Bark Di Trute!: Pharmaceutical Society Of Jamaica Awardees

Outstanding Pharmacists who have made significant impact in the profession were awarded on Tuesday November 24th at the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) Virtual Awards and Induction ceremony held during Pharmacy week.

Pharmacy week is celebrated annually, this year, from November 21-27 under the theme Pharmacists: Promoting Excellence, Empowering the Nation. The focus was on Pharmacists as healthcare professionals who continue to provide premium patient care whilst finding innovative ways to deliver the standard of practice as the world goes through semantic changes.

Traditionally pharmacy week began with the Church service and Grace Allen Young Lecture which is conducted by Caribbean Institute of Pharmacy Practice Policy and Research (CIPPPAR) in memory of one of the founders of pharmacy, Grace Allen. Other activities include community pharmacy engagements, public pharmacies drug serv, public forum and the welcoming of the newly registered pharmacists into the profession. This year, 47 student pharmacists who have successfully completed one year of internship in clinical pharmacy at a type A and B hospital were successful at the sitting of the final written exam. In order to become a licensed pharmacist, interns are required to obtain an acceptable passing score in an examination that is administered by the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica (PCJ), which is the regulatory body for pharmacy practice.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Francois Cherestal, Clinical Pharmacist and Medical Liaison Officer from the USA. Dr. Cherestal charged the newly registered pharmacists to be innovators and contributors to the profession. He also made an appeal to pharmacists, especially younger ones, to give back in some way to the profession which will continue to foster their growth and development. In attendance at the ceremony was Chairman of the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica, Dr. Eugenie Brown Myrie who gave the official welcome to the newly registered pharmacists. She also charged the fresh batch of pharmacists to keep the standard of practice as dictated by the PSJ Code of Ethics. Dr Winsome Christie, President of the PSJ, also encouraged the new pharmacists to become members of the Society. This is a meaningful way to serve the profession.

As the Evening of Excellence continues, well-known Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sean Moncrieffe kept the audience alive with his rustic and captivating skills as he segued into the announcement of the Peer Awards.

The Prestigious virtual ceremony saw some pioneers and newbies awarded for Excellence in pharmacy practice. Among the awardees were Dr. Rose Victory Evans who copped the Jamaican Pharmacy Primus Award, Okeeno McLeod a previous executive member of the Society who was named Pharmacist of the Year.. Content creator and Health Coach Mischa Christie was named Jamaican Pharmacy Youth Leader and Business mogul, Stafford Haughton from Haughton’s pharmacy and Juliet Kosally Chang from Independence City Pharmacy were both named Male and Female Pharmacy Business Leader of the year respectively. Mr. Haughton was also lauded for his contributions in pharmacy and was the recipient of the Order of Distinction National Award on Heroes Day in October . The Order of Distinction is a national order in the Jamaican honours system. It is the sixth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honour. Two other prominent pharmacists were recipients of national awards; Dr. Radcliffe Goulbourne and Mrs. Jean Maude McKenzie, both received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious service.

Dr. Winsome Christie, leader of the 93 year old Organization recognized members of the media and legal fraternity as well as executive members and staff with the President’s Awards for the impact and yeoman's services made to the PSJ. Veteran Media Broadcaster Vernon Derby and Erica Virtue were awarded as well as Shemala Pullen Mitchell from Television Jamaica (TVJ). Mr Alton Morgan from Legis Law firm and the administrative staff were bestowed with the President's Award. Impressively, two of the youngest members of the PSJ executive council, Gabriella Williams and Kevar Bennett were also among the recipients of the President’s Award.

The Evening of Excellence closes with an astounding performance by Jhennelle Lewis followed by loud applause and cheerful words of excellence via the virtual zoom platform.

PSJ continues to be the light bearer for Pharmacy week coordination in an effort to showcase the knowledge and creativity of pharmacists in empowering patients and the Jamaican populace to healthier living.

THE JAMAICAN PHARMACIST PRIMUS (JPP)