King’s House, Jamaica – Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, presented The Governor-General’s Medal of Honour to past and present Custodes during a specially organized luncheon at King’s House on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
The Governor-General’s Medals of Honour were commissioned by the Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second in recognition of her Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. A total of 50 medals were struck in Gold, Bronze and Silver for use by Governors-General within the Caribbean Realms. The Governor-General will award these medals to various persons who have given invaluable and faithful service to his office since his installation in February 2009. Medals were first presented to the Honourable Dennis Lalor, OJ, Privy Councilor and former Chairman of the Insurance Company of the West Indies Limited and shortly after former Jamaica Defence Force head Lieutenant General Rocky Meade CD, ADC, JP.
Delivering remarks, Sir Patrick Allen spoke to the Custodes dedication, noting “As your Governor-General, I have had the pleasure of working alongside some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals in our country. Your unstinting service in representing me and the Government has been invaluable, and I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering commitment to our shared vision. Your tireless efforts and unwavering support have truly made a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
The luncheon and presentation ceremony formed part of a full day of activities with His Excellency The Governor-General, the Custodes and their spouses. The annual Custodes meeting was the first of the agenda; a platform for the Governor-General to directly engage with Custodes on matters related to their respective offices. During the meeting, their spouses were not excluded as they were treated to a tour of the National Gallery of Jamaica.