to God”.
He has also played in various radio drama and programme series aired on JBC/Radio West, Radio Waves, including “I man is a Citizen”, “Insight” and “What’s Right with Teenagers”. Among his media productions are several live broadcasts from across the Caribbean and the United States. These programmes were aired live from Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda. His main focus has been to promote regional integration and travel by showcasing exciting Caribbean Destinations. In October 1998 he was among a select team of persons invited to produce and provide coverage of The Year of Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.
Michael is an avid sports fan. He was junior cross country champion in the Kiwanis Club of Falmouth, Cross Country Run, and intermediate cross country champion at William Knibb High School and also represented the school at Western Champs in the medley relays. He showed great leadership and lead his house to several victories as house captain. He has also covered several sporting events including: ISSA DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, National Premiere League, ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary Schools Champs, JTA Primary & Junior High Champs, Gibson Relays, Jamaica Invitational and the Jamaica National Junior and Senior Trials, Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships and the IAFF World Junior Championships in Athletics, Carifta Trials, and the Annual Sports Championship for Special Institutions organized and staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. Additionally he has covered the University of Toronto’s Festival of Excellence and the Canadian National Trails.
He has also worked on several local and international events which he has produced and covered including the Annual JCDC Gospel Song Festival, 1995-2005, (Kingston, Jamaica); Barbados Gospel Festival, 1999-2005, (Bridgetown, Barbados); Marlin Gospel Awards and Oasis Music Conference 2000-2003, Nashua, Bahamas; Mega Fest Conference, August 3-6, 2005, (Atlanta, Georgia); Annual Dove Awards and Gospel Music Association Week, April 22-28, 2004, (Nashville, Tennessee), World Junior Culinary Olympics, May 1-8, 1997 (Toronto, Canada).
In April 1998 he was among six persons selected from Jamaica to receive specialist training from Voice of America/International Media Centre based in Washington, DC. He received training in Sales & Marketing Management and Radio and Television Sales Management, sponsored by the United States Information Service (USIS). He also received additional training from the United States Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Christian Broadcasters, in Nashville, Tennessee.
He represented Jamaica at the International Communications Forum and Media Conference, Kingston, Jamaica, April 15-19, 1999. He has also attended several Media conferences in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Lucia, United States and Canada.
He is a multi gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech Competition. He has performed in the JCDC Festival of the performing in speech, dance, drama and music from the age of seven. He has represented both the parishes of Trelawny and St. James in the performing arts. He was awarded the Trelawny Cultural Committee Award for the Most Outstanding Performance in the speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Performance in Speech & the Performing Arts; and the Alice J.M. Rhodd Award for Most Outstanding Performance in the Performing Arts. His involvement with the JCDC has been long and outstanding ranging from a performer, adjudicator, committee member and sponsor. In November 1992 he completed specialist training programme by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in speech and drama.
He has served as an adjudicator for the Optimist International Oratorical Competition, Trelawny Festival Queen Competition and the St. James Festival and Farm Queen Competitions.
His involvement, work, contributions and ministry have impacted several communities and parishes including Trelawny, St. James, St. Ann, St. Catherine, and Kingston & St. Andrew.
Among his innovations has been the establishment and staging of several events for children’s homes including the Annual Sports Championships for special institutions, Cultural Championships, Christmas Treat and Musical production “Come Let Us Adore Him” Fruit Festival, Back to School Outreach & Concerts “Touching Hearts…Changing Lives”, Bible training programme and home work and mentorship programme at the Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home. In 1996 he initiated and was the executive producer of the Gospel Concert series "Go Light Your World" to raise funds in aid of The Walker's Place of Safety, Half Way Tree Primary School and Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
His commitment to Sports Evangelism and sports development in athletics inspired him to launch a unique sports programme. In April 2001, he envisioned sports championships for special intuitions. On May 19, 2001 he staged a sports and fun day for the boys of the Jamaica Christian Boys Home which was an overwhelming success. Fulfilling a promise he made to these young athletes on October 21, 2001, he organized and staged the first staging of the Annual Sports Championships for children’s home. He was motivated by the vision that sports competition, especially athletics was a way to help young people experience the full spiritual dimension in the race of life. He believed that as athletes explore their athletics skills and pushed themselves to their physical limit, they experience the higher power of the grace of God as the source of all strength. The championship has been a major success and is now in its ninth year of staging. His desire to see the championship develop and expand has lead him to attend a number of sports conferences including the Caribbean Sports Conference, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Sports Conference, Wholelife Sports Ministries, Sports Development Conference.
In recognition of his service and contribution to the nation he was nominated for Montegonian of the Year (1993), in the fields of Education, Media and Community Development, and the Gleaner Honor Award (2003) in the field of Voluntary Services.
He was awarded: Chairman of the Board Award, Outstanding Contribution to School Life, William Knibb High, 1982, Trelawny Chamber of Commerce & Industry Award, Outstanding Services in the Field of Journalism, Gold Medalist, JCDC Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Overall Performance, JCDC, Festival of the Performing Arts, Gleaner Award Nominee, Voluntary Services, December 1, 2003, Long Service Award, 10 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, October January 2005, National Religious Media Commission, Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Industry and Leadership of Marketing Team, October 28, 2005,
Long Service Award, 15 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, January 31, 2009, Dr. Carmen Stewart Award for Excellence in Leadership Award, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009
His dedicated work and outstanding services as an extra ordinary volunteer and community leader goes beyond church and ministry. He also gives of time in performing civic duties for the Ministry of Justice. On July 23, 2003 Michael Schurton was commissioned as Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Andrew and became a member of the St. Andrew Lay Magistrate Association.
He has established himself in the eyes of many young people as a man of unyielding principles, and character and a man of purpose, vision and inspirational leadership qualities. He is known as a disciplinarian, teacher and counselor. He believes in principle over power, character over convenience. We can only pay a greater tribute to this outstanding Jamaican by our commitment and work to build on the legacy and foundation which he has laid.
His guiding philosophy in life is, “Spiritual and social service is the best work of life”. His philosophy: Recognizing and pursing your God given purpose creates the foundation for success and the fulfillment of your destiny. He is influenced by the scripture “Humble yourself under the might hand of God and He will exalt you in due time”. His favourite Bible characters, the heroes of faith, Nehemiah, Gideon and Joshua.
By Trevesa Ashman and Roxanne Schurton
October 25, 2010
Jamaican born-Canadian, international humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador for Sports Michael Schurton is celebrating 40 years of volunteerism and service to the nation.
The Chairman of the non-profit youth ministry based in Kingston, Jamaica Michael Schurton is observing a double celebration as this year also marks 33 years of ministry.
Schurton started his work as a volunteer on from age seven on October 7, 1970 with the Jamaica 4-H Movement. He has given outstanding service with the Jamaica 4-H Movement over many years. He was board member of the Trelawny Parish Advisory Board, Special Advisor, April 1990, Director, January 1991 and Public Relations Officer. He was chairman of the Parish Achievement Day Committee. He was selected as Boy of the Year for two consecutive years in 1977 and 1978. He also served as distinguished Club President for the Falmouth All Age School and the William Knibb Memorial High School. He also served as parish manager for a short stint before starting his media career with JBC Radio Waves and the Gleaner Company as a rural correspondent.
He has held several positions with various organizations and institutions. These include President, Trelawny Cultural Movement, April 1979, Board Member, Board of Governors, William Knibb Memorial High School, November 1981, Public Relations Officer, Trelawny Cultural Development Committee, May 1990, President, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae, Branch, November 1990, Vice Chairman, St. James Special Olympics Committee, April 1992, Director, Administration & Academic Studies, Studio Workshop Institute, April 1994, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Western Hospitality Institute, August 18, 1998, Vice Chairman, Friends of Habitat for Humanity, St. Andrew, April 2000, Director, Public Relations/Media/Library Ministry, Pentecostal Gospel Temple, January 20, 2003
Michael Schurton was made a Life Member of the The Bible Society of the West Indies, on January 21, 1997.
Schurton started his work in ministry from an early age. He gave his life to the Lord from age 12 and was baptized on April 24, 1977 at age 14.
Michael Schurton has served as a Sunday School Teacher and Christian Education Teacher in Jamaica, United States and Canada. He started his Christian teaching service at the King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church as a Sunday school teacher and the New Converts Care Ministry.
In October 1994 in obedience to the call of God he founded Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, a non-profit youth organization with a mission to transform inspire and empower young people and also to reach out to children in children homes and all-age, primary and junior high schools with the message of hope, faith and love from God’s word.
On October 24, 1993 in celebration of his 30th birthday he re-committed himself to the Lord to be set apart for service at a special service of consecration and dedication at the Kings’ Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion Road, Montego Bay, St. James.
On April 28, 1994, Michael Schurton made a passionate plea was for the establishment of an youth organization to promote values among the nation youth and transform their lives by the positive and life changing word of God. He made this plea while addressing the St. James 4-H Club’s Annual Parish Achievement Day.
On October 25, 1994 he answered the call and founded the youth ministry, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica after his return from Canada on a mission’s trip.
He has lead Word Time Ministries of Jamaica with purpose, passion, excellence and distinction. He has served the Ministry in almost every capacity; Director of Administration and Evangelism (1995-1997), Director of Prayer & Evangelism (1997-1999), Director of Evangelism (1997-1998), Director of Marketing & Public Relations (1998-2001), Director of Evangelism and Outreach (2000-2002), Director of Public Relations, Media & Evangelism (2002-2007). He served as the Ministry’s first National President for four consecutive terms from 1994-2004 spanning over a decade. He retired from the position as President and was appointed Chairman of the Board in January 15, 2005. He established the Leadership programme for youth workers in ministry; partners in missions for personal evangelism in schools, children’s homes and the community and several other initiatives to equip and empower youth people for service.
He has rendered outstanding services to several churches in Jamaica, the United States and Canada including: Pentecostal Gospel Temple, Kingston, Jamaica; Director of Public Relations, Media, & Library Ministries, Assistant Executive Coordinator, Public Relations Ministry, Member of the Council of Directors; One Way Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, Norwood, St. James, Sunday School Teacher; Nelsonville United Pentecostal Church, Nelsonville, Ohio, Sunday School Teacher, Hospital Ministry, Youth Ministry; King’s Chapel United Pentecostal Church, Albion, St. James, New Converts Ministry, Prayer and Outreach Ministry, Abundant Life Christian Ministries, Toronto, Canada, Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education, Convention Chairman. In preparation for leadership and Christian Ministry he pursued Biblical studies at the Whole Life Ministries Bible School and the Living Fire Bible School. He was awarded Life Membership with The Bible Society of the West Indies on January 21, 1997 in recognition of outstanding services in the distribution of Bibles and Christian Literature through Jamaica.
His involvement in other areas of society has been wide and varied. He has served a number of organizations in various capacities including the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA), Jamaica Special Olympics Committee, Jamaica 4-H Movement, Jamaica Adult Literacy Movement (JAMAL), Drug Abuse Committee, Trelawny Environmental Protection Association (TEPA), Trelawny Early Childhood Board, Trelawny Parish Library, Trelawny 4-H Clubs, , Trelawny Association of Branch Societies, St. James 4-H Clubs, St. James Special Olympics Committee, St. James Red Cross, St. James Association of Branch Societies, Trelawny Credit Union, Montego Bay Credit Union, and Broadcast and Allied Credit Union.
His appointment as President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Martha Brae Branch, allowed him to work closely with many small farmers. He travelled many miles in the rural parts of Trelawny, St. James and St. Ann to meet with farmers and to champion their cause and be a strong advocate for their concerns.
He collaborated with local farmers from rural Trelawny and won the award for Jamaica Agricultural Society’s Most Outstanding Branch of the Year Award. He has also won several individual awards in the annual Horticultural competition at the Annual Hague Agricultural & Industrial Show. He served on the board of the Trelawny Association of Branch Societies and committee member of the Hague Agricultural and Industrial Show Committee. He has also worked with the St. James Association of Branch Societies and the Montpelier Agricultural & Industrial Show Committee.
Michael Schurton is a Media and Marketing Consultant by profession. In September 1998 he established his own marketing and public relations firm, Premium Communications. He has worked in several fields; education, journalism, accounting, sales and marketing and major industries such as hospitality and tourism, insurance, and media. The companies he has worked include; Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel (1981-1989), Mutual Life Assurance Society (1989-1990, Western Hospitality Institute (1992-1994) and Studio Workshop Institute (1993-1995). He also worked as a teacher at the Falmouth All Age School where he focused on religious and physical education.
His involvement with the Jamaican media landscape has been outstanding. He has also worked at several media houses as a reporter, features writer, and sales and marketing executive and at senior management levels. These media houses include: The Gleaner Company (1989-1991), Island Broadcasting Services, KLASS FM (1989-1991), Western Publishers Limited, Western Mirror (1989-1992), Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation-JBC Radio West (1989-1990), Western Broadcasting Services Limited, Radio Waves (1990-1995), The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, LOVE TV(1993-2005). In October 1998 he was commissioned as the marketing consultant for TBC Radio through his company Premium Communications.
While at Western Broadcasting Services Limited he worked as news and sports reporter, sales and marketing executive, Senior Sales & Marketing Executive and Assistant Sales & Advertising Manager.
At Western Broadcasting Services Limited he had the distinction of being the first recipient of the Employee of the Year Award (1993) and also acted as General Manager.
On April 5, 1993 he joined The National Religious Media Commission, LOVE FM, as a Regional Marketing Executive. On January 16, 1995 he was appointed the first Sales & Marketing Manager for The National Religious Media Commission where he gave exceptional service as a Marketing Executive and the Sales and Marketing Manager for the National Religious Media Commission LOVE FM and LOVE TV Network from 1993-2005. He was indispensable member of the management team and worked tirelessly in placing both LOVE FM and Television in the minds of listeners, viewers and advertisers. He played an integral part in branding the LOVE Radio and Television Network and establishing the network as the number one Family Station in Jamaica. During his tenure at the LOVE FM he also acted as General Manager.
While at The National Religious Media Commission he established the Executive Business Training Programme. He served as the Chairman of Staff Awards Committee and the Advertising Agency Awards. He led his marketing team to win the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) Media Award for Most Improved Customer Service. He played a pivotal role in maintaining the radio station’s market share which ranked position #3 among 14 National Radio Stations. He conceptualized and produced the marketing and public relations programme “Here Comes Love”. “Here Comes Love” was the signature marketing campaign for LOVE FM which traversed numerous communities and parish and countries in the Caribbean.
He is the recipient of several media awards. In February 1993 he received the 10th Anniversary Awards from The National Religious Media Commission for dedicated and invaluable services in development of the station and again on October 28, 2005 for outstanding contribution to LOVE FM and LOVE TV and Outstanding services to the Advertising Agencies. He was awarded by the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) for his outstanding services to the Advertising Industry in 1997, 1998 and 2000.
He has worked as producer for a number of radio programme series and live broadcasts including “Morning Glory”, “Sunday Glory”, “Sunday Showcase”, “Caribbean Hour”, “Evening Praise Live”, “Back to Basics Concert Series”, “Hospital Call”, Annual Dove Awards, and the Marlin Awards. During his tenure at LOVE FM he created the radio features “Saturday Praise”, “Solid Praise”, “And Jesus Said”, “Kids Praise” and “Kid’s Song”.
He spearheaded the station’s national outreach programme in hospitals with live broadcasts of “Hospital Call” from every parish in Jamaica focusing on the sick and afflicted in hospitals across Jamaica, bringing them hope, love, solace and the message of the healing God. This outreach also extended to the George Town Hospital in the Cayman Islands Hospital and the Holberton Hospital in St. John’s Antigua & Barbuda. He has also produced several live broadcasts for Sandals Resorts, Super Clubs and the Jamaica Tourist Board from Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Michael Schurton is a strong supporter of initiatives to transform the nation into a better society. He has given outstanding advertising and marketing support to some of the nation’s biggest gospel concerts and productions, locally, regionally and internationally. He played a significant and instrumental role in assisting the formulation and development of the musical evangelism programme “Back to Basics, Restoring the Nation to God”.
He has also played in various radio drama and programme series aired on JBC/Radio West, Radio Waves, including “I man is a Citizen”, “Insight” and “What’s Right with Teenagers”. Among his media productions are several live broadcasts from across the Caribbean and the United States. These programmes were aired live from Barbados, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, and Antigua & Barbuda. His main focus has been to promote regional integration and travel by showcasing exciting Caribbean Destinations. In October 1998 he was among a select team of persons invited to produce and provide coverage of The Year of Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.
Michael is an avid sports fan. He was junior cross country champion in the Kiwanis Club of Falmouth, Cross Country Run, and intermediate cross country champion at William Knibb High School and also represented the school at Western Champs in the medley relays. He showed great leadership and lead his house to several victories as house captain. He has also covered several sporting events including: ISSA DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, National Premiere League, ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary Schools Champs, JTA Primary & Junior High Champs, Gibson Relays, Jamaica Invitational and the Jamaica National Junior and Senior Trials, Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships and the IAFF World Junior Championships in Athletics, Carifta Trials, and the Annual Sports Championship for Special Institutions organized and staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. Additionally he has covered the University of Toronto’s Festival of Excellence and the Canadian National Trails.
He has also worked on several local and international events which he has produced and covered including the Annual JCDC Gospel Song Festival, 1995-2005, (Kingston, Jamaica); Barbados Gospel Festival, 1999-2005, (Bridgetown, Barbados); Marlin Gospel Awards and Oasis Music Conference 2000-2003, Nashua, Bahamas; Mega Fest Conference, August 3-6, 2005, (Atlanta, Georgia); Annual Dove Awards and Gospel Music Association Week, April 22-28, 2004, (Nashville, Tennessee), World Junior Culinary Olympics, May 1-8, 1997 (Toronto, Canada).
In April 1998 he was among six persons selected from Jamaica to receive specialist training from Voice of America/International Media Centre based in Washington, DC. He received training in Sales & Marketing Management and Radio and Television Sales Management, sponsored by the United States Information Service (USIS). He also received additional training from the United States Radio Advertising Bureau and the National Association of Christian Broadcasters, in Nashville, Tennessee.
He represented Jamaica at the International Communications Forum and Media Conference, Kingston, Jamaica, April 15-19, 1999. He has also attended several Media conferences in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Lucia, United States and Canada.
He is a multi gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech Competition. He has performed in the JCDC Festival of the performing in speech, dance, drama and music from the age of seven. He has represented both the parishes of Trelawny and St. James in the performing arts. He was awarded the Trelawny Cultural Committee Award for the Most Outstanding Performance in the speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Performance in Speech & the Performing Arts; and the Alice J.M. Rhodd Award for Most Outstanding Performance in the Performing Arts. His involvement with the JCDC has been long and outstanding ranging from a performer, adjudicator, committee member and sponsor. In November 1992 he completed specialist training programme by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in speech and drama.
He has served as an adjudicator for the Optimist International Oratorical Competition, Trelawny Festival Queen Competition and the St. James Festival and Farm Queen Competitions.
His involvement, work, contributions and ministry have impacted several communities and parishes including Trelawny, St. James, St. Ann, St. Catherine, and Kingston & St. Andrew.
Among his innovations has been the establishment and staging of several events for children’s homes including the Annual Sports Championships for special institutions, Cultural Championships, Christmas Treat and Musical production “Come Let Us Adore Him” Fruit Festival, Back to School Outreach & Concerts “Touching Hearts…Changing Lives”, Bible training programme and home work and mentorship programme at the Jamaica Christian Boy’s Home. In 1996 he initiated and was the executive producer of the Gospel Concert series "Go Light Your World" to raise funds in aid of The Walker's Place of Safety, Half Way Tree Primary School and Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
His commitment to Sports Evangelism and sports development in athletics inspired him to launch a unique sports programme. In April 2001, he envisioned sports championships for special intuitions. On May 19, 2001 he staged a sports and fun day for the boys of the Jamaica Christian Boys Home which was an overwhelming success. Fulfilling a promise he made to these young athletes on October 21, 2001, he organized and staged the first staging of the Annual Sports Championships for children’s home. He was motivated by the vision that sports competition, especially athletics was a way to help young people experience the full spiritual dimension in the race of life. He believed that as athletes explore their athletics skills and pushed themselves to their physical limit, they experience the higher power of the grace of God as the source of all strength. The championship has been a major success and is now in its ninth year of staging. His desire to see the championship develop and expand has lead him to attend a number of sports conferences including the Caribbean Sports Conference, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Sports Conference, Wholelife Sports Ministries, Sports Development Conference.
In recognition of his service and contribution to the nation he was nominated for Montegonian of the Year (1993), in the fields of Education, Media and Community Development, and the Gleaner Honor Award (2003) in the field of Voluntary Services.
He was awarded: Chairman of the Board Award, Outstanding Contribution to School Life, William Knibb High, 1982, Trelawny Chamber of Commerce & Industry Award, Outstanding Services in the Field of Journalism, Gold Medalist, JCDC Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech, Kiwanis Club of Falmouth Award, Most Outstanding Overall Performance, JCDC, Festival of the Performing Arts, Gleaner Award Nominee, Voluntary Services, December 1, 2003, Long Service Award, 10 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, October January 2005, National Religious Media Commission, Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Industry and Leadership of Marketing Team, October 28, 2005,
Long Service Award, 15 Years, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, January 31, 2009, Dr. Carmen Stewart Award for Excellence in Leadership Award, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009
His dedicated work and outstanding services as an extra ordinary volunteer and community leader goes beyond church and ministry. He also gives of time in performing civic duties for the Ministry of Justice. On July 23, 2003 Michael Schurton was commissioned as Justice of the Peace for the Parish of St. Andrew and became a member of the St. Andrew Lay Magistrate Association.
He has established himself in the eyes of many young people as a man of unyielding principles, and character and a man of purpose, vision and inspirational leadership qualities. He is known as a disciplinarian, teacher and counselor. He believes in principle over power, character over convenience. We can only pay a greater tribute to this outstanding Jamaican by our commitment and work to build on the legacy and foundation which he has laid.
His guiding philosophy in life is, “Spiritual and social service is the best work of life”. His philosophy: Recognizing and pursing your God given purpose creates the foundation for success and the fulfillment of your destiny. He is influenced by the scripture “Humble yourself under the might hand of God and He will exalt you in due time”. His favourite Bible characters, the heroes of faith, Nehemiah, Gideon and Joshua.
Michael Schurton named Goodwill Ambassador Committed to promoting the Olympic Dream
Michael Schurton named Goodwill Ambassador Committed to promoting the Olympic Dream
By Trevesa Ashman and Roxanne Schurton
Sports Champs Senior Editors
July 23, 2010
Chairman of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and founder of Sports Championships, Michael Schurton J.P. is vowing to continue his work of sports after being named by the City of Brampton, Ontario, Canada as Goodwill Ambassador for Sports on June 17, 2010.
Her Worship Susan Fennell, Mayor of the City of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, said that she was delighted to name Schurton Goodwill Ambassador. She also stated that she applauds his efforts in prompting athletic excellence, sports development and humanitarian work in Jamaica. “I wish Michael Schurton a fulfilling and successful experience while representing the City of Brampton, in Kingston, Jamaica” Mayor Fennell said.
She commended the newly named Goodwill Ambassador for his relentless and energetic efforts in pursing the dream of producing and supporting future Olympians. She believed that the designation as Goodwill Ambassador would further the passion and work by Schurton. Additionally, Mayor Fennell is hoping that this honour would inspire both athletes and organizers of Sports Champs. She expressed the view that with the work of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica lead by Chairman Schurton, that Sports Championships will continue to be a great athletic meet and would reap much success in developing future elite athletes. Schurton is expected to bring remarkable dedication and energy to his new role as Goodwill Ambassador for Sports as he does with been chairman of the Sports foundation.
Mayor Fennell also presented Word Time Ministries of Jamaica a special award in recognition of the 10th staging of Sports championships. She said that it was a pleasure on behalf of Members of the council of the corporation of the City of Brampton to recognize the Ministry for ten years of athletic excellence.
This is Michael Schurton's the second ambassadorial designation. He was previously named International Student Ambassador for Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio, United States of America by the International Student Society on June 7, 1995.
Chairman Schurton also received another Canadian recognition from the House of Commons of Canada. Parliamentarian the Honourable Gurbax Singh Malhi, P.C., M.P., Member of Parliament for Bramela-Gore-Malton presented him a special award.
He was presented with a Certificate of Recognition in acknowledgement of the outstanding contributions through humanitarian projects and sport development initiatives of the past decade. The Honourable Gurbax Malhi stated that Schurton’s passion and love for sports was inspirational and appreciated by the Jamaican/Canadian community in Canada. “Your passion for fostering the love of sports in Jamaica for youth athletes is inspirational and appreciated by your community in Canada and aboard” Malhi stated.
He further said that he was proud to present the award for the chairman’s endless contributions, dedication and relentless pursuit of inspiring people and offering them hope. The Honourable Gurbax Singh Malhi said “I would like to congratulate you for your tremendous contributions to the lives of young athletes who are preparing to become the Olympians of tomorrow. Your dedication to sports development in Jamaica is commendable and a model for others around the world”.
A media and marketing consultant by profession, Michael Schurton is on a mission to empower young people through the promotion of excellence in sports and academics. At the heart of the mission is the development of sports evangelism. Sports evangelism aims to integrate Godly principles in all aspect of sports and academics. In October 1994 he founded Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, a non-profit youth organization with a mission to transform inspire and empower young people.
An avid sports fan, he has always promoted a healthy lifestyle and involvement in sports. His involvement in track and field started from as early as six years old when he competed in inter-house sports at Falmouth Infant School and later the Falmouth All Age School. He has also competed in several parish development meetings including, the Falmouth Police Youth Club Track meet, and the Trelawny Social Development Commission’s meet. His love for track and field led him to volunteer as a sports official and organizer from age fourteen. He was a successful athlete and house captain for Cooke House at Falmouth All Age School.
He organized several community street meets which provided a great training ground for several athletes and also for his venture in sports administration and organizing sporting events. Under the guidance of Coach Peter Brown he won gold, silver and bronze in the 400m, 800m and 4x400m and medley relays at the primary level. He was double junior cross country champion in the Kiwanis Club of Falmouth, Cross Country Run and junior champ at the Trelawny SDC meet.
His first coach was Peter Brown his music teacher. Schurton later played an important role as sports coordinator, teacher of physical education and the chief announcer at the school’s sports day.
He continued his track career while attending William Knibb Memorial High School in Falmouth, Trelawny and was recruited the school’s track team by Coach Glenmore Brown. Despite his busy schedule as President of the Student Council and the Debating Society, member of the board of governors of the school, and executive member of several school clubs he found time to pursue his interest in track.
The junior cross country champion was also a member of the school track team for both Western Champs and the national Boys Champs. He led his house, Sharpe to victory as house captain. The Falmouth All Age School awarded him for outstanding contribution to the School Development in the field of Sports. In April 1992 he was appointed as Vice Chairman of the St. James Special Olympics Committee.
He has worked as a sports journalist and covered several major sporting events in Jamaica, Cayman Islands, United States and Canada. These sporting events include: ISSA DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, National Premiere League, ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, INSPORTS Primary and Junior High Schools Champs, JTA Primary & Junior High Champs, Special Olympics Games, Gibson Relays, Jamaica Invitational, Jamaica National Junior and Senior Trials, Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships, IAFF World Junior Championships in Athletics, Carifta Trials, Carifta Games, Sports Championships staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, and the University of Toronto’s Festival of Excellence and the Canadian National Trails.
His commitment to Sports evangelism inspired him to start sports championship. Realizing that there was a need to have a track meet for children in various homes he organized the meet. The ultimate goal was to produce future Olympians. In April 2001 he envisioned sports championships where the least gifted, the unpopular, unknown and the forgotten athletes could be provided with an opportunity to be champions, yes, world and Olympic champions.
Schurton offers valuable leadership both as chairman of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and the ministry’s sports foundation. However, his favourite role at sports champs has always been the chief announcer and his hoping to have that role for many years to come. His involvement in sports has not just been an athlete, meet organizer, and journalist. He also provides scholarships for the Most Outstanding Performers at Sports Champs. His life’s dream to produce and support future Olympians has fueled his passion and support of sports.
His desire to see the championship develop and become a celebrated meet lead him to attend a number of sports conferences including the Caribbean Sports Conference, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Sports Conference, Wholelife Sports Ministries, Sports Development Conference. His success is not only in sports. He is a multi gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech Competition. His work and services as an extra ordinary volunteer and youth leader goes beyond church, ministry and sports. He also gives of time in performing civic duties as a Justice of the Peace as well as numerous volunteer roles.
Schurton’s take on sports is that people should begin to see the much bigger picture. He says that the confidence, self esteem and fulfillment athletes receive is much more than the glory of setting records and winning medals.
One of the highlights of his involvement in sports was in December 2009 when he witnessed the Olympic torch run for the Winter Olympic in Canada. Michael Schurton is purpose driven, and celebrated for his inspirational leadership qualities and contribution to sports development. He also seeks to promote healthy interpersonal relationships, servant leadership principles, and a love for the Word of God. He is a single parent and father to daughter photo journalist Roxanne Schurton, who is the chief photographer for sports champs.
He said that his dream of producing and supporting athletes to win Olympic glory will live on. He also expressed delight at be named Goodwill Ambassador for Sports. “I am so humbled with being named Goodwill Ambassador” he said. Michael Schurton by hard work and the quest for excellence in both academics and sports has the honour to be designated both International Student Ambassador and Goodwill Ambassador for Sports. But given his strong spiritual foundation his first and foremost honour is to be an ambassador for Christ.
By Trevesa Ashman and Roxanne Schurton
Sports Champs Senior Editors
July 23, 2010
Chairman of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and founder of Sports Championships, Michael Schurton J.P. is vowing to continue his work of sports after being named by the City of Brampton, Ontario, Canada as Goodwill Ambassador for Sports on June 17, 2010.
Her Worship Susan Fennell, Mayor of the City of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, said that she was delighted to name Schurton Goodwill Ambassador. She also stated that she applauds his efforts in prompting athletic excellence, sports development and humanitarian work in Jamaica. “I wish Michael Schurton a fulfilling and successful experience while representing the City of Brampton, in Kingston, Jamaica” Mayor Fennell said.
She commended the newly named Goodwill Ambassador for his relentless and energetic efforts in pursing the dream of producing and supporting future Olympians. She believed that the designation as Goodwill Ambassador would further the passion and work by Schurton. Additionally, Mayor Fennell is hoping that this honour would inspire both athletes and organizers of Sports Champs. She expressed the view that with the work of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica lead by Chairman Schurton, that Sports Championships will continue to be a great athletic meet and would reap much success in developing future elite athletes. Schurton is expected to bring remarkable dedication and energy to his new role as Goodwill Ambassador for Sports as he does with been chairman of the Sports foundation.
Mayor Fennell also presented Word Time Ministries of Jamaica a special award in recognition of the 10th staging of Sports championships. She said that it was a pleasure on behalf of Members of the council of the corporation of the City of Brampton to recognize the Ministry for ten years of athletic excellence.
This is Michael Schurton's the second ambassadorial designation. He was previously named International Student Ambassador for Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio, United States of America by the International Student Society on June 7, 1995.
Chairman Schurton also received another Canadian recognition from the House of Commons of Canada. Parliamentarian the Honourable Gurbax Singh Malhi, P.C., M.P., Member of Parliament for Bramela-Gore-Malton presented him a special award.
He was presented with a Certificate of Recognition in acknowledgement of the outstanding contributions through humanitarian projects and sport development initiatives of the past decade. The Honourable Gurbax Malhi stated that Schurton’s passion and love for sports was inspirational and appreciated by the Jamaican/Canadian community in Canada. “Your passion for fostering the love of sports in Jamaica for youth athletes is inspirational and appreciated by your community in Canada and aboard” Malhi stated.
He further said that he was proud to present the award for the chairman’s endless contributions, dedication and relentless pursuit of inspiring people and offering them hope. The Honourable Gurbax Singh Malhi said “I would like to congratulate you for your tremendous contributions to the lives of young athletes who are preparing to become the Olympians of tomorrow. Your dedication to sports development in Jamaica is commendable and a model for others around the world”.
A media and marketing consultant by profession, Michael Schurton is on a mission to empower young people through the promotion of excellence in sports and academics. At the heart of the mission is the development of sports evangelism. Sports evangelism aims to integrate Godly principles in all aspect of sports and academics. In October 1994 he founded Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, a non-profit youth organization with a mission to transform inspire and empower young people.
An avid sports fan, he has always promoted a healthy lifestyle and involvement in sports. His involvement in track and field started from as early as six years old when he competed in inter-house sports at Falmouth Infant School and later the Falmouth All Age School. He has also competed in several parish development meetings including, the Falmouth Police Youth Club Track meet, and the Trelawny Social Development Commission’s meet. His love for track and field led him to volunteer as a sports official and organizer from age fourteen. He was a successful athlete and house captain for Cooke House at Falmouth All Age School.
He organized several community street meets which provided a great training ground for several athletes and also for his venture in sports administration and organizing sporting events. Under the guidance of Coach Peter Brown he won gold, silver and bronze in the 400m, 800m and 4x400m and medley relays at the primary level. He was double junior cross country champion in the Kiwanis Club of Falmouth, Cross Country Run and junior champ at the Trelawny SDC meet.
His first coach was Peter Brown his music teacher. Schurton later played an important role as sports coordinator, teacher of physical education and the chief announcer at the school’s sports day.
He continued his track career while attending William Knibb Memorial High School in Falmouth, Trelawny and was recruited the school’s track team by Coach Glenmore Brown. Despite his busy schedule as President of the Student Council and the Debating Society, member of the board of governors of the school, and executive member of several school clubs he found time to pursue his interest in track.
The junior cross country champion was also a member of the school track team for both Western Champs and the national Boys Champs. He led his house, Sharpe to victory as house captain. The Falmouth All Age School awarded him for outstanding contribution to the School Development in the field of Sports. In April 1992 he was appointed as Vice Chairman of the St. James Special Olympics Committee.
He has worked as a sports journalist and covered several major sporting events in Jamaica, Cayman Islands, United States and Canada. These sporting events include: ISSA DaCosta Cup, Manning Cup, National Premiere League, ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls Championships, INSPORTS Primary and Junior High Schools Champs, JTA Primary & Junior High Champs, Special Olympics Games, Gibson Relays, Jamaica Invitational, Jamaica National Junior and Senior Trials, Caribbean Union of Teachers Track and Field Championships, IAFF World Junior Championships in Athletics, Carifta Trials, Carifta Games, Sports Championships staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, and the University of Toronto’s Festival of Excellence and the Canadian National Trails.
His commitment to Sports evangelism inspired him to start sports championship. Realizing that there was a need to have a track meet for children in various homes he organized the meet. The ultimate goal was to produce future Olympians. In April 2001 he envisioned sports championships where the least gifted, the unpopular, unknown and the forgotten athletes could be provided with an opportunity to be champions, yes, world and Olympic champions.
Schurton offers valuable leadership both as chairman of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and the ministry’s sports foundation. However, his favourite role at sports champs has always been the chief announcer and his hoping to have that role for many years to come. His involvement in sports has not just been an athlete, meet organizer, and journalist. He also provides scholarships for the Most Outstanding Performers at Sports Champs. His life’s dream to produce and support future Olympians has fueled his passion and support of sports.
His desire to see the championship develop and become a celebrated meet lead him to attend a number of sports conferences including the Caribbean Sports Conference, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Sports Conference, Wholelife Sports Ministries, Sports Development Conference. His success is not only in sports. He is a multi gold, silver and bronze medalist in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts, Speech Competition. His work and services as an extra ordinary volunteer and youth leader goes beyond church, ministry and sports. He also gives of time in performing civic duties as a Justice of the Peace as well as numerous volunteer roles.
Schurton’s take on sports is that people should begin to see the much bigger picture. He says that the confidence, self esteem and fulfillment athletes receive is much more than the glory of setting records and winning medals.
One of the highlights of his involvement in sports was in December 2009 when he witnessed the Olympic torch run for the Winter Olympic in Canada. Michael Schurton is purpose driven, and celebrated for his inspirational leadership qualities and contribution to sports development. He also seeks to promote healthy interpersonal relationships, servant leadership principles, and a love for the Word of God. He is a single parent and father to daughter photo journalist Roxanne Schurton, who is the chief photographer for sports champs.
He said that his dream of producing and supporting athletes to win Olympic glory will live on. He also expressed delight at be named Goodwill Ambassador for Sports. “I am so humbled with being named Goodwill Ambassador” he said. Michael Schurton by hard work and the quest for excellence in both academics and sports has the honour to be designated both International Student Ambassador and Goodwill Ambassador for Sports. But given his strong spiritual foundation his first and foremost honour is to be an ambassador for Christ.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Rev. Dr. Hope McCormack - Tribute to a woman who served God with Excellence
Rev. Dr. Hope McCormack - Tribute to a woman who served God with Excellence
By Michael Schurton and Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman
October 16, 2010
Rev. Dr. Hope Juliet McCormack J.P. was a great mentor in our lives. Her selflessness and servant spirit was such an example to the entire Word Time Ministries family and also to our personal families.
She battled her illness with fortitude and determination. Dr. Hope always would maintain her deep Christian faith and would say during her illness "I am waiting on the Lord. Whatever He wills"
Through the conversations we shared, she was able to tell of the hope and joy she had through Jesus Christ. Her faith was strong in the power of the Lord. Not understanding at the time, we battled our inner thoughts of why "bad" things happen to good people. Dr. Hope was a good woman. Dr. Hope was a woman who devoted her entire life to serving God and others. Dr. Hope served God with zeal, passion and excellence.
Rev. Dr. Hope McCormack passed from this world and when to be with the Lord on the evening of Saturday, September 25, 2010. Although we don't fully understand God's plan, we were able to witness a person who was completely content with the life she was given.
In the final months of her life she always reminded us to pray and not just pray, but "pray a special prayer." We honoured her request and we prayed. Word Time Ministries of Jamaica had previously revived its International Intercessory Prayer Ministry, the Hour of Healing, Deliverance and Restoration on August 14, 2010 as part of its prayer campaign for the complete healing of Dr. Hope. The Ministry also curtailed several of its outreach programmes and projects in order to allow Dr. Hope to recover during her time of sickness.
Rev. Dr. Hope Juliet McCormack J.P became a member of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica since October 15, 2004. However, long before becoming a member Dr. Hope was special advisor to the President of the Ministry from 1998 and later special Advisor to the Chairman in 2004.
We recalled her words of commitment "anything for the glory of God and especially young people, I am ready to serve". She was more than ready to serve. She served with great commitment and passion. Dr. Hope was an indispensable part of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. Dr. Hope was the foundation of the Ministry and the matriarch.
Just writing about her now has brought back many memories we have shared with Dr. Hope. She was a wonderful example of a woman of God and an Elder's wife.
She had to be, at one and the same time, a perfect companion, an immaculate housekeeper, an ideal mother, an accomplished teacher, an infallible source of wisdom in matters religious, financial management social, domestic and even economic; a fountain of overflowing sympathy for those who come to her with real troubles.
She had to have poise, sweetness, composure and dignity, even in the midst of the most violent emotional storms that rage about her. And then, when day's work was done, she had to turn cheerleader and convince her Elder-husband that he was not a failure, that his burdens are not too heavy to bear, and that he really has one friend left in a materialistic and unthinking world. She was his greatest friend and he was hers.
Sunday was her big day. Sunday was the day for church and Dr. Hope loved the church. For then she rises with the dawn and feeds her dear husband, Elder McCormack, who, like many public characters, is under tension before facing the public. She must leave the house in first-class condition, and betake herself and the children to Sunday School ahead of time. In her books, to be late would be unforgivable, for the Elder's family and even more so, the McCormack's family must set an example.
She made a lot of preparation on Saturday nights to ensure she was ready for Church at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, a place of worship for Dr. Hope for 47 years.
She was a stalwart of PGT. From November 1963 she became a foundation member of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2, having given her life to the Lord at the tender age of nine. She has remained dedicated to the work of the Lord and has laboured assiduously in several areas of service to the Lord and mankind, not only in her own church and has remained faithful by God’s help.
Dr. Hope was proud of her two daughters, Lisa-gaye Hope and Dionne-Sheree Alicia. She ensured that they also took their proper places in the church, community and the Ministry. Dr. Hope brought her entire family to Word Time Ministries. The ministry was now a place for families with the wonderful example of the McCormack family.
Dr. Hope ensured that both her daughters and grandchildren would represent the family well and make their father and grand father Elder Mac proud. Dr. Hope would remind them to meet her after Sunday school, to sit quietly and with proper respect while their father dispenses the Gospel. She also taught a Sunday school class, and must be prepared to do it equally well.
She would have a dinner prepared in advance, for there's no telling when a fellow minister, an old college mate, church member or neighbour would appear, and naturally be invited to stay for dinner.
Dr. Hope was by Elder Mac side every time the church doors open, whether it be prayer meeting, choir practice, committee meeting or other special events meeting, and she must be active in the missionary society. She may had stayed away from meetings of the Board of Management of the church, but she would devote those idle moments to phoning church members who were absent from services last Sunday.
She would call on the sick and afflicted, and give to the orphans, and many in the community who did not have food or clothing. Dr. Hope loved Elder Mac with passion. She was devoted to the ideals of his calling, and she loved people.
Dr. Hope McCormack and Elder Ascott McCormack had been married for 43 years and have two daughters Lisa-Gaye Hope and Dionne-Sheree Alicia and the grandparents of three, namely- Alex Anderson, Dominick and Deidre-Kay Smith.
Dr. Hope McCormack, gone but not forgotten. She who has gone, so we but cherish her memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man. Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
By Michael Schurton and Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman
October 16, 2010
Rev. Dr. Hope Juliet McCormack J.P. was a great mentor in our lives. Her selflessness and servant spirit was such an example to the entire Word Time Ministries family and also to our personal families.
She battled her illness with fortitude and determination. Dr. Hope always would maintain her deep Christian faith and would say during her illness "I am waiting on the Lord. Whatever He wills"
Through the conversations we shared, she was able to tell of the hope and joy she had through Jesus Christ. Her faith was strong in the power of the Lord. Not understanding at the time, we battled our inner thoughts of why "bad" things happen to good people. Dr. Hope was a good woman. Dr. Hope was a woman who devoted her entire life to serving God and others. Dr. Hope served God with zeal, passion and excellence.
Rev. Dr. Hope McCormack passed from this world and when to be with the Lord on the evening of Saturday, September 25, 2010. Although we don't fully understand God's plan, we were able to witness a person who was completely content with the life she was given.
In the final months of her life she always reminded us to pray and not just pray, but "pray a special prayer." We honoured her request and we prayed. Word Time Ministries of Jamaica had previously revived its International Intercessory Prayer Ministry, the Hour of Healing, Deliverance and Restoration on August 14, 2010 as part of its prayer campaign for the complete healing of Dr. Hope. The Ministry also curtailed several of its outreach programmes and projects in order to allow Dr. Hope to recover during her time of sickness.
Rev. Dr. Hope Juliet McCormack J.P became a member of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica since October 15, 2004. However, long before becoming a member Dr. Hope was special advisor to the President of the Ministry from 1998 and later special Advisor to the Chairman in 2004.
We recalled her words of commitment "anything for the glory of God and especially young people, I am ready to serve". She was more than ready to serve. She served with great commitment and passion. Dr. Hope was an indispensable part of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica. Dr. Hope was the foundation of the Ministry and the matriarch.
Just writing about her now has brought back many memories we have shared with Dr. Hope. She was a wonderful example of a woman of God and an Elder's wife.
She had to be, at one and the same time, a perfect companion, an immaculate housekeeper, an ideal mother, an accomplished teacher, an infallible source of wisdom in matters religious, financial management social, domestic and even economic; a fountain of overflowing sympathy for those who come to her with real troubles.
She had to have poise, sweetness, composure and dignity, even in the midst of the most violent emotional storms that rage about her. And then, when day's work was done, she had to turn cheerleader and convince her Elder-husband that he was not a failure, that his burdens are not too heavy to bear, and that he really has one friend left in a materialistic and unthinking world. She was his greatest friend and he was hers.
Sunday was her big day. Sunday was the day for church and Dr. Hope loved the church. For then she rises with the dawn and feeds her dear husband, Elder McCormack, who, like many public characters, is under tension before facing the public. She must leave the house in first-class condition, and betake herself and the children to Sunday School ahead of time. In her books, to be late would be unforgivable, for the Elder's family and even more so, the McCormack's family must set an example.
She made a lot of preparation on Saturday nights to ensure she was ready for Church at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, a place of worship for Dr. Hope for 47 years.
She was a stalwart of PGT. From November 1963 she became a foundation member of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2, having given her life to the Lord at the tender age of nine. She has remained dedicated to the work of the Lord and has laboured assiduously in several areas of service to the Lord and mankind, not only in her own church and has remained faithful by God’s help.
Dr. Hope was proud of her two daughters, Lisa-gaye Hope and Dionne-Sheree Alicia. She ensured that they also took their proper places in the church, community and the Ministry. Dr. Hope brought her entire family to Word Time Ministries. The ministry was now a place for families with the wonderful example of the McCormack family.
Dr. Hope ensured that both her daughters and grandchildren would represent the family well and make their father and grand father Elder Mac proud. Dr. Hope would remind them to meet her after Sunday school, to sit quietly and with proper respect while their father dispenses the Gospel. She also taught a Sunday school class, and must be prepared to do it equally well.
She would have a dinner prepared in advance, for there's no telling when a fellow minister, an old college mate, church member or neighbour would appear, and naturally be invited to stay for dinner.
Dr. Hope was by Elder Mac side every time the church doors open, whether it be prayer meeting, choir practice, committee meeting or other special events meeting, and she must be active in the missionary society. She may had stayed away from meetings of the Board of Management of the church, but she would devote those idle moments to phoning church members who were absent from services last Sunday.
She would call on the sick and afflicted, and give to the orphans, and many in the community who did not have food or clothing. Dr. Hope loved Elder Mac with passion. She was devoted to the ideals of his calling, and she loved people.
Dr. Hope McCormack and Elder Ascott McCormack had been married for 43 years and have two daughters Lisa-Gaye Hope and Dionne-Sheree Alicia and the grandparents of three, namely- Alex Anderson, Dominick and Deidre-Kay Smith.
Dr. Hope McCormack, gone but not forgotten. She who has gone, so we but cherish her memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man. Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Jamaica's men's 4x100m mines Silver at Commonwealth Games
Jamaica's men's 4x100m mines Silver at Commonwealth Games
October 13, 2010
Jamaica's men's 4x100m mined a silver at Commonwealth Games last night inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The Jamaican quartet of Lerone Clarke, the 100m champion; Lansford Spence; Rasheed Dwyer; and Remaldo Rose clocked 38.79 seconds to finish behind England, 38.74, and in front of India, 38.89.
While Jamaica failed to retain the relay title won in Melbourne, Australia, at the last Commonwealth Games - did manage to end the athletic involvement on a high, securing the island's seventh medal.
In fact, anchorman Rose must be kicking himself after giving up a five-metre lead, failing to hold off 100m silver medallist Mark Lewis-Francis, who finished in a rush to pip the former Camperdown sprinter, with little track to spare.
Clarke, the spokesman of sorts, though disappointed not to pick up his second gold medal of the games, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and believes everyone gave a great effort.
Very impressed
"I'm very impressed with the way that the team ran out here tonight. We could have won it and I wish we had. But such is life, we give thanks, nonetheless, and we are satisfied," said Clarke.
He added: "I believed we had won, I was celebrating from early on but we are happy nonetheless; it was a good effort from everyone."
Dwyer was quick over his leg and like Clarke, for the most part, is pleased with the way things turned out.
It was a good race overall, I think we did our best. I'm happy with our performance, even though we didn't win," said Dwyer.
Patched-up outfit
A patched-up women's 4x100m outfit were in contention for a medal, up until the point when the third and final exchange between Audria Segree and Dominique Blake, a 400m specialist who was asked to fill the spot due to the injury of Yanique Boothe, went terribly wrong.
In the end, the team finished fourth in 46.10 seconds, a time that would have given them second place at this year's Girls' Championships.
The makeshift team of hurdlers Andrea Bliss, Shanna Thomas, 200m specialists Segree and Blake must, however, be commended for their effort, as was pointed out by the latter.
"Well this is a very new team, we have all different kinds of people thrown into this race. As you know i'm a quarter-miler, I haven't done any speed work and I was called upon to represent, and I had no problems doing that for my country. We knew what we were going up against, but we just couldn't get the baton exchanges right," said Blake.
Jamaica also finished outside of the medals in the men's 4x400m final, as the team of Oral Thomas, Lansford Spence, Josef Robertson and Ricardo Cunningham were disqualified.
Former Morant Bay High school jumper, Wilber Walker, battled hard and posted a new personal best (16.85m) in the triple jump with his third effort, but nonetheless finished fifth behind Tosin Oke (Nigeria), 17.16m, Schlick Mamba (Cameroon), 17.14m, Renjith Maheswary, 17.07m. England's Nathan Douglas was fourth with 16.96m.
The other Jamaican in the event, Nicholas Thomas, could only manage 15.32m and finished in 10th spot.
"It was a very good competition and I really thank God for the personal best. I consider this a big achievement, considering that I'm coming off surgery," said Walker.
October 13, 2010
Jamaica's men's 4x100m mined a silver at Commonwealth Games last night inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The Jamaican quartet of Lerone Clarke, the 100m champion; Lansford Spence; Rasheed Dwyer; and Remaldo Rose clocked 38.79 seconds to finish behind England, 38.74, and in front of India, 38.89.
While Jamaica failed to retain the relay title won in Melbourne, Australia, at the last Commonwealth Games - did manage to end the athletic involvement on a high, securing the island's seventh medal.
In fact, anchorman Rose must be kicking himself after giving up a five-metre lead, failing to hold off 100m silver medallist Mark Lewis-Francis, who finished in a rush to pip the former Camperdown sprinter, with little track to spare.
Clarke, the spokesman of sorts, though disappointed not to pick up his second gold medal of the games, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and believes everyone gave a great effort.
Very impressed
"I'm very impressed with the way that the team ran out here tonight. We could have won it and I wish we had. But such is life, we give thanks, nonetheless, and we are satisfied," said Clarke.
He added: "I believed we had won, I was celebrating from early on but we are happy nonetheless; it was a good effort from everyone."
Dwyer was quick over his leg and like Clarke, for the most part, is pleased with the way things turned out.
It was a good race overall, I think we did our best. I'm happy with our performance, even though we didn't win," said Dwyer.
Patched-up outfit
A patched-up women's 4x100m outfit were in contention for a medal, up until the point when the third and final exchange between Audria Segree and Dominique Blake, a 400m specialist who was asked to fill the spot due to the injury of Yanique Boothe, went terribly wrong.
In the end, the team finished fourth in 46.10 seconds, a time that would have given them second place at this year's Girls' Championships.
The makeshift team of hurdlers Andrea Bliss, Shanna Thomas, 200m specialists Segree and Blake must, however, be commended for their effort, as was pointed out by the latter.
"Well this is a very new team, we have all different kinds of people thrown into this race. As you know i'm a quarter-miler, I haven't done any speed work and I was called upon to represent, and I had no problems doing that for my country. We knew what we were going up against, but we just couldn't get the baton exchanges right," said Blake.
Jamaica also finished outside of the medals in the men's 4x400m final, as the team of Oral Thomas, Lansford Spence, Josef Robertson and Ricardo Cunningham were disqualified.
Former Morant Bay High school jumper, Wilber Walker, battled hard and posted a new personal best (16.85m) in the triple jump with his third effort, but nonetheless finished fifth behind Tosin Oke (Nigeria), 17.16m, Schlick Mamba (Cameroon), 17.14m, Renjith Maheswary, 17.07m. England's Nathan Douglas was fourth with 16.96m.
The other Jamaican in the event, Nicholas Thomas, could only manage 15.32m and finished in 10th spot.
"It was a very good competition and I really thank God for the personal best. I consider this a big achievement, considering that I'm coming off surgery," said Walker.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Rve. Dr. Hope J. McCormack - A life of service
REV DR HOPE J. McCORMACK - A life of service
Published: Monday, October 11, 2010 Jamaica Gleaner
"She always has a smile on her face. She is a bright person not just in terms of academics but in everything that she does. She is very swift on her feet and in her thinking and any subject she touches takes on a new life."
These are the words, the Rev Ascott McCormack, widower of the Rev. Dr Hope McCormack, used to describe her in an interview the couple did six years ago. These words have proven to be the epitome of Dr Hope's life.
Rev Dr Hope Juliet McCormack, who would have celebrated her 66th birthday on Tuesday, October 5, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 25, in St Andrew, Jamaica after a period of illness.
She was born on October 5, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, the last child of the late Rev Llewellyn and Mary Simpson.
After completing her elementary and high school education, she enrolled at the University of the West Indies where she received a bachelor of science degree in economics. She continued and received a Master of Science degree in economics.
McCormack also held a doctorate in ministry. She was a chartered accountant, Fellow of Life Management Institute (FLMI), lecturer, and a trained counsellor.
'Dr Mack', as she was affectionately called, was a minister, deaconess, intercessor and teacher in the Jamaica Pentecostal Union (Apostolic) and in particular at her local church - Pentecostal Gospel Temple in east Kingston. She also held several positions in a number of organisations and made a valuable impact on a number of lives.
Her ministry commenced in 1960 at the age of 16 at the United Pentecostal Church - Wildman Street. She was ordained as a minister in 2000 and dedicated 47 years of service to the people of God.
In her local church, Dr McCormack was the director of Christian Growth Ministry - Sunday school, in which she taught for over 20 years. Other positions she held include, chairperson of the finance committee and financial advisor to the church board, director/advisor/member - ladies ministry, counselor and presenter - counselling ministry, coordinator/teacher - training department and church bible study, committee member - youth committee, member - church council, board member - Early Childhood Education School.
Her work included launching Sunday school programmes in Rae Town and Harbour View to address the issue of crime and violence in those communities with a view to capturing young minds before they are taken over by the evil forces. She was compiling several short inspirational readings and publishing a book based on her doctoral studies.
Dedicated service
At the national level, she served as director/management & finance committee and member of the National Religious Media Commission (NRMC), (LOVE FM), Member of the planning board of the National Prayer Breakfast Committee, director/treasurer of the Jamaica Pentecostal Union-JPU (A), deputy director of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica and member of the Small Business Association of Jamaica.
She was the chairperson of the Agency for the Selection & Support of Individuals Starting Trade (ASSIST); a member of the Urban churches for Urban Renewal Board, treasurer/member of the Wilbert Stewart Basic School Board, executive director of the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and was also distinguished past president of the Norbrook Springs Club of Optimist International, Caribbean District. At the time of her passing she was the chairperson for Optimist International Oratorical Competition for the Caribbean District.
For her years of dedicated service in Christian ministry, in 2008 she was given a National Christian Lifetime Award at the inaugural ceremony held in Kingston in the latter part of that year. Additionally, as an entrepreneur, she incorporated her business, H&M Financial Consulting Services Ltd which realised significant success during its existence.
Excellence
In May 2008, in recognition of her work and her love for sports evangelism, the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica's Champion Boy Trophy and Scholarship was named in her honour. She was also awarded the Grace Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2009 by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, for her consistency of purpose, quest for excellence, and inspirational leadership and for 48 years of distinguished services to the nation in the fields of religion, media, education and community development.
A strong, committed and exemplary woman, McCormack fought a good fight, finished her course and has transitioned from labour to reward.
The thanksgiving service celebrating her life and work will be held on Saturday, October 16, commencing at 10 a.m. at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2. Interment follows at Dovecot Memorial Park.
A strong, committed and exemplary woman, McCormack fought a good fight, finished her course and has transitioned from labour to reward.
Published: Monday, October 11, 2010 Jamaica Gleaner
"She always has a smile on her face. She is a bright person not just in terms of academics but in everything that she does. She is very swift on her feet and in her thinking and any subject she touches takes on a new life."
These are the words, the Rev Ascott McCormack, widower of the Rev. Dr Hope McCormack, used to describe her in an interview the couple did six years ago. These words have proven to be the epitome of Dr Hope's life.
Rev Dr Hope Juliet McCormack, who would have celebrated her 66th birthday on Tuesday, October 5, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 25, in St Andrew, Jamaica after a period of illness.
She was born on October 5, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, the last child of the late Rev Llewellyn and Mary Simpson.
After completing her elementary and high school education, she enrolled at the University of the West Indies where she received a bachelor of science degree in economics. She continued and received a Master of Science degree in economics.
McCormack also held a doctorate in ministry. She was a chartered accountant, Fellow of Life Management Institute (FLMI), lecturer, and a trained counsellor.
'Dr Mack', as she was affectionately called, was a minister, deaconess, intercessor and teacher in the Jamaica Pentecostal Union (Apostolic) and in particular at her local church - Pentecostal Gospel Temple in east Kingston. She also held several positions in a number of organisations and made a valuable impact on a number of lives.
Her ministry commenced in 1960 at the age of 16 at the United Pentecostal Church - Wildman Street. She was ordained as a minister in 2000 and dedicated 47 years of service to the people of God.
In her local church, Dr McCormack was the director of Christian Growth Ministry - Sunday school, in which she taught for over 20 years. Other positions she held include, chairperson of the finance committee and financial advisor to the church board, director/advisor/member - ladies ministry, counselor and presenter - counselling ministry, coordinator/teacher - training department and church bible study, committee member - youth committee, member - church council, board member - Early Childhood Education School.
Her work included launching Sunday school programmes in Rae Town and Harbour View to address the issue of crime and violence in those communities with a view to capturing young minds before they are taken over by the evil forces. She was compiling several short inspirational readings and publishing a book based on her doctoral studies.
Dedicated service
At the national level, she served as director/management & finance committee and member of the National Religious Media Commission (NRMC), (LOVE FM), Member of the planning board of the National Prayer Breakfast Committee, director/treasurer of the Jamaica Pentecostal Union-JPU (A), deputy director of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica and member of the Small Business Association of Jamaica.
She was the chairperson of the Agency for the Selection & Support of Individuals Starting Trade (ASSIST); a member of the Urban churches for Urban Renewal Board, treasurer/member of the Wilbert Stewart Basic School Board, executive director of the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and was also distinguished past president of the Norbrook Springs Club of Optimist International, Caribbean District. At the time of her passing she was the chairperson for Optimist International Oratorical Competition for the Caribbean District.
For her years of dedicated service in Christian ministry, in 2008 she was given a National Christian Lifetime Award at the inaugural ceremony held in Kingston in the latter part of that year. Additionally, as an entrepreneur, she incorporated her business, H&M Financial Consulting Services Ltd which realised significant success during its existence.
Excellence
In May 2008, in recognition of her work and her love for sports evangelism, the Word Time Ministries of Jamaica's Champion Boy Trophy and Scholarship was named in her honour. She was also awarded the Grace Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2009 by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, for her consistency of purpose, quest for excellence, and inspirational leadership and for 48 years of distinguished services to the nation in the fields of religion, media, education and community development.
A strong, committed and exemplary woman, McCormack fought a good fight, finished her course and has transitioned from labour to reward.
The thanksgiving service celebrating her life and work will be held on Saturday, October 16, commencing at 10 a.m. at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2. Interment follows at Dovecot Memorial Park.
A strong, committed and exemplary woman, McCormack fought a good fight, finished her course and has transitioned from labour to reward.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Jamaica mines Gold and Silver at 2010 Commonwealth
Jamaica mines Gold and Silver at 2010 Commonwealth
Ocober 8, 2010
Lerone Clarke and Dorian Scott highlighted Day Four action for Jamaica at the 2010 Commonwealth Games here in Delhi, India - the pair winning gold and silver, respectively, at the JLN Stadium to open the country's account at the games.
The double swoop pushed Jamaica's overall Commonwealth Games haul to 109, with this being the 19th renewal of the multi-discipline championships.
In what can be best described as an up-and-down day for the Jamaicans, Clarke, who ran a leg in the 4x100m heats at last year's IAAF World Championships in Athletics for Jamaica's gold medal-winning team, powered to 10.12 seconds to claim his first major individual title.
Scott returned a similar result to the one he achieved four years ago at the last Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, winning silver in the men's shot put with a best throw of 20.17m.
Jamaica's lone male 400m entrant, Oral Thompson, won his heat in 46.60 seconds and will feature in today's semi-finals at 7:35 a.m. Jamaica time.
Boxers impressive
Meanwhile, the boxers continue to impress with light welterweight Philip Bowes battering his Malaysian opponent Khir Akyazcan with a 5-1 decision at the Talkatora Stadium late in the evening session.
Squash player Bruce Burrowes had a particularly good day, winning all his matches in the consolation plate section. Burrowes edged St Vincent and the Grenadines' Othniel Bailey by three sets to two (6-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3) in the quarter-finals of the consolation plate and will now play in today's semi-final before bettering Bailey's countryman James Bentick 3-0 (11-4, 11-5, 11-5) to secure a place in the final of the men's singles consolation plate. The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 a.m. today.
However, it wasn't all great news for the Jamaicans, as one of the country's brightest medal prospects, the Sunshine Girls, suffered a heavy 13-point loss to world champions Australia in their preliminary-round clash at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, losing 60-47. The result means that they will most likely have to go through New Zealand if they are to get a chance of winning gold or silver.
A win would have paired the girls with an England team that they would have been far more confident of beating.
There was also bad news for Jamaica on the track, as Davita Prendergast and Dominique Blake both failed to get to the final of the women's 400m after finishing seventh and sixth, respectively. Prendergast posted 55.09 seconds while Blake, who got off to a good start, faded midway the race to register a time of 54.34 seconds.
Natalie Grant finished ninth in the women's hammer throw final but would have been pleased with her season-best throw of 60.26m.
Tanice Barnett, 4:48.59, was last in her 1500m heats, while Twishanna Williams ran a personal best 4:36.60 for ninth place in her heat. They both failed to progress.
At the Dr SPM Aquatics Complex, Alia Atkinson finished one second short of a qualifying spot to the finals of the women's 100m breaststroke after picking up a fifth-place finish in the semi-finals in 1:11.28; the eleventh-fastest time in qualifying. Atkinson had earlier secured her semi-final quali-fication with a 1:11.47 timing in her heat.
Alexia Royal-Eatmon finished in last place in the semi-finals of the 50m backstroke in 31.41 seconds.
Ocober 8, 2010
Lerone Clarke and Dorian Scott highlighted Day Four action for Jamaica at the 2010 Commonwealth Games here in Delhi, India - the pair winning gold and silver, respectively, at the JLN Stadium to open the country's account at the games.
The double swoop pushed Jamaica's overall Commonwealth Games haul to 109, with this being the 19th renewal of the multi-discipline championships.
In what can be best described as an up-and-down day for the Jamaicans, Clarke, who ran a leg in the 4x100m heats at last year's IAAF World Championships in Athletics for Jamaica's gold medal-winning team, powered to 10.12 seconds to claim his first major individual title.
Scott returned a similar result to the one he achieved four years ago at the last Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, winning silver in the men's shot put with a best throw of 20.17m.
Jamaica's lone male 400m entrant, Oral Thompson, won his heat in 46.60 seconds and will feature in today's semi-finals at 7:35 a.m. Jamaica time.
Boxers impressive
Meanwhile, the boxers continue to impress with light welterweight Philip Bowes battering his Malaysian opponent Khir Akyazcan with a 5-1 decision at the Talkatora Stadium late in the evening session.
Squash player Bruce Burrowes had a particularly good day, winning all his matches in the consolation plate section. Burrowes edged St Vincent and the Grenadines' Othniel Bailey by three sets to two (6-11, 11-3, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3) in the quarter-finals of the consolation plate and will now play in today's semi-final before bettering Bailey's countryman James Bentick 3-0 (11-4, 11-5, 11-5) to secure a place in the final of the men's singles consolation plate. The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 a.m. today.
However, it wasn't all great news for the Jamaicans, as one of the country's brightest medal prospects, the Sunshine Girls, suffered a heavy 13-point loss to world champions Australia in their preliminary-round clash at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, losing 60-47. The result means that they will most likely have to go through New Zealand if they are to get a chance of winning gold or silver.
A win would have paired the girls with an England team that they would have been far more confident of beating.
There was also bad news for Jamaica on the track, as Davita Prendergast and Dominique Blake both failed to get to the final of the women's 400m after finishing seventh and sixth, respectively. Prendergast posted 55.09 seconds while Blake, who got off to a good start, faded midway the race to register a time of 54.34 seconds.
Natalie Grant finished ninth in the women's hammer throw final but would have been pleased with her season-best throw of 60.26m.
Tanice Barnett, 4:48.59, was last in her 1500m heats, while Twishanna Williams ran a personal best 4:36.60 for ninth place in her heat. They both failed to progress.
At the Dr SPM Aquatics Complex, Alia Atkinson finished one second short of a qualifying spot to the finals of the women's 100m breaststroke after picking up a fifth-place finish in the semi-finals in 1:11.28; the eleventh-fastest time in qualifying. Atkinson had earlier secured her semi-final quali-fication with a 1:11.47 timing in her heat.
Alexia Royal-Eatmon finished in last place in the semi-finals of the 50m backstroke in 31.41 seconds.
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