The late Paula Watkins: A hero of volunteerism

Janet Silvera, Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator

"ONCE in a while earth is blessed with precious gems, rare, but when found, bring a world of grace and joy."

HOSPITALITY JAMAICA PHOTO Late Chairperson of Hanover Charities (HC) Paula Watkins (left) presenting a cheque to Karen Grant of the Hopewell Jaycees. Roy Tenfah (centre) HC's financial controller looks on. Hanover Charities handed over more than $7 million last year to some 70 charities within the parish.

These words best describe the late Paula Watkins whose love affair with Jamaica started years ago, when she and her husband Dwight bought a villa at the elegant Tryall Golf and Beach Resort in Hanover.

Born in Ohio in the United States, Mrs. Watkins spent more than two thirds of the year in Jamaica. The island became her home away from home and the place she died two Sundays ago while on her way to the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Her body was cremated last Saturday, hours before the Round Hill Hotel Annual Sugar Cane Carnival last Saturday night, which was held in her honour.

"She was one of the main movers and shakers of Hanover Charities (HC), and host chairperson of Tryall; anyone who knew or met her was blessed by her kindness, she came across as a very special person," said Ted Ruddock, managing director of Tryall.

GENEROUS GIVER

He said while she did a tremendous amount of work with HC, she gave very generously, "Not only with her money, but with her time."

Her death has come as a great loss to Hanover's single largest charitable organisation, where she served as volunteer for over 10 years before taking on the role of chairperson after the
passing of another stalwart, Sandy Morris in 2001.

She needed little effort to maintain her commitment. Her love for giving came naturally and was soon considered an inborn talent to work for the better and good of others. On February 18, 2006 "The Sandy Morris Memorial Scholarship" was renamed "The Morris/Watkins Memorial Scholarship," notes a release from the HC Committee at Round Hill.

"She has certainly contributed to the growth of the organisation and has brought it to a higher level in the five years as chairperson. Paula's passing has created a big void; however, she will always be remembered for her exceptional dedication to HC, Jamaica and its people. The board members, supporters and volunteers would like to salute her for her years of service to life and humanity."

HANOVER CHARITIES

The Hanover Charities is the largest charitable organisation in western Jamaica. It was founded in 1957 by the late William Hornby deLisser, Custos of Hanover, who enlisted the aid of Lord and Lady Monson (now Mrs. Betty Phillips), Round Hill and Tryall shareholders.

As a non-profit, exclusively charitable organisation, we rely on donations from past and potential visitors to our beautiful island, as well as local donations. The charity committee organises one fundraiser per year, which is held at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in February, called the 'Sugar Cane Carnival'.

"Our endeavours are to improve the quality of life for the parish of Hanover, generally regarded as the "Cinderella" parish of Jamaica. We contribute to community health, education and welfare activities, and assist over sixty charities," says vice chair Katrin Casserly.

"The board members, supporters and volunteers would like to salute her for her years of service to life and humanity."