London, 21st November 2019: Two of Jamaica’s trailblazers, Dame Karlene Davis and Bishop Rose Hudson Wilkin, were yesterday presented with the National Order of Distinction (Commander Class) by His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, CD, High Commissioner, on behalf of the Governor-General of Jamaica.
Dame Karlene Davis, DBE, CD, who was born in Portland, Jamaica, is a former General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives. Newly appointed Bishop of Dover, Rt. Reverend Rose Hudson Wilkin, CD, hails from Montego Bay, St. James. Both were conferred with the national honours on Independence Day but were unable to travel to Jamaica to attend the National Honours and Awards Ceremony held at Kings’ House on National Heroes Day, 21st October 2019. Dame Karlene was awarded for her dedicated contribution and services in the Field of Health, in particular, Midwifery to the Jamaican Diaspora, while Bishop Hudson Wilkin was recognized for her outstanding contribution to Religion and Community Development.
In presenting the Awards at a Reception and Handing-Over Ceremony hosted at the High Commission, High Commissioner Ramocan said, “Both Dame Karlene and Bishop Rose have made exceptional contributions in their chosen fields. They are trailblazing women, who have broken glass ceilings to become exemplary role models for generations to come”.
The Ceremony was held following the historic Consecration Service for Bishop Hudson Wilkin which was held at the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The newly appointed Bishop of Dover is the Church of England’s first black female Bishop. She was also the first black woman to have been appointed Chaplain to the Queen and to the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Dame Karlene Davis made history last year when in commemoration of its 70th anniversary, the National Health Service (NHS), named her among the Seventy (70) persons recognized for their contribution to the development of the Health Service. She also made history when she was appointed in 1994 as the first black General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives. She was also Britain’s first female trade union leader.
In receiving their National Honours, both women conveyed gratitude to the Government of Jamaica for recognizing their work through the conferment of this special National award. They expressed appreciation to their respective families, friends and all who supported them over the years. High Commissioner Ramocan praised both women and thanked them for also being great supporters of the High Commission and of the wider Jamaican community in the United Kingdom.
The intimate event was attended by family members and close friends of the honourees, as well as Jamaica’s Honorary Consul, Birmingham, Mr. Wade Lyn, CBE, and other noted business persons. Among the attendees were a number of Anglican Clergy from Jamaica and the USA, including Reverend Canon Hartley Perrin, Custos of Westmorland, Reverend Canon Calvin McIntyre and Reverend Canon Serrano Kitson, from the St. Andrew Parish Church.
