Custos of St. Andrew Bishop Carmen Stewart Honoured by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica
Youth Volunteers Awarded for Service
Kingston, Jamaica, February 4, 2010 - By Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman and Michael Schurton
Bishop Dr. Carmen Lois Stewart O.J., O.D., J.P., Custos of St. Andrew and Pastor of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple was honoured by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica at the organization’s recently held 16th Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony and Annual General Meeting.
Bishop Stewart, who is the Patron of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, was honoured by the non-profit youth ministry for her distinguished service to the organization and the nation at the function which was held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, 111 Windward Road, Kingston 2, Jamaica.
Bishop Stewart, who was appointed Pastor of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple on October 30, 1966, created history when she was appointed the first female Custos Rotulorum of the parish of St. Andrew on October 1, 1992. She was also sworn into history as the first female Deputy Governor General of Jamaica when she acted in that capacity between August 8 -12, 1996. Word Time Ministries of Jamaica, in recognition of her distinguished service to religion and community development, appointed her as the Ministries’ first Patron on October 19, 1997.
Sixty- four awards were presented in twenty-one categories at the Awards Ceremony, with the top individual award being the Member of the Year Award won by Trevesa DaSilva Ashman, director of public relations and media of the ministry. The Member of the Year Award is awarded to the member who has given outstanding services to the ministry and community and is recognized as the most outstanding volunteer for the year.
Other top awards included Team Leader of the Year won by Sandra Martin and Fund Raiser of the Year captured by Rev. Dr. Hope McCormack. Two outstanding volunteers were awarded Long Service Award for faithful, consistent and un-broken service to the youth Ministry. They are Sonia Lynch of Fellowship Tabernacle, for ten years and Rev. Dr. Hope McCormack of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple, for five years of service.
The coveted Excellence in Gospel Award for outstanding gospel music recording and performances was won by several gospel artistes including Noreta Lewis, Kimiela Isaacs, Deneese Wright and Dennis Rushton.
In the sports category, it was 14 year old Rohan Walker from Central Branch All Age School who walked away with the award for Athlete of the Year. The award for Champion Girl, went to 15 year old Peta-gaye Dixon of Vere Technical High. Peta-gaye's training partner Rohan Walker won the award for Champion Boy. Also taking sports awards were Leon Cunningham for Best Effort as well as second runner up champion boy and Kris-ann Walters, who was runner up champion girl
Chairman of the Awards Committee, Michael Schurton, stated that the awards were both timely and a fitting recognition to the volunteers, who continue to be on the forefront of the various outreach programmes of the ministry which are aimed at creating a better society for the nation’s children. Mr. Schurton also stated that the spirit of volunteerism was still alive among young people who have been making a positive impact on the lives of many persons in various communities across the nation. He said that “as a people we must continue to believe that there are persons with a deep desire to help others based on a heartfelt purpose to be of service.”
In paying tribute to the contribution of the Patron, Bishop Stewart, he said “Bishop Carmen Stewart has consistently displayed an indomitable spirit, reflected in her quest for excellence and in her service to the nation and community.” Schurton described Patron Stewart as an exceptional God fearing woman with a deep sense of commitment to her country. He added further that “Bishop Stewart, through a holistic approach to Christian stewardship, has enriched the lives of many by exceptional leadership qualities and her ability to motivate and inspire.”
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