Category: The Gleaner

Food For The Poor Brings Joy To Golden Agers

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Executive Director of Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica David Mair (right), feeds a resident of the Golden Age Home during the Christmas Treat hosted by his charity organisation recently. Sharing in the moment is Mishka Townsend-Brown, assistant general manager, Golden Age Home. Approximately 150 residents were fed and treated with care packages by FFP Jamaica. The treat for the elderly at the Golden Age Home was one of several treats held by FFP Jamaica to commemorate the festive Christmas season last year.

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Residents of the Golden Age Home enjoy their lunch provided by members of Food For The Poor during their annual Christmas Treat.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170112/food-poor-brings-joy-golden-agers

‘Sub-Zero’ Boosted By Win In Barbados

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A persistent two-fisted body attack, was the tactic used by Ramel ‘Sub Zero’ Lewis last Friday night, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in St. Michael, Barbados, to earn himself a split decision verdict in his six-round junior middleweight bout against Barbadian Christopher ‘Shaka’ Henry.

Two judges voted 59-56 each for Lewis, while the other judge voted 58-56 for Henry. This was the main event on a six-bout, Pro-Am Card. In one of the three amateur contests, Jamaica’s Felice Groves lost on points to Barbadian Mary Frazer, in a bout in which she should have been declared the winner by tko in the first round.

The Lewis versus Henry contest was a bruising, action-packed affair from start to finish. Henry, who is 6 feet tall, had a distinct reach advantage over the 5′ 5″ Lewis, and tried to use the jab as his main weapon. Lewis caught on to this quickly, however, and kept boring in successfully. His body shots rattled Henry, who although outgunned, had a few moments of glory himself. Lewis told The Gleaner that Henry was particularly decisive in the fifth round.

“He came on strong in the fifth and caught me with some really good shots, but I was able to hang in there, and then come back strong in the final round,” Lewis said. “It was a good hard fight, and I had to work hard to beat Shaka, who had the crowd behind him all the way, and this assisted him.”

Lewis added that he was happy for the victory and that it will boost his confidence going into 2017.

Groves met Mary Frazer in a four- round amateur bout, and started aggressively. A recording of the bout showed that within the first 30 seconds of the contest, she was all over Frazer, and caught her with a solid right to the chin that floored her. Frazer landed on her back with legs in the air, but got to her feet as the referee reached the count of two. She stumbled back, however, and was falling to the canvas again, when she was caught by the referee and taken to a neutral corner.

He then spoke with her for about 30 seconds, while she recovered. Instead of awarding the bout to Groves, the referee inexplicably signalled that it be resumed. Frazer survived the remainder of the round, regained her composure in the second round, made it a close contest thereafter and was eventually awarded a points victory.

Coach Carl Grant, who accompanied the boxers to Barbados, told The Gleaner that there was no doubt in his mind that the referee blundered, and that Groves clearly won the bout in the first round.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20170104/sub-zero-boosted-win-barbados

Dane Richardson Takes Reins At Digicel Foundation

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Leadership is an innate quality entrenched in the DNA of 33-year-old Dane Richardson, who officially took the reins as chief executive officer at Digicel Foundation on New Year’s Day.

Digicel Foundation is a non-profit organisation that distributes and utilises funds on a charitable basis for the sole purpose of building communities and community spirit in Jamaica.

Richardson will be tasked with advancing the goodwill organisation by adding to the legacy achieved by his predecessor, Samantha Chantrelle.

The Wolmerian joined the foundation in 2013 as programme manager for education and quickly climbed through the ranks to be promoted to head of programmes in 2015, and, subsequently, director of operations in 2016.

Before joining the foundation, he was programme development manager and grants manager at the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, one of the largest health care agencies in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing, and advocating for, Jamaicans living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, STIs, and intimate-partner violence.

In speaking with The Gleaner about his ascension to the helm of the foundation, Richardson said: “Happy would be an understatement. Deeply ecstatic better sums it up.”

He added: “Receiving such an opportunity to lead an organisation has been a lifelong aspiration. Having witnessed and learnt from many outstanding development specialists, I have always wanted a chance to make my own mark contributing to positive changes in my home country.”

Richardson’s appointment comes on the heels of the foundation being awarded the Non-profit Organisation of the Year by the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS).

Richardson contributed greatly to said recognition through procedural improve-ments and efficiencies, improved cost effectiveness, as well as increased scope in programme design and reach; his most noteworthy achievement being his leadership of the implementation of the foundation’s largest project with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) valued at J$600 million, which contributed to the achievement of the Ministry of Education’s goal of 85 per cent literacy in 2015 at the primary level.

SUITABLE PERSON

Krystal Tomlinson, public relations and engagement manager at Digicel Foundation, expressed that upon hearing the news from outgoing CEO Chantrelle, she wept joyfully.

“He’s the most suitable and deserving person. Dane knows the foundation inside out. We are coming out of a three-year strategic plan and he wasn’t just a part of it, but he led it from the jump. He’s inclusive and he encourages a sense of creativity. He allows you to challenge his own ideas, and that style of leadership is ideal.”

Neville Charlton, fellow CVSS awardee (young leader award) and public relations and engagement assistant at Digicel Foundation, echoed similar sentiments.

“Dane is an optimist and a go-getter. He’s not the conventional leader; he tries to get everyone’s opinion. He’s very passionate about anything he does,” he told The Gleaner.

Foundation Chairperson Jean Lowrie-Chin also expressed confidence that Richardson’s passion and leadership strength would propel the organisation towards achieving more for communities.

Richardson credits his immediate family for fostering his growth and development while citing his mother as a daily tower of strength and motivation.

In speaking to his vision for the foundation, the shrewd executive said: “It is important that I build on our solid 12-year history. The former CEOs have created a fantastic platform for creating more positive change in Jamaica. I see Digicel Foundation contributing to a sustainable Jamaica for all. Through a shared-value proposition, the foundation can deepen its efforts in tackling serious national issues through alignment with key government and non-government agencies to ensure investments are impactful and sustained.”

The end of 2016 saw more than

J$3 billion invested by the foundation in communities islandwide, impacting more than 580,000 Jamaicans since inception.

syranno.baines@gleanerjm.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170102/dane-richardson-takes-reins-digicel-foundation

Digicel, JCPD Grant Christmas Wish

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An enterprising young Jamaica living with cerebral palsy will remember this Christmas as the time he entered the workforce as an entrepreneur, after receiving a new computer, printer and external hard drive for his start-up technology firm, Ventura Tech.

While more than 3,000 children will ‘Get Gifted’ with toys, courtesy of Digicel during Christmas treats to be held islandwide.

The gift to Roshane Foster, who has refused to let the cerebral palsy crush his dreams, was made possible through collaboration between Digicel Foundation and the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD).

A recent surprise visit to Roshane’s house in Manchester brought tears of joy from his mother Gennie Facey, who was happy to see her son’s entrepreneurial dream come to life.

“Roshane has always wanted to start his own business and I have always known that he had it in him to be successful, but as a single parent it has been difficult to give him all he would need to succeed. I am so very appreciative. I could not ask for more,” said Facey.

A GOOD START

She noted that this was a good start for Ventura Tech, a name hand-picked by her son for his business.

Roshane already supports his community through graphic design and other digital services. However, with new gadgets, he will now have better equipment to extend his business portfolio.

As Roshane spoke it became clear that he had great passion for his business. “Ventura Tech is very unique because I try to make sure each design is different and I listen to my customers, so that I can give them what they ask for. I put my heart and soul in each design so that makes a big difference.”

He was eager to share his vision for the future, saying, “I see myself in the next five years with at least two computer shops and giving back to the persons who helped me to make my dream come true.”

“We want to celebrate the resilient spirit of champions like Roshane, who want to contribute meaningfully, despite the hurdles along their way,” said Dane Richardson, director of operations at the Digicel Foundation.

Through several initiatives, the foundation supports organisations to help address challenges in the disability sector.

FAR-REACHING EFFORTS

“Working with key agencies like the JCPD helps to ensure that our efforts are far-reaching and impactful,” said Richardson.

From his certification in information technology and business administration to his own volunteerism in becoming the first active Rotaract Club member living with cerebral palsy, Roshane has made great strides.

In speaking about his next steps, he was steadfast in sharing how he wants to channel his own success to actively supporting members of the special-needs community.

“What I want is for persons to stop looking down on people with disabilities. We have a lot to offer, just like anyone else,” said Roshane.

In the meantime, Digicel will continue giving toys to children tomorrow, with the Usain Bolt Treat in Sherwood Content Trelawny

Digicel Jamaica CEO David Butler said toy-giving has become a happy tradition of the company.

“Nothing warms our hearts more at this time of the year than seeing the joy a toy brings to children’s faces. We are always very happy to support our ambassadors and community organisations that work hard to ensure we extend smiles right across Jamaica during the Yuletide,” said Butler.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20161225/digicel-jcpd-grant-christmas-wish

‘Q Is The Key To Cash 4 Life’ – Enriching Lives For Christmas

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The lives of five lucky Jamaicans have been enriched this festive season, thanks to cash prizes they have won for the month of November in J. Wray & Nephew Limited’s ‘Q is the Key to Cash 4 Life’ competition.

Laffern Anderson, Kervin Bryson and Keisha Bennett were randomly selected as the first, second and third-place winners with cash prizes of $500,000, $250,000 and $150,000, respectively.

When 55-year-old Anderson, who had already won $10,000 in the competition, was informed that she won $500,000, she could not contain herself.

“I can’t even explain how mi feel. Mi really, really glad! I love to buy my white rum and drink it with Pepsi because it drink really good, so this just make me feel even better,” Anderson, who is from Highgate, St Mary, said with a laugh.

Anderson, a domestic worker, explained how timely the cash prize was in helping her to accomplish her goal of finishing the construction of her home.

“I am going to finish up mi house with the money. Mi a poor smaddy, enuh, so me house nuh done yet. Mi a go continue enter because me want to win in the finals come January also, because me have an operation on my eye, and that money woulda do me good,” she added.

Like Anderson, Bryson was over the moon when he was informed that he won $250,000. The 28-year-old who is from Trelawny and works in the construction business said: “I feel good about it. Mi glad mi did buy the flask of [Wray & Nephew] White Overproof Rum and entered.”

“I have not spent the money as yet. What I want to do is to build a one-room, but I have no land. I will try to make something out of it. Mi ah go put it to use,” he said.

Bennett, a nail technician from St Ann, said she has plans to invest the $150,000 she won.

Pietro Gramegna, marketing manager, J. Wray & Nephew Limited, said the company is happy to have enriched the lives of hundreds of Jamaicans with the competition.

WEEKLY CASH PRIZES

“This year we are happy to be providing 14 weeks of daily cash prizes of $10,000, mobile phone credit, and monthly cash prizes of $50,000, $100,000, $150,000, $250,000 and $500,000. In January 2017, there will be a grand prize draw for two persons to each win $1,000,000 per year for the next 10 years,” Gramegna said.

“Already, more than $5,000,000 has been won by entrants from the competition, with our first, second, third, fourth and fifth-place winners of $500,000, $250,000, $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000; 110 winners of $10,000, and 8,540 winners of $100 phone credit for the months of October and November,” he added.

The 14-week competition features dancehall’s Real Rich sensation Tanto Blacks and will award nearly $30 million in prize money between October 2016 and January 2017 to winning players who purchase ‘Qs’ (200 ml bottles) of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Charley’s JB Overproof Rum, Appleton Special or Campari, once they peel their labels, text the codes to the number provided and are selected.

Seniors Party At Christmas

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This Christmas is no ordinary season of merriment for the seniors. The festivities have already reached mega levels as many of them turned out in fine style for a soca party planned and hosted by the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP).

Well over one hundred members of the seniors’ organisation gathered on the rooftop of the Phoenix Central building at 2 Phoenix Avenue, St Andrew, recently for an evening of fun and frolic. The event was a huge success as members enjoyed dancing to soca music from the eighties and nineties, played by Sapphire Disco with selector Omar C. For supper, they had a delicious meal catered by Phoenix Central’s Cafe Nita.

It was a time of lively fellowship, and the seniors enjoyed the breathtaking view of Kingston from the rooftop.

Jean Lowrie-Chin, CCRP’s founder and executive chair, was quite pleased with the turnout. She said that based on the positive feedback from the members who attended the event, the soca party could well become CCRP’s signature Christmas event.

Although they came prepared for an evening of dining and dancing, the CCRP members also brought the spirit of giving as they all came with gift bags filled with items of toiletries to donate to the Golden Age Home.

It has been a custom of the organisation since its inception in 2010 that at its annual Christmas event members would bring gift items for donation to the Golden Age Home. The gifts have been presented to the home by members of the CCRP Caring Committee.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20161223/seniors-party-christmas

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GraceKennedy Fetes Seniors In The Spirit Of Christmas

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Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

The senior citizens were the ones being feted, gently tapping the desk or rocking to the beat of Christmas carols as they caught up with friends from neighbouring communities at the De La Vega Community Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine, recently, but Don Wehby was clearly having just as much fun.

“This is the nicest part of my job,” the GraceKennedy Group chief executive officer shared with The Gleaner in-between greeting some of the more than 60 persons who turned out for the annual Christmas treat hosted by the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation.

Former GraceKennedy employee Desreen Mighty caught Wehby off guard when she proudly showed him two identification cards from her days with the company, having spent 28 years on staff.

GREAT MEMORIES

As she started right out of school, the older of the two cards showed her with an Afro hairstyle and with her maiden name, Allen.

However, she proudly pointed out to Wehby that it had been signed by the late Carlton Alexander, former chairman and chief executive officer of Grace.

The retired 75-year-old described the company as “outstanding” and was quite willing to share stories about her time spent there.

Drawn from March Pen, Lakes Pen, Lime Tree, Quarrie Hill and De La Vega City, the beneficiaries are selected by members of the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation who work in these communities, and the event is eagerly anticipated, according to Joan Black, treasurer of the De La Vega City Benevolent Society.

“It is always well received,” she disclosed.

All the senior citizens were treated to Grace gift baskets, as well as lively interaction with members of the GraceKennedy Group and the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, who combined their singing talents to form a company choir, serving up rousing rounds of carols and Yuletide cheer.

It was obvious that, for the retirees, some of whom had been bussed to the location, it was a welcomed intervention.

Wehby really made their day when he promised that as long as he is head of GraceKennedy Limited, they would always have a Christmas treat. For this, he earned a sustained round of applause.

christopher.serju@gleanerjm.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20161221/spreading-christmas-cheer-grace-fetes-seniors-spirit-christmas

200 Golden Agers Feted By Food For The Poor

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Christmas came early for 200 seniors from Clusters D and G at the Golden Age Home in Vineyard Town, Kingston, yesterday. They were treated at the Yuletide festivities that Food For The Poor (FFP) stages annually for them.

Through a long-standing partnership with the Golden Age Home, FFP officially sponsors both clusters at the home. The golden agers at the treat included persons who are challenged both mentally and physically, and seniors with chronic ailments such as diabetes or hypertension. Their smiles were broad as they partook of the goodies, with Christmas carols as topping.

“They look forward to this day the whole year. When we come here, it’s a joy for them to see us because we aren’t just feeding them, we are spending time and interacting with them,” David Mair, executive director of Food For The Poor, told The Gleaner.

He added: “We are here to facilitate anything we can do to uplift their lives, and that’s what’s really great about this job.

 

FEELING OF FULFILMENT

 

General manager of the Golden Age Home Laurette Adams-Thomas told The Gleaner: “I think it’s wonderful! It’s something that the residents and employees look forward to every day. This type of relationship with FFP is not new as their giving is ongoing. One of the things we really appreciate is that FFP is not just a donor or a sponsor, they are a partner.”

She further stated: “Senior citizens are not really given priority in this day and age. We see where more attention is being given to our youth. So I get a feeling of fulfilment when I see that the seniors are properly cared for.”

The Golden Age Home is primarily government funded. It currently houses approximately 460 persons and has 160 employees across seven clusters. It acts as an infirmary and also cares for persons who have been rendered destitute. It is the largest facility of its kind in Jamaica and the Caribbean offering these types of services.

Both Mair and Thomas appealed for further sponsorship and potential partnership from corporate Jamaica to aid in retrofitting facilities such as the bathroom for disabled persons, a bus for transportation, and overall funding and supplies on a daily basis.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20161209/200-golden-agers-feted-food-poor

Editorial | The Gap Between Research And Policy

Against the backdrop of the usual noise associated with political campaigns, a serious message may have been missed this week when the GraceKennedy Foundation renewed its commitment to research work at the University of the West Indies. The foundation funds research activities through the Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies and the James Moss-Solomon Chair in Environmental Management.

Chief executive officer of GraceKennedy, Senator Don Wehby, said the UWI must be known as a centre for solutions and a leader in promoting innovation and innovative thinking.

Increasingly, society is looking to tertiary institutions, like the UWI, to use their enormous human resources to bend the curve of technology in the 21st Century and deliver greater opportunities for economic growth and development to future generations.

As Jamaica faces challenges in social justice, health, agriculture, climate change and other areas relevant to national development, it is imperative that new research be undertaken to find ways of mitigating the impact of these challenges on society. These decades-old obstacles throw up numerous opportunities for academics to demonstrate the reach and impact their work can have.

Research is an expensive business and will not flourish without appropriate and consistent funding. Most of the research in tertiary institutions comes from external sources, including philanthropic organisations and private-sector entities. For these investors, it is assumed that they would be keen to measure the success of their investment by effective outcomes.

The results of such research cannot just be displayed during exhibitions at a designated time each year. This new knowledge gathered through research must be used in policy development. The results of research are critical in influencing development of policy, helping to shape legislation, and even to alter behaviours that are found to be detrimental to the common good.

UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE

It may take some convincing to get politicians to understand the science behind the research work, and even harder to get new policy implemented. However, we now have a minister of science and technology in Dr Andrew Wheatley, who has qualifications in biochemistry and chemistry and is a research scientist.

It may, therefore, be left to him to work with the scientific community to convey the idea of research-based evidence by demonstrating to his parliamentary colleagues how the findings were tested, debated and reviewed before achieving consensus.

Recent pronouncements by Dr Wheatley that Jamaica is not lagging in scientific research have been challenged by a letter writer to The Gleaner. The reader, who describes himself as a Jamaican with a scientific background, who has left the island to pursue opportunities overseas, decried the fact that “large-scale investment in scientific research is lacking”.

He suggested that there needs to be a scientific research culture in Jamaica. He lamented the lack of funding as one reason why persons passionate about science have become discouraged.

CRITICAL STEPS

It is indeed a fact that for the country’s research to serve the community well and command global attention funding, it is critical to provide qualified academics and procure equipment and infrastructure to facilitate their work.

Traditionally, policymakers tend to be heavily influenced by what is popular rather than evidence-based research, and this is why research-informed evidence is not assigned the place of importance it deserves in policymaking. It is time to bridge that substantial gap between research and policy.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20161126/editorial-gap-between-research-and-policy