Clarendon-based primary schools get ‘smart’ room, courtesy of Digicel Foundation
Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Margaret Dingle Spence Receives CCRP Living Legacy Award
180 benefit from proceeds of Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk
Approximately 180 students are set to benefit from academic grants from the Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk organised by MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operator of the Sangster International Airport (SIA).
At the awards and handover ceremony, which was hosted on the grounds of SIA, students from across western Jamaica proudly clad in uniforms were feted to an inspirational evening of activities and entertainment. The recipients ranged from the primary education level to those pursuing tertiary studies at both local and international universities.
Through their many sponsors, MBJ Airports was able to raise J$11 million during the third staging of the charity run/walk, held on September 11. This is a remarkable increase from the $4.5 million raised in 2022, when 50 students were direct recipients of academic grants.
An impressive 87 individuals and four community groups consisting of 90 youths are beneficiaries of this year’s grants.
For Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports, this initiative is a testament to the positive impact that can be made when corporate entities join hands and hearts to make a difference in the community.
“Two words stand out today – unity and purpose. Today we are here for this special award ceremony where we have a chance to contribute towards a brighter future and that is made possible through education and community support,” Munroe said during his address on Monday.
The CEO further underscored MBJ’s commitment to supporting the educational pursuits of students who need financial backing.
“MBJ is not just a gateway to Jamaica, our beautiful island, but also a cornerstone of this community. We believe that it is essential that we all thrive so we must ensure that the community develops and grows as well. This 5K/10K fund-raising event is a testament to our commitment and every step taken is a step towards a dream, a step towards an aspiration and a future leader,” he said.
Manager of commercial, business development & marketing at MBJ Airports Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt, was elated as she was greeted with the smiling faces of recipients and their parents during the ceremony. She reiterated MBJ’s drive to impact Jamaican youths through education – a pillar to success.
“We are excited to be here another year celebrating this event. MBJ celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and we have always had a commitment to education and as we grew over the years, that commitment has only grown and strengthened,” she said.
“We know people are in need and we are here to help to ensure that students are able to get the education that they require,” Hislop-Holt added.
Delivering an inspiring keynote address was the principal of St Mary’s Preparatory School, Dr Anthony Taylor, who emphasised to the recipients the importance of obtaining a solid education.
“I am imploring you to make the best of your education journey and at some stage in your life, relive the same kindness that would have been vested in you to someone else,” said Taylor.
“The grant is just telling you that someone believes in you. You have to show them that you believe in yourself and that you are going to be that beacon in your life so that someone can speak of your kindness 10 years from now,” he charged.
Taylor also commended the team at MBJ Airports Limited and their many valuable sponsors for organising this initiative to positively impact the lives of these youths.
“I want to commend the team who initiated this programme and I commend you because you are doing something good,” he said.
Before the evening was brought to an end, members of the Jackie Norman Youth Empowerment Programme’s (JNYEP) band brought the roof down with their rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers. They were also a recipient of the Inclusivity Grant during Monday’s ceremony.
Source: OUR Today – https://our.today/180-benefit-from-proceeds-of-team-sangster-charity-run-walk/
Awakening the village
Our hearts hurt each time we hear of the tragic deaths or abuse of children and the elderly, the vulnerable members of the Jamaican family.
There are individuals and groups looking out for them, babysitting for their neighbours, carpooling, and hosting homework centres. However, as we have been reminded repeatedly, criminals are still being harboured, left free to visit violence on our innocents.
The majority of Jamaicans, decent law-abiding people, will now need to step up and protect our children and elderly. Those who fear speaking up against criminals in their midst can speak to their pastors or guidance counsellors who can act as intermediaries with law enforcement. Parent-teacher associations and church groups can offer transportation for schoolchildren. Father Jim Bok in Negril held a fund-raiser to purchase a bus which takes disadvantaged children to and from school every day.
We must also examine why there have been such cold-hearted crimes against children; how could we have bred such evil hearts? For over 30 years WMW Jamaica (formerly Women’s Media Watch) has been warning about the extreme violence in movies and on television. We saw this becoming even more dangerous with the advent of violent video games absorbing our children, desensitising them to the harm unfolding on their screens.
We saw the rise in the number of ‘barrel children’, left behind by parents seeking better jobs abroad to support their families. They may have received monetary support, but in some instances lacked the parental guidance to be disciplined and responsible.
Children need to be nurtured. Throwing an iPad to them while you play on yours will result in antisocial behaviour. Conversing with children, worshipping with them, reading to them, taking them out of the house for recreational activities will make a world of difference to their socialisation. We cannot have a “kinder, gentler nation”, as was envisioned by the elder former US President Bush, if our children do not have that level of care.
Those of us who were blessed to have caring parents and guardians will have to take mentorship seriously. Children who may not have guidance at home will benefit from a structured mentorship programme: weekly phone calls, monthly meetings, outings from time to time. This is how children will feel that they matter, that you have their backs, build their self-esteem and confidence. It is not by coincidence that one of our gangs call themselves the Fatherless Crew.
We welcome the news from Colette Roberts Risden, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that salaries for social workers have more than doubled and there are 50 new vacancies to be filled. She was responding to a statement from Member of Parliament Mikael Phillips, chair of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC), calling for more social workers for the administration of the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).
The anger and dysfunction in our country are paraded every day on social media. Our politicians and the security forces cannot address this on their own. It is the responsibility of every decent adult to join with the voluntary bodies at school, church, or in the community to help even one suffering child.
The call for overseas workers
Richard Pandohie’s recent contribution to the recruitment of overseas employees in a media interview generated more light and less heat in the current debate on the subject.
The Seprod Group CEO said that for his company such an action would be for a limited period so that his workers could be apprenticed to such an individual and be trained to take over that position
Pandohie also noted that there is a punctuality and productivity issue, primarily with male workers. He said a great deal of productive time is taken up with mediation as many were not able to settle their differences and conflicts escalate. President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) Sydney Thwaites called for the training of young people in the soft skills needed for them to be cooperative team players.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck believes that our tourism workers should be better paid. He recalled a conversation with a worker in the industry who said that his wage could not cover the cost of commuting so he left the job.
With so much dissonance, we believe the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) could assist with data on wages in the various industries and the reasons many jobs advertised are not being taken up.
AFJ celebrates 40 years
This year’s gala held by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has raised nearly US$1 million, all of which will go to grantees in Jamaica who are involved in transformative programmes. It is no wonder they gained so much support, as the honorees were stars of business and philanthropy: Danny Wegman, Paula Kerr-Jarrett Wegman, Sheresse Clarke Soars, and Janice Hart.
We remember when former US ambassadors Sue and Charles Cobb, Pamela Bridgewater, Brenda Johnson, Glen Holden, and J Gary Cooper joined together to continue their support of the Jamaican people. Along their 40-year journey they were joined by AFJ board directors Wendy Hart, James Cada, Monica Ladd, Chris Ohrstrom, Paula Campbell Roberts, Barron Channer, Glenn Creamer, Pat Falkenberg, Sarah Hsia, Kathleen Newman, Radford W Klotz, and Caron Chung. Congratulations to AFJ on its milestone anniversary. It has brought hope to many lives and joy with its fantastic fund-raisers.
Applications for funding can be sent via the AFJ website, theafj.org.
Farewell, Sister Theresa Lowe-Ching
The Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica are mourning the passing of one of their most brilliant nuns, theologian Sister Theresa Lowe Ching, PhD, formerly Sister Mary Donna, who taught us Latin at Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha”.
Sister Terry, as we fondly called her, was a beloved lecturer at St Michael’s College & Seminary and The University of the West Indies. She was instrumental in the formation of her fellow sisters as well as the associates of the Sisters of Mercy.
Sister was a visionary and a keen planner, who took on the amazing journey of the creation of the Alpha Mercy Museum in collaboration with Mercy Jamaica administrator Sister Susan Frazer. She requested a special wall on which all the Sisters of Mercy who had served in Jamaica would be memorialised. It was a joy that she was present at the unveiling last December.
Our associates of the Sisters of Mercy leader Marcia Thwaites shared, “I recall how she abhorred ‘clericalism’, a topic that the recent church synod addressed. She felt that women had a lot to contribute and felt it was unwise for the Church to operate ‘with one hand tied behind its back’.”
Mercy associate Sheryl Reid wrote, “Sister Terry was indeed a gentle giant of a theologian. She pioneered registering a master’s degree programme in Catholic theology. It got off the ground but was discontinued a few years later when she retired. I will miss her good counsel.”
Deepest sympathy to Sister Terry’s family and the Mercy community. May she rest in eternal peace.
Source: The Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/awakening-the-village/
MBJ Airports Ltd 5K/10K Charity Run/Walk raises $11-m for academic grants
ST JAMES, Jamaica – MBJ Airports Limited, operators of Sangster International Airport (SIA), has hailed their third staging of the annual MBJ Team Sangster Charity Run/Walk, held on September 11, at Sangster International Airport, as a resounding success.
The event raised an impressive $11 million for academic grants, a significant increase from the $4.5m raised in 2022.
This achievement underscores MBJ’s commitment to supporting the education of the most vulnerable students in their community, MBJ Airports Limited said.
Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, expressed immense joy at the substantial funds raised during the charity run/walk, as he emphasised the event’s significance.
“We are very pleased to witness the incredible success of the charity run/walk, which not only brought our community together but also raised an impressive amount for academic grants. This event showcases our commitment to supporting education and making a meaningful impact on the lives of students in the community in which we exist,” he commented.
Munroe further added that the funds generated from the charity run/walk extend beyond mere monetary contributions, pointing ou that “they symbolise a shared dedication to advancing education and enriching the local community.”
“With this substantial sum raised from this event, MBJ Airports Limited is well-positioned to effect substantial changes in the lives of budding scholars. This financial support opens doors for them, enabling them to chase their academic pursuits and, in turn, foster a brighter future for the entire community,” he added.
Audley Deidrick, CEO and president of Airports Authority of Jamaica, also expressed his appreciation for the remarkable outpouring of support for the event and the funds raised through the charity run/walk while reflecting on the impact the contributions will make in the lives of deserving individuals within the community.
“Participating in this year’s charity run was an incredible experience. Knowing that our efforts directly contribute to academic grants makes it even more rewarding,” Deidrick said.
Manager of Commercial Development & Marketing at MBJ Airports Limited, Sharon Hislop-Holt emphasised the event’s role in supporting education and the overwhelming support it received.
“I am elated with the overwhelming support we’ve received this year. This event has gained recognition for being an excellent event that the airport community and corporate Jamaica look forward to. All the funds raised will be awarded to students for education, a cause we know is greatly needed,” Hislop-Holt stated.
The success of this event is attributed to the generous contributions of sponsors, donors, and over 2,000 participants. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards enabling students to access much-needed academic grants at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The grants will be geared towards airport employees, their children and dependents, individuals from the surrounding communities, as well as community-based organisations targeting the growth and development of persons with special needs.
In 2022, over 50 students benefited directly from the proceeds of the event and with more than double the funds raised this year, MBJ Airports Limited intends to make an even more significant impact on the lives of more students.
To apply for these grants, students are encouraged to submit their applications by the extended deadline of October 20, 2023.
Source: Jamaica Observer – https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latest-news/mbj-airports-ltd-5k-10k-charity-run-walk-raises-11-m-for-academic-grants/
The poor’s persistent quake
As we continued to feel phantom quakes after last week’s earthquake, that anxiety reminded me of stories from dwellers in our inner-city communities. “Miss Chin,” said one lady, “is under the bed mi hide with mi grandson last night. You should hear the shot them. I still trembling.” Said another, “I was at the bus stop and I heard the shots coming nearer. I had to run and hide around the corner. All now mi heart still beating fast.” These are hard-working middle-aged women who work, worship, and nurture their families. Surely they deserve better than this.
So, yes, we may have had some fearful days and nights last week, but members of our Jamaican family have been living that fear for decades — day in, day out. They cannot cross certain streets as that may take them into enemy territory. When violence happens close to them, they have to “see and blind, hear and deaf” so they are not branded as informers and attacked.
There must be some super-sized hypocrites in this country for barefooted boys to have access to dangerous weapons and for the number of gangs in this tiny rock to exceed 250. We are hearing talk of the ‘El Salvador model’ and the retraining of our police. It is the police who must be mentoring our youth in the Police Youth Club, the largest in Jamaica. How about our politicians launching mentorship programmes in their constituencies and bringing the parish councillors on board. HEART/NSTA Trust offers free training, but how many youth are being guided in choosing a vocation, signing up for the classes, and sticking with the training to get certified?
Project STAR, brainchild of Keith Duncan and his Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) colleagues, has been seeing more young people trained and getting employment. The Ministry of Education has launched parenting programmes, urgently needed as increasingly schoolchildren are displaying violent behaviour. Church groups have been expressing their fears of antisocial behaviour in schools and our unattached youth are easy prey for gang leaders.
Crime continues to sap our economy. Businesses must spend heavily on security and scheduled surgeries must make way for gunshot victims. The crazy driving by taxis may be caused by their desperate effort to make enough money to pay themselves as well as the extortionists. There can be no finger-pointing by one political party at the other, they are both accountable for this distressing situation.
Some of us can afford the guards, gates, dogs, electronics to keep us secure. Our poor can afford none of this. Please, let this criminal quake stop shaking up their lives.
Calls for preparedness
We are giving thanks that there were no injuries and minimal damage after the magnitude-5.6 earthquake which was heavier in our eastern parishes. In contrast, the same strength earthquake in Nepal over the past weekend has caused some 150 deaths and widespread destruction. Our building codes may have served us well, but the 2010 earthquake which took 300,000 Haitian lives is a reminder that both our countries are located on the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone (EPGFZ or EPGZ). According to Wikipedia, this is “a system of active coaxial left lateral-moving strike slip faults which runs along the southern side of the island of Hispaniola, where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located. The EPGFZ is named for Lake Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic where the fault zone emerges and extends across the southern portion of Hispaniola through the Caribbean to the region of the Plantain Garden River in Jamaica.”
This is the system which caused the submersion of the larger part of Port Royal in 1692, taking a total of 5,000 lives and the destruction of 80 per cent of the buildings in Kingston in 1907, causing nearly 1,000 deaths.
“The ramifications of such sudden disruptions are widespread, significantly impacting the private sector through the cessation of business operations, damage to assets, and inventory losses,” noted the PSOJ in a statement. “The resulting strain extends to the insurance sector, evident in an upsurge of claims and the inevitable increase in insurance premiums. Additionally, the landscape of development financing is altered, introducing a realm of uncertainty for investors.”
It continued, “The IDB Disaster Risk Profile for Jamaica published in 2020 estimated that buildings and infrastructure in the country are vulnerable to seismic activity, with a total exposed value of US$44.5 billion. This means that in the event of an apocalyptic 1000-year event, the probable maximum loss is US$3.7 billion, representing 8.2 per cent of the total exposure.”
The organisation called for “heightened rigour in enforcing building codes, conducting building inspections, and executing earthquake drills. This becomes even more pertinent as we witness a transformation in our development landscape, characterised by increasing building heights and densities.”
It is said that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed”. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has useful tips on its website, including the preparation of a “go-bag” for emergencies. Please get this done, but keep it compact as it should fit on your lap to save space in case of an emergency extraction.
That heavy shake should focus us wonderfully on taking precautions for personal and national safety.
JA Sign Language Bible
The Jamaican deaf community gathered at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston recently to celebrate the launch of the Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) Bible Translation, spearheaded by Tashi and Blake Widmer.
Community members from across the island came together to learn about and celebrate another beginning in God’s ongoing work among the deaf of Jamaica.
Participation came from local deaf schools and churches — from Wycliffe Caribbean and even the global sign language translation team from SIL, a global, faith-based nonprofit that works with local communities around the world to develop language solutions. The endeavour was launched with the theme ‘God’s word made alive in JSL’.
Renca Dunn, a veteran Bible translator for the American Sign Language (ASL) Bible, reminded the audience that Bible translation is not easy, yet God provides what we ask for. Matt Knapp of HarvestCall and Zandrea Pitterson, one of the translators, exhorted the audience to focus on knowing God and making Him known. There were songs, dramatic presentations, and Bible stories shared, young and old coming together as one, including Jamaican Country Sign.
International guest speaker from Deaf Millennial Project, the founder, Brandon Gaskin inspired the audience and encouraged all to think and dream about what God could and would do in and through this ministry. Special communal prayer was offered on the JSLBT staff and engaged the whole audience in coming together and praying that God would sustain and add the increase as they begin training and research.
With the support of Krystal Clear Productions, the launch was also streamed on Zoom to the Diaspora. Danya’s Coffee Barrel provided delicious fare. With volunteers happy to serve, it all came together as a well-executed, encouraging, and uplifting event, glorifying God and the beginning of something fruitful and beautiful — God’s word brought to life in Jamaican Sign Language.
Source: The Jamaica Observer; https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/the-poors-persistent-quake/
Digicel Foundation signs three MOUs to empower education institutions
DIGICEL FOUNDATION has signed three groundbreaking memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to transform the educational landscape in Jamaica by supporting three prominent institutions in their quest for excellence and inclusivity.
RENOVATION OF THE HOPE VALLEY EXPERIMENTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE, ST ANDREW
The first MOU heralds a transformative chapter for the Hope Valley Experimental Special Education Centre in St Andrew. The Digicel Foundation is committed to funding the renovation of the school’s special education unit, ensuring it become a beacon of inclusive education for children with special needs.
As part of the scope of works, Digicel Foundation will be renovating the classrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen area, fixing a leaking roof and revamping the outside play area.
Christina Addington, education officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth’s Special Education Unit expressed gratitude to Digicel Foundation for its continued support in education. She said, “We really have to say thank you because the work that is being done is needed. The ministry does not always have the money to get what is needed to be done, so we really are appreciative of what is to come, and we know what has been done in the past. A big thank you to Digicel Foundation.”
ESTABLISHMENT OF A SMART ROOM AT THE MORANT BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ST THOMAS
Digicel Foundation has collaborated with Morant Bay Primary School in St Thomas to establish a smart room to facilitate digital literacy and technological advancement for the students. This initiative underscores the foundation’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering the future leaders of Jamaica.
Morant Bay Primary’s Smart Room will be outfitted with 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a smart board, and a printer. A smart lock with also be installed for safety.
RENOVATION OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD INSTITUTION AT THE BULL BAY INFANT AND PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ST THOMAS
Digicel Foundation will be renovating Bull Bay Infant and Primary School in St Thomas. The project is designed to assist the school in meeting the certification standards set by the Early Childhood Commission, ensuring that young learners receive the best possible start to their educational journey.
Jodi Bernard Kerr, board chair at Bull Bay Infant and Primary, said, “We are happy to see this investment being made for our children at the early childhood level. It is truly important that we get this certification as the development of the young minds at the school can only get better from here.”
Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation, shared, “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.”
The signing ceremonies took place on October 21, marking the beginning of a journey towards improved educational facilities and opportunities for students in these communities.
Source: The Jamaica Gleaner; https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20231027/digicel-foundation-signs-three-mous-empower-education-institutions
Strong Jamaicans give life lessons
The plaudits and announcements this week are a reminder that we can never give up.
Jamaican people do not venture out in the rain, so when we saw the turnout for Grace Baston’s retirement from Campion College, for Howard Mitchell’s Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame induction, and for Ibo Cooper’s thanksgiving service, we knew that they had stamped their names in the hearts of their fellow Jamaicans.
Great and Godly Grace Baston
I remember my late brother-friend Father Jim Webb, former chair of Campion College School Board, acting as if he had won the Super Lotto when he related that Baston had accepted his invitation to be principal of Campion. “Actually,” chuckled Baston, “he asked me to ‘hold the fort’ and that was 18 years ago.” Father Jim said he wanted her to help build God’s kingdom in her leadership of the high school, and so she did, throwing herself into the educational and spiritual development of the school, showing respect to all denominations and religions.
“We pause and appreciate this moment, where we can acknowledge that Christ has always been the identity of Grace, that Christ has been the identity of Campion, that Christ is our identity and it is through that identification with Christ that all work flows,” said homilist Father Roger Graham at the Mass in honour of Baston.
The former Sister of Mercy, graduate and principal of Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha”, Baston has lived “the good and true” of the mercy charism, even as she insisted on discipline and respect from her charges. Baston is multilingual, a talented singer and musician, and for one of her annual principal’s reports, she did a dancehall version, complete with DJ, music, and her flagman.
But there can be no rest for our dynamic, charismatic Baston. Now she has accepted the chairmanship of Citizen’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), the brainchild of her mentor Father Jim. The day after her big celebration, Baston was in our office with Campion chair and CAFFE Board Director Anton Thompson to discuss the recruitment of CCRP members as CAFFE volunteers. Blessings to you our irrepressible, unstoppable Gracie!
PSOJ Hall of Famer Howard Mitchell
After the glowing PSOJ citation was read by his colleague Richard Pandohie, Howard Mitchell was gracious in his thanks, but commanding in his challenge to the impressive gathering of political and private sector leaders.
The citation spoke of attorney-at-law Mitchell’s service “on as many as 14 statutory boards, representing industries ranging from agriculture to mining. To those assignments he gave the same level of energy, dedication, and acuity that he had in his corporate positions”. His creation of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) brought new opportunities to Jamaica’s sporting aspirants.
A man of “unimpeachable integrity”, in the words of PSOJ President Metry Seaga, the citation noted “his role in establishing, in 2017, the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP)… dedicated to fostering a more engaged citizenry and improving public accountability and service delivery”. Howard has given his “time, treasure, and talent to the St Patrick’s Foundation, Mustard Seed, and the Issa Trust Foundation”.
As PSOJ president from 2017 to 2019, Mitchell “either led or significantly influenced the development of far-reaching and, in fact, transformative policy positions and initiatives on crime management and national security, financial and general accountability in the public and private sectors, disaster preparedness… and environmental stewardship”.
As chairman of the National Health Fund (NHF) during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Mitchell was integral to Jamaica, even having a COVID vaccine programme”, sharing kudos with the able and dedicated NHF team.
Mitchell began his reply, sharing, “I am the sum total of the careful socialisation by my blessed parents, the calm and patient guidance of my wife Linda, the loyal and somewhat bemused love and affection of my two daughters, Erin and Kirsten… I have been blessed by the mentorship and example of my dear departed friend Raymond Chang and more recently by the inspiring friendships with people, such as Howard Hamilton, Leighton McKnight, Peter Moses, Owen Ellington, Butch Hendrickson, Chris Zacca, Glen Christian, Dr the Honourable Christopher Tufton, Michael and Thalia Lyn, who every day strengthen my belief in the essential decency of mankind.”
He joked, “My best friend since childhood, Dr Aggrey Irons, perhaps became a psychiatrist because of his perceived need to care for me.”
He lauded Jamaica’s successes but raised a red flag. “But… I put it to you that we are in grave danger of failure as a nation, as a society, as a community of souls. We are hell-bent on self-destruction because of our culture of selfish and divisive tribalism, which steadfastly ignores value unless it is clothed in green or orange.”
He warned, “We practice the doctrine of divide and rule that was practised upon us for many years past by our slave masters and refuse to acknowledge the damage that we now do to our future… we steep ourselves in the culture of piracy and mayhem and theft, which is so ingrained in our beginnings but will be the cause of the end of us as a functional society.”
He challenged, “We must demand to participate with the State in building a nation… with ethical principles and energetic and constant consideration for the upliftment of all of us… Not just 50 per cent on a rotating basis, according to our tribe.”
As he called for a ‘Values and Attitudes’ campaign, Mitchell noted to Prime Minister PJ Patterson, who was in attendance, “Yes, Prime Minister Patterson, I know it’s not an original thought… but it’s a thought that has never been given a chance… Jamaica suffers from a massive vacuum of communal beliefs.”
Congratulations, Howard. We hope that all of us who gave you a standing ovation will stand up for the principles which have been the foundation of your life’s work.
Farewell, Ibo Cooper
There was an outpouring of love and respect as Jamaicans mourned the passing of the legendary musician and educator Michael “Ibo” Cooper.
Co-founder of the acclaimed Third World band, Cooper has been composer, performer, and mentor in our creative landscape. The hard-working, caring father was lauded by his three children. His youngest, Akiri, said “Ibo” stood for “intelligence, benevolence, and obedience”.
State minister Norman Dunn has announced that the recording studio at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where Cooper taught and guided students since 1997, will be named in his honour.
It had been a heartbreaking year for Cooper, who had lost his son Arif in March and his wife of 50 years, Joy, in September. May they rest in peace.
STGC Old Boys’ Annual Awards
Herman Athias, retired business executive and IT expert; Christopher Berry, Mayberry Investments, executive chairman; and Deacon Oswald Tai will receive the prestigious Monsignor Gladstone Wilson Award this Saturday.
The annual event is hosted by the St George’s College Old Boys’ Association (STGCOBA), which has stated that the three awardees “have all given excellent service to the STGCOBA and the wider society in the fields of banking, business, and finance”. Heartiest congratulations to them.
Source: Jamaica Observer; https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/strong-jamaicans-give-life-lessons/
Heart-warming moments for Jamaica
Yes, it was a hot morning, but the joy of family and friends made it all worth it for those of us who attended the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House last Monday.
Members of the clergy, business leaders, musicians, teachers, nurses, volunteers, members of the uniformed groups — how we applauded. Seeing Marcia Griffiths receiving the Order of Jamaica brought many to their feet.
Some were little known, but their bravery was deservedly recognised. Last April Ruel Oliver Grant, a farmer in St Thomas, and internal auditor Keith Yorke Angello Nugent were presented with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry. The citation read: “In the face of grave danger, saving the lives of four females from a burning motor vehicle that exploded minutes later.”
Jamaica Observer Senior Staff Reporter Alicia Dunkley-Willis interviewed the two gentlemen after the presentations. “Both men say the memories of that day will be hard to lay to rest due to the fact that they were unable to save [the driver], 58-year-old Patrisha Brown, a former resident of Warner Street, Port Maria, in St Mary, who remained trapped despite their valiant efforts to free her.”
She quoted Grant: “I was driving behind a car, but the road had some very sharp corners, so I didn’t really see the car while I was driving, but I knew it was in front of me. When I went around a left-hand corner I see the car capsize in the road. I was seeing the wheels, so I reversed and parked on a side of the road. I ran over and pushed the back door up. I tried the front door, [but] it wouldn’t open, it was closed. When I pushed up the front door, the weight of it brought it back down on me so I pushed it again with more force. I saw people inside cuddled up, crying.”
She noted: “He said in running to get his phone to summon cops he saw Nugent, who had also been driving along the roadway. Mi seh to him, ‘Some people inna di car.’ When mi look in the front of the car, the engine was on fire so he came and was helping. Some other people came, because there was a funeral going on in the district, so we pulled them out — one by one. We pulled out four persons.”
Nugent described for Dunkley-Willis the drama of rescuing the fourth person: “I was trying… Then I started to feel the heat on my chest and I ran off too because I started to hear my wife and aunt screaming, ‘Come! It’s going to blow, ‘ so I ran off. But when I looked, she was standing [in the car]. And the image of her standing there and the thought of her perishing was too much, so I turned back again and I called out, and Mr Grant and one of the first ladies to get out of the car came back and the three of us were able to get her out.”
Another moving moment was Jamaica Fire Brigade Assistant Superintendent Garnett Douse who, on behalf of his late son, Lorenzo Douse, received his Medal of Honour for Gallantry. He had a hard time keeping his composure and kissed his son’s medal. Young Douse, also a firefighter, had been mowed down by a car driven off the road when he was turning off the pump after extinguishing a fire at the Ocho Rios Pier last November.
Well-deserved, Wayne Mitchell, OD
Every year we hear criticisms about the choice of people being honoured. Perhaps the critics do not understand the process by which the recipients are selected. One can go online to the Jamaica Information Service website to download a nomination form, complete it, then either mail or deliver to the division which deals with national honours at the Office of the Prime Minister.
There is a selection committee which evaluates the nominations and then recommends those suitable for national honours. There are still many unsung heroes in Jamaica, so I suggest that the critics look around and see who they can nominate.
Let me say that I applaud the selection of Wayne Mitchell for the Order of Distinction. Because of his youthful appearance, it is hard to believe that he has been in the music business for over 20 years, creating popular dancehall and gospel songs. His Glory to God with Ryan Mark and Tessanne Chin is a classic, gaining 3.9 million views to date on YouTube.
He and his wife Tami have created the successful YouTube series Meet the Mitchells, portraying healthy family life and showing love and respect to their household worker. Mitchell ascribes his success to hard work and consistency, “It is not just about the music, it’s about character.”
He shared, “I am happy that my mother is alive to see this. Nobody is prouder than she is.” His mother, my schoolmate Paulette Mitchell, and her late husband, Wycliffe Mitchell, have raised a strong family. Congratulations to her for nurturing a son who has become a role model for fatherhood as well as an accomplished artiste. Kudos to you, Wayne Mitchell. Let no one rain on your parade.
National Day of Spain
We gathered last week to celebrate the National Day of Spain hosted by Ambassador Diego Bermejo Romero de Terreros and his wife Julia de Bermejo. He serves as Ambassador of Spain to Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, and St Kitts and Nevis. The ambassador remarked on Spain’s continued investment in Jamaica’s tourist industry and expressed his commitment to our developmental initiatives.
Spanish hotel operators in Jamaica include the Grand Palladium, RIU, Secrets, Iberostar, Excellence, H10, Melia, and Bahia Principe. State minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge thanked the ambassador and his Government for their strong partnership with Jamaica. It is remarkable that the Spanish hoteliers plan to build 2,000 houses for hotel workers. Our outstanding hotel workers deserve no less.
The Spanish Foundation of Jamaica continues to sponsor educational, environmental, cultural, and community development initiatives. These include support for Spanish teaching and learning, Project Star and the Social Development Commission as well as empowerment of young women.
Invest in Braille
In celebration of Blind Awareness Month this October, media personality and author Dr Terri-Karelle Reid has teamed up with the Digicel Foundation to launch a campaign aimed at improving the educational prospects of blind and visually impaired students in Jamaica.
Dubbed Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille, the focus of the partnership is to address the severe shortage of Braille machines at the Salvation Army School for the Blind, Jamaica’s only school for the blind and visually impaired. Currently, there are only 26 Braille machines available to serve the over 130 students enrolled at the institution.
So far, several companies and individual donors have committed to the initiative, including NCB Foundation, Sandals Foundation, Hospiten, INAMI Management Services Limited, and Pia Baker. Please join them and assist our blind students.
Source: Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/heart-warming-moments-for-jamaica/
Good enterprises suffer for the bad
With the Companies (Amendment) Act 2023 which came into being on April 1st of this year, all companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now faced with stricter requirements. They are mandated to ‘appoint an officer who shall be responsible for conducting verification of Beneficial Ownership information’, to confirm the location of such documents and would be liable for fines of up to J$5 million if such arrangements are not put into place.
Attorney-at-Law Camille Facey of FaceyLaw and Chair of the PSOJ Governance Committee, explained that these amendments “were made in accordance with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as Jamaica was in danger of being blacklisted by the FATF. The main revisions relate to the beneficial ownership of companies.”
The FATF comprises 20 countries which, on inspection of countries’ activities in money laundering and terrorist financing, will rate their status. Jamaica is on the FATF ‘grey list’, and we are ‘blacklisted’ by the UK and EU. In order to protect our country’s status, it is said that the amendments were made hurriedly, derived from international legislation and not wholly suited for domestic application. There are now appeals to make further amendments.
Camille Facey shared important points from the current amendments: “Every company must:
• keep documents relating to members/ beneficial owners for not less than 7 years.
• notify the Companies Office of where the Register of Members is kept.
• notify the Registrar of Companies of any changes to the beneficial ownership information, the Register of Members or registered office within 14 days of the change.
• record the measures taken to verify beneficial ownership information as well as any supporting documents used in the verification process.
The powers of the Registrar have also been expanded to inspect companies and verify beneficial ownership information.”
There have been appeals from MSEs to reduce fines and licensing fees, as these may not only drive them out of business, but also may be a deterrent for the creation of new businesses.
Camille Facey recommends that company officers acquaint themselves with the amended legislation by reading the following on the Companies Office website:
COJ’s Beneficial Ownership Hub: https://www.bohubjamaica.com/
COJ’s Beneficial Ownership Booklet: https://issuu.com/cojadvisory/docs/beneficial_ownership_new_2_
COJ’s Presentation on the Companies (Amendment) Act 2023:
Many thanks to her for her guidance as she reminds, “there is still liability, whether directors/ officers /employees are not aware; have nothing to do with the collection of information or have taken reasonable steps to ensure compliance.”
Marubeni-UWIDEF Scholars shine
Marubeni Power International in collaboration with the UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) awarded scholarships to five students pursuing Engineering degrees at the University of the West Indies Mona campus: Brianna Smith, Daniel McGregor, Martin McDonald, Dwight Simpson and top performer Rochelle Stephen.
At last Wednesday’s presentation ceremony, Managing Director of Caribbean Operations for Marubeni Power International Mohamed Majeed praised the exceptional quality displayed by the five recipients. “We commend your accomplishments thus far and anticipate the impact you will undoubtedly have as you progress both academically and in your future careers,” he said.
His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, in his address,
said all Japan stood in support of the development efforts of the Jamaican Government
and people for continued progress. He said he looked forward to many more acts of support for Jamaica’s development both on the part of Marubeni as well as the Government of Japan.
Reynold Scott, Board Director of UWIDEF urged the students to continue to excel, adding that programmes such the scholarship presentation are at the heart of the Fund’s function.
Responding on behalf of the quintet, Rochelle Stephen noted the “life-changing” nature of the scholarship. Rochelle, dressed in black, had lost her mother just a few days after she was notified of her success earlier this year. We wish this brave young lady and her colleagues continued success.
Farewell ‘Gentle Giant’ Domonic
Women who were not even acquainted with Aloun Ndombet-Assamba poured out their sympathy when they heard that her only child Domonic Strachan had passed away suddenly last month. Those who knew Domonic referred to him as a ‘Gentle Giant’. In a letter of condolence, a fellow parishioner at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios wrote of Domonic’s warm hug, saying: “I felt enveloped with love and care.” Domonic’s friends told his mother that he was their ‘rock’, always there for his friends.
We regarded Domonic as an IT geek, setting up systems for various companies, especially before 2000 when everyone was fearful of the ‘Y2K’ virus. At that time, he was in his early twenties and had not yet attended Miami Dade College where he was a student leader. While Aloun was in the UK, serving as Jamaica’s High Commissioner, her mother became seriously ill and required thrice-weekly dialysis. Domonic quit his business, as digital connectivity was then limited at the family’s Moneague homestead, and with his aunt Eleanor Wood, assisted in caring for his grandmother.
It was then that he started his journey as an innovative farmer and a central figure in the Moneague farming community where he conducted meetings and shared research findings. Aloun said he used no chemicals. The wasp nests around the Grierfield Great House played a key role in keeping his crops pest-free. His rainwater harvesting methods supplied the house and the farm where he implemented drip irrigation. He was so passionate about influencing others about farming that his farm tours became popular among CCRP seniors and schoolchildren alike.
Aloun related that during the summer holidays, Domonic was keen on ‘making memories’ for his two young sons. “He always spent quality time with them but this summer he went even further, taking them to camp by a riverside in St. Mary.”
We grieve with Aloun at the passing of her extraordinary son whose achievements belie his short 43 years. May his soul rest in peace.
Memorable events
The beautiful Temple of Light was the venue for their seventh annual “Poetry, Prose & Rhythms in the Garden.” Michael Reckord’s ‘Brief Walk Down Memory Lane’ captured the highlights of the previous events. Hosts Dr. Lilieth Nelson and Hanief Lallo guided us through the rich programme featuring poets Dr Michael Abrahams, Rev Michele Synegal and Neto Coard; amazing cellist Emily Elliott and a band that could play on any big stage, Sebastian Miller and Friends. We were charmed by the little ones, showing off in ‘Playing with Fashions’. It was good to see Professor Edward Baugh and Professor Mervyn Morris, ever supportive of our arts and culture.
Last Friday members of the Chinese Cultural Association (CCA) celebrated the Moon Festival at which guest speaker was Dr. Lei Feng, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, UWI, Mona. He shared the legend of the Moon Festival and both English and Chinese poetry evoking the romance and mystery of the moon. We were greeted by President Set Yoon Smith, past president and Jamaican Nobel Laureate Professor Anthony Chen, and Secretary Professor Ronald Young. The evening brought back fond memories of late President Dr Kai Meng Lui.
The membership of the CCA comprises Jamaicans of all ethnicities.
Jamaica Highlights 