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Constable Ricardo Fairclough has been posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for Bravery, which came as a “surprise” to the slain officer’s family, who said they have been overwhelmed with grief over the past four months.
On April 15, Constable Fairclough was shot after confronting a gunman who shot and injured a vendor in St Ann’s.
He later died of his injuries in hospital.
Yesterday, he was one of 150 Jamaicans to be honoured with a national award to mark the 62nd anniversary of Jamaica’s independence.
The award has boosted the spirits of Fairclough’s family, who say they have endured a dark period since his killing, which has rocked the Lichfield community south of Trelawny.
“We are very happy. I know his death was not a good one, but I am very happy to know that the government has recognized his bravery,” Constable Fairclough’s sister, Winterlyn Fairclough, told The Gleaners yesterday.
“I know a lot of people wouldn’t have sacrificed their lives like he did. I’ve spoken to a lot of people who said they wouldn’t have intervened because they weren’t on duty. What he did was truly heroic. So, we’re very happy about it,” an excited Fairclough added.
Constable Fairclough’s brother Wayne called his bravery “Christ-like,” noting it reflected his purpose of always serving others.
“He lost his life, but we’re so proud of him and happy that he got this. It’s not easy; we still have the memories, but little by little. You know…” his brother said.
Like the family, the news of the national awards also came as a surprise to several other outstanding Jamaicans who have been recognized for their contributions to the country in their respective fields.
For Dr Clare Grant, deputy chief executive of broadcast services and content (group) at RJRGLEANER Communications Group, receiving the Officer of the Order of Distinction was “an honour”.
Grant was awarded membership in recognition of her services to the fields of journalism, media and communications and is a media professional with more than three decades of industry experience in print, television, radio and more.
She also serves as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union in Barbados.
“It’s certainly nice to know that what you do is appreciated at such a high level. It’s humbling and it really puts your life’s work in perspective and the fact that it’s clearly had an impact that warrants a national honor,” Grant said.
Decades of contribution
This feeling is shared by all the laureates, most of whom have contributed to the development of their respective fields for decades.
Courtney Campbell has been contributing to Jamaica’s financial sector since 1985. For this, the VM Group President and CEO has been awarded the Commander of the Order of Distinction.
“It’s always nice to be recognized, although we don’t do things for recognition. I do these things because I’m passionate about achieving my goals. As our national pledge says, I strive to inspire my fellow citizens,” Campbell said.
“God has blessed me so much with my family and the VM team who are equally committed. I consider this a gift from God,” he added.
For more than a decade, Rev. Gary Harriott has been faithfully joining the nation in midday prayer.
In addition, he has served in the fields of religion, ecumenical movements and social advocacy for more than thirty years.
Now, like Campbell, he has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with the rank of Commander.
He said he never imagined that one day he would be rewarded for his unpaid services.
“Now that you’re getting recognition and you’re getting congratulations from all over, it does make you feel like the work you’re doing is appreciated, even though that wasn’t your motivation.
“You serve because you believe it will contribute to the development of society. That’s what keeps me working and serving,” Harriott said.
The award takes effect each year on Independence Day and is appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Yesterday, former banker Minna Israel said it was “a really happy Independence Day” after learning she had won a national award.
Israel, who currently serves as Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor for Resource Development at the University of the West Indies, was awarded the Commander of the Order of Distinction for his services to banking, educational development and public service.
Israel told The Gleaners Her heart was filled with gratitude.
“This award and recognition means a lot to me, and I am honored to be recognized for my efforts and contributions in all aspects of my career, including serving my country in various capacities when needed,” she said.
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