EDWIN SAMUEL COLEMAN

Edwin Samuel Coleman was born in Clarendon on February 12, 1957, and is the eldest of four boys. He grew up in a single parent household, as his father died when he was eight years old. Growing up was not easy, as he assisted his mother with a small farming plot, which provided food for his family.

His early schooling began at Simon Primary, where he obtained a government scholarship to attend Clarendon College. With the assistance from Poor Relief, donors and the school’s Bursar, Edwin graduated from Clarendon College with Honours and furthered his education at Church Teachers’ College where he became a certified Mathematics Teacher. After graduating from Teachers’ College, he went to the University of the West Indies, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounts and Management.

Edwin Coleman has taught at three high schools: Priory, Happy Grove, and St. Mary High. Over the years, he has made tremendous sacrifices assisting the fellowmen of his community. For 10 years he served as Director for the Swift Parcell Boys’ Home, United Nations volunteer as a Poverty Alleviation Officer for St. Mary, and Coordinator for the H.E.A.R.T. Training project in Richmond, St. Mary. He is also an active member of the Lyndale Girls Home and is the initiator of two income-generating projects - Highgate Dolls and Craft Cooperative. Edwin is also a member of the Board for Habitat Jamaica Limited, where he coordinates activities for the companies in St. Ann, St. Mary, and Portland.

At present, Edwin is working with the National Drug Abuse Council as a volunteer assisting with the development of income-generating projects for the youths at risk of substance abuse. He is also coordinating a house-building project, which is targeted at low-income earners. He is a proud father of three children.

Edwin Samuel Coleman, for your determination to succeed, while at the same time, caring for the welfare of your fellow citizens, we are pleased to declare you a worthy recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for the parish of St. Mary, for the year 2005.