THREE of the nation’s top sporting personalities – football administrator Carvel Stewart, former Jamaica Cricket Association president Lyndel Wright, and former FIFA referee Peter Prendergast – have been recognised with the Order of Distinction (Officer Rank).
The awards were announced yesterday by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. The official ceremony is scheduled for Heroes Day, October 19.
Stewart, who was recognised for long and commendable service to Jamaica’s construction industry and sports, says he appreciated the honour.
“I would have to appreciate the award because I’m sure that there are many other candidates,” Stewart told The Gleaner yesterday.
“In a formal way, I’ve been involved in football administration since 1972 with the formation of Harbour View Football Club. As a youth, it was before that time. I just love administration and will continue. I didn’t have things like this in mind,” the Harbour View FC chairman and vice-chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association said.
Stewart is also president of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica.
Former FIFA referee (and former HVFC player) Peter Prendergast heads a list of five sporting personalities, which include Carvel Stewart, Lyndel Wright, the late Albert St P Grant, and Chester Watson, who were yesterday conferred with national honours.
With Jamaica celebrating 53 years of Independence, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, appointed to the orders of the Societies of Honour and to award the Badge of Honour with effect from Independence Day.
Prendergast, 52, who officiated at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final in South Korea and Japan, was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) in the Rank of Officer for his invaluable contribution to the advancement of Jamaica’s football and refereeing.
Stewart, who started his service to football in 1967, is the current chairman of Harbour View Football Club and vice-chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), was also given the Order of Distinction for long and commendable service to Jamaica’s construction industry and sport.
Lyndel Wright, 65, a former Jamaica right-handed batsman and former president of the Jamaica Cricket Association up to 2013, was recognised with the Order of Distinction for his invaluable contribution to the development in the construction industry and sports, in particular cricket, in Jamaica.
Meanwhile, Grant and Watson received Badge of Honours for Long and Faithful Service. Grant received his for long and faithful service to the sport of cricket, while Watson received for excellent service to the Kensington Cricket Club.
Watson, 77, played seven Tests for the West Indies in the 1950s and early 1960s, taking 19 wickets with a best bowling figure of 4-62. He was a fast-bowling opening partner of Wes Hall.
Sources: The Jamaica Gleaner, The Jamaica Observer