Ambassador Johnson Captivates Audience at Atlanta Banquet
By Glen Laman
KCOBA Atlanta Awardees pose with Ambassador Johnson and Mrs. Johnson; Honorary Consul Vin Martin and Mrs. Martin and District Attorney Jewel Scott
Attendees at Atlanta’s eight Annual Reunion & Awards Banquet are still talking about the keynote speech given by the Ambassador and KC Old Boy, Anthony Johnson.
In a stirring and entertaining presentation, the Ambassador exhorted the audience to not merely “drink milk” but seize the opportunities presented by situations such as the sub-prime mortgage meltdown and the tomato salmonella outbreaks and “count cows.”
Dr. Princess Beckford, secretary of the Atlanta Jamaica Association, commented, "he was the highlight of the program and it's rare when we want to sit and listen to a speech instead of dancing but he was relevant, timely, and most of all, interesting."
Alicia Adams led the group in singing the Jamaican and American National anthems. This was followed by the invocation by Derrick Wright, a director of the Atlanta chapter, after which the evening’s MC, Winston Stewart, called on chapter president Glen Laman for his opening remarks. The dinner consisted of jerk chicken or fish with Cajun rice and vegetables for the main course with cheesecake with strawberry topping for dessert.
The ambassador began his presentation with some remarks about Kingston College and quoted from his new book, The Brave May Fall but Never Yield: The History of Kingston College 1925 – 2006. He then went on to show that even in the present economic uncertainties there are opportunities to be seized for the prudent investor. And he encouraged us to look for creative ways in which we can create businesses in Jamaica that will be a benefit both to the country and us.
At the end of his speech, the ambassador was surprised with a cake and the singing of happy birthday. It was discovered just before the event started that it was his birthday. The ambassador and his wife, Pamela, cut the cake together and she fed him the first slice as the audience cheered.
Some KC old boys traveled a long way to attend the banquet. Dr. Howard Clayton came over from Alabama; Dale Keizs, life director of the Toronto chapter, journeyed from Canada; Mike Walters and his wife Janet came from Tampa and Ken Gordon traveled from Jacksonville, Florida for the occasion.
The banquet attracted such dignitaries as Honorary Consul Vin Martin and his wife Hazel; Clayton County District Attorney Jewel Scott and her husband Lee; Dr. Beverly Hall, Superintendent of Atlanta Schools, and her husband, Luis; and the Rev. Dr. Barry Davies and his wife Laodice.
Several local organizations were represented with the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) having the largest contingent which included president Derrick Harvey who received an award, vice president Trevor Smith, past president Alan Alberga, current secretary Dr. Princess Beckford and past treasurer Joy Boothe. Other groups included, The Integrity Children’s Fund, St. Hugh’s Alumnae Association represented by co-presidents Joy Pink and Sharon Marks, and past president Dr. Karen Russell. The Calabar High School contingent included treasurer Michael Thomas. The Benevolent Missions of Atlanta was also represented.
At one point in the program all KC old boys were asked to assemble on stage where they were led by Ambassador Johnson in several Kingston College school cheers such as “Fortis Cadere are we yes…” and “KC’s flag will always fly, A-B-I-L-I-T-Y…”
The Atlanta chapter presented awards to nine recipients for 2008. Dr. Marc Roberts the evening’s Honoree was unable to attend—we learnt that his mother had just passed on—but was represented by his assistant Victoria Wiggin. Major (Ret.) Karl Chambers, President of the Integrity Children’s Fund, was represented by his son Chad as he also was unavoidably absent. He along with Derrick Harvey, President of the AJA were the two recipients of the chapter’s community service awards.
Continuing a trend KCOBA Atlanta started last year, the ladies were not forgotten and six of them were saluted for their service to the chapter over the years. They were: Alicia Adams, Arlene Barrett, Toni Laman, Jo-Ann McNish, Calys Stewart and Merthella Wright.
After the vote of thanks by past president, Everton Barrett, DJ Migrane turned on the sound and soon had the crowd “dancing to the music.”
Ambassador Anthony Johnson gave a stirring speech
VP Winston Stewart was the evening's MC
Honorary Consul Vin Martin introduced the ambassador
Clayton County District Attorney Jewel Scott cheers the awardees
Victoria Wiggin represented Honoree Dr. Marc Roberts
Glen Laman, President of the KC Old Boys presents award to Derrick Harvey, president of AJA
Chad represented his dad Karl Chambers, president of Integrity Children's Fund
KCOBA Atlanta president, Glen Laman, presents Alicia Adams her award for service
Arlene Barrett with her award
Toni Laman displays her award
Jo-Ann McNish poses with her award
Annette Stewart received award on behalf of her sister-in-law Calys Stewart
Derrick R. Wright received award on behalf of his wife Merthella Wright
Ambassador Johnson led the Old Boys in some Fortis cheers
Past President Everton Barrett gave the vote of thanks
