Congratulations to celebrated poet, editor, musician and storyteller Professor Kwame Dawes on his investiture as Poet Laureate of Jamaica last week. He is the son of novelist and Institute of Jamaica Executive Director Neville Dawes. The Jamaica College graduate was moved by a presentation by students of his alma mater at the event. He holds a BA in Literatures in English at UWI and as a Commonwealth Scholar earned a PhD at the University of New Brunswick.
Professor Dawes has won prestigious awards for his over 30 collections of poetry and is a co-founder of the Calabash International Poetry Festival. The Musgrave Silver Medallist is a professor of Literary Arts at Brown University and lecturer in the Master of Fine Arts Programme at Pacific University in Oregan.
Jamaica’s First Poet Laureate was Tom Redcam (his nom-de-plume was his surname spelled backwards – MacDermot), who was so honoured posthumously, from 1910 to 1933. J.E.C McFarlane served from 1953 to his death in 1962. After it was re-instituted in 2014, we have been blessed with legendary Poet Laureates: Mervyn Morris, Lorna Goodison and Olive Senior.
I remember the late Ralph Thompson advocating the teaching of poetry, pointing out that when we develop imagination, people will have the ability to discern consequences before endangering themselves. Besides the grandeur of great lines, what better reason is there to teach and enjoy poetry?
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.”
As we celebrate Marcus Garvey’s words made famous by Bob Marley, we ponder how, as we celebrate President Biden’s pardon of Jamaica’s first National Hero, we still have communities living under the whip of mental slavery, in the form of gangsters.
“They carry my son to the barber,” declared a community member who protested Police action against gangs in Spanish Town last week. Roads were blocked after an alleged gang leader was killed in a shootout with the Police. Our courageous JCF officers, supported by JDF soldiers were able to bring calm to Spanish Town in 24 hours. Their biggest enemy however is the mental slavery imposed on our poor and illiterate by these gangs, initially supported by politicians on both sides, now beyond their control and dictating to the most vulnerable among us.
One school principal said a student explained that he has to pretend to be tough when he returns from school to his gang-controlled community, or he would be a laughingstock. For decades, admirers of Garvey have been petitioning the Government to include Garvey’s teachings in the school curriculum: his messages of discipline, dignity, self-reliance, self-esteem. While we sympathise with PM Dr Andrew Holness as he pleads for peace, we ask again that we immerse our children in Garvey’s philosophy so these values can be foundational in their formation.
Ken Jones curated Marcus Garvey’s quotes, presenting them under various headings in his book, “Marcus Garvey Said ….” That book should be required reading for every Jamaican high school student. Garvey was a voracious reader. We have fine librarians in every parish of Jamaica, ready to guide our children in skilled reading. My love of literature started at the Savanna-la-mar Library where our shopkeeper mother would send my sister and me regularly. Librarian Miss Ottey would make reading exciting. When my mother remarried and we were leaving for Kingston, Miss Ottey invited her two little fans (seven- and nine-year-old) to dinner, so close we had become.
Our libraries are free and welcoming. Could our MPs please encourage their inner-city constituents to send their children to the library and sponsor reading competitions for them. This is a national emergency and as Education Minister Dr Dana Morris-Dixon explains, it is a challenge for every single Jamaican. However, we elect our leaders to lead. The invective coming out of tribalists on social media calls for better monitoring. What kind of example are we setting for our young people when they see actual vulgar words being used in these posts? Garvey used no curse words yet became the leader of millions in the Jamaican and African Diaspora.
Lee Henderson (left) and Anna Horndahl (centre), co-founders of the Kingstad Serendipity Fund, are seen with Miguel “Steppa” Williams, director of strategic planning and community development at Digicel Foundation, at the recent handover of a state-of-the-art football field at Pembroke Hall Primary School.
Pembroke Hall Primary in St Andrew has unveiled its upgraded football field, a US$100,000-project that has transformed the school’s outdoor space into a safe and functional environment for students.
The initiative was made possible through a collaboration between the Kingstad Serendipity Fund and Digicel Foundation — which contributed a US$20,000 grant as part of its 20-for-20-for-20 Community Development programme.
The project involved the procurement and installation of 19,065 square feet of high-grade synthetic turf and related materials, providing a state-of-the-art facility for sports and physical education.
The field was dedicated to the memory of Estreana Rebecca Morrison, the grandmother of Lee Henderson, the Jamaican-raised US businessman and co-founder of the Kingstad Serendipity Fund.This project is deeply personal to me — it’s a way to give back to the school and community that were instrumental in shaping the person I’ve become,” said Henderson.“As a child, I played on this very field, which was made of dirt and uneven patches. It posed safety risks and became unusable during rainy periods,” added Henderson. The Kingstad Serendipity Fund plans to establish the Kingstad Football Club, giving young athletes a platform to develop their talents while learning life skills such as teamwork and discipline.“Every dollar generated by the football club and field will be reinvested into the school. These funds will support the team, provide upgrades in technology, and enhance the school’s infrastructure, ensuring Pembroke Hall remains a beacon of excellence for generations to come,” declared Henderson.
In the meantime, Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, emphasised her organisation’s commitment to empowering communities through strategic partnerships.
“The Digicel Foundation is thrilled to support Pembroke Hall Primary in creating this modern football field. Sports play a vital role in youth development, teaching critical values like discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
“By partnering with the Kingstad Serendipity Fund, we’re ensuring students have a safe space to grow and to dream big,” said Daniels.
Amira Anderson of Mountain View Primary and Infant School interacts with the Coldax Smart touchscreen device donated by Digicel Foundation. Looking on from left are Mountain View Primary Principal Michelle Robinson, student Steve Richards, senior operations manager at Digicel Foundation Jodi-Ann McFarlene; and Leanne Spence, product training and development manager at Coldax Smart. Occasion was the official handing over ceremony of a smart lab by Digicel Foundation to Mountain View Primary and Infant School on Wednesday. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
With Mountain View Primary and Infant School becoming the 12th school to receive a new smart lab from the Digicel Foundation, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Education Dr Kasan Troupe is urging teachers to maximise the use of technology in schools and give students more opportunities to engage with the devices.
“Teachers, do not be afraid of it. It is for use, for learning, for exploring,” she said at the handing-over ceremony of a smart lab on Wednesday at the Mountain View Primary and Infant School.
Dr Troupe expressed disappointment that, based on her observations, some schools have not been making full use of these devices mainly due to the fear of students damaging them. However, she is urging teachers to take a different approach by spending more time training students to use the devices instead of locking them away.
“I have had the opportunity to go into some schools and see the labs closed because teachers are fearful that the students will damage the equipment. We just need to train the students how to utilise the devices. But do not lock it away from the children. Please give them access, please excite them as they continue to champion their future with the support of the Digicel Foundation, the Ministry of Education, and the families who continue to partner in education,” she urged.
Dr Troupe used the opportunity to laud the Digicel Foundation for its support and commitment, especially with the challenges still affecting the education sector.
“Whenever you invest in education you invest in the future of our country and the Digicel Foundation has always been with us. When COVID came, we knew not what to do and we had our students with special needs who were at a disadvantage because they were out of the space, and the Digicel Foundation was the first entity to partner with the Ministry of Education to make sure that there was access to our students with special needs,” she saidAdditionally, enrichment programme specialist at the Ministry of Education Shauner Murray echoed Dr Troupe’s sentiments, emphasising the need to prioritise sustainability to ensure long-term durability of the devices.
“There ought to be a way to help stakeholders to understand the value of what they have so that after the initial planting of these seeds, these ventures can be sustained. Sustainability has to be a key aspect of our understanding. Sustainability is critical so that this immeasurable value will not just serve those who are current, but will serve those who are to come, especially the younger children entering grade one,” said Murray.
She urged parents, teachers and other representatives in the Ministry of Education to protect these investments and maximise their potential.
In the meantime, board chairman at the Mountain View Primary and Infant School Howard Chamberlain Jr expressed gratitude for the Digicel Foundation’s contribution, noting that the smart lab will have a positive impact on student performance at the school, especially in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).
He said the lab will play a major role in bridging the digital divide among students at the school.
“We are placed in an area, in a community where the majority of the students that come to us are at-risk [and] majority of the students that come to us are from low-income families, and as such our role and our job is very important to ensure that we guide them on a path that they can further enrich their lives and develop their communities,” he said.
The lab, he added, is an important step for students and teachers to embrace the importance of involving more technology in schools.
“This smart lab comes at an important time where we are pivoting or shifting our focus to see how best we can push the use of technology in education here at Mountain View; we hear about AI coming up, kids using phones, and stuff like that, and we are having this tug-of-war with them, to push them to the sort of book and pencil that we grew up on, but the truth of the matter is that this generation has changed. They are far ahead of us and some of these technology and these intellectual programmes, we have to embrace them and find ways to include them in education,” he said.
The smart lab is outfitted with laptops, tablets and a smart board that will be used to facilitate teaching and learning at the school.
The Digicel Foundation smart labs project is an initiative aimed at equipping 21 schools across Jamaica with technology to enhance learning and bridging the digital divide in schools.
From Right: Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation little girls- Salt Spring Primary students – Rickayla Warlock and Ty’aira Young; Boys in picture : Kaneil Whilby and Raveesh Brown, Students of Prickly Pole Primary & Infant School; Lady in Red – Judith Whyte Gayle, Principal, Prickly Pole Primary & Infant School; Lady in Black : Norma Brydson – Principal Salt Spring Primary & Infant School
Community groups across Jamaica are invited to apply for the Digicel Foundation’s 20 for 20 for 20 Grants.
The grants which are in celebration of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, will run until August 30, 2024. Registered non-profit organisations, including community-based organisations, special needs organisations, social enterprises, and schools, can apply for grant funding of up to US$20,000 to implement community initiatives that focus on one of the following subject areas: youth development; ICT development; environmental sustainability; Special Needs support and education.
“We are happy to celebrate this milestone anniversary by giving back to the communities we serve,” said Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, Director of Strategy and Community Development at the Digicel Foundation. “Our 20 for 20 for 20 Grants will empower local organisations to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact.”
From left: Deputy Governor General Steadman Fuller; Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness; Opposition Leader Mark Golding; NLPB Committee Chairman Samuel McCook; Chairman of VM Group Michael McMorris; and President/CEO of VM Grou, Courtney Campbell
KINGSTON, Jamaica- Friday, January 17, 2025: The 2025 National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) convened on Thursday, January 16, with a resounding message of hope, unity, and spiritual renewal. Leaders from across Jamaica’s political, religious, and civic spheres gathered at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for the event’s 45th anniversary—held under the theme “Righteousness Exalts a Nation”—to reflect on the importance of servant leadership and intercessory prayer for the nation.
Bishop Dr Stevenson Samuels and Pastor Claudia Ferguson opened the programme with a warm welcome, emphasizing the centrality of faith in addressing Jamaica’s pressing challenges. The invocation, led by Rev. Dr. Wayneford McFarlane of the Jamaica Methodist Church, set a reverent tone, calling for gratitude and divine intervention.
Rev. Sam McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, followed with inspiring remarks that underscored the event’s enduring mission: fostering unity among leaders and encouraging moral integrity in governance and society. “Our theme this year is a call to all Jamaicans in all leadership spaces to pursue righteousness, not as people who start from a position of righteousness, but as people who are pursuing righteousness in all that we do,” said the reverend.
An engaging video presentation traced the rich history of the NLPB, reminding participants of its pivotal role in Jamaica’s spiritual and civic life.
Deputy Governor-General Steadman Fuller, who brought greetings on behalf of His Excellency The Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, commended the NLPB for its continued dedication to national development through prayer and fellowship. Musical interludes by Redemption Rhythms infused the gathering with uplifting praise and worship, reinforcing the spirituality and solemnity of the event.
Central to the event were prayers offered for Jamaica’s leaders—The Governor-General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. These moments of collective supplication highlighted the shared responsibility of national leadership to seek divine wisdom in decision-making.
Biblical readings from Proverbs 14:26-35 and Matthew 5:1-10 were delivered by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, MP, respectively, reflecting on the virtues of trust in God and humility in leadership.
A heartfelt youth testimonial by Romeo Elliot, a member of Grace Missionary Church, spotlighted the transformative power of faith among Jamaica’s youth. Elliott spoke about his spiritual journey, humble background and fervent dedication to walking with the Lord. He encouraged young people from similar socioeconomic backgrounds to yearn for and cling to righteousness. “Your circumstances don’t define you. Your choices do,” Elliott expressed.
The NLPB announced the 2025 outreach project as part of its commitment to impactful community engagement. The Committee will focus on supporting The Tegwyn House, a special unit at the Jamaica National Children’s Home that cares for children who have severe mental and physical disabilities and need 24-hour care.
The event’s keynote address by Dr. David Henry of Swallowfield Chapel offered profound reflections on the intersection of faith, leadership, and national progress, urging leaders to embody servant leadership and moral courage. “Righteousness transforms lives, families, work and our relationships, and if embraced, will exalt a nation,” said the clergyman.
The programme concluded with personal reflections, prayers, and a benediction by Bishop Courtney Golding, leaving attendees with renewed resolve to serve with purpose and integrity.
The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, generously sponsored by VM Group and Best Dressed Chicken, remains a beacon of hope, inspiring leaders to transcend political and societal divides to pursue a united and prosperous Jamaica
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League’s (CPL) combined digital and broadcast viewership has gone past the billion mark for the very first time. The total combined viewership figure for 2024 was 1.13billion, an increase of 32% from the 2023 figure.
The tournament has seen improved viewership in India, the Caribbean and USA as well as a significant increase across CPL’s social media channels. These figures have further cemented the CPL’s position as one of the most watched cricket tournament’s around the world.
The tournament was seen around the world with key broadcasting deals in the Caribbean, India, Middle East, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa and was streamed on the CPL’s YouTube and Facebook pages in all other territories.
The 2024 tournament saw 34 matches take place in six countries with games in Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts, Saint Lucia and Trinidad. The 2024 winners were the Saint Lucia Kings who claimed their maiden CPL title at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Pete Russell, CPL’s CEO, said: “This is a huge moment for the CPL. Reaching a total viewership figure of over a billion has been a long term target for a number of years. To get to a figure of 1.13billion highlights the appeal of CPL across the Caribbean and around the world. The continued growth in interest in the CPL is extremely pleasing and we are looking forward to using these amazing result as a springboard for further success in 2025 and beyond.”
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President, Robin Rusell
The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is committed to ensuring the resilience and growth of the Jamaican hotel industry for the benefit of all Jamaicans. Tourism is a vital pillar of our economy, providing jobs and opportunities for thousands of individuals nationwide.
Addressing Challenges The JHTA has alongside our members been actively addressing the numerous challenges facing the tourism sector, including those impacting our valued team members. As said in our previous press release, we formed a working committee to investigate the root causes of the issues raised by the recent unrest by some workers in the industry and to explore practical solutions.
Survey Findings We have since conducted a fairly broad-based salary survey, with the findings indicating that our hotel sector in the main offers competitive combined remuneration of basic salary and gratuity,but it also showed opportunities for improvements in some properties.
Not surprisingly, the survey found that gratuity payments fluctuated from property to property,which is naturally caused by there being varied room counts, room rates and room occupancy percentages. That being said, it is clear that our members must do everything possible to ensure a greater understanding by their team members of how their respective properties’ gratuity schemes are structured and how payment for overtime, time off etc. work. The JHTA is committed to helping all its members, where necessary.
Ongoing Discussions and Corrective Measures The JHTA and its members have heard clearly the cries for greater communication, which is the best way to ensure a mutually beneficial workplace environment. Where disagreements may exist, the space must always be made for detailed and lengthy discussions that will lead to accommodations for all sides.
All our discussions with member properties affected by industrial relations actions have proved very productive and we are glad to see that corrective measures have and continue to be implemented where needed. We feel confident that these properties remain committed to further dialogue and action to achieve lasting resolutions that benefit both employees and employers.
Peer Support and Best Practices
The JHTA is continuing to provide peer support services to our members and encouraging the sharing of best practices to ensure that every property operates at the highest standard. A Shared National Priority We recognize that tourism is a shared national priority, and its success depends on the collective efforts of all Jamaicans. To that end, we have also been engaged in talks with both the Government and Opposition, where there is no dissonance on the importance of tourism to the Jamaican economy, as we are no less aligned on the fact that our workers who are the backbone of the industry should feel satisfied with their benefits generated by tourism.
Maintaining a healthy balance between the interests of our valued employees and those of the tourism operators is essential for the continued success of our industry and the well-being of all Jamaicans. Ensuring our visitors continue to enjoy Jamaica’s tourism offerings is also paramount. Call for Due Process We urge all team members to exhaust the established processes for resolving workplace concerns, including engaging with HR Departments and their executive teams, the Ministry of Labour, and if necessary, referring matters to the IDT before resorting to disruptive strikes. As we remain in a highly competitive industry, strikes can damage the Brand Jamaica image and negatively impact the livelihoods of the very hotel sector employees who are seeking redress, and in turn impact communities and the wider economy. Looking to the Future The JHTA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Jamaica remains a leading tourism destination where workers, employers, and all stakeholders can thrive together. We are dedicated to fostering a mutually beneficial and harmonious environment for all.
(L-R) Pia Baker, JPS Senior Vice President, Customer Experience and Commercial and Stephen Murad, Digicel Jamaica CEO pose for a selfie with a student from the School for Therapy, Education and Parenting of Children with Multiple Disabilities (STEP Centre), Maria, at a recently held Digicel Foundation Christmas treat for children with special needs.
The Digicel Foundation spread holiday cheer this season with its Share the Love Christmas Treat held at Funland, Hope Gardens, on Friday, December 13. The event welcomed 100 children with special needs from nine schools across Kingston and St. Andrew, with the enthusiastic support of over 50 volunteers. The children enjoyed a magical day filled with unlimited rides and attractions at Funland, while meals were provided by KFC. Sponsors Sunshine Snacks, Seprod, and Nestlé added to the festivities with snacks and treats, while Cal’s Manufacturing and Wisynco kept everyone refreshed with juice and water. To make the day even more special, Musson Foundation and JPS Foundation generously donated goodie bags, and each child received a toy to take home, spreading smiles and joy all around.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels shared, “At Digicel Foundation, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. This season, we are reminded of the importance of not just celebrating, but ensuring that children with special needs are seen, valued, and included in the festivities. We are grateful for the support of our incredible sponsors and volunteers who came together to help us share the joy of the holidays with these amazing children.” The Share the Love Christmas Treat underscores the Digicel Foundation’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities in the communities they serve. This event was made possible through the generosity of partners who share the vision of spreading love and cheer during the season of giving.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, The National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee hosted their Media Briefing at the VM Group Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. The annual leadership event is set for Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7:30 am. From left: Rev. Dr. Peter Garth CD JP, Pastor of the Hope Gospel Assembly which administers The Educate and Elevate Programme; Arianna Morrison, Recipient of The Educate and Elevate Programme, 2024; Rev. Sam McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee and Courtney Campbell; President/CEO of the VM Group.
The 45th staging of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The theme will be “Righteousness Exalts A Nation.” Since its inception in 1981, the NLPB has served as a pivotal event fostering unity, fellowship, and spiritual reflection among the nation’s leaders, promoting shared values and a vision for national progress.
At the online media launch held on Tuesday, January 7 (which can be viewed here), Rev. Sam McCook, Chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, underscored the event’s enduring importance: “This initiative is an attempt by the Church, through the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, to call us to a higher living – to say that in our respective spaces to live righteously. This is an opportunity to bring our leaders together, to reflect on their roles, and for us to collectively pray for them.” As part of its commitment to impactful community engagement, the NLPB announced the 2025 outreach project, which will focus on supporting The Tegwyn House, a special unit at the Jamaica National Children’s Home that cares for children who have severe mental and physical disabilities and need 24-hour care. Rev. Dr Peter Garth of the Hope Gospel Assembly noted the necessity of the church’s role in the development of Jamaica’s children. Reflecting on the positive impact of the 2024 outreach initiative, Rev. Garth remarked, “I am very excited to speak on the Educate and Elevate Programme because of the success stories behind our programme. Last
year, we distributed 1039 backpacks with supplies.” This distribution, he mentioned, takes place across communities that are economically challenged and a rural parish, last year being Clarendon. In addition to the offering that was collected, the VM Foundation made a valuable donation of $500,000. “You have blessed many children and will bless two students at the Edna Manley College of Arts,” said Rev. Garth when highlighting the strong support received from the VM Group.
Programme recipient Arianna Morrison, a student of the Immaculate Conception High School, shared, “This change-making initiative has carried students throughout their primary, secondary and tertiary education, which has in turn, led to them becoming nation builders by this act of generosity.”
The event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including the VM Group, whose President and CEO, Courtney Campbell, stated, “The National Prayer Breakfast Committee has demonstrated faithfulness, diligence and steadfastness, and this leadership initiative has been good for Jamaica. I believe it has made a significant contribution to the building of our country.” To mark the mutually beneficial relationship between the VM Group and NLPB, Mr. Campbell remarked, “The VM Group continues to be pleased in being associated with the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. We are meeting the spiritual needs of our leaders.”
With evidence of the positive impact yielded from the initiative, The Jamaica Broilers Foundation has agreed to provide financial support to the Breakfast this year again, following their generous contribution in 2024.
The esteemed Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, continues to lend his patronage to this vital gathering.
Members of the public are invited to tune in to the live broadcast of the event, which will air on local television and radio stations. For more information, please contact 876-338-4411 or 876-315-0835.
Together, as a nation, we can reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles that exalt and strengthen Jamaica.
Jamaica Highlights 