Unsung Heroes: Veteran Journalist Garfield L. Angus Honoured for Lifelong Service to Education and Community

As Jamaica celebrates National Heroes’ Day, Garfield Angus stands as a living example of modern heroism—using journalism and compassion to uplift others.

Kingston, Jamaica  — As Jamaica prepares to honour the legacy of its national heroes later this month, veteran journalist Garfield L. Angus is being celebrated as one of the island’s unsung heroes—a man whose life of service reflects the values of dedication, perseverance, and community upliftment that define Jamaica’s spirit.

Angus, a senior reporter at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), recently received the Governor-General’s Achievement Award at King’s House in Kingston for his outstanding contributions to education and nation-building. Presented by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, the award recognizes Jamaicans who have made extraordinary impacts on their communities while overcoming personal challenges.

Turning Adversity Into Purpose

Angus’s journey has been far from easy. Raised in difficult circumstances and forced to leave school at a young age, he faced numerous setbacks before carving out a successful career in journalism. But rather than allowing hardship to define him, Angus used it as motivation to empower others.

Through his book Triumphs, he has funded scholarships for 20 high school students, ensuring that others can access the opportunities he once longed for. He also founded the Kitson Town Civic Committee and co-founded the Kitson Town Primary School Past Students’ Association, spearheading initiatives to equip schools with computer tablets and improve learning environments for students and teachers.

“Education opened the door to my purpose,” Angus said in his acceptance remarks. “I dedicate myself to ensuring that individuals and organisations are highlighted in the best way possible. When we tell the right stories, we lift the entire community.”

A Hero for the Modern Jamaica

As Jamaica approaches National Heroes’ Day 2025, Angus’s work reminds the nation that heroism is not limited to those in history books. His impact—rooted in humility, service, and faith—embodies the same spirit of selflessness seen in Jamaica’s revered national heroes.

“Heroism is choosing service over self every single day,” Angus reflected. “It’s about showing up for others even when life has told you ‘no’.”

His example resonates with this year’s National Heroes’ Day theme of “Service and Sacrifice: Building on the Legacy”. While the country honours the courage of figures like Nanny of the Maroons and Marcus Garvey, citizens like Angus remind us that modern heroes are still shaping Jamaica’s story in classrooms, newsrooms, and communities across the island.

Recognition and Inspiration

In addition to the Governor-General’s Award, Angus has received the Trailblazer Award from the Pollyanna Project in New York, the Humanitarian Award from the Kitson Town community, and, most recently, a special honorary diploma from the Jose Marti Technical High School for his commitment to education and journalism.

During the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony, Angus shared his remarkable life story with students. “At 14, my guardian passed away, and I dropped out of school. But I never stopped believing I could rise above my situation,” he said. “Today, I want every young person to know that education is the greatest weapon you can use to change your life.”

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

For more than two decades, Angus has chronicled Jamaica’s stories with integrity and compassion—using his platform to highlight resilience, achievement, and community growth. His devotion to public service, journalism, and youth mentorship cements his place among Jamaica’s living legends.

This Heroes’ Day, while the nation reflects on the sacrifices of the past, Garfield Angus stands as proof that heroism is still alive—manifested in acts of service, integrity, and love for community.

Follow Vision Newspaper – The Caribbean Update for stories celebrating Jamaica’s heroes, innovators, and changemakers this National Heroes’ Day.

The post Unsung Heroes: Veteran Journalist Garfield L. Angus Honoured for Lifelong Service to Education and Community appeared first on Vision Newspaper.