The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) has condemned the brutal murder of 80-year-old Sylvia “Miss Puncy” Barrett from the community of Bamboo in St Ann.
Barrett was reportedly tied up and burned to death in her house last week.
CCRP which expressed shock and outrage following news of Barrett’s death said: “Such acts of cruelty against our senior citizens are becoming all too frequent, and we therefore urge immediate concerted action by the government, communities, families, churches and concerned citizens to protect these vulnerable members of society.”
The CCRP outlined a Programme that can improve the safety and protection of the elderly in our communities.
These are the suggested measures:
Neighbourhood Watch and community organizations identify the elderly and disabled persons in their geographical area, be it a housing scheme, district, lane, or apartment/townhouse complex. This information can be used to arrange for regular visits by members of the community organization to check on the welfare and safety of senior citizens. The information could also be shared with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Poor Relief Department, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade so that specific programs can be arranged for their protection.
Community Safety Workshops: Community based fire safety workshops conducted by the JFB for Neighbourhood Watch, religious, and civic associations to educate elderly individuals and their caregivers on preventative measures and emergency response strategies. These community organizations should take the initiative of inviting the JFB to stage these workshops.
Accessible Fire Safety Resources: We commend the JFB for producing brochures in Braille so that individuals who are blind will get that information of what to do to prevent fires and what to do in the event of fires. We also recommend that accessible formats that can be viewed or heard from their telephones and radios be also provided for the most vulnerable.
Home Safety Inspections: The JFB and community organizations should more closely collaborate in identifying homes where the elderly reside so there can be regular safety inspections, focusing on the unique needs of elderly residents, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Emergency Preparedness Training: Community based organizations should invite and facilitate the JFB to conduct emergency preparedness training sessions specifically tailored for the elderly, emphasizing evacuation plans, safe exits, and communication strategies during emergencies.
The CCRP says it stands ready to collaborate with local authorities, the JCF, the JFB, and community organizations to implement these recommendations and promote a safer living environment for our elderly population.
CCRP Founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin gives her report to CCRP members attending their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew.
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024: WITH MEMBERSHIP now surpassing 12,000 persons, the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), at their annual general meeting (AGM), held at the Police Officers’ Club in Kingston on September 18, 2024, acknowledged that their increase in membership has strengthened the voice of the elderly for their advocacy in areas that include legislation, health services and pensions.
PROPOSED ELDERLY CARE AND PROTECTION LEGISLATION
In her report to the 14th AGM of the CCRP, Executive Chairman and Founder Mrs Jean LowrieChin informed the packed room and 90 online participants that the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security had written to the organisation assuring that the proposed Elderly Care and Protection Legislation is being given priority. She noted that, in response to CCRP’s proposals, the ministry said they are pursuing their research and that at the conclusion of their study, they will organise public discussions with stakeholders, including CCRP.
Some of the CCRP members attended the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Police Officer’s Club in St. Andrew. Other members joined the meeting via Zoom
HEALTH SERVICES
Regarding health services, the annual report noted that, among the five new conditions being covered by the National Health Fund are three that the CCRP had lobbied strongly for, namely colorectal cancer, Parkinson’s disease and thyroid disease. The CCRP chairman explained that those three diseases were identified by the CCRP after receiving recommendations from members all over Jamaica.
PENSIONERS TAX RELIEF
The CCRP Annual Report also welcomed the increase in pensioners tax relief from $80,000 to $250,000, following the strong lobbying of the CCRP that included letters to the minister of finance.
ROCKFORT MINERAL BATH PETITION
Another telling sign of the strength that comes from numbers was evident in the report on the CCRP’s Rockfort Mineral Bath Petition. CCRP launched the petition for the reopening of the bath on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, and within five days, more than 2,500 members had signed the petition and over 300 submitted comments on past experiences of using the bath for health and wellness. The petition was shared with the two parties involved in the management and maintenance of the bath: the National Heritage Trust and Caribbean Cement Company. The good news is that those parties have given their undertaking that the bath will be reopened before the close of 2024.
GROWTH IN CCRP CHAPTERS/PARISH REPRESENTATIVES
A highlight of the CCRP’s Annual Report was the growth of CCRP chapters in Northeast, Central and Western Jamaica, and the wider Corporate Area that includes St Catherine, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew. All chapters now have Caring Committees that have developed activities and outreach plans for their areas.
The growth in CCRP Chapters has resulted in a new set of CCRP volunteers who have become parish representatives. Mrs Lowrie-Chin described the parish representatives as, “CCRP’s eyes and ears on the ground”. They provide information on the condition of seniors in their parish, make suggestions for action to be taken to protect them and improve their lives, and assist with the organisation and execution of planned activities.
HURRICANE BERYL OUTREACH
Mrs Lowrie-Chin expressed the organisation’s profound thanks to CCRP volunteers in areas of Jamaica that were hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl and noted that 100 care packages, valued at $450,000, were distributed to senior citizens who were severely affected by the hurricane. Distribution of those care packages was done mainly in St Elizabeth with the assistance of the National Council for Senior Citizens.
CCRP also sponsored a fundraising performance by the NDTC through which $790,000 was raised. This sum will be used to repair homes of the elderly that were damaged by the hurricane in the parish of Manchester.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The CCRP AGM also expressed appreciation to Sagicor for the two CCRP Health Plans – the Major Medical and Comprehensive plans. The steep increase in premiums for the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) was discussed and it was agreed that this reflected the state of the entire health insurance industry at this time. The CCRP executive will be negotiating with the provider on behalf of members as the new premiums are soon to be determined.
PARTNERSHIPS
Other CCRP partners that were commended at the AGM include Jamaica National General Insurance (JNGI) for their Silver Shield Plan for CCRP members only, and the over 100 discount partners that offer reduced prices to members.
During the discussion section of the AGM, members voiced their support for the advocacy being carried out on their behalf by CCRP. There were also expressions of deep appreciation for the many exciting excursions that are taking place, and which are helping them to experience the CCRP motto of ‘Life to the Fullest’.
LIVING LEGACY AWARDS
At the CCRP AGM, members were reminded that the CCRP 2024 Living Legacy Awards will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Six Jamaicans will receive Living Legacy Awards in various areas of accomplishment. The CCRP Living Legacy Award was created to honour individuals over 60 years old who have contributed to the growth and development of the country, going beyond the call of duty and displaying exemplary service and dedication in their fields of endeavour.
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons was launched in 2010 with the objective of being a vital resource for persons aged 50 years and over. The minimum age for membership has now been lowered to 40.
ABOUT CCRP
CCRP Jamaica is a non-profit, non-denominational and non-political membership organisation for persons 40 and over.
CCRP’s Vision/Mission:
• To work towards ensuring that the vast talent, experience and wisdom of seniors will be respected.
• To ensure that our seniors will enjoy the quality of life they deserve.
• Empowerment of our seniors to continue making their contribution to the development of community, country and region.
Article Name:CCRP AGM affirms ‘more members, stronger voice for seniors’
Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) St Elizabeth parish representative, Joan Martin (centre), receives a donation of care packages for distribution to the Malvern and Treasure Beach communities from CCRP founder and CEO, Jean Lowrie-Chin (right), accompanied by development consultant, Donna Singh.
For many, Christmas is a time of joy and reflection
December’s music has set the stage for a Christmas of joy and reflection. The month started with a soaring concert by the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ), headlined by Messiah, so powerfully sung that there were goosebumps and teary eyes.
In his welcome, NCOJ Chair Christopher Samuda noted, “The National Chorale of Jamaica has awakened George Frideric Handel from centuries of peaceful rest in greeting you with his Messiah, a poignant reminder that the cradled birth of the Son of Man heralded His triumph ultimately over the grave.” Conducted by founding member Winston Ewart, we enjoyed a programme that was also light-hearted and offered Jamaican compositions.
ecember’s music has set the stage for a Christmas of joy and reflection. The month started with a soaring concert by the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ), headlined by Messiah, so powerfully sung that there were goosebumps and teary eyes.
In his welcome, NCOJ Chair Christopher Samuda noted, “The National Chorale of Jamaica has awakened George Frideric Handel from centuries of peaceful rest in greeting you with his Messiah, a poignant reminder that the cradled birth of the Son of Man heralded His triumph ultimately over the grave.” Conducted by founding member Winston Ewart, we enjoyed a programme that was also light-hearted and offered Jamaican compositions.
Another highlight was the Christmas concert by the students of Tessanne Chin’s Voice Box at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium last Sunday. This brought back memories of the Radio City Christmas Show — the youngsters danced and sang in professional unison. Guest stars Sevana, Kevin Downswell and Gramps Morgan had members of the audience on their feet. Chin is paying forward her success; these young people will take the talent and discipline they have developed into productive adulthood.
We also had mellow Sunday evenings enjoying Television Jamaica’s (TVJ) All Together Sing and congratulate winner Dinthill High School and runner-up Central High School. These schools may not be regarded as A-listers, but their performances show that their coaches brought out A-class talent, leaving us to hope that they will have similar guidance with their academics.
Our Stella Maris Christmas lights are attracting admiring views, one lady commenting that she will enjoy that tree rather than having one at home, to save on her electricity bill. More Christmas lights are popping up and I consider them exclamation points for the biggest news of all times — the birth of the Christ Child.
Christmas Vibes
There are conflicting reports on Christmas shopping. We hear that money is short and customers are scarce downtown, yet the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) had to put in new traffic directions on Red Hills Road because of the line-up of vehicles heading to PriceSmart. In Portmore there were long lines ahead of opening time.
My friend Dave Rodney who was visiting for the Opening of the Princess Hotel in Hanover and the Jamaica Tourist Board launch of the tourism winter season was fascinated by the Kingston nightlife, where restaurants are so packed that parking is at a premium. By the way, today is his birthday, so ‘big up’ to my brilliant brother-friend.
The traffic has been unbelievable as well as the continued dangerous driving, with taxis switching lanes, creating crazy lanes, and putting their passengers in danger. Again, we hear complaints about the economy, but I have never seen before so many high-end vehicles. My theory is that the $4billion injected by Government into public sector wages have made this a Merry Christmas for many.
I have heard that not only immigrants but also African Americans are seeking to leave the US for other countries. With Jamaica being only a hop away, we may be seeing visitors who are taking a close look at Jamaica. Rodney commented that what he has been seeing here is a far different Jamaica than the negative headlines on the Internet. To paraphrase Psalm 118:22: The stone that the builder rejected may become the cornerstone.
Paula Llewellyn back as DPP
We have been following Jamaica Observer’s Alicia Dunkley-Willis’s reports on the decision of the Court of Appeal “that cleared the way for Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn to remain in office until she is 65 years of age… Furthermore the panel disagreed with the stance of the Constitutional Court that such an extension would require agreement between the prime minister and the Opposition leader.”
Dunkley-Willis quoted Justice Minister Delroy Chuck: “It further means that the DPP, Ms Paula Llewellyn, who has been out of office, pending this decision, can now resume her office at the earliest possible time. The Government is quite happy that the legislation, which was attacked by the parliamentary Opposition as being unconstitutional, has been finally settled as being valid and constitutional. The Government expects that this will be the end of the matter.”
We were puzzled at the ruling of the Constitutional Court in April, refusing the extension of Llewellyn’s contract to the age of 65, the accepted retirement age for both the public and private sector. Now the country can continue to benefit from DPP Llewellyn’s strong and erudite leadership. She is a national treasure.
Media in Mourning
There we were in November, heartily applauding The Gleaner’s court reporter Barbara Gayle when she received the Veteran’s Award from the Press Association of Jamaica. As she lined up with fellow honourees, they towered over her slight figure. There were hugs and handshakes all around and expressions of admiration for this dedicated veteran.
Imagine the shock when we heard of her death at the hands of a brutal murderer. This was made even more poignant when closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed her handing the man a glass of water and quoting the Bible to him. Now there are reports that the alleged murderer assisted a gardener at Caymanas Estate where Barbara lived. The man he worked with is quoted as saying that the criminal made off with money that belonged to him.
The anguish felt by her co-workers and former mentees is heartbreaking. Journalist Rodney Campbell wrote on X: “If you knew Barbara Gayle the way I did (she called me “the roving rebel”) …she was like the great Carl Wint…a teacher who always made the time to impart knowledge, aid with links/sources, an excellent writer in complete detail.”
Franklin McKnight, who was Gayle’s editor 40 years ago, said on his Frankly Speaking podcast dedicated to his colleague: “It is difficult to find a nicer, gentler woman not given to ‘kas-kas’ and fussing or cruelty, always with that genuine smile.”
He continued: “She knew more about court proceedings than most of us. She knew the jargon and the court officers and yet she never took offence at questions an editor might ask. She was no prima donna, though she might well have been. She was meticulous about getting it right… Barbara Gayle had contacts for everybody who was anybody in the justice system. She had reach and clout. Barbara Gayle was respected and respectable.”
Our deepest sympathy to Barbara’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.
Sing De Chorus! IGT (International Game Technology) Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green (left) and People Partner, Caribbean Simone Seymour-Thomas (right) join principal Elsa Simons (back) and students of Little Angels Learning Centre in a rousing rendition of ‘Sing De Chorus, Clap Yuh Han’. The carol singing occurred during an IGT-sponsored Christmas treat at the school, located at Mustard Seed Communities’ Sophie’s Place in St Andrew. The event brought joy, gifts, and holiday spirit to the children as part of the company’s annual outreach initiative.
Mustard Seed Communities students on autism spectrum thrive at IGT’s Coding and Robotics camp
The news of Team Jamaica earning a bronze medal at the recent Robotics Olympics in Athens, Greece, continues to inspire students across the island. The news, too, has revealed the number of coding and robotics programmes here in Jamaica that provide equal opportunities to under-represented communities to explore technology.
One such programme is IGT’s (International Game Technology) Coding and Robotics Rock! camp, which operates through the organisation’s after school advantage (ASA) programme. This year, however, students from Mustard Seed Communities’ Jerusalem! residential village and Dare to Care programme were the camp’s only autistic participants.“The camp’s curriculum was a great help to them. It took them further from where they were in terms of understanding and using information technology, preparing them for the new school year,” said Melisa Barrett, assistant administrator of Mustard Seed Communities’ Dare to Care Programme.
A State University of New York (SUNY) study entitled ‘The Benefits of Summer Camps for Youth at Risk: A Circle of Courage Framework’ states that community initiatives and partnerships (such as IGT’s ASA programme) are critical in bridging the digital divide.
“By providing tailored support and resources, these initiatives empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage with technology, ultimately promoting equity and fostering a more inclusive tech landscape,” said the study’s author Allison Klee.“The ASA programme is the IGT’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centres in communities where the company operates,” says Shavindra Tewarie-Singh, IGT senior people and transformation manager for the Caribbean. “The programme ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational opportunities while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow,” she said.
Barrett noted that the assignments during the coding and robotics camp encouraged the students to embrace new challenges, and teamwork allowed them to improve their communication skills. The students have taken their enthusiasm into the classroom this school year.
Klee’s study, too, notes that “…Camps intentionally foster autonomy and meaningful experiences, helping at-risk youth acquire vital skills and achievements that they may not find in traditional educational settings. Rather than merely functioning as temporary recreational facilities, summer camps are characterised as intentional communities that promote cognitive, behavioural, physical, social, and emotional development.”
Programmes such as IGT’s Coding and Robotics Rock! camp and ASA teach valuable technical skills and provide a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and achievement. Since 2011, IGT has opened 40 ASA computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean.
“IT learning and tech-driven problem-solving not only has practical applications but also provides a sense of purpose, identity, and limitless opportunities to positively impact the world,“ said IGT Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green. ”IGT remains committed to driving learning through technology.”
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) has recognised six Jamaicans for their lifelong service and contributions to the nation.
The honourees were recognised during the organisation’s annual Living Legacy Awards luncheon, held on November 3 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
This year’s distinguished recipients and their award categories were as follows:
– Dr Pauline Milbourn, awarded for Health in memory of Syringa Marshall-Burnett
– Kumar Sujanani, awarded for Business in memory of J Lester Spaulding
– Dr Lucien Jones, awarded for Philanthropy in memory of Michael Fraser
– Marva Bernard, awarded for Netball and Sport
– Hermine Metcalfe, awarded for Healthcare and Community Service
– Justice Seymour Panton, awarded for Law and Justice
Each honouree expressed heartfelt gratitude for being acknowledged by the CCRP and reaffirmed their commitment to serve and uplift the Jamaican people.
In her welcome address, Jean Lowrie-Chin, CCRP founder and executive chairperson, praised the actions taken in the Upper House of Parliament on October 25, to advance legislation for the care and protection of elderly Jamaicans.
“This milestone decision, supported across party lines, signifies an essential step forward in our ongoing journey to secure the rights and dignity of our senior citizens,” Lowrie-Chin said.
She welcomed the formation of a bipartisan special select committee to advance the legislation, stating CCRP’s readiness to assist in gathering stakeholder input for robust elder protection laws.
The CCRP Chairman also detailed the organization’s ongoing Hurricane Beryl Relief efforts and expressed her gratitude to CCRP’s parish representatives and volunteers who assisted in providing both essential supplies and messages of solidarity.
Lowrie-Chin also announced that a recent CCRP partnership with the National Dance Theatre Company raised over $790,000 towards repairs for elderly citizens’ homes in Manchester.
The CCRP Living Legacy Awards, marking its 11th staging this year, are an annual tradition that celebrates seniors aged 60 and over who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s development. These awards honour innovators and leaders whose tireless work has created lasting, positive impact.
JAAA president speaks on positives of Puma partnership
BY PAUL A REID Observer writer
Jamaica’s Jehlani Gordon (left) hands the baton to Kishane Thompson in the men’s 4x100m heat during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Jamaica is sponsored by German sporting gear manufacturer Puma.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)
Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle says the new deal struck between the body and sporting goods manufacturer Puma was the best one for the country.
At the JAAA’s annual general meeting held at Jamaica College last weekend, Gayle confirmed reports carried by the Jamaica Observer that the JAAA had opted to re-sign with Puma whose existing contract runs out at the end of the year.
While still not sharing the worth or duration of the new deal, Gayle, who responded to questions from the Observer, through a public relations firm, said they had advised Puma what the terms of another competing bid was and felt they did what was best for Jamaica’s track and field.
The JAAA had declined an offer from competing brand adidas worth up to US$40,400,000 (over $6 billion) over eight years between 2025-2032, an increase from another offer of US$26,000,000 (over $4 billion) that was said to have been made in 2013 and was to have also been for eight years as well.
The adidas proposal offered an “annual retainer of US$2.5 million” ($393 million) included in a budget of just under US$3 million ($471 million) in addition to products worth up to another US$2.13 million ($334 million) per year.
Dr Warren Blake, who was president of the JAAA in 2013, has, however, denied that any offer was made at the time.
In his response to the Observer, Gayle said that while there are some “confidentiality provisions” in most sponsorship agreements, “We can share that one of the stipulations is that whatever terms a competitor may offer, they have to be shared with the current sponsor. We acted accordingly and came to the conclusion that the Puma offer was more beneficial to Jamaica.”
One stipulation he shared was that “The Puma offer does not include any penalty for failing to achieve any medal targets”, which was in response to a ‘reduction’ clause in the adidas proposal.
The adidas proposal said failure by Jamaica to win at least five medals, including one gold, at either the World Athletics Championships or the Olympic Games,” then the annual retainer for the subsequent following contract year would be reduced by US$250,000 ($39 million).”
Adidas had offered a US$2.5-million retainer for each of the eight years of the contract.
Additionally Gayle said they were honouring “Puma’s loyalty to JAAA during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining their support, when they could have declared ‘force majeure’ [greater force relating to an act of God] and paused their payments.”
“Adidas had been the JAAA sponsor up to 2001, when we were informed that they were not interested in renewing their sponsorship,” Gayle said. “It was at this time that Puma agreed to be our sponsor. Since then, Puma has extended their support beyond our contract, providing gear and cash to individual school programmes, the National High School Athletic Championships and other national competitions.”
Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle
BY ALICIA DUNKLEY-WILLIS Senior staff reporter observer
LONGMORE… we tend to seem to skirt around the very significant impact of not just dementia but mental wellness challenges that our elderly population face
OVERNMENT Senator and psychiatrist Dr Sapphire Longmore, in appealing for members of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association to be included in the deliberations of the special select committee of the Senate mulling legislative protection for Jamaica’s senior citizens, says the issues of mental wellness and dementia amongst that population cannot be avoided.
“We tend to seem to skirt around the very significant impact of not just dementia but mental wellness challenges that our elderly population face; at that time there is significant depression, and long-term effects of trauma, etcetera. You have persons who have interest in Alzheimer’s research, dementia research who are aligned with the association,” Longmore said on Wednesday during the inaugural meeting of the special select committee.
In batting for their involvement, the consultant psychiatrist continued, “We are finding in the medical space that dementia in Jamaica is almost becoming what we call Type 3 diabetes. That is what the latest research is showing. I say this to say that dementia doesn’t start after 65; the processes occur prior to that and so we need to have the measures in place before the age that we are recognising as the direct point of effect. So I would want for us to have those persons who can contribute to the awareness of such preventative measures so we can seek to address it preventatively,” she stated.
Type 3 diabetes is a term used by some researchers to describe the theory that insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor dysfunction in the brain may cause Alzheimer’s disease. Some research studies have suggested that Alzheimer’s disease should also be classified as a type of diabetes, called type 3 diabetes. However, type 3 diabetes is not currently an official medical term and is not recognised by national health organisations or the American Diabetes Association.
According to the National Institute of Health, the exact connection between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes is still in debate. However, poorly controlled blood sugar may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This relationship is so strong that some have called Alzheimer’s “diabetes of the brain” or “type 3 diabetes (T3D)”.
At Wednesday’s sitting of the committee, Opposition Senator Dr Floyd Morris, who had moved the Private Member’s Motion resulting in the formation of the committee, in sharing that a relative of his who has been suffering from dementia has been missing from last Monday, said, “That is one of the reasons I am going to be very relentless in pushing for this legislation”.
He, in the meantime, said at the head of the queue of invitees to address the committee must be Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, executive director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, who has done extensive work on the welfare of the elderly as well as representatives of the Caribbean Community for Retired Persons, the Council for Senior Citizens as well as the Bankers’ Association.
Meanwhile, Opposition Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns said the input of members of the Medical Association of Jamaica was also necessary “because the general practitioner really, in so many ways, is the first point of contact when it comes on to any medical issue the elderly has to deal with”.
She further recommended that the committee should rely on the guidance of the Jamaican Bar Association given that “there are so many different pieces of legislation that touch and concern our elderly”.
In also calling for feedback from the Household Workers’ Association, given that the care of the elderly is often in the hands of their members, Frazer-Binns said insurance companies should also be part of the conversation.
The motion, originally tabled in 2021 when Morris served as the spokesperson on labour and social security, was approved by the Senate in October this year. The special select committee, which willdeliberate on the scope and details to be included in the legislation, will prepare a report for the Senate’s consideration before it proceeds to Cabinet.
Speaking on the motion in October Senator Morris said, “This is a significant development; our senior citizens, numbering over 350,000 and comprising 13.2 per cent of our population, represent a vital part of our society. They are also our largest voting block.”
(From left) Student Morsell Weir; communications officer at Digicel Foundation, Kedisha Clarke; principal at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Kingston Campus, Terri Ann Bernard and mathematics teacher, Leah Gregg engage with the smartboard in the smart lab at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf on Monday. Photos: Karl Mclarty
CAROL Robertson, board chair at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, is optimistic that the school’s new smart lab, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation, will create “a more level playing field” for students now and in the future as they navigate and find new ways to bridge the gap for students living in Jamaica with disabilities.
“Technology and the way that it is being used now actually creates a more level playing field because you no longer have to be impatient with the communication barriers of the hearing world,” Robertson told the handing-over ceremony held at the school’s Kingston campus on Monday.
She told the students that they can now adequately represent themselves and participate in the world out there — the global economy — through digital tools, which she said is very important.
Robertson noted that this initiative is important for students as it provides them with a platform to grow and sharpen their skills, despite their challenges.
“There are many persons out there in the world who are performing very skilled professions behind a digital screen and they are having the same results simply because they are no longer viewed as somebody who needs extra assistance. I am a part of your community, and we feel that we don’t necessarily get all open doors because people assume that we can’t,” said Robertson.
She urged students to make use of the devices and capitalise on the opportunity gifted to them by the foundation to maximise their potential.
“Get involved [because] technology will always be scary for somebody. Don’t let it be scary for you. Embrace it, and as the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf and everything that we represent that is godly, it is your responsibility to use the technology in a positive way, honouring God as you go while you use it to serve yourselves,” Robertson said as she encouraged the students.
The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Kingston campus, became the 13th school to receive a smart lab under the Digicel Foundation project to put 21 smart labs into schools.
However, this contribution stands out for more than just providing 12 laptops, 12 tablets, and an interactive smart board like other schools in the programme. According to Kedisha Clarke, communications officer at Digicel Foundation, the room also includes customised features tailored to the unique needs of the students.
“So the space was specially retrofitted to meet the unique needs of our deaf students, [and] the advancements include a visual alert doorbell providing a visual cue for students and staff, a network-attached storage system enabling the recording and storage of large video files, including sign language recordings [and] a high quality webcam facilitating clear and effective communication through video conferencing and online learning platforms,” she said. This smart lab is the second to be established in a special needs institution and the first ever by the foundation in a school for the deaf.
In the meantime, the school’s principal, Terri-Ann Bernard, reflected on the process of building the smart lab, noting that it offers teachers the opportunity to diversify their lessons by introducing students to more interactive learning methods.
“When I bring experiences to them it sticks more. So an interactive board like the one that we’re about to demonstrate definitely goes for that interactive doing, which makes learning happen to a different academia, different learning styles, and the interactive tactile and kinaesthetic where you’re doing things and taking on concepts and making them come to real life is one of the things that Ithink definitely resonates with our students,” said Bernard.
Acting executive director of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, John Meeks, also expressed his gratitude for the smart lab, emphasising how the partnership aligns with the school’s mission of “reaching, teaching, and nurturing” deaf students.
“When you bring two visions together — the Digicel Foundation’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and our mission to reach, teach, and nurture the deaf — the synergy created, the coming together of organisations, foundations with a vision of taking people to the next level only speaks well for the future,” Meeks said.
He emphasised that the smart lab is not just a technological upgrade but a transformative tool that will help bridge communication gaps and empower students.
(From left) Principal at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Kingston Campus, Terri Ann Bernard; student Mackalia Sturlin; Communications officer at Digicel Foundation, Kedisha Clarke; chair of the centre Carol Robertson; acting executive director John Meeks; and student Nathaniel Ross cut the ribbon to signal the opening of the school’s new smart lab.
Jamaica Highlights 