MR. ROLAND DOUGLAS MCPHERSON, J.P.

Roland McPherson, born into a poor family, always had the determination to succeed.  From his early childhood, he knew what it was to face the struggles of life, walking to school bare-footed, and assisting his father on his small farm in order to eke out an existence.  His story is a case of “Great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones.”

Roland McPherson, the first of three children for Axwed McPherson and his wife, Louise, was born on September 14, 1926 at Summer Hill, Brown's Town, in St. Ann.  Although his family was poor, young Roland was determined to succeed.  While growing up, his father instilled in him the traditional values of hard work, discipline, and the virtues of living as a loving and cohesive family.

He attended Park Elementary School, now known as the Brown's Town Primary School.  On leaving Park School, he was sent to Holmwood Practice Training Centre in Christiana, where he spent only 10 days before returning to his home in Brown's Town.  Life at Holmwood was tough during the few early days, and after a few unpleasant incidents, he became more convinced that he didn’t like farming.

Subsequently, he left school, walked over 40 miles back home, and then attended the Middlesex High School (now York Castle High School), where he graduated with the Senior Cambridge Certificate.  After graduation, he was employed to Murray & Tucker, Solicitors.  Whilst working at Murray & Tucker, Mr. McPherson used his meagre salary to assist in educating his only sister who is 13 years younger, thus demonstrating the principles of love and caring his parents taught him.

He was later employed to Reynolds Jamaica Mines as a Warehouse Clerk.  During his 31 years of service, he was promoted to the positions of Store Manager, Warehouse Manager, and Purchasing Manager.  When Reynolds ceased its operations in Jamaica, he was employed to its successor company, Jamaica Bauxite Mining Ltd, where he remained for 12 years.

He has dedicated his services to the St. Ann Parish Church in St. Ann's Bay, where he has served in many capacities as a Sunday School Teacher, member of the Church Committee, and Secretary of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and People's Warden.

He has also provided outstanding services to his community at great personal sacrifice.  He served as a director of the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Jamaica Family Planning Association. Presently, he serves as Vice-Chairman of the St. Ann Parish Library Committee, Vice-Chairman of the St. Ann Spirit Licensing Authority, Vice-Chair of the St. Ann’s Bay Christian Vocational Training Centre, and President of the St. Ann's Bay Citizens’ Association, a position he has held for over 15 years. He has also been responsible for initiating an annual Christmas treat for indigent persons of St. Ann’s Bay, where over a 100 persons receive gifts and grocery packages each year.

The proud father of three sons and one daughter, Roland has cherished memories of his marriage for 44 years to Daisy, now deceased.

In acknowledging exemplary service, he was declared an “International Volunteer” in April 2005 for dedicated commitment to community and nation building through voluntary service.

Roland McPherson, you have been recognized for your determination to succeed and to be a useful and productive citizen working for the upliftment and development of your community and country.  We are delighted to declare you a recipient of the Governor General Achievement Award for the Parish of St Ann, in the year 2005.