Some of the elderly are being robbed of their pensions by family members.
While we celebrate the first step towards legislation to protect older people, the need is so urgent that a committee was recently convened by CCRP, a seniors advocacy organisation, with representatives of leading government organisations.
We discovered that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Charmaine Shand, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, Garran Diviney of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Training Division, and Jay Scott of the investigative branch of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) have been serving Jamaica’s elderly without any fanfare.ACP Shand, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Community Safety and Security Branch noted, “Some of the challenges that I see is that [the elderly] really are left on their own by their communities. We have urged family or neighbours to assist them when they visit clinics.” She said that sometimes they are hurt on the road and the police have difficulty in contacting family members.
The JCF has been assisting CCRP in our outreach activities, distributing care packages to the needy elderly in volatile inner-city areas.ACP Shand shared that the JCF has community and safety officers in every division and would be happy to participate in meetings with stakeholders to have oversight of our vulnerable elderly to ensure that they are not left on their own.
The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) returns to the stage with its 63rd Season of Dance, running from July 18 to August 10 at the Little Theatre in St Andrew.
Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with a special matinee for children on Friday, August 1 at 2:00 pm honouring children in State care and welcoming all children to attend.
This season, the NDTC promises a thrilling mix of beloved masterpieces and exciting new creations. Audiences will once again revel in the timeless brilliance of the late Professor Rex Nettleford’s iconic works: Kumina (1971), a pulsating celebration of Jamaican spirituality and identity; and Ritual of the Sunrise (1998), a lyrical invocation of renewal and awakening.
The company will also debut five compelling new works, including pieces by emerging local choreographers and distinguished international collaborators. Mattu Perry expands his hauntingly poetic Clipped and Fallen (2025), first glimpsed during the NDTC’s Morning of Movement and Music in April of this year.
Shavaughn Byndloss unveils Home (2025), a poignant meditation on loss and belonging, commissioned by the Phillip and Christine Gore Family Foundation. International guest choreographers Avree Walker and Radnell Marin Pedraza will present Bloom: On Earth As It Is In Heaven (2025), commissioned by Myers, Fletcher & Gordon. The work explores the ethos and enduring legacy of the NDTC, weaving together the rich vocabulary of the African Diaspora with contemporary and Caribbean folk forms. Adding to the diversity of the programme, American choreographer Crystal Frazier brings a bold new voice to the NDTC stage, blending Afro-Diasporic movement with hip hop as a central technique to create Also returning by popular demand is Flight (2014) by Garfield Lemonius, which received critical acclaim in last year’s season for its emotive storytelling and choreographic finesse.
In a spirited contribution from the NDTC’s singers and musicians, Dr Kathy Brown’s lively arrangement conFUSION (2025) takes a witty musical dive into the age-old drama of community gossip and those who fuel it.
Other highlights of the season include …minutes and seconds (2008), a poetic work by KerryAnn Henry and Momo Sanno; and Don’t Leave Me (2013) by Jamie Thompson, adding emotional and choreographic depth to the season’s offerings.
Speaking about the season, NDTC Artistic Director Marlon D Simms remarked, “This season, the NDTC presents a fresh, artistically rich and entertaining programme. It is diverse, eclectic, and emotionally layered; every audience member will find something to connect with. Whether it’s the return of timeless favourites or the debut of bold new voices, you’ll see the NDTC as you’ve never seen us before.”
The company remains steadfast in its mission to support nation-building through the arts. Proceeds from the season will benefit a wide range of charitable organisations dedicated to health, education,youth development, cancer care, and community upliftment. Beneficiaries this year include Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), Jamcoders, ICAN Foundation, Christ Church, St John the Evangelist, St Catherine High School Past Students Association, Wolmer’s Girls’ Alumnae, Jamdammers Running Club, Consie Walters Cancer Care Hospice, Herlene Williams Scholarship Fund, Eve for Life, Kiwanis Club, and Dynamic Connections Scholarship Fund. Ascend (2023), an innovative and inclusive direction for the company.
Kerry-Ann Henry and Mark Phinn in Flight (2014), choroegraphed by Garfield Lemonius.
Architect recommends flexible, adaptable spaces that foster critical thinking skills
Ravi Sittol, principal and founder of Sittol Architects and Associates, speaking at last Friday’s event staged by the National Education Trust (NET) at the Overseas Examination Commission to raise awareness of the new building standards code for schools in Jamaica. (Joseph Wellington)
A local architect has proposed that new school buildings be designed into flexible and adaptable spaces that foster critical thinking skills.
Ravi Sittol, founder and principal of Sittol Architects and Associates, made the recommendation in a presentation on Friday to raise awareness of the new building standards code for schools in Jamaica.The event, titled ‘Engage 360: The New Building Standards for Schools’, was hosted by the National Education Trust (NET) at the the Overseas Examination Commission in Kingston.
“We are speaking about integrative technology, inclusive design, comfort and well-being. Modern education increasingly moves beyond traditional teaching methods. Teaching methods are changing and we need to adapt, embracing more flexible, informal and collaborative learning spaces,” Sittol argued.“Learning is no longer confined to the classroom. Instead, it occurs across a variety of settings, encouraging exploration, creativity and connection. Learning…happens along the corridors, outside in the green areas where children are playing. They could be in the corridor where there is a breakout space,” Sittol suggested.
Pointing out that newer building models feature more adaptable furniture that can be changed to suit different lecture styles and settings, Sittol stated that in outdoor areas the setting does not have to be typical with a jungle gym and swing sets.He said the new building standards recommend “different materials and textures” so learning can happen in different locations.
Another design parameter highlighted by Sittol is the facilitation of future expansions at schools.
“You may plan for 500 students and as population increases and communities develop, you need to have modular designs, service distribution, structural consideration, master planning, vertical planning and growth, phase in plans and interim land views. The design of educational facilities must anticipate and accommodate future growth.
“Strategic planning during the initial design phase can ensure that buildings are capable of expansion, adaptation or reconfiguration without requiring major infrastructural alterations. These flexibilities support long-term cost efficiency, sustainability and responsiveness to changing academic demands,” he said.
Sittol also raised the issue of climate resilience, saying that newer buildings must be designed in a way to minimise economic loss and costly repairs during times of extreme weather.
“As Jamaica and the world confront the increasing impacts of global climate change, including rising air and sea temperatures and more intense hurricanes, there is a critical need to establish resilient building standards. Schools, especially in Jamaica which often serve as emergency shelters, must be designed to ensure the safety and protection of occupants during and after such events,” Sittol stated.
Lenard Lawrence of Transcendence Construction Limited gives a progress update on the new smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre to Kristalle Chin (centre), general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+, and Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels during a site visit.
DIGICEL Foundation has taken another step in its mission to create a digitally inclusive Jamaica with the start of construction of a state-of-the-art smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre in Montego Bay, St James.
The lab, co-funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is designed to support students with special needs and is one of several being rolled out islandwide to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
“Every child deserves access to technology and the future it brings,” said Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation.
“As a foundation, we are prioritising the communities that are often overlooked, because we believe digital inclusion is a right,” added Daniels.The smart lab at NAZ will be equipped with laptops, tablets, a MIMIO-compatible smart board, a printer, and assistive software tailored to children with diverse learning needs.“This smart lab will allow our children to learn and explore more, especially children on the spectrum. The lab will give them an opportunity to use technology in a guided way,” said Alixann Narcisse-Campbell, principal and director of NAZ Children’s Centre.
“For years we have dreamed of a space like this. We’re grateful to the Digicel Foundation for making it a reality and for valuing the unique potential of every child,” added Narcisse-Campbell.
The establishment of the NAZ Children’s Centre Smart Lab coincides with Digicel’s wider infrastructure development in Montego Bay, where the company is laying underground fibre to support the growing demand for reliable high-speed Internet in western Jamaica.
“Digicel’s fibre expansion is a game-changer, especially for students and teachers at NAZ who’ll now enjoy a seamless online experience,” said Kristalle Chin, Digicel’s general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+.
“With our fibre now reaching Montego Bay, we’re empowering digital spaces such as the foundation’s smart labs and boosting digital access across western Jamaica,” added Chin.
Seniors advocacy organisation, the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), is congratulating the Special Select Committee, chaired by Senator Sherene Golding-Campbell, for tabling its report towards the establishment of the Elderly Care and Protection Act at its most recent sitting.
Senator Floyd Morris, in his report last Friday (June 27), regarding the Criminal Justice (Administration) (Amendment) Act, remarked, “the crime of murder against the disabled and our senior citizens is indeed egregious”, reinforcing the need to include these vulnerable groups in the proposed legislation.
Earlier in mid-May, the CCRP appeared before the Senate committee to make recommendations for legislation that would protect the elderly.
The presentation, done by CCRP founder and executive chair Jean Lowrie-Chin, addressed laws that should govern the punishment of elderly abuse, the safety of the elderly, as well as standards regarding the maintenance and accessibility of public and private locations.
Other stakeholders, including the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), also made persuasive recommendations.
Jean Lowrie-Chin, founder and executive chair of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), warmly addresses the audience at the March 2019 launch of the CCRP western Jamaica chapter in Montego Bay, St James. (Photo: Facebook @CCRPOnline)
“CCRP thanks Senator Golding-Campbell and the committee members, including Senator Floyd Morris, who had moved the motion last year for their tabling of the report at today’s sitting, in such an expeditious manner, a critical step toward meaningful legislative reform,” the group noted.
“We have advocated on this issue for many years. CCRP is deeply grateful that our recommendations have reached this pivotal stage. We now look forward to a positive outcome, as this legislation is vital to the protection and dignity of all Jamaican elders,” Lowrie-Chin stated, expressing optimism about the progress.
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The champions of the International League T20 (ILT20), Dubai Capitals, have officially lit the fuse ahead of the 2025 edition of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) with a fiery squad announcement.
From the golden sands of Dubai to the emerald fields of Guyana, the Capitals are bringing a sizzling mix of international flair, Caribbean power, and pure cricketing firepower. The action explodes at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence from July 10 to 18, and the Capitals are out to prove why they wear the ILT20 crown.
Joining them is none other than Rovman Powell, the former West Indies T20 skipper and ILT20 Final MVP, known for detonating bowling attacks and lighting up scoreboards. He’ll be the heartbeat of the Capitals’ offensive, and fans can expect fireworks every time he steps to the crease.
Backing him up is Barbados’ brutal batting weapon Kadeem Alleyne, alongside the lightning pace and experience of Dominic Drakes, the left-arm quick who will lead the Capitals’ bowling blitz. Add Pakistani paceman Farhan Khan, Canadian left-arm quick Kaleem Sana-Ur-Rahman, and UAE’s Zeeshan Naseer to the mix, and this squad is a thunderstorm waiting to happen.
In the middle, the Capitals are bringing global precision with Sri Lankan gloveman Niroshan Dickwella, Afghanistan’s dynamic batter Sediqullah Atal, and South African spin magician Keshav Maharaj, who’ll turn up the heat with guile and grit in Providence’s spin-friendly conditions.
The Capitals’ campaign ignites with a blockbuster opening clash against the Hobart Hurricanes XI on Friday, July 11 – a matchup sure to rattle the stands.
This year’s GSL features five of the world’s finest franchises: Hobart Hurricanes XI (Australia), Rangpur Riders (Bangladesh), Central Stags (New Zealand), and the ever-dangerous hosts, Guyana Amazon Warriors (West Indies).
Dubai Capitals Squad (GSL 2025):
Farhan Khan, Aryaman Varma, Zeeshan Naseer, Rovman Powell, Kaleem Sana-Ur-Rahman, Said Shah, Ibrahim Masood, Sediqullah Atal, Kadeem Alleyne, Gulbadin Naib, Keshav Maharaj, Niroshan Dickwella, Jesse Bootan, Dominic Drakes, Jordan Johnson.
Angela Patterson, General Manager of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), addresses a group of seniors during the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The seminar was hosted by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) at the Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston on Friday, June 13, 2025.
CCRP, the seniors advocacy organization, joined forces with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday, June 13, 2025. The forum, held at the Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston, featured presentations from the NCSC, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and CCRP, focusing on abuse prevention, safety tips, and advocacy for improved quality of life for seniors.
Addressing the issue of elder protection, CCRP General Manager Mrs. Angela Patterson outlined key recommendations previously submitted to Parliament’s Special Select Committee regarding the proposed Elderly Care and Protection Act. “We recommend the establishment of a Commission for the Elderly, which would evolve from the current NCSC,” said Mrs. Patterson. “This Commission would be empowered to investigate and prosecute cases of abuse, as well as hold accountable organizations serving the elderly.” She emphasized that such legislation would not only protect today’s senior citizens, but also safeguard future generations.
Chairperson of the NCSC, Dr. Julian McKoy-Davis, underscored the importance of proactive planning in abuse prevention. She advised that developing and discussing care plans with trusted family and friends can help prevent neglect or mistreatment, especially in care homes. She also highlighted the impact of cultural norms and lifestyle habits on elder well-being, stressing the importance of maintaining positive mental health. In her closing remarks, Dr. McKoy-Davis urged mutual responsibility across generations: “Be your brother’s keeper: stay aware of the older adults around you.”
Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Dillon of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Centres offered practical advice for ensuring the physical and financial safety of seniors. She noted that predictable routines often make elderly individuals more vulnerable to abuse and urged them to be vigilant and proactive about their security. “Many elderly persons become victims of abuse but are afraid to report it,” she said. “You have the right to protect yourself and we [the JCF] have a duty to protect you,” she asserted.
Following the presentations, attendees were invited to share their concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback. A plethora of issues continue to plague Jamaican seniors ranging from neglect to physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, which underscores the need for greater care to be taken of this vulnerable group in the Jamaican society.
A key concern raised during the event was the challenge seniors face with digital banking. One participant shared her distress in accessing her money, citing the frustration caused by the discontinuation of traditional bank books and the forced transition to digital platforms. She noted that service providers often question the competence and intellect of older clients, and highlighted the lack of senior-friendly facilities in many commercial spaces.
The CCRP remains committed to advocating for the rights of older adults and is pleased to collaborate with the NCSC to enhance the safety, dignity, and well-being of Jamaica’s senior citizens.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The defending champions, Rangpur Riders have officially named their squad for the highly anticipated 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from 10 to 18 July.
In 2024, the Rangpur Riders were without a point after their first three matches but found their form and eventually won their last three contests to emerge champions.
With a combination of dynamic batting, disciplined bowling, and strong leadership, the Riders proved to be deserving champions of an action-packed competition.
The Rangpur Riders, one of the leading franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), bring a rich pedigree to the GSL. Having won the BPL championship in 2017, the Riders have consistently been a playoff contender over the last three seasons, showcasing their reputation for excellence and resilience.
The Riders are eager to defend their GSL title and have retained key players to help their cause. The defending champions will once again be led by inspirational captain Nurul Hasan. The tournament’s leading run scorer in the inaugural season, Soumya Sarkar is back as is Kamrul Islam Rabbi who spearheaded the bowling attack.
To aid the local stars, the Riders have included West Indian top-order batter Kyle Mayers, South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed and Afghanistan’s top order batter Abrahim Zadran.
The squad reflects a good mixture of youth and experience with an eye on the conditions.
CCRP founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin (second left) applauds after a symbolic cake-cutting, supported by cheers from distinguished guest Lady Rheima Hall (second right) and board directors Vilma McDonald (left) and Patricia Reid-Waugh.
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) continued its year-long celebration for 15 years of dedicated service to Jamaica’s senior community with a vibrant Springtime Social and commemorative cake-cutting ceremony on May 22 at The Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston. The milestone celebration, sponsored by Morgan White International insurance group, drew 75 members and distinguished guests including former Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall and Lady Rheima Hall, former Miss Jamaica World Joan McDonald, and board directors Patricia Reid-Waugh and Vilma McDonald. CCRP founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin, alongside newly appointed General Manager Angela Patterson, led the festivities while highlighting the organisation’s remarkable growth and impact. “CCRP focuses on the empowerment and upliftment of Jamaica’s seniors. We now have over 12,000 members and we are grateful for our scores of discount partners and health insurance benefits underwritten by Sagicor and Morgan White,” said Lowrie-Chin during her welcome. She also expressed gratitude to the special select committee of the Senate for the opportunity to present recommendations for elderly care and protection legislation, noting that “this will safeguard every elder, both present and future.” The event featured a colourful hat parade, uplifting music, and delicious fare, creating an atmosphere of joy and community among attendees. All hat wearers received prizes. The audience rocked to selections from DJ Hubie Chin and applauded beautiful songs by Eberle Dawes and Sandra Crawford and poetry from Jennifer Williams. CCRP will continue marking this significant milestone throughout 2025 with additional events and initiatives that honour the organisation’s journey of advocacy, community building, and empowerment for Jamaica’s elderly population. The organisation’s 15-year legacy demonstrates its commitment to ensuring seniors live with dignity, access essential services through extensive discount partnerships, and benefit from comprehensive health insurance coverage. The CCRP is Jamaica’s leading advocacy organisation for seniors, founded in 2010 by Lowrie-Chin. With over 12,000 members served through chapters in central, north-east, western, and south-east Jamaica, CCRP provides health insurance benefits, access to more than 100 discount partners, and actively advocates for legislative protections for Jamaica’s elderly population. The organisation continues to champion the empowerment and upliftment of seniors across the island.
Powered by an army of volunteers, Digicel Foundation Jamaica led a major Labour Day initiative at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) on May 23. Over 70 volunteers from Digicel, EdgeChem Jamaica Limited, Dutch Construction Limited, and Transcendence Holdings Limited combined to give KPH and VJH a welcome facelift. The volunteers repainted key areas and undertook renovation work to enhance the hospital experience for patients and staff. The project formed part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to national development through community upliftment. Here representatives from Digicel Foundation and partner organisations gather for a photo opportunity during Labour Day activities.
Powered by an army of volunteers, Digicel Foundation Jamaica led a major Labour Day initiative at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) on Friday, May 23, 2025, in partnership with EdgeChem Jamaica Limited, Transcendence Holdings Limited and Dutch Construction Limited. The project formed part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to national development through community upliftment.
Over seventy (70) volunteers from Digicel, EdgeChem Jamaica Limited, Dutch Construction Limited, and Transcendence Holdings Limited combined to give KPH and VJH a welcome facelift. The volunteers repainted key areas and undertook renovation work to enhance the hospital experience for patients and staff. Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels pointed out: “When we saw the request from Kingston Public Hospital and Victoria Jubilee Hospital, we knew we had to step in. As a company rooted in downtown Kingston, we’ve invested heavily in the community through initiatives like the Coronation Market, Kingston Art Walk, and the Ocean Cleanup projects. Supporting our healthcare heroes was a natural next step.” The work included the painting of the car park and entrance to the Accident and Emergency Department at KPH, as well as the curbside and parking lot at VJH. The complete renovation of a doctor’s office and bathroom at VJH also included the purchase and installation of new furniture.
It was not all about painting, noted Karen Mussington, Commercial Manager at EdgeChem Jamaica: “This Labour Day, we set out to do more than donate paint, we aimed to make a lasting impact. By partnering with organizations like the Digicel Foundation, we’re contributing to projects that uplift communities and inspire change. These initiatives resonate deeply with us because they’re not just about giving back, they’re about building the future of our nation, together.” Digicel Foundation’s Charmaine Daniels expressed her satisfaction at the end of the day: “We were initially approached to support with painting, but when we saw the condition of a doctor’s room, we knew we had to do more. Our healthcare workers deserve to rest comfortably in a space that reflects their dedication and hard work. We’re proud to have renovated the room, bathroom, and furnished it with new furniture. We’re thankful for our partners like EdgeChem and Dutch Construction who shared our vision.” CEO of Kingston Public Hospital, Mr. Barrington Graham, was delighted with the results of the project, noting that both hospitals “benefited immensely from the generosity of the Digicel Foundation.” He declared: “The Digicel team turned out in their numbers and performed a wonderful job…We thank the Digicel Foundation and their team for this generous display of support on Labour Day, 2025.”
Jamaica Highlights 