Food For The Poor (FFP) on Friday honoured former Governor General Sir Howard Cooke with a citation in recognition and celebration of the significant contribution he has made to the work of the charity over the years. The presentation was made to Sir Cooke at his Kingston residence.

FFP Chairman Andrew Mahfood hailed the 97-year-old for playing a leading role in many FFP programmes and other national initiatives, which contribute to community development and nation building.

pacesetter

"Sir Cooke, we acknowledge and appreciate your support for our initiatives for the vulnerable, and persons who are facing serious socio-economic challenges," declared Mahfood. "On behalf of FFP, I wish to commend you, Sir, for being a pacesetter in advocacy for the poor and downtrodden in the Jamaican society, over many decades."

Mahfood said that by displaying humanitarian service and support to needy Jamaicans, and to the people of Jamaica, Sir Cooke has certainly inspired the FFP team and complemented the work of the charity. The FFP chairman expressed his appreciation to Sir Cooke and Lady Cooke for their efforts in improving the lives of the less fortunate in Jamaica and, by extension, strengthening the outreach programmes of FFP.

"Continue being a source of great inspiration for all of us! My wish is that people, both young and old, will emulate you, so that Jamaica can become a much more caring place," Mr Mahfood asserted. "Sir Cooke, you will always hold a very special place in the heart of the FFP family and many of our beneficiaries."

Mahfood also presented Sir Cooke with the Citation of Appreciation, on behalf of FFP.

The citation praised his involvement in helping to enhance the public image and overall performance of FFP, as well as the group's implementation of income-generating projects for the less fortunate.

Responding to the tributes, he declared: "I am very, very grateful for the opportunity to serve FFP. I regard FFP as one of the greatest organisations in the world, and you are world leaders." He said it has been a delight to help to attend to the needs of the indigent through FFP.

Recounting some of his experiences and the many achievements of Jamaica, Sir Cooke encouraged Jamaicans to spend more of their time and energies talking about the good things about this nation, rather than the negative things being done by few Jamaicans. "When I talk about our country and its achievement, it inspires me," stated the former governor general. "We must spend more time telling of the good things we are doing. Let people know that we are a great people and we are doing good."