Source: Jamaica Gleaner: Corporate Hands | Digicel Foundation, CMSS hand over STEM equipment to Spanish Town High School

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 5 June 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Seldom surprised, our CCRP tour organizer could hardly believe the overwhelming response to our Calabash excursion. She had to stop taking bookings when the numbers topped 100. Last Sunday five busloads of these fun-loving folks arrived to find the perfect seating area reserved for them, great food stalls, and danced their way into the evening to Third World’s rousing music.

This Literary Festival, founded by Justine Henzell, Colin Channer and Kwame Dawes started in 2001 in the little town of Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth where Perry and Sally Henzell had made their home and created Jake’s Hotel. Beyond that, they nurtured the Treasure Beach Community and founded Breds Foundation which has been promoting education, entrepreneurship and sports. At the launch of the sports complex seven years ago, the conviviality or ‘livity’ among residents from all walks of life gave us an insight into what all Jamaica could be if we had that synergy between business and community.

Therefore what better place for Calabash than Treasure Beach, where locals and visitors could enjoy the warmth of the setting. The icing on the cake was the celebrity sighting of Angelina Jolie and Padma Lakshmi. Top Chef star Lakshmi found out that our Bombay mangoes were the most delicious she had ever tasted, posting photos and videos enjoying the fruit. Mutabaruka was the envy of the Jolie fans, pictured in an embrace with the world-famous star.

In her review of the Festival for Essence Magazine, writer Kristin Braswell quoted a fan of Calabash, who described it as the “greatest likkle festival in the greatest likkle district in the greatest likkle country in the world.”

She explained, “Calabash is not a festival of pomp and who knows who. It’s an experience where you’ll sit next to a Pulitzer Prize-winning author or Oscar-nominated actress, share a rum punch and move into a midnight concert replete with dancehall and Afrobeat tunes. Here it’s art, not titles, that takes center stage.” 

Jamaica shone at the Festival, and we must single out Justine Henzell who, like the movie was ‘everything, everywhere all at once’ for her beloved Calabash. She and her team garnered support from Amazon Audible, Jakes Hotel & Villas, The Jamaica Tourist Board, The Tourism Enhancement Fund and Wisynco Trading, the Embassy of the United States, the Canadian High Commission and individual donors including author Beverley East.

Marubeni celebrates with JPS

Senior executives of Marubeni Power Company in Japan Ryota Kobayashi and Yuji Sato journeyed to Jamaica to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), in which they are significant investors.  Regional and local Marubeni senior representatives Mohamed Majeed, Damian Obiglio and Keisuke Harada accompanied their colleagues for courtesy visits to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, PSOJ President Metry Seaga and PSOJ CEO Imega Breese McNab. Their discussions centred around continued cooperation between the two countries, which have well established diplomatic relations since 1964.

Minister Johnson Smith was pleased to know that Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan Shorna-Kay Richards is well known to Marubeni, who have supported some of her activities. The Minister noted on social media, “we discussed Marubeni’s global work in renewables and #GreenTransition, as well as the correlation between #SustainableDevelopment, private sector investments and social cohesion.” 

The issue of the cost of electricity supply to the commercial sector was discussed at the PSOJ meeting, against the backdrop of massive investments by Marubeni in

increasing available capacity while reducing carbon footprint – in particular the South Jamaica Power Plant in Old Harbour.

Mr Seaga noted the ongoing process of incorporating emerging technologies in Jamaica and opportunities for Marubeni to further contribute to the Jamaican economy through the sharing of its longstanding and diverse global operating expertise. Founded in 1858, Marubeni is one of Japan’s largest industrial conglomerates.

A special Pentecost Sunday

I could not be at Calabash because it was Pentecost Sunday and a very special moment for our family, as my brother Sydney ‘Tony’ Lowrie was ordained a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. Tony is a retired Lecturer in Communications from Utech and a well-known public relations executive. As Deacon Ronnie Thwaites commented, we know our late mother and special minister of the Eucharist Maisie Lowrie was “dancing in heaven” as she saw her son vested by her daughter Sandra.

We also witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of former Deacon Patrick Muchiri Kihugi, and to the diaconate of Kurt Andrews, Colin Christie, Andrew Daley, Mark Hitchener, Anthony Jones, Andrew Thomas, Glendon Thomas and Dario Wilks.

Led by Archbishop Kenneth Richards, clergy, religious and congregants from parishes across Jamaica gathered at the National Arena for a day long celebration of one of the most important feasts of the Christian church. The event was addressed by both the Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding. Coincidentally, they both attended Catholic high schools: St. Catherine High, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and Campion College, founded by the Jesuits.

The combined choirs of the churches gave resonance to the worship.  We were happy at the turnout of young people and the strong cadre of clergy including lead organizer our Pastor Father Richard Brown. Now, to use the spirited energy which graced to arena to nurture the values needed to bring comfort and hope to our people.  There is a lot of work to be done and our churches have the schools, the services, the Sunday schools where they can make a meaningful impact. The real celebration of Pentecost is meaningful participation in the upliftment of our people.

Corpus Christi Procession

St Thomas Aquinas is hosting a Procession to celebrate the Solemn Feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday, June 11 together with Christ the King, Sts Peter and Paul, St Martin de Porres, Stella Maris, Holy Cross and other parishes. The Procession starts at St Thomas Aquinas and ends at Sts Peter and Paul Church.

“We are looking forward to this marvellous opportunity to give public witness to the wonderful mystery in the Sacrament of the Eucharist celebrating the true presence and Divinity of Christ,” noted Pastor Father Clifton Harris.

They will have a special focus on the youth and anticipate strong participation from our First Communicants and Confirmation candidates.

The schedule is:

• Eucharistic Adoration at St Thomas Aquinas at 2:30pm

• Corpus Christi Procession starting from St Thomas Aquinas at 3:00pm

• Final Benediction at Sts Peter and Paul Church Hall at 5:30pm.

The procession route is about two and a half miles and will take about two hours. They will have two Altar Stations for Benediction on the route. You may join at any point along the route or for the Final Benediction at Sts Peter and Paul Church Hall.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

Observer column published Monday 12 June 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

I can hardly repeat it: a cruel parallel of Jesus’ journey to Calvary. First, we hear of a child abducted from Braeton Primary School (reports are that it could be two children). An evil thug slashes her throat; she is driven to Vineyard Town where she is thrown out of the car on a busy road. (Yes, weep with me.) She wanders in shock and bumps into a car; the merciful motorist speeds her off to Bustamante Children’s Hospital. There is a call for blood donations in a desperate attempt to save her precious life. But on Saturday morning we learned that eight-year-old Danielle Rowe had succumbed to her injury.

This brings back memories of the murder of nine-year-old Gabriel King last January in Montego Bay. Reports are that he was being driven by his mother when she slowed down to navigate some potholes and was pulled from the vehicle. Later the child was found dead with his throat slashed in the abandoned vehicle. To date the mystery of that murder has not been solved. When our children become prey for evildoers, we have entered into a sad chapter. It is horrific enough when children lose their lives as innocent bystanders, but for children to be targeted and wilfully murdered is the foulest of crimes.

Last month we joined the Kingston and St Andrew Metropolitan Corporation (KSAMC) at their Secret Garden monument memorialising our murdered children since 2015. There were over 780 plaques bearing the names of children from 0-years-old upwards. As I visit various schools, I hear the children singing one of their favourites, “I am a promise, I am a possibility.” Now the voices of hundreds of children have been silenced, their promise and possibilities transformed into loss and mourning. In his statement, describing Danielle’s murder as “Deeply disturbing and barbaric,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that since the start of the year, eight children had been killed, including three under 12 years old. And so since 2015, we have lost nearly 790 children.

This is a heavy column to write. This criminal behaviour shamefully includes the deeds of men whose “church” is a place of abuse. Over 20 children had to be rescued from one such property in Montego Bay last week by the Child Protection & Family Support Agency (CPFSA). This column has been calling on the Umbrella Group of church organizations to have a registration process; then we can check the bonafides of churches and pastors alike. Government may have to step in and demand this. 

There has been embarrassment and anger at the news that Jamaica would not be included in the recently announced list of countries whose citizens would no longer be required to have visas to travel to Canada. We should be embarrassed indeed. This country with so many paid servants of the people in Government, Opposition, parish councils, public service; this little rock – population 3 million, has the majority of us living behind bars because the criminal minority is having a field day terrorizing us. We will not make the grade until we get crime under control.

Special Needs Centre in Santa Cruz

Thanks to the Ministry of Education and the Digicel Foundation, a new learning centre for special needs children was launched in Santa Cruz last Thursday. The centre is the first of its kind in the Ministry of Education and Youth’s Region 5 and will positively impact the over 800 students with special needs in St. Elizabeth and Manchester who need special intervention and support.

“With an investment of more than US$280,000 into its renovation and expansion,” noted Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels, “the Centre accommodates 62 students across three classrooms. …. But beyond the dollar figure, this expansion represents

partnership and new hope. Partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth, which we have of course maintained since 2004; partnership with HEART Trust/NSTA, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, the Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) – all organizations with which we have been collaborating since the Foundation’s inception.”

State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth Marsha Smith enthused, “Through your Foundation you have shown your corporate responsibility in embracing the vision for education for all and we thank you for the significant investment that you have made in supporting our schools islandwide.”

New Inductees in BPW St. Andrew

The Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) of St. Andrew inducted three new members at their recent Annual General Meeting Chaired by President Dr Lilieth Nelson. The organization is part of the worldwide BPW International and promotes professional development. They are co-founders of the Jamaica Women’s Political Caucus which encourages the participation of women in politics and conducts seminars for their guidance

Founded 49 years ago by attorney-at-law Mavis Watts, BPW St Andrew Club’s senior members were happy to welcome young inductees, designer and musician Carol-Ann Dexter Dwyer, engineer Tandose Samba and student member from UWI, Brianna Hinds. Special honours went to Dr Mearle Barrett, Monica McNeil and Venita Walker while appreciation gifts were presented to Alassandra Chung and Dr. Marcia Williams.

I must make special mention of Gloria Langrin who assisted CCRP in researching model legislation for the care and protection of the elderly. We shared the information with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security five years ago and we are hoping that Jamaica will very soon migrate our National Policy to meaningful laws.

The Mavis Watts Award will be presented by the Club to an outstanding Jamaican woman next month, so watch this space for the name of this phenomenal woman.

ECC Board completes term

The Board of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) recently completed their three-year term under the fine leadership of Chairman Trisha Williams-Singh. Other members who also gave active service on several sub-committees were:

Dasmine Kennedy, MoEY’s representative

Easton Williams, PIOJ’s representative

Ann Marie Rowe-Mittoo, MoLG’s representative

Marcia Faulknor, MoFP’s representative

Dr. Melody Ennis, MoHW’s representative

Suzette Morris, MoLSS representative

Ms. Samara South, Minister’s nominee

Carlene Lecia Edwards. Minister’s nominee

Nicole McLaren-Campbell, Minister’s nominee

Dawn Woodstock, Minister’s nominee

Kemesha Swaby, Minister’s nominee

David Salmon, Minister’s nominee

Jerome Palmer, Minister’s nominee

Patricia Duncan-Sutherland Leader of the Opposition’s nominee

It was an honour to serve on this Commission as the Minister’s nominee. The ECC celebrated 300 certified early childhood institutions last October with another 70 well on their way to achieving the 12 required standards. The Early Childhood Commission’s staff is headed by Mrs Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes and have also established Brain Builder Centres and Parenting Places islandwide. We wish them continued success, because a strong early childhood foundation is critical to the preparation of our children for a successful future.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder and Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

lowriechin@aim.com

WESTERN BUREAU:

MOUNT ALVERNIA High School in Montego Bay, St James, has increased its capacity to train its student cohort in mastering the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum, following the official inauguration of two renovated classrooms and installation of a solar-power generator at the school.

The classrooms, which will be used for physics and chemistry classes, and the generator, which will be used to power the entire campus, were presented to the school through Food For the Poor [FFTP] and the USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad [ASHA] programme, at a cost of J$155 million.

During the hand-over ceremony at the school, Maria Santamarina, FFTP’s director of government programmes, noted that the new STEM facilities will allow the school to help bridge the current global gender gap in educational opportunities.

“Although some countries have achieved gender equity in access to education, the results have not led to equal life outcomes for women. In other words, simply giving girls access to education is quite frankly not enough, and one possible solution lies in STEM,” said Santamarina.

“A strong foundation in STEM provides girls with unique skill sets that build their ability to be creative and global problem-solvers. These USAID-funded projects will allow Mt Alvernia High to have a sustainable STEM programme that will promote the advancement of girls’ education in science and technology, resulting in employment in these fields, especially in Jamaica where STEM is still male dominated,” Santamarina added.

According to data from the American Association of University Women, currently women make up only 28 per cent of the workforce in STEM-related fields globally.

In February 2022, Education and Youth Minister Fayval Williams suggested that the achievements of women in STEM fields should get more emphasis in order to inspire more girls to bridge the gender gap and upend gender stereotypes associated with the profession.

At that time, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Daryl Vaz promised that the government would continue to provide the necessary support to help girls and young women harness their skills in STEM subjects.

In the meantime, Doreth Chambers, the chairman of Mt Alvernia High School board, thanked FFTP and USAID for the renovated classrooms and the donated solar generator, which will benefit the school’s 1,400 students.

“We are delighted that Mt Alvernia High School has benefitted from the collective efforts of two philanthropic organisations, and we are heartened that you all are here to share in the dedication of their vision coming alive. The core values, the mandate, the generosity, and the synergy of these two benevolent associations produced a bountiful harvest, and from the start they made the process smooth, being always knowledgeable, clear, receptive, and goal-oriented,” said Chambers.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner | Mt Alvernia High gets new STEM classrooms, solar generator

CEO of the Digicel Foundation Charmaine Daniels is urging Jamaican parents to get even more involved in the lives of their children.

“I firmly believe that children are the future of our nation. This year’s theme for Child Month, ‘Children need our love and protection…Get involved,’ resonates deeply with us at the foundation.

“We have always been committed to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of children in Jamaica, and this year, we are more determined than ever to inspire others to do the same,” said Daniels in a letter to the Jamaica Observer.

“As the first point of contact for children, adults play a crucial role in creating a safe and nurturing environment for our young ones. We must provide the necessary support for our children’s mental, emotional, and social well-being.

“At the Digicel Foundation we have remained focused on our most vulnerable children, partnering with the Ministry of Education and Youth and the Early Childhood Commission to strengthen the infrastructure needed for enhanced learning for our younger students, especially in rural areas; and through support for children with special needs,” added Daniels.

She pointed to figures provided by Latoya Minott-Hall, public education and special projects manager at the Office of the Children’s Advocate, in February, which showed that more than 2,300 children and teens have accessed ‘SafeSpot’, a 24-hour helpline for children supported by the Digicel Foundation.

This data highlights the need for us to be more active and present in the lives of our children, particularly during these challenging times,” declared Daniels.

The Digicel Foundation head underscored that children have the right to be heard.

“As I recently discussed…there is a difference between active listening and passive listening. We must actively listen to our children, to truly hear what they say. When we listen to our children, we understand them better.

“At the Digicel Foundation, we have always recognised the importance of children’s voices being heard. We have supported numerous initiatives that empower children and provide them with opportunities to express themselves, including facilitating workshops for parents, caregivers and children with disabilities,” added Daniels.

She charged that parents can get involved in the lives of their children’s in many ways, including attending parent-teacher association meetings, assisting them with their homework, or just reading to them.

“One of the simplest yet most effective ways to get involved is by reading with our children. Reading not only helps build a bond between us and our children, but it also makes reading a habit that will benefit them in the future. On Read Across Jamaica Day, the Digicel team went out to schools and connected with the students through some of their favourite books!

“Creating a safe environment for our children is essential. Children are valuable in building a better Jamaica, a place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. We have a high duty of care to love and protect them. When our children feel protected and safe, they feel that we truly love them,” said Daniels.