About the Award

Each year, the Rotary Club of New Kingston honours the memory of a late member - Rotarian Gary Grant who served the Club with distinction as Secretary and Vocational Service Director.

We do this by presenting to a qualifying Rotarian, the Gary Grant Vocational Service Award. The Award was inaugurated in 2001. Nominations are invited from all the Rotary Clubs in Jamaica and a selection made of the most deserving recipient based on a number of criteria.

For consideration, the nominees must demonstrate in tangible and practical ways service above self and vocational excellence at the level of the club and in their own Vocational  endeavours. Among the criteria, Rotarians must have themselves served as Director of Vocational Service in their own club; they must be effectively involved in their club’s vocational service activities, and have proven themselves in their own vocation.

For 2007 nominations are now being considered by the Selection Committee for announcement and presentation at a special breakfast meeting in November.

Awardees over the years

2007 - Presented to?

2004 - Presented to Rotarian Owen Crooks, Past President
Rotary Club of Kingston Downtown

Who is Owen Crooks?
Currently General Manager of the Jamaica Railway Corporation (oh by the way, are they still running), Rtn Owen bears the vocational classification of rail transportation.

A Rotarian since 1989, he has served his club and the wider community in several capacities. He was responsible for establishing the Rotaract Club of Mico, and Interact Club of Denham Town, created a careers day for students at Kingston Technical High School, installed a billboard with the Rotary 4-Way Test in the Downtown Kingston area and was Rotarian of the Year 2003 in his Club. Rtn Owen has also chaired his Club’s committee on Drug Awareness.

A consistent 100% attendance Rotarian, he demonstrates the qualities of a caring, compassionate and highly involved individual with a strong sense of duty and service.