September 27th marked a momentous occasion for the leader of IDMC, John Fisher. John was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Her Majesty the Queen, but due to Covid-19, the official investiture ceremony was put on hold until now.

John said, ”Good morning family, the day is here! The day of the BEM investiture ceremony, and the First Lady and I are sitting proudly in Westminster Abbey in London celebrating the memory of my parents and representing my Jamaican Heritage.”

John’s work across schools in London and communities across the UK and Europe for the past 12 years, was celebrated at Westminster’s Abbey in London on the 27th of September, 2021.

John is the son of one of the most influential Bishop couples pastoring in NTCG churches both here in the UK; and in Browns Town and Ocho Rios Jamaica. The late Dr Cecil and Rhoda Fisher who both passed in November of 2019 and December of 2020, were unable to see their son awarded this great honour, and so he celebrates them for being a major part of the leadership influence in his life that put him on the path to this moment.

John shared these thoughts:

”I want to remember my mum Rhoda Fisher and my dad Cecil Fisher, who I know would be so proud today. I felt so proud wearing my dad’s chained time piece and cuff links, and my mums spirit was with me. I was filled with emotion and cried when I got back to my seat, and gave thanks to God for the example they left with me.

I can only hope the example I leave with all my students, is one of aspiration.

I am truly humbled!”

Congratulations John! We’re delighted to see your work in the community being recognised and celebrated.