By Lincoln DePradine

When the government of Jamaica hosts its next national awards’ investiture ceremony, three of its nationals living in Toronto will be among the awardees. They are clergyman Bishop Dr James Robinson, Derrick McIntosh and Eddie Grant.

The three were named on a list, released by Jamaica’s Governor General Sir Patrick Linton Allen, for the “National Honours and Awards on the Occasion of the 61st Anniversary of Independence’’.

Jamaica was the first of English-speaking Caribbean colonies to attain independence from Britain. It marked its Independence Day on August 6, 1962, with Sir Alexander Bustamante as the nation’s first prime minister.

Grant, asked about his reaction at being notified that he was an award recipient, told The Caribbean Camera, that “it was a good feeling and a pleasant surprise’’.

A well-known photojournalist, Grant has contributed to publications in Canada, as well as to the Jamaica Gleaner. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he also has been hired to work at events such as weddings, and has been utilized by Sandals Resorts and other private sector companies.

Grant now is the in-house photographer at the Jamaica consulate general in Toronto, where McIntosh is employed.

McIntosh, as chauffeur, has worked with various diplomats, including Lincoln Downer, who is being recalled and will be replaced by a new consul general.

Jamaica has awarded a “Badge of Honour’’ to McIntosh for “service to the consulate general of Jamaica in Toronto and the Jamaican Diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area’’.

Grant, too, is receiving a “Badge of Honour’’. It’s for “service in the field of photojournalism and documenting the development of the Diaspora community in Toronto, Canada’’.

Bishop Robinson, founder of “Faith Open Door Ministries Inc.’’, has been bestowed the “Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander’’.

The church was opened almost 20 years ago with the “central objective’’ of developing “young people of purpose, prayer, power, praise and prosperity’’; and for “fulfilling the mandate by teaching the reality of the gospel in a simplistic fashion with daily application; giving men an opportunity to be reconciled to the Lord’’.

Robinson is recognized with the award for “contribution to the Jamaican Diaspora in Toronto in the area of religion, civic advocacy and counselling’’.