Most Hon Sir Howard Cooke honoured by Food for the Poor

Sir Howard Cooke (centre), inspiring former GG and a founding father of  Jamaica's political movement flanked by Food for the Poor Jamaica Chair Andrew Mahfood and Director Emeritus Pokar Chandiram.  Others from left are Director Jean Lowrie-Chin, Executive Director Jackie Johnson and Convenor of Food for the Poor Western Jamaica Baldwin Powell.

Citation of Appreciation from Food for the Poor Jamaica 

Presented to  The Most Hon. Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke ON, GCMG, GCVO, CD 

"The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service."  These words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow have characterized the life of Sir Howard Cooke, over the years. He has an unprecedented devotion to sustained and selfless voluntary service to the most vulnerable in our society.  

His appointment as Governor General in 1991, a role which he carried out with dignity and fortitude, did not hinder his service to Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica in a valuable and supportive way.   This support continued even after he demitted office as Governor General in 2006.  

Sir Howard's involvement included:

·        Serving as Patron and attending countless events in that capacity, such as our annual fund-raising activities, Prison Releases, Western Committee Launch, Awards Ceremonies. 

·        Providing written and verbal endorsements for our website, tag drives, mail appeal initiatives and other fundraising activities. 

·        Addressing and encouraging the poor at various events such as our annual Christmas Treat.  One year in particular, he reminded the nation's poor that they are a people of power, promise and potential. 

·        Using every possible platform to encourage Jamaicans to support and give fulsome participation to the ministry of FFP as we work in the most depressed areas and seek to improve the social, economic and spiritual lives of persons we serve. 

 Sir Howard's involvement helped to enhance our public image, income generating capacity and overall performance. Today, we are well known locally and internationally as an organization that is built on integrity, equity, transparency and accountability, reflecting his fine qualities.

Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica recognizes and salutes Sir Howard's extraordinary contribution and commendable service to the organization over the years, as well as his commitment to assisting in the task of transforming the lives of the poor.  We are indeed blessed to have had such a stalwart public servant as part of the FFP family, who made his mark on the political, social and religious landscape of Jamaica.  His compassionate humanitarian spirit and dedication are worthy of emulation.

Andrew Mahfood

Chairman

Food For The Poor Jamaica

Friday, July 26, 2013.