Citations

REV. Devon Dick

When Devon Dick entered the doors of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 1999, the first thing that struck members of staff, especially the women, was his striking good looks and beautiful smile. When he was introduced as the Reverend Devon Dick, there was an air of uncertainty as to how to approach him. We quickly learned that he was infinitely approachable.

We learned too that he is a man of passions. He is passionate about Christ and his Church; passionate about the parish of his birth, St. Thomas; passionate about his alma mater, Calabar High; passionate about his Jamaican heritage and passionate about his lovely wife Mary and their three children.

It was his passion for the Heritage that led him to the JNHT in 1999. He grasped at the opportunity to serve on the Board because he saw the immense potential of the Trust. He arrived with dreams and ideas of how to push the organization forward.

A dynamic pastor with strength of purpose, Rev. Dick sought to lift the spirit of the organisation. He was honest and forthright but never in an unkind way. He detested mediocrity and was often impatient and frustrated at the pace at which things progressed, but he soldiered on. Through it all, his commitment to the Trust never wavered.

As chairman, Rev. Dick cared about the staff and was always sensitive to their needs. He offered his services as mediator when conflicts arose and was refreshingly sincere in his actions. Having been happily married to his wife Mary for twenty years, he wanted everyone to share in wedded bliss. And so he often asked staff when they were getting married, which always brought on a smile.

Everyone who has worked with Rev. Dick can attest to his wit. He has a quirky sense of humour that often cracks up those in his presence. But they also appreciated his serious side and his quick grasp of the important issues.

Rev. Dick has an unquenching thirst for knowledge, hence his love for research. This is why for example, he pushed the Trust to do more in terms of publication. During his stint as chairman, the JNHT finally published the English version of the book Spanish Jamaica by Morales Padron and Jamaica’s Journey To Independence 1831-1962.

Other projects completed under his stewardship are archaeological investigations and the construction of facilities at Stony Gut in St. Thomas where National Hero Paul Bogle had his chapel; the restoration of the annex of Headquarters House to accommodate staff; a new exhibition at Seville Heritage Park to educate visitors' on our rich history; the construction of a monument to the Most Hon. Michael Manley, former Prime Minister and the Construction of the Park of World Heroes. For these we say job well done.

Sadly, it is recognised, that an asset like yourself must move on. Your love of learning and continued push for self development has limited your time with us. And so we make way for you to pursue your new experiences. May you never allow your passion for heritage to wane.

We wish for you Rev Dick, man of courage, conviction, integrity, principle, energy and excellence, Godspeed. May God's hand continue to guide you to further success