Old Harbour Bay stalwarts recognised

Retired educator Enid Campbell, community cultural icon Lilieth ‘Patty’ Myton and the late Phyllis Jennings, a beloved educator as well, were all duly honoured for their sterling and unwavering service at the Evening of Nostalgic Excellence, a ceremonial event organized by the Old Harbour Bay Homecoming Association in partnership with the Old Harbour Bay Community Development Committee.

Guest speaker Dr Dexter B. Gordon called on residents of the community to make the event an annual affair, highlighting the work and worth of those who have inscribed a lasting legacy that serves to uplift the community and its people.
 

According to the University of Puget Professor and Old Harbour Bay native the event is necessitated by the need to “recognize and honour those among us who have lived extraordinary lives and rendered remarkable service.”
 

As a member of the planning committee, Professor Gordon noted that it is important to acknowledge the contribution of these community stalwarts and “leverage their exemplary service and achievement for community growth and development”.

All three women are revered figures in Old Harbour Bay, classified as the largest fishing community in Jamaica but also known as the birthplace of Olympian Neville Myton and former national football star turn coach Linval ‘Rudy’ Dixon who was a pillar in the historic national senior men’s team what qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

For more than half of a century, the honourees touched the lives of thousands of people in the community. To this day their names are oftentimes glorified whenever mentioned in conversations, however casual it may be.
 

For 35 years Mrs Campbell served the Old Harbour Bay Primary School with distinction, first as a teacher starting in 1962, nine years after the institution was established by the government. In 1977 she assumed the role of principal, taking over from her mentor Mrs Jennings, until her retirement in 1997.
 

In presenting a citation to Mrs Campbell, who is a Justice of the Peace, Mertis Thomas-Boothe, who is also a retired educator, described her former work colleague and boss, as “a stabilizing force in the community”.
 

Elaine Cunningham, daughter of Mrs Jennings, said “I proudly take this citation on her behalf” after it was read by Gregory Wilson who noted the profound role of almost 40 years played by the first principal of Old Harbour Bay Primary.
 

Wilson said in the citation to Mrs Jennings that the devout educator “parlayed her exceptional intellectual skills into serving as a teacher, administrator, principal and leader at all levels in the Old Harbour Bay Primary School from the school’s early years until her retirement”.
 

Due to illness Mrs Myton had to leave midway the ceremony with her son Patrick Myton accepting in her absence.
 

Myton, in a citation read by Myrtle Miller was dubbed the ‘Miss Lou’ of Old Harbour Bay from the 1960s to the turn of the new century. Her tireless work promoting and teaching Jamaican folklore was legendary that made her an icon and cornerstone of the community.
 

Several noted figures from the wider community were present including Custos of St Catherine Icylin Golding who praised the organisers for executing such wonderful vision.
 

She described the recipients as not only stalwarts but pillars of the community who dedicated their entire lives shaping young minds to become guiding light in not just the community but Jamaica at large.

Custos Golding stated: “In memory of Mrs Phyllis Jennings, we pay tribute to a soul whose passion for education ignited sparks of curiosity in countless hearts. Her dedication to nurturing minds and fostering a love for learning continues to resonate within these walls. Though she’s no longer among us, her impact continues to endure in the lives of those she touched.
 

“To Mrs Enid Campbell, whose years of service have left an edible mark on the minds and souls of students, your influence extends far beyond the classroom. Your wisdom, guidance and unwavering support have shaped generations, leaving a legacy that has remain a testament to your dedication.

“Ladies and gentlemen Old Harbour Bay is ‘Patty’ Myton. She loved to drive the young and young at heart to be involved  especially through the youth clubs… and whose selfless commitment to Old Harbour Bay and beyond has been nothing short of inspiring.”
 

Enid Campbell, speaking on the behalf of the recipients, said: “I certainly will treasure this day and the memory will be here as long as I live. All these persons who have dedicated their time, patience, goodwill, love for us and to show us that they understand and they are grateful for the little or the much we had done. We did our best I think and whatever we did to help with the development of our students we are proud because we see them making valuable input in the world in various fields.”
 

Other persons recognised were Pastor Sandra Nembhard, and Andrew ‘Nev’ Gordon, while Old Harbour Bay Primary was presented cheque of US$10,000 by the Gordon Family.