Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 12 October 2020
By: Jean Lowrie-Chin
Last Friday, we attended a stakeholder’s workshop organised by the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) where various organisations discussed their programmes to assist our seniors and the less fortunate during this pandemic. We were surprised that a Statin-MOHW survey showed that 75.7% of the Jamaican people did not perceive their community as being at risk for Covid-19. Clearly, many of us are in denial, but the statistics speak for themselves. A table revealed that while it took 151 days to arrive at the first 1,000 cases of Covid in Jamaica, it has taken only 6 days for the last 1,000 cases to emerge. Dr Simone Spence urged us to “treat everyone as if they are positive.”
The concentration of cases in certain areas of Kingston & St Andrew and St Catherine is a warning. The spike is real and the deaths are devastating. Many of his patients are mourning the excellent Dr Lenworth Jackson who passed away from Covid last week.
Thank goodness, there are several organisations who have been giving amazing service to our people. The NCSC led by Cassandra Morrison has been at work islandwide, counselling, assisting with health aids and care items. Saffrey Brown, head of the Council for Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) says the organisation has distributed 50,000 masks and 71,000 care packages. They are collaborating with the Jamaica Council of Churches to set up food kitchens in communities.
Lois Hue, Deputy Head of the Jamaica Red Cross has been increasing their ‘Meals-on-Wheels’ programme for indigent elderly and handicapped persons, even as they also continue to distribute care packages and sanitizing items.
CCRP has contributed $500,000 to Food for the Poor for the preparation of care packages for the elderly indigent, and these were distributed with the assistance of the Police Community Safety Division. The organisation also received a considerable amount of foodstuff from the Digicel Foundation which was distributed to churches and infirmaries islandwide. Mrs Vilma McDonald reported that the Lions Club of New Kingston have continued their outreach to the elderly, also delivering food packages for them.
The PSOJ’s programme for outreach, led by President Keith Duncan has seen top companies stepping up to give millions, and a recent video aimed at the diaspora features a Go Fund Me page so that Jamaicans everywhere can contribute.
R. Danny Williams Autobiography
Congratulations to the legendary R. Danny Williams on the launch of his autobiography ‘I Tried To Make A Difference’. The title reflects Danny Williams’ humility as those who know him, know the huge difference he has made in business, philanthropy and mentorship. It was amazing to see this patriot, this force of nature, at work when he raised funds in record time for the building of the UWI Hospital Intensive Care Facility. As the Founder and President of Life of Jamaica (now Sagicor Life), he changed the face of the insurance industry in Jamaica, creating thousands of successful careers in the field. Danny Williams and Shirley, his wife of 65 years inspire us to give of our best to family and country.
All proceeds of ‘I Tried To Make A Difference’ will go to the R. Danny Williams Endowment Fund, to benefit the students of his beloved Alma Mater, Jamaica College. Copies of the book can be purchased at Sigma Secretariat, Ground Floor – R Danny Williams Building, 28-48 Barbados Avenue.
Digicel Virtual 5K
This ninth running of the Digicel 5K for special needs will take place virtually this month. A unique plan designed by Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis of Running Events will deliver you a ‘Virtual Bib’ after you register at their website so anyone here and abroad can now walk, run and wheel anywhere for special needs. When you submit your time online, you will be rewarded with a medal and certificate.
Since 2012, the Digicel Foundation has raised J$61.5 million to assist school renovations, provide scholarships to students with special needs.
Jamaica Highlights 