Month: December 2024

FFTP assists 24,000 in Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts

Man poses with donations from food for the poor after Beryl

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – More than 100 days after Hurricane Beryl’s passage a sense of normality is returning to affected communities, but the most pressing need remains housing repairs, particularly roof restorations, according to Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFTP).

With a specific focus on Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth, FFTP says over the past four months, approximately 24,000 lives have been positively impacted from various recovery activities. Additionally, up to 5,000 care packages which include food and toiletries have been distributed; and the charity says it directly improved the living conditions of over 700 individuals through roof repair activities.

FFTP Executive Director Kivette Silvera-Stephens said, “We understand the importance of not just immediate relief, but building resilience for the future. Our focus is on ensuring that families, farmers and fisherfolk can rebuild sustainably, and thanks to our many partners, we are seeing resuscitation in the communities and sectors that were impacted.”

The agricultural sector was heavily impacted by the hurricane and is a key focus of FFTP’s recovery initiative. Farmers and fisherfolk experienced severe losses, affecting scores of families and food production island-wide. Agricultural projects are currently being implemented to further the redevelopment of farms, directly benefiting close to 100 individuals and impacting over 300 more. Additionally, over 600 farmers and fisherfolk benefitted from tools, relief packages and training, FFTP said.

Agatha McDonald, a centenarian residing in Portland Cottage, Clarendon benefited from FFTP’s housing repairs. Her family evacuated the premises before the hurricane hit, only to return to a roofless house. Following the renovation, McDonald’s daughter and caregiver shared her thoughts about the experience: “The house top gone, everything gone…we were left empty after the hurricane but thanks to all the donors and Food For The Poor for coming to our rescue and helping to fix our roof.”

Michelle Parchment is a farmer from St Elizabeth. Like other residents in the community, her livelihood was placed on pause following Hurricane Beryl.

“I was doing pretty well…then Hurricane Beryl came along. I had eighty chickens, 4-weeks-old…the hurricane took off the entire roof of the coop and all the chickens drowned…I lost everything,” Parchment said.

As part of the recovery efforts in the parish, FFTP assisted Parchment with a new chicken coop and baby chicks…and today her business is thriving.

“It is a nice and needed gesture and to get the chickens is a great and a big start for all of us who benefited. Whatever I earn from this, I plan to put it back into my business, maybe even expand the business in the future. My family and I are in a better place,” Parchment said.

The organisation’s work has garnered support from both local and international partners, enabling additional projects in greenhouse repairs, back-to-school grants, training for fisherfolk, installation of community water points, mental health sessions, and the restoration of a health centre in Rocky Point, Clarendon.

“We remain committed to supporting families and communities, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainable recovery. With the humanitarian spirit that we have experienced from our many partners, we are confident that better days are ahead, and we are grateful that after four months, a sense of normality is returning to the affected communities,” Silvera-Stephens stated.

Marubeni partners with FFPJ to build houses for families in need

On October 28, 2024, in Bongo Town, Victoria, on the outskirts of Linstead, St. Catherine, Marubeni Power International, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ), provided a new home for Mavadeen Aldred (front, centre), a single mother of three who survived years of abuse and housing instability. Sharing the frame are Marubeni Power International Inc. Senior Vice President Damian Obiglio (third left) and colleagues Takuya Kokawa, associate (front, left) and Keisuke Harada, senior manager (back, left). And Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) management, Executive Director Kivette Silvera (front, right), Director of Agriculture & Fisheries Nakhle Hado (right) and Development and Marketing Manager Marsha Burrell-Rose.

Since Marubeni Power International, Inc made its entry into Jamaica’s energy sector as one of the major shareholders of Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, the company has not only focused on business growth but also demonstrated its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

For many years, Marubeni has been actively engaged in philanthropic activities aimed at giving back to the people of Jamaica.

On October 28, at Linstead, St Catherine, Marubeni, in collaboration with Food For the Poor Jamaica, provided a home for a family in need. The Marubeni team of Damian Obiglio, Keisuke Harada and Takuya Kokawa were there to hand over the keys to Mavadeen Aldred, a mother of three.

Mavedeen is on a path to a brighter future thanks to the compassion of Marubeni and the dedicated efforts of Food For The Poor Jamaica and ending decades of instability, uncertainty and woe. In 2011, after leaving an abusive partner, Aldred moved into a one-room structure belonging to her grandmother; it was later demolished due to safety concerns. In 2021, she moved to Bongo Town, Victoria (Linstead), into a house owned by a caring friend. It had a deteriorating ceiling that leaked whenever it rained and posed ongoing difficulties for the family of five (Aldred, her three children and her mother), who are striving for stability and safety.

“We have been collaborating with Food For The Poor Jamaica because we see the excellent work they have been doing over several decades. Their values align with the Marubeni creed: Fairness, Innovation and Harmony,” said Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice President, Marubeni Power International Inc. 

He continued: “When it comes to harmony, there is no better place to develop this than in the home. A loving home is the foundation of harmony. It is a place to build family values, a place to study, a place to rest.”

This partnership highlights the importance of community support and corporate responsibility in helping those in vulnerable situations. “Partnerships foster a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. When we unite our efforts, we maximise resources and inspire others to join the cause,” said Food For the Poor Jamaica Executive Director Kivette Silvera.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support we have received,” said Aldred. “This new house will not only improve our living conditions but also bring hope and security to my family.”

EPOC – A model for Jamaica’s progress

Jean Lowrie-Chin/Writer

Finance Minister Fayval Williams cuts the EPOC celebration cake with (from left) Donovan Wignal, MSME Alliance, Courtney Williams, Fiscal Commissioner, Terron Francis, Ministry of Finance and Keith Duncan, EPOC Chair.

Over its 11-year history there have been continuous laurels for the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), born out of the need for close monitoring of our economy while benefitting from an IMF loan. The PSOJ’s crime monitoring committee, CMOC, has been modelled on it, and there have been calls for the Education Transformation Programme to have a similar oversight Committee.

At last Friday’s final quarterly EPOC press briefing, Chair Keith Duncan noted that Dr. Peter Phillips serving as Minister of Finance in 2013, ‘heeded the call of civil society and actively guided and supported the establishment of EPOC’ under the joint chairmanship of Bank of Jamaica Governor (BOJ) Richard Byles and former BOJ Governor Brian Wynter.”

Duncan succeeded Byles as co-chair with Wynter, and in 2019 continued as sole chair. Team members at our shop were inspired by Duncan’s passionate resolve that the people of Jamaica must understand our economic status. He kept reminding that EPOC was monitoring “not the IMF plan, but Jamaica’s plan.” He used every possible mode of communication: his team led by Althea Walters pulled on the skills of Adtelligent and PROComm and the media responded positively to his frank, down-to earth updates. Duncan embraced our suggestion to go ‘Pon di Corner’ to engage ordinary Jamaicans in the understanding of our economic progress. Sharing in refreshments, citizens of our inner-city communities listened and asked questions, taking with them simply worded flyers.

At the briefing Finance Minister Fayval Williams lauded the Committee: “The commitment to responsible fiscal policy and prudent fiscal management by successive administrations since 2013 has delivered a reduction in public debt to 68% of GDP – the lowest in almost 50 years and our debt trajectory is on track to meet the target of 60 per cent of GDP by Fiscal Year 2026/27. Macro-economic stability is now entrenched, and key economic indicators are aligned to create a positive outlook for growth and development.”

We owe a debt of gratitude to Duncan and members of EPOC: Richard Lumsden, David Noel, Septimus Blake, Donovan Wignal, Helene Davis-Whyte, Jason Morris, Lenworth Fulton, Ralston Hyman, members of the Finance Ministry team: Terron Francis and Trevor Anderson and members of the Bank of Jamaica team. 

We need not be concerned at the closure of EPOC. Minister Willams announced that the Fiscal Commission as directed by the Independent Fiscal Commission Act passed in 2021, will come into effect on January 1, 2025, and will be led by Courtney Williams in his capacity as Fiscal Commissioner.  Courtney Willams is a seasoned public servant who held a post at the IMF for three years. She noted: “The Independent Fiscal Commission is a permanent agency with a statutory mandate to assess publicly and independently from partisan influence, a government’s fiscal policies, plans, and performance against macroeconomic objectives related to the long-term sustainability of public finances and short to medium-term macroeconomic stability.” 

As the saying goes, “the reward for good work is more work”, and so Minister Williams announced the Fiscal Advisory Committee (FAC), to be chaired by Keith Duncan. “As it was with EPOC,” she said, “the Fiscal Advisory Committee will have representation from a wide cross-section of society including the trade union movement, civil society, academia and the private sector. Along with Mr. Duncan, the Committee will be served by Helene Davis-Whyte, immediate past president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions; Nancy Pinchas, Executive Director of the Council of Voluntary Social Services; Dr. Patrice Whitely, Head of the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies, Mona and Kareem Tomlinson, Managing Director of GK Capital Management Limited.” Let us continue to follow the progress of the Commission; it should continue keeping stakeholders on their toes, as did EPOC.

Avelo to introduce low-cost flights from Connecticut to MoBay this fall

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Beginning November 16, 2024, Avelo Airlines will operate its first scheduled international route between Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) and Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL).

These non-stop flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing an accessible and affordable travel option for passengers.

Introductory one-way fares between MBJ and BDL start at US$178.

The airline made the announcement on Wednesday.Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between Montego Bay, St James and the capital region of Connecticut.Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has welcomed Avelo Airlines’ announcement.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Avelo Airlines to Montego Bay with their new direct flights from Hartford, Connecticut. This route is of great significance as Connecticut and the surrounding areas represent a major market for visitors to Jamaica. Additionally, these regions have a high concentration of Jamaica’s Diaspora, making this new service a vital link for families and friends. We are confident that this new connection will not only enhance convenience for travellers but also boost tourism and strengthen the cultural ties between our nations,” Bartlett stated.

Avelo Airlines announced this expansion as part of the largest growth initiative in its history, introducing nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to seven new destinations, including its first-ever international flights. Alongside Montego Bay, Avelo will also launch flights to Cancun, Mexico, beginning November 20, 2024.

“The Ministry of Tourism commends Avelo Airlines for recognising the value of expanding their service to Jamaica and looks forward to a successful partnership that will benefit both destinations,” Minister Bartlett added.

Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines has quickly established itself as a leading ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States. With a focus on providing affordable and convenient travel options, Avelo has rapidly expanded its network to include a variety of domestic and international destinations. The airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative service has made it a popular choice among travellers.

IGT extends assistive learning support to Mustard Seed Communities

The Gift of Giving: Rohan Williams (left), IGT senior technology manager, shares smiles with Ann-Marie Parker-Dale (centre), facility manager, Mustard Seed Communities Gift of Hope, and Camille Barnett, matron as he presents the Mustard Seed Communities Gift of Hope with their new iCan Talk communication device for residents with autism.

Children at the Mustard Seed Communities’ Gift of Hope in Mandeville were presented with 15 Start2Learn Handheld Communication devices by International Game Technology (IGT).

Gift of Hope offers a nurturing home to children with disabilities aged two to 34.

The Start2Learn iCan Talk device, recommended by Occupational Therapist Specialists from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), plays a pivotal role in empowering children with communication challenges.

These devices provide a voice for those who need it most, facilitating greater engagement and participation in educational and social activities.

The donation marks the second contribution of assistive learning devices to Mustard Seed Communities as part of IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) programme, following a previous donation in 2019 of the Tobii Dynavox Speech Case & iPad.

Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica, highlighted the significance of the company’s After School Advantage (ASA) programme in addressing the ‘Digital Divide’ faced by less fortunate children.

“In today’s increasingly digital society, access to technology is essential for educational and economic advancement,” said Green. “Through ASA, IGT helps bridge this gap by providing computer labs and assistive devices for thousands of youngsters in children’s homes and places of safety across Jamaica and the Caribbean.”

The impact of such technology is profound, as evidenced by the success stories from Mustard Seed Communities.

Administrator Ann Marie Parker reported that two students, previously unable to communicate orally, have successfully integrated into school life through the use of the assistive devices provided by IGT.

GAP effects leadership changes at Kingston airport

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), operators of the Norman Manley and Sangster international airports and the PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), has effected significant leadership changes.

These appointments, actualised as of April 1, aim at delivering the best possible customer service and excellence in airport management and operations.

Chiefly, seasoned Mexican aviation professional, Fernando Vistrain, will assume the role of GAP country manager for Jamaica.

According to the Guadalajara-based airport operators, Vistrain brings a wealth of experience to the position. He joined GAP in 2003 and has held various key positions within the organisation, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication throughout his career.

Mr. Fernando Vistrain, Country Manager for Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) for Jamaica

Vistrain’s extensive experience in aviation security, operations management, and strategic leadership makes him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in Jamaica. His track record of success, coupled with his deep understanding of the industry, will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the services and facilities at Norman Manley International Airport.

Fernando holds a diploma in Industrial Processes and a BSC in Aeronautical Engineering from Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico City. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Vistrain is committed to furthering his expertise and contributing to the continued success of Kingston Airport Limited.

Additionally, Sitara English-Bayfield will take over as CEO at Kingston Airport Limited.

Mrs. Sitara English-Bayfield will take over as the Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Airport Limited.

English-Bayfield is an accomplished professional with a strong finance and administration background. She has been serving KAL since October 2019, functioning as its director of finance and administration, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

With over a decade of experience in financial management and project planning within the aviation industry, English-Bayfield brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Her proven track record of success and dedication to excellence make her the perfect candidate to lead Kingston Airport Limited into its next phase of growth and development.

Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law. English-Bayfield is a certified International Airport Professional (IAP), having completed the requirements of the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP) offered jointly by the Airports Council International and the International Civil Aviation Organization.