Jamaica Observer column published Monday 15, January 2024

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

This year comes with promises and problems, but two events last week reminded us that courage and perseverance will make it a successful one. Last Monday’s opening of the $6.2-billion plant in Montego Bay by Butch Hendrickson and last Tuesday’s celebration of Denis O’Brien’s Digicel journey are lessons in relentless perseverance.

At the Launch of the National Baking Company’s new factory, the 94th birthday of patriarch Karl Hendrickson was also celebrated. Karl started his career at his parents’ bakery in Magotty. He studied at Jamaica College and McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he met his beautiful wife, Nell. They returned to Jamaica and bought the premises at Central Avenue, where they set up National Baking Company and started their family: Lori-Ann Lyn, Gary “Butch”, Kevin, and Cathy Kerr.

With the guidance of their parents, the four embarked on their own entrepreneurial voyages. Lori-Ann with CB Foods; Butch with the expanded, retrofitted National Baking Company and the Coconut Bay Beach and Spa Resort in St Lucia; Kevin with the Pegasus, Courtleigh, Yummy, and other hospitality interests; and Cathy with Holiday Inn, Palms at Negril, among other initiatives.

Every parent will ask, how did Karl do this? He explained that he and Nell identified his children’s strengths and guided them to make the best of them.

His children have also emulated his social consciousness, which has resulted in them being indefatigable supporters of outreach programmes such as early childhood and The University of the West Indies STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, Missionaries of the Poor, Sister Mary Benedict’s Laws Street Trade Training Centre, Food For the Poor, and other great causes.

The first project I worked on with Karl was the former Primary Health Foundation as he believed that by strengthening primary health care there would be a reduction in non-communicable diseases and less pressure on our hospitals. Now we are hearing the same pronouncements from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

We have seen Butch shut down his National Baking Company plant so the entire staff could pack over 2,000 school bags for early childhood institutions at the beginning of each school year. Then off went the trucks throughout Jamaica to deliver the bags. Butch and his close friend Glen Christian also built the multimillion-dollar model basic and primary school at Union Gardens. National’s ‘Bold Ones of Manufacturing’ saw over 30 companies selected for marketing packages and had their ads emblazoned on its trucks. The company is currently funding the building of 12 houses. Indeed, he has declared to his staff, “Work hard and make the money because you know I plan to give it away!”

Celebration for Denis O’Brien

The Digicel Jamaica Foundation has been run with the same spirit of nation-building for the past 20 years. Even as the telecoms business became more competitive, its patron Denis O’Brien insisted on investing US$45 million to fund education, special needs, community development, and environmental protection.

The focus on special needs was inspired by O’Brien’s chairmanship of the Special Olympics World Games, the first of its kind held outside the US. At the Tuesday celebration at the AC Hotel Kingston, Special Olympics Global Chair Tim Shriver recalled O’Brien’s leadership of one of the most spectacular events of its kind.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness lauded O’Brien for his landmark investment, making telecommunications possible for the humblest Jamaican. In turn, O’Brien thanked the Holness Government, specifically Minister Audley Shaw, for inspiring the building of their global headquarters on the Kingston Waterfront. He paid tribute to the P J Patterson Government for being “the architects of the telecoms liberalisation in 2000 in Jamaica… Jamaica’s inspired liberalisation policy was then copied by nearly all countries in Caricom and regionally”.

Videos and short messages marked the milestones of O’Brien’s impact in the Caribbean, Central America, Papua New Guinea, and islands in the South Pacific. His dedication to the development of Haiti was noted by former US President Bill Clinton and actor Sean Penn. The Digicel Haiti Foundation has built 192 schools in Haiti, rebuilt the Iron Market, and assisted survivors of the 2010 earthquake.

Here in Jamaica, the Digicel Foundation has created or significantly expanded 12 special needs schools, transformed the Alpha Institute, the St John Bosco Vocational Training Centre, several Mustard Seed residences, and Bethlehem Home for the Missionaries of the Poor.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation donated thousands of tablets to schools for online learning and has been steadily creating smart computer centres in schools throughout Jamaica.

Similar projects are also being managed by the Digicel Papua New Guinea and Digicel Trinidad and Tobago foundations. The foundation’s Global Chair Maria Mulcahy spends months commuting and directing country CEOs Serena Sasignan, Sophia Stransky, Penny Gomez, and Charmaine Daniels as well as chairs Josefa Gauthier, Desha Clifford and yours truly (serving my final year).

O’Brien took the time to congratulate all who had contributed to the group since 2000, too many to mention here. However, we have to remark on the joie de vivre of Frank O’Carroll; investors Leslie Buckley, Lucy Gaffney, and Seamus Lynch, the first CEO; the brilliance of the late group CEO Colm Delves; David Hall’s positivity; communications whiz Antonia Graham; spirited Peter Lloyd; and Pauline Murphy.

We can be proud of the experience and class brought by our fellow Jamaicans, including Anthony Chang, board director; Lisa Lewis; Harry Smith, now chairman of Digicel Jamaica; Ken Mason; Krishna Phillips; Donovan Betancourt; and the late Heather Asphall, who was dearly missed at the event.

Not ready to rest on his laurels, O’Brien has initiated the Repair Campaign, which is vigorously pursuing monetary reparation for the plundering of Caribbean countries by our former colonial masters. Kudos to Gaffney for leading the charge and for the support of Sir Hilary Beckles and Professor Verene Shepherd.

O’Brien expressed gratitude to his wife Catherine for her support and caring for their four children while also participating in another aspect of their business.

On a serious note, he said, “The telecoms industry is in a difficult place right now and investors are pulling back. This is because the industry is being forced to meet higher and higher investment demands in network capacity, both in LTE and fibre network, to carry traffic for OTTs [over-the-top media services] such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Google, YouTube, and Netflix and many others. This traffic carried free of charge represents 70 per cent of network throughput. The 10 largest Caribbean operators have come together to put forward a cost recovery plan to Canto and Caricom to force big tech to pay their way.”

He thanked Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport “for his leadership and support at a Caricom regional level, in drawing other governments’ attention to this serious issue with OTTs”.

As he will be demitting the chair, while still serving as a director of the group, O’Brien welcomed the new chair, Rajeev Suri, noting that he is “highly talented [and bringing] new ideas and a proven international track record from his time as CEO of Nokia and Inmarsat”.

It has been an honour to serve and be inspired by both National Baking Company and Digicel. Here’s wishing them continued success and O’Brien a happy and fulfilling semi-retirement.

After the bloody 1980 elections, where more than 800 Jamaicans were killed, the first National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) was convened by the Church in an attempt to unite a nation torn apart by political tribalism.

Forty-four years later, Rev Sam McCook, chairman of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, acknowledges that the state of affairs has changed but maintains that the event remains relevant.

“We are less divided overtly, we are less tribal, but the need to have an activity that provides a common space for us to share fellowship, for leaders who would not normally meet in the same space to hear a word from God through the message … we believe it is necessary,” he said.

McCook was addressing journalists during a media briefing yesterday.

Stating that the challenge of continued importance is an issue the event faces, he noted that the committee had taken steps to address this.

“We are trying to be relevant, we are trying to get younger people on our committee, and not just as window dressing. We’re going to give them responsibilities. We are making changes in format and programming that we believe will make it more relevant,” he said.

The 44th annual NLPB, which McCook said aims to foster greater unity in the country, will be held on January 18 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in a hybrid in-person and online format under the theme, ‘Choose Hope, Arise and Build’.

McCook further emphasised that the event is an important part of the country’s social infrastructure that helps define the country and reaffirms the good in society.

“I think a simple question to ask would be, if we did not have the breakfast and needed something like this, how would we go about doing it? And I believe it is better for us to have it, maintain it, so that if we end up being more polarised in the future, there will still be this common space that we share,” he said.

“Jamaica is a Christian country, and no matter what, we always resort to prayer, and so even from that perspective, it’s always relevant,” Pastor Claudia Ferguson, vice-chairman of the NLPB Committee, underscored.

McCook noted that the breakfast is inclusive, despite its exclusion of non-Christian faiths.

“I want to make the point that the breakfast is non-partisan, non-governmental, non-denominational, which means that what we do is really being done by persons who have a heart for our mission and have a heart for the nation,” he said.

VMBS SATISFIED WITH IMPACT

Victoria Mutual Group has been a sponsor of the NLPB for nine years. Its president and CEO, Courtney Campbell, expressed his satisfaction with the impact of the event.

“We are pleased that our nation’s leaders have committed to remain constant in prayer, and we call on them to go about the work of this great nation with even greater effort, passion, and commitment,” he charged.

A week of prayer, which started yesterday, precedes the main event next Thursday. Each day, divine intervention will be sought for a specific sector of leaders. On Sunday, committee members will gather to pray for a specific area of national life, as well as a series of pastoral visits to national leaders.

“A theme that has emerged very strongly out of our interactions this year is a recognition that the crises facing us as a nation reside a lot in the values we have, or in the declining value, and a recognition that the Church has an integral part to play in restoring the values that we desire to characterise Jamaica as a nation,” McCook stated.

Contributions garnered from the event will go towards supporting the work of the Educate to Elevate Community Programme – a back-to-school initiative of the Hope Gospel Assembly. Last year’s contributions, totalling more than $750,000, went to supporting the Students’ Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner – https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20240112/committee-declares-natl-prayer-breakfast-still-relevant

Marubeni Power International brought welcome Christmas cheer to two St Andrew primary schools, Drews Avenue Primary School and Mountain View Primary School, delivering scores of food/care packages. Marubeni’s outreach programme in collaboration with Food for the Poor supports educational institutions, including direct assistance to vulnerable persons in various communities. This year’s sponsorship was $1 million.

Earlier this year, Marubeni awarded scholarships totalling US$20,000 to five UWI Electrical Engineering students.

Photos include Marubeni Power International executives: Mo Majeed, Managing Director, Caribbean Operations, Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice-President, Keisuke Harada, Senior Manager, Caribbean Operations, Takuya Kokowa, Associate, Caribbean Operations.

Marubeni Scholars with representatives from UWI Development & Endowment Fund, Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, and Marubeni Senior Executives.

Marubeni executives hosted five electrical engineering students of The University of the West Indies, whom the company has awarded scholarships totalling US$20,000 at the South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC) in St Catherine on Thursday, December 7.

The five students, Rochelle Stephens, Daniel McGregor, Brianna Smith, Martin McDonald and Dwight Simpson, were greeted at the SJPC plant by Mohamed Majeed, managing director of Caribbean operations for Marubeni; Damian Obigio, Marubeni Caribbean vice-president and chairman of JPS; along with Marubeni executives Keisuke Harada and Takuya Kokawa.

Leisa Batiste-Whyte, SJPC general manager, gave a preliminary overview of the 194MW facility, the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, supported by plant manager Noel Watson, who provided technical details and also led the tour of the facilities that followed. Watson pointed out several features and installations on the site, as well as the surrounding area, including the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel unit anchored some three kilometres offshore, instituted through a precedent-setting arrangement with LNG supplier New Fortress Energy.  

On completion of the tour, the students engaged the Marubeni and SJPC teams in a spirited dialogue covering the scale of the plant, the relative feasibility of greenfield renewable energy generation facilities vs conventional fuel-powered generation, including several other topics. 

Speaking on behalf of the students, Dwight Simpson said the visit gave them a better understanding of the workings of electrical power generation. “It was good to witness a power plant in operation at that scale, to see the features and the organisation that went into the facility and to have the technical aspects explained to us,” he said.  

Majeed said it was a pleasure to host the group and to provide the kind of perspective that only first-hand witness of the facility could provide.

He added, “We believe it’s important for the recipients to have this background as they look to become problem-solvers and contributors to development, both as Jamaicans and even further afield as future professionals.”

He also impressed upon the group the importance of having a solid understanding of the business implications in undertaking investments of the scale of the SJPC plant and focusing on the practical realisations of delivering power to Jamaicans in a cost-effective manner.

In addition to its US$350-million investment in the SJPC plant, Marubeni Power International is the majority shareholder of JPS. The company has also invested significantly in upgrading the grid. Marubeni has, since commencing operations in Jamaica, invested in social and community development, with a particular focus on interventions in the education sector.

Source: Our Today – https://our.today/marubeni-hosts-engineering-scholars-at-sjpc-plant/#:~:text=Marubeni%20executives%20hosted%20five%20electrical,Catherine%20on%20Thursday%2C%20December%207.

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 8, January 2024

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

The new year greeted us with the bluest skies. No wonder then that we have had thousands of visitors fleeing the cold North over the holiday season. In fact, Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay recorded 5, 267, 820 total passengers in 2023, surpassing 2022 by 19.6 per cent. The traffic for December 2023 was some 500,000 and continued high passenger traffic is expected for January 2024 to March 2024.

VIP Attractions’ Club MoBay and Club Kingston lounges have been a favorite of visitors. Their dynamic CEO Shelly Ann Fung-King, who ensured a mix of charm and efficiency over the past 15 years, will be leaving the company and a new CEO, Tanya Beckford, has been appointed. VIP Attractions Chairman David Hall thanked Fung-King “for her years of committed and hard work to bring the company where it is today”.

There are increasing cruise ship arrivals in Jamaica. We met friends in Falmouth at Flava-Ville restaurant at the pier. A rocking, DJ kept a vibe going and the Jamaican menu items attracted a full house. Our African American friend, who made the Falmouth stop shared an entry in his journal: “As I stepped out onto the balcony of the ship, there was my homeland and something in me was completely settled and at peace. All my senses felt at home in that moment.”

American singer and actor Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, who stars in the latest version of The Color Purple, was recently interviewed by Variety magazine and asked about her favourite place to visit. Her response: “I love Jamaica. Oh my God! The food in Jamaica! I’m definitely gaining a couple of pounds. But I love to eat. I love to go to the clubs and dance all night. I just love Jamaica.”

Sandals Resorts International has thousands of repeat visitors at this, one of the world’s first all-inclusive resorts where service has raised the bar for the international hotel trade. They focus on professional development, now managed by former The University of the West Indies (UWI), Western Jamaica Campus director and Open Campus principal, Dr Luz Longsworth. It is this uncompromising focus on excellence which can make the tourism industry a ladder for professional achievement.

Winthrop Wellington has been celebrating Negril in his Throp Media series, featuring interesting interviews on his vlog on YouTube and Instagram. Wellington returned from the US to run his family business, Travellers Beach Hotel. His discussions with real estate experts reveal that Negril is one of the fastest-growing resort areas in Jamaica, not only along the seven-mile beach but also the West End along One Love Boulevard.

CEDELLA MARLEY CUTS TIES WITH JIFF

In a letter published last week, Cedella Marley announced her resignation as Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Women’s Football Goodwill Ambassador: “I must express my disappointment and growing concern with the turn things have taken in recent months. After the World Cup, I was under the impression that we all were committed to working together to build on that success. However, the ever-widening rift between the JFF and the team is very alarming. Numerous overtures to each of you to voice my concern and try to assist with a resolution continue to be met with non-committal, generic response.”

The Bob and Rita Foundation also announced that it would cease funding the JFF partnership. Via the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations and other partners, Marley had raised US$2.7 million in support of our Reggae Girlz. Marley, described as the ‘Fairy Godmother’ of the Reggae Girlz, assured them that she will continue her support with her Football is Freedom initiative.

JAMAICANS SHINE ABROAD

Three Canadians with Jamaican roots have been appointed to the Order of Ontario for 2023: Gervan Fearon, president of George Brown College; retired internist, Dr Herbert Ho Ping Kong: and poet Dwayne Morgan.

Fearon, of Jamaican parentage, migrated with his family to Canada in 1968 and is president of George Brown College. He is the former dean of the Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education (named for the late Jamaica-Canadian business guru) at Toronto Metropolitan University, and also served at Brock University and Brandon University.

Dr Ho Ping Kong has been lauded as a legendary diagnostician. The UWI graduate in medicine was the founder of the first division of internal medicine at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital. His book The Art of Medicine: Healing and the Limits of Technology is a best-seller: The University Health Network named an educational centre – The Ho Ping Kong Centre for Excellence in Education and Practice in his honour.

Morgan, son of Jamaican immigrants to Canada, is a celebrated poet of the spoken word. He was twice the Canadian National Poetry Slam Champion and was a 2016 finalist for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. In 2013 he was inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame.

Congratulations to my dear friend British-Jamaican Yvonne Wilks-O’Grady, who was recently conferred with the Order of the British Empire by King Charles, in recognition of “her remarkable impact on the media landscape in the United Kingdom and Jamaica”.

Yvonne’s media journey in the UK includes Root Magazine, The Voice newspaper, The Weekly Journal, Pride Magazine, Readers Digest, TV Guide, New Woman Magazine, and Weekly Gleaner. In Jamaica she played a pivotal role in the transformation of Radio Jamaica into the RJR Communications Group. Yvonne is dedicated to special needs projects, inspired by her daughter Savannah who is on the autism spectrum.

FAREWELL PROF EDWARD BAUGH

Those of us who were lucky enough to have sat at the feet of Professor Edward Baugh will always have that voice in our heads, delivering his own and heads, delivering his own and Derek Walcott’s lines. He was a generous mentor, reading countless manuscripts, including my own, for which I am forever grateful.

We last heard him at Yasus Afari’s poetry festival where memories of Portland, his birth parish. We delighted in Carpenter’s Complaint about “that mawga foot boy” who passed him by, despite building his father’s house to give the making of his late father’s coffin to someone else. At the end of his readings, we were on our feet with sustained applause. Prof Baugh’s beloved wife, Sheila, was ever at his side, a warm and elegant couple. Our deepest condolence to her, daughters Sarah and Katherine, and other family members. May his great soul rest in peace.

OUR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Hubie and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary last month with family and close friends. Tony Lowrie was emcee; our children Anita and Noel gave the welcome; and Tony Chin raised the toast. Archbishop Kenneth Richards blessed the occasion; and our pastor, Father Richard Brown, blessed the cake baked and decorated by Anita.

We were entertained by Leslie Chin, who sang his own composition, Patrick Chin and a Hawaiian Dance by Valerie Chin Burman. Our friend who had introduced us, took us down memory lane recalling how we sang and worshipped together.

We thank God for taking us to this milestone, and our loved ones for their outpouring of good wishes.

MBJ Airports Limited (“MBJ”), operators of Sangster International Airport herby advises that vehicular traffic to the Departures and Arrivals areas of the airport will be as shown in the diagram below effective January 6, 2024. 

This temporary change is being made to alleviate the congestion landside. 

We seek the cooperation of all airport users to be guided by the directional signage and personnel where applicable as we seek to enhance the airport experience and improve service levels. 

In commemorating its 20th anniversary of operating the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ) launched its foundation by donating J$41 million to a nearby school as well as students and charity organisations from surrounding communities.

At an open-air celebration of its anniversary on Thursday, December 14, MBJ announced its adoption of the Flanker Primary and Infant School and presented a cheque for J$30 million to expand its early childhood department. MBJ also presented another J$11 million to over 180 students and three community organisations, all from the proceeds of its recent 10K and 5K run/walk.

Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited, Shane Munroe, underscored the company’s commitment to philanthropic initiatives that support the development of early childhood and primary institutions in Montego Bay. Through its annual scholarships awarded to children from primary up to tertiary institutions. the airport operator has been demonstrating its commitment to the community’s well-being and education.

He described the 20th anniversary celebration as a momentous occasion and “a testament to the vision, determination, and hard work that have defined our journey over the past two decades. … It is your commitment and professionalism that have earned Sangster International Airport numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious title of the Best Airport in the Caribbean for 15 consecutive years from the World Travel Awards,” he assured the employees.

He said the period had been marked by remarkable growth and success for SIA as it played its role as the leading international gateway to Jamaica.

“Our commitment to connecting the island to the world, driving economic growth, and fostering tourism has been unwavering from the very beginning,” said Munroe, with Sangster International Airport now serving more than 45 direct destinations worldwide and playing a critical role as a hub for tourism travel.

“Our focus remains on expanding our network of destinations, enhancing passenger experiences, and promoting sustainable practices throughout our operations. We are not just an airport; we are a symbol of Jamaican pride, a vital gateway connecting Jamaica to the world,” he added.

Outlining MBJ’s history, Munroe identified iconic milestones and memorable achievements, leading up to the current year in which the company continues to excel.

In addition to US$309 million already pumped into the airport to upgrade infrastructure and to expand service areas,Munroe announced that “next year we have committed to over US$40 million in investments”. He said the airport is for the benefit of the people of Jamaica, “and unlike most companies we don’t just pay taxes, we also pay concession fees with US$349 million in concession fees and taxes directly going towards the Jamaican economy”.

MBJ crafted a new vision and mission in 2020 that commits to being “the steward of a key strategic infrastructure for Jamaica …to ensure a safe, passenger-centric, sustainable, efficient, and profitable airport operation” and “to be a leading tourist destination airport, exceeding the expectations of our passengers while being uniquely Jamaican”.

SIA has been voted the leading international airport in the Caribbean for 15 years. It is also one of a handful of Jamaican companies with multiple ISO certifications, having received ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) Certification, and ISO 270001 Information Security Management System (ISMS)Certification.

In addition to improving its infrastructure, a customer experience (CX) programme has been launched for all stakeholders to improve the customer experience delivered by employees at the airport.

“Our aim is to deliver exceptional hospitality-class service to our passengers and guests and ensure their experience is stress-free, enjoyable, memorable, and seamless,” said Munroe.

Beyond that, he said MBJ recognised the importance of sustainability and its responsibility to the community. Its eco-friendly initiatives included a 3MW solar energy project, showcasing its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.

“A new project is now underway to increase our solar PV system to 6MW, becoming one of the largest private solar PV installations in Jamaica and the region,” he announced.

Munroe paid tribute to the contribution of MBJ’s dedicated employees, SIA staff, partners and stakeholders for their respective contributions to the airport’s growth over the last two decades, with July 2023 being the first time that the airport had exceeded 500,000 passengers in one month and was looking forward to another memorable milestone of five million passengers before month-end.

Source: Our Today – https://our.today/mbj-marks-20-anniversary-with-41-million-donation/#:~:text=In%20commemorating%20its%2020th%20anniversary,charity%20organisations%20from%20surrounding%20communities.

The computer lab at the Mustard Seed Communities Mary’s Child home received a printer and system upgrades from International Game Technology (IGT) on December 9, 2023.

The upgrades will enhance the educational resources available to the residents. IGT transformed the computer lab into a festive sanctuary adorned with freshly painted walls that radiated the colours of the Yuletide season. The initiative is part of IGT’s global after-school advantage programme.

The spirit of Christmas was evident at the vent with an array of joyous activities. IGT led the group in singing timeless Christmas carols while attendees ate cake and drank festive sorrel. IGT also presented gifts for the residents, each wrapped with care and goodwill, which created cherished moments for these remarkable young ladies.

Mustard Seed Communities Mary’s Child, an IGT after-school advantage recipient since 2016, serves as a haven for pregnant teenagers and teen mothers without stable housing, offering holistic development and spiritual sanctuary. It currently provides care for 13 young girls and 12 babies.

Debbie Green, IGT Jamaica general manager, emphasised the significance of the company’s donations in fostering literacy and providing an opportunity to these young ladies who would not have otherwise had access.

“The world has become more technology-centric, with the introduction of AI (artificial intelligence) in several industries. There is an unprecedented increase in women pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers, and the call for more women in STEM careers is ongoing. This is an opportunity to make your mark and explore the possibilities of STEM education and career,” said Green.

Nadia Williams, administrator at Mustard Seed Communities Mary’s Child, shared that the upgrade would significantly improve access and efficiency, enhancing opportunities for research, online classes, job training, resume preparation, and job searches for the residents.

Source: Jamaica Star – https://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20231212/christmas-cheer-mary%E2%80%99s-child-home

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 11 December 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Even the most cynical tribalist should pause to celebrate the findings of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) as Chairman Keith Duncan outlined the country’s economic achievements in the first six months of the current financial year, April to September 2023.

Duncan noted the key highlights:

• “For the second consecutive month, the inflation rate (5.1 per cent for October 2023) has remained within the BOJ’s [Bank of Jamaica] target range but is projected to rise above the target between December 2023 and March 2025.

• For April-September 2023, tax revenues exceeded the second supplementary estimates by $6.9 billion (1.8 per cent), while total expenditure was marginally in line with the budgeted estimates.

• Jamaica records a current account surplus (CAS) of US$241 million, marking the first surplus in over two decades.

• Net international reserves (NIR) stood at US$4.6 billion at end-October 31, 2023 and remain more than adequate

• Real GDP (gross domestic product) was estimated to have grown by 1.9 per cent for the July-September 2023 quarter.”

Duncan noted that tourist arrivals continue to exceed pre-COVID levels: “In the September 2023 quarter Jamaica welcomed 678,057 tourists, a year-over-year increase of 8.8 per cent. Visitor arrivals for the September 2023 quarter showed a 7.7 per cent increase compared to the pre-pandemic period of September 2019.” He said an additional 2,500 hotel rooms will be added next year as well.

International rating agencies have taken note of our progress, with the Moody’s Investor Service adjusting the country’s economic outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’, following positive evaluations by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings in September 2023 and Fitch Ratings in March 2023.

Project Star widens focus

Of course, the elephant in the room is crime. States of emergency have been declared in five parishes. Acknowledging that we must address the root of this national affliction, there are initiatives to hire more social workers and HEART/NSTA Trust courses are being offered free of charge.

Wearing another hat, Keith Duncan, founder of Project Star, the social and economic development initiative, will be extending the programme to the Salt Spring district in St James. The programme, which is a collaboration between the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is focused on unattached youth, linking them to training and employment opportunities as well as involving them in sports activities.

We should acknowledge that the JCF has been the initiator of the largest sports club in Jamaica, which has influenced many young people for good and provides an excellent alliance for the work of Project Star. The project’s activities have been going strong in east downtown Kingston, Savanna-la-Mar, and May Pen.

Big boost for education

Over the past year the Digicel Jamaica Foundation has built out six ‘Smart Rooms’ at Mineral Heights Primary School, Four Paths Primary School, Homestead Primary School, Esher Primary School, Unity Primary School, and Morant Bay Primary School. Each Smart Room is equipped with the latest technology and interactive learning tools, including 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a smart board, and a printer. There are four other such projects in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, it is funding the extensive renovation underway at the Hope Valley Experimental Special Education Centre, described as “a beacon of inclusive education for special needs children”, and the early childhood institution at Bull Bay Primary and Infant School to ensure they are certified.

Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, noted at the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education, “We believe in the transformative power of education and are honoured to partner with these institutions. We are excited to contribute to the growth and development of these schools, ensuring that they provide the best educational experience for their students.”

Marubeni shares the joy

Marubeni senior executives distributed scores of care packages last Thursday at the Drews Avenue and Mountain View primary schools. Mo Majeed, CEO of Marubeni Caribbean power company; Damian Obiglio, senior vice-president (VP) for Caribbean operations; senior VP Keisuke Harada; and VP Takuya Kokawa assisted in unloading the hefty packages, each containing two weeks of groceries for a family of four.

Parents, teachers, and students at both schools gave a lively welcome to the group and children asked to hear Japanese expressions.

“This marks the second consecutive year that Marubeni has undertaken such a meaningful outreach programme with Food For the Poor,” said Majeed. “Last year we directed our efforts towards supporting the Hart Hill community in Portland, and this year we are extending our reach to touch the lives of students in Kingston… It is a hands-on approach as we are committed to making a difference through personal interaction with the people we serve.”

IGT supports teen moms

Last month, multinational International Gaming Technology company (IGT) upgraded its high-tech After School Advantage Centre at the Mustard Seed residence for teen mothers, Mary’s Child. IGT managers toured the facility recently, providing a memorable Christmas treat, gifting the 13 teenagers and 12 babies at the residence.

“The world has become more technology-centric… There is an unprecedented increase in women pursuing STEM careers, and the call for more women in STEM careers is ongoing,” advised Debbie Green, IGT Jamaica general manager. “This is an opportunity to make your mark.”

Since 2011, long before STEM buzz, IGT has been creating these well-equipped centres throughout the English-speaking Caribbean in charitable residences and community centres. Jamaica has 15 of the 40 now in operation.

CCRP reaches out

CCRP’s diligent Caring Committee members and parish representatives have been distributing packages of groceries and personal care products valued $650,000 to needy elders islandwide.

The willing participants are Caring Committee Chair Verla Seymour; former Chair Irene Walter; western convenor Dr Norma Taylor; north-east convenor Pixley Irons; board director Peter Mais for Portland; Reverend Franklyn Sephestine for St Thomas; Kingston and St Andrew parish representative Ludwig Streete; Rev Recardo Malcolm and Sister Yvonne Stevens of the Salem Circuit of Moravian Churches; Rev Barrington Litchmore; Patricia Christie and Elet DeSouza of Providence Church; central Jamaica Caring Committee members Peggy Russell and Leighton Ritch; Rev Monneica Duncan of St Marks Anglican Church; Rev Eddie Jennings of the Church of the Lord’s Transfiguration; Sonia Hurd and the Hope United Seniors Exercise Group; and Westmoreland parish representative Charmaine Allen.

iCreate Founder Wilson Is Back

If resilience were a person, its name would be Tyrone Wilson. The intrepid founder of iCreate, which has been listed on the Junior Stock Exchange since 2019, is back in the saddle as executive chairman after his resignation in September.

The young visionary had founded iCreate to provide skills training and development of creatives in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Thousands of creatives benefited from their courses, including 500 CCRP members to whom they offered free IT introductory courses.

iCreate’s reformulated board comprises Wilson, private equity investor Anthony Dunn, Adrian Smith, Larren Peart, and marketing expert Donovan White. I am acquainted with the latter two and have the highest respect for them.

With Visual Vibe and payment company WiPay as subsidiaries as well as the goodwill of their stakeholders, iCreate is geared for a successful re-embarkation.

Season’s Blessings

As I will be taking a few weeks off from my column, here’s wishing you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.