Permanent Secretary Audrey Sewell received the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander Class (CD) on National Heroes Day (October 20) in a ceremony at Kings House.

Resplendent in a two piece blue and white power suit, the Permanent Secretary strode across the lawns of Kings House to thunderous applause and mounted the dais where the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen placed the insignia around her neck while handing her the instrument of her investiture.

Later that evening, a function celebrating her achievement was held at the Pegasus Hotel where an audience comprised of persons from her church, the North Street Seventh-day Adventist, the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, the Ministry of Transport, Works & Housing, well-wishers, family and friends gathered to shower her with praises.

Among those paying tributes to the Permanent Secretary was Transport, Works & Housing Minister, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies who described her as ‘a consummate professional who knew her work inside out, especially as it relates to procurement matters.’

Minister without portfolio in charge of Housing in the Ministry, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy described her ‘as a woman of substance who is doing an excellent job in the Ministry.”

Pastor Derek Bignall in recalling several humorous episodes with the Permanent Secretary, noted that she was someone who was a multi-faceted individual – that of family woman, church woman, career woman and a ‘wonderful individual’.

Other tributes came from Mrs. Arlene Williams, formerly of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Donald Foster (Transport Authority), Dr. Grace McLean (Ministry of Education), Mrs. Kathleen Dunkley and DCP Novlette Grant. Elder Norris Crooks from the North Street SDA ably performed MC duties while Mr. Dennis Grant provided beautiful musical accompaniment.