There was an air of great excitement among the young residents and staff at the Sunbeam Children’s Home in Bushy Park, St. Catherine, as IGT Jamaica proudly handed over a fully equipped computer lab on July 18, 2019.

The donation is the 14^th computer facility to be handed over in Jamaica, under IGT’s flagship After School Advantage (ASA) programme. The programme helps to close the gap that still exists between young people who can easily access modern information and computer technology and those that cannot. The after-school hours are critical learning periods for Jamaican students to accomplish their homework tasks and conduct online research.

“Our focus is on education – it is transformative,” said Desmond Whitley, Manager at Sunbeam Children’s Home. Noting that the home previously had no computers, he said that the ASA centre would be especially important for homework assignments. “We have a homework programme, but it is impossible to do without computers, especially for the boys taking the CSEC examinations,” Said Whitley.

As the 14th existing ASA centre, the home now has a fully functional computer lab consisting of six desktop computers and a printer.  IGT Jamaica’s General Manager Debbie Green said, “We are delighted to establish a centre here in the safe and nurturing environment that Sunbeam provides for the boys. This new ASA centre will give the students access to a new world of information and technology that will take them into a realm of unexplored possibilities for their future. At IGT Jamaica, we realize the importance of inclusiveness. It is critical for all our young people to be on board with the digital world of the future.”

Whitley said that the Home plans to integrate the computer lab into its Home School Programme, which provides education for around 20 students with learning challenges. “These boys study here during the day, while the other students are at school,” he pointed out. “Thus, the ASA centre will do double duty as a daytime learning site and will benefit all who live in our residential home.”

Sunbeam Children’s Home was founded in 1976 by Rev. Cedric Lue to provide care and nurture for young boys and to teach them Christian principles. It is a non-governmental organisation, part of the Sunbeam Association for Mission, and depends on support from missionaries, volunteers and donations from the public. Sunbeam currently provides a home for 65 boys, providing teaching along with Christian principles, while helping the boys to learn life and coping skills.

 

Two students from SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill and Mustard Seed Communities have been serving seven-week paid internships at IGT. The two young men are beneficiaries of IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) Programme, which provides digital learning opportunities for underserved young people at non-profit organizations and public institutions.

The two young men were among seventeen interns that have been taken on this summer by the technology giant. One of the young men was tasked with record keeping and data input in the company’s Finance and Accounting Department while the other worked with the Warehouse and Logistics Manager.

Global People Services Coordinator at IGT Jamaica, Kellye Barwise, expressed her appreciation for the interns. “We were happy to welcome these two young men. They were extremely helpful and made a great contribution, while gaining valuable work experience.” She noted that the interns submitted cover letters and resumés for review and were shortlisted as candidates.

The interns said they had obtained some in-depth experience and insights into the world of work during their employment.  The intern from the Mustard Seed Communities said he has been enjoying his work in the warehouse; checking documentation for goods going in and out and maintaining computers, printers and other machines. “I feel good about it,” he said. “It has been a very useful experience.” He is practical, creative and a budding inventor, who enjoys putting together small machines and gadgets.

The SOS Children’s Village intern said that the work has provided him with a much better understanding of his career goals. He would definitely recommend IGT as an excellent employer, he noted.  He has a particular love for Information Technology, which he is currently studying. “The experience has been very helpful,” he added. “I have learned what is expected of me in the workplace.” While he does not yet have a clear plan mapped out for his future, he declared, “I aspire to be somebody great!”

General Manager of IGT Jamaica Debbie Green said: “This was a great introduction for these ambitious young people to work in a corporate setting. As team members, they also interacted well with

their colleagues within our company structure. Positive social interaction, discipline and good work habits are all critical aspects of the experience, along with the pursuit of their particular interests in the workspace.

We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

 

 

“No more chuck-up classroom! Thank you, Food For The Poor and Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation,” chanted students of the Fyffes Pen Primary School in St. Elizabeth in their original poem of gratitude at the handing over of three large classrooms, an office and staff washroom recently.

“We are excited to build our 31^st school in the St. Elizabeth community of Fyffes Pen, partnering with Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation on their 20^th build,” stated Ms. Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) in handing over the new building to Mr. Jermaine Porter, Chairman of the School Board.

She continued, “This new school will provide children with a safer environment to foster learning and will build capacity for the entire community.  Food For The Poor Canada is honoured to work with our partners, donors and volunteers towards our mandate of empowering communities across Jamaica, the Caribbean and Latin America.”

Mr. Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for the constituency in which Fyffes Pen is located, expressed his deep appreciation to FFPC and HHJF for “creating a legacy and improving communities all over Jamaica.” The MP said that despite the best efforts of the government, partners like FFPC and HHFJ were vital for helping to make education available to all due to the Ministry of Education’s budgetary constraints.

 

Ms. Natasha Borota, who led the 17-member team of Canadian volunteers from HHJF, said that the three days of intense construction activity was deeply satisfying for all members as they received lots of love and friendship from the 135 students of the school, as well as from members of staff and the wider Fyffes Pen Community.

Ms. Borota also expressed “heartfelt thanks to Jason Henzell and the BREDS Foundation for providing accommodation at Jake’s in Treasure Beach and transportation for the HHJF group.” The driver for the group, Mr. Darin James, also volunteered on the construction and said he enjoyed every moment.

Two members of the Jamaican diaspora who were part of the HHJF Canada group were Angel Brown and Marsha Brown, both educators. Angel said that she was a volunteer with both Food For The Poor Canada and the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation and that she also made personal contributions to the building of a number of basic schools in Jamaica. Marsha Brown said that this was her third trip to Jamaica as a HHJF volunteer and she sees her involvement as “being part of a legacy of giving back for the advancement of Jamaica’s youth.” Marsha says that it is a legacy she wants her two children to also continue.

Food For The Poor assists with education in a number of ways including: construction of schools and sanitation units; training for teachers; donation of school furniture and supplies; payment of school fees, and provision of food for school feeding programmes.

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For the review period April to March 2019, the Fiscal Performance continued its positive trend.

SELECTED FISCAL INDICATORS

Fiscal and Primary Surpluses exceed 2018-19 Targets

 TAX REVENUES UP $46B (9.3%) YEAR OVER YEAR

Revenue & Grants of $629.0B for the fiscal year (April – March) exceeded the budgeted amount of $627.6B (+0.2%) while Tax collections of $542.9B fell below the third supplementary budget FY2018/19 (-$1.6B).

Tax Revenues year over year increased by $46.0b (9.3%) from $496.8b for the period April 2017 through March 2018 to $543.0b for the comparable period in FY2018/19.

 EXPENDITURES BELOW BUDGET BY $13.3b

Expenditure for the twelve months of the fiscal year (April-March) was $13.3b below budget (-2.2%). Of this amount, Recurrent Expenditure was $10.7b below budget (-2.0%), while Capital Expenditure was $2.6b below budget (-3.8%).

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE UP 41.4% YEAR OVER YEAR

Capital Expenditure year over year increased by $19.4b from $46.8b for April 2017 through March 2018, to $66.2b for the comparable period in FY2018/19.

INTEREST EXPENDITURE DOWN $6.0b YEAR OVER YEAR

Interest costs up to March 2019 totaled $129.2b which was $6.0b below the $135.2b for the comparative period for 2017/18, and $7.0b below the budgeted figure of $136.2b for the twelve months of the fiscal year 2018/19 (April-March), driven by lower interest rates on the GOJ debt.

FISCAL SURPLUS OF $24.4b

The GOJ continues to run Fiscal surpluses with Tax Revenues and Grants exceeding Expenditure by $24.4b for the April 2018 – March 2019 period against the projected budget target of $9.6b.

PRIMARY BALANCE EXCEEDS BUDGET TARGETS BY $7.7b

As a result of the Revenue and Grants performance and the under-expenditure for the twelve months of the fiscal year, the Primary Balance of $153.6b exceeded the $145.8b budget target for April 2018-March 2019.

MONETARY TARGETS

International Reserves

As at May 10, 2019, Jamaica’s Net International Reserves stood at US$ 3.021b.

Non-Borrowed Reserves

As at 08 May 2019, the projected stock of non-borrowed reserves (NBR) at end-June 2019 is US$2,477.1m, US$220 m above the indicative targeted floor.

Inflation rate

The annual point to point inflation rate at April 2019 was 3.9 per cent, an acceleration relative to the 3.4 per cent recorded at April 2018. The acceleration in inflation mainly reflected the impact of higher vegetable and starchy food prices due to a greater than seasonal reduction in agricultural supplies.

The effect of this shock on inflation was supported by higher energy prices driven by an increase in international oil prices.

Notwithstanding the acceleration in inflation at April 2019, the low level of inflation relative to target is indicative of the lagged impact of low but improving domestic demand conditions, relative to capacity. This is reflected in a low core inflation rate of 2.3%.

BOJ MAKES AGGRESSIVE MONETARY POLICY ACTIONS

Bank of Jamaica reduces Interest rate to 0.75%

On Friday May 17, 2019 The BOJ announced the reduction of the policy interest rate by 0.50 pp to 0.75%. This decision reflected that Bank’s assessment that projected inflation will approach the midpoint of the target gradually but at a slower pace than expected at the last forecast in February 2019. The decision is aimed at increasing the rate of expansion of Private Sector Credit.

Bank of Jamaica narrows Interest Rate Corridor to 200 bps

On 20 Monday 2019, Bank of Jamaica announces that, effective 20 May 2019, the width of the  interest rate corridor is being reduced from 300 basis points to 200 basis points.  This adjustment in the width of the interest rate corridor will result in a reduction in the standard interest rate on the Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) to 2.75 per cent (the policy rate – 0.75 per cent per annum – plus 200 basis points) per annum.

Narrowing the width of the corridor is aimed at strengthening the signaling effect of Bank of Jamaica’s monetary policy actions.

Bank of Jamaica reduces Cash Reserve Ratio

The Bank of Jamaica reduced the Cash Reserve Requirement by two percentage points to 7.0% effective June 3, 2019. The reduction is expected to increase liquidity in the financial system by $12.3 billion, and thereby should support the expansion of credit to businesses and households at lower rates.

Private Sector Credit

Lending to the Productive Sector increases by 16.7%

The annual growth in total loans and advances (JMD and USD denominated) extended by DTIs to the private sector was 15.2 per cent at end-March 2019. This reflected an acceleration when compared to growth of 13.4 per cent and 13.8 per cent at end December 2018 and end-March 2018, respectively.

The growth mainly resulted from increased lending to the productive sector which reflected annual growth of 16.7 per cent at end-March 2019, relative to 11.4 per cent for the corresponding period of 2018. Loans to consumers grew by 14.2 per cent, a deceleration relative to the growth of 15.5 per cent recorded at end-March 2018.

Foreign Exchange Market

On 10 May 2019, the value of the Jamaican Dollar vis-à-vis the US dollar was J$136.54 = US$1.00, reflecting a depreciation of 1.17 per cent ($1.58) for the Month to Date. This follows depreciation of 6.72 per cent ($8.49) for April 2019.

The depreciation in the value of the Jamaica Dollar for the review period was influenced by: (1) by strong demand from the energy, manufacturing and telecom sectors (2) increased demand related to capital market funding and portfolios.

On an annual basis, the Jamaica Dollar at May 10, 2019 depreciated by 8.55 per cent ($10.75), compared to a depreciation of 7.69 per cent ($9.64) at the end of April 2019 and appreciation of 3.26 per cent ($4.23) for the twelve months to 10 May 2018.

STRUCTURAL BENCHMARKS

All Structural Benchmarks under the Programme have been met.

EPOC ENCOURAGES TIMELY DELIVERY ON CRITICAL REFORMS

EPOC reiterates support for Flexible Exchange Rate and Inflation Targeting

EPOC continues to stand firmly behind a market determined and flexible exchange rate, as the GoJ and the BoJ continue to move towards full-fledged inflation targeting within the context of a resourced, modernized and autonomous Central Bank.

EPOC calls for Implementation of FX Platform and Regulations around FX Hedging products

EPOC welcomes the dialogue which has resulted from the recent volatility in the FX market, which has led to greater discussion with the Private Sector around bringing forward critical reforms which will bring transparency and price discovery to the FX Market. These reforms are important elements of a deepening of the FX market. The following are also important:

• The implementation of a FX Market Trading Platform, which is behind the targeted implementation date of March 2019. This platform, when implemented, is to be integrated with the payments and settlement systems by June 2019, and subsequently regulations are to be issued by September 2019, which will allow all market participants to trade all FX transactions by the end of 2019.
• Completing the consultation with the Industry around the benchmarks and pricing approaches for FX forward contacts, which was to be completed by March 2019 and the draft regulations for FX Market hedging and reporting.

We urge the GoJ, the BoJ, the Financial Industry and the Private Sector to work with urgency to deliver these critical complementary reforms to ensure market transparency and price discovery, which should contribute to reduced volatility in the FX Market.

 GET NIDS BACK ON TRACK

EPOC CALLS FOR IMPLEMENTATION NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (NIDS)

The implementation of the National Identification System has been a key deliverable under the Economic Reform Program since 2009. The GoJ has fallen behind on implementation timelines over this extended period. Under the current IMF/PSBA Programme, timelines have slipped and the implementation is now faced with legal challenges.

There is broad consensus around the benefits of NIDs as it would greatly enhance the seamless delivery of services to all Jamaicans by the Public and Private Sector. NIDs will ease and reduce the cost of doing business in Jamaica for all stakeholders.

EPOC strongly urges the GoJ, the opposition and other stakeholder groups to urgently get this game changing initiative back on track and not allow any further slippage.

EPOC LOOKS FORWARD TO FISCAL COUNCIL AND CENTRAL BANK AUTONOMY POST IMF PROGRAM

Institutional Framework post IMF

Jamaica just completed the fifth and penultimate review under the current IMF PSBA. Jamaica faces one more IMF review under the Programme. The plans around consolidating, preserving and building on the gains of the Economic Program hinges on the Institutional Framework that is established and left in place. EPOC acknowledges the efforts of the GoJ in enhancing fiscal responsibility and inflation targeting, through the establishment of the Fiscal Council and the greater independence of the Central Bank. This is complemented by the National Disaster Risk Financing Policy.

Under the IMF PSBA, the Fiscal Council is to be established by September 2019 and EPOC stands ready to provide support where needed to ensure implementation.

EPOC looks forward to the National Disaster Risk Financing Policy being completed and submitted to Parliament by June 2019.

The Autonomy of the Central Bank is also an important pillar in the Institutional Framework, and we note that there is currently a clause by clause review of the BoJ Act that is currently underway, by a joint select Committee of Parliament. EPOC would like to see these deliberations completed in a thorough and timely manner, which could see this desired Central Bank Autonomy in place by the end of the Calendar year 2019.

 Public Sector Transformation

Whilst the GoJ has met all Structural Benchmarks for Public Sector Transformation, there remains a significant body of work to be done to achieve an efficient Public Service, which delivers seamlessly to all stakeholders. These areas of focus are namely 1) Rationalizing the inequitable allowance structure 2) Prioritizing government functions and shedding those that are un-affordable or not needed 3) Overhauling compensation to reward performance.

EPOC’S CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK

Jamaica’s Fiscal position continues to be in a good place with Jamaica exceeding targets and running a Fiscal surplus for 2018/19. The Bank of Jamaica continues in its accommodative stance with the reduction of interest rates to all-time lows, and for the second time in the past three months, the cash reserve ratio of the Banks have been reduced.

The implementation of these policy measures continue to contribute to the reduction in Jamaica’s debt levels.  Interest costs to the GoJ also continue to fall. The growth in credit to the Productive Sector is increasing year over year eclipsing the growth in consumer credit.

The recent aggressive Monetary Policy Actions should certainly create further stimulus to the Financial Sector to lend at lower and more favourable terms to the Private Sector, which should spur greater growth in private credit and domestic investments.

Where concerns have been raised around the volatility of the Jamaican dollar, the Minister of Finance and the Bank of Jamaica have taken steps to deepen the consultation with Civil Society, to accelerate the complementary reforms to Jamaica’s flexible Exchange rate regime.

As Jamaica moves into the final review under the Economic Programme, which would be in the last quarter of the 2019 calendar year, EPOC is strongly urging the GoJ, the BOJ and other stakeholders to remain focused on the implementation of the Institutional Framework that will protect the macroeconomic stability, which Jamaica has achieved with great effort and sacrifice.

EPOC is of the view that the Economic Programme remains firmly on track.

-END-

Henry Thomas of UTC Steppers and Lloni Sharp were winners of the Male and Female Runner titles respectively in the fifth Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) “Run for JA 5K” that took off at Emancipation Park on Sunday, 19 March 2019. Thomas finished in a time of 16 minutes 39 seconds, while Sharp completed the course in 22 minutes 19 seconds. More than 3,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants competed in the FFPJ charity event that is a fundraiser for the construction of houses for Jamaicans in need of shelter and for income generating projects.

Top male and female walkers in the 5K event were Duwell Allen (27:28) and Anna-Kay Swaby (32:56) respectively; both are members of the Shizzle Fit team. The Wheelchair/Paraplegic Category was competed for only by female participants and it was Sylvia Grant who took the top prize. Top sectional places for the FFPJ 5K Walk/Run, with finishing times, are as follows:

Male Runners

1. Henry Thomas (16:39)
2. Kosiani Dunkly (17:26)
3. Royale Gordon (17:35)

Female Runners

1. Lloni Sharp (22:09)
2. Olivia McKoy (23:21)
3. Annakay Edwards (24:27)

Male Walkers

1. Duwell Allen (27:28)
2. Lenworth Hunter (29:57)
3. Shavonne Henry (31:55)

Female Walkers

1. Anna-Kay Swaby (32:56)
2. Paula Sinclair (35:00)
3. Patricia Grant (36:04)

Wheelchair/Paraplegic

1. Sylvia Grant
2. Vinette Green
3. Maureen Saunders

Team Runners

1. UCT Steppers
2. Rainforest Seafoods
3. National Bakery

Team Walkers

1. Rainforest Seafoods
2. NCU 91FM
3. UCT Steppers

Youngest Male: Conor Chen 5 years old

Youngest Female: Dominique Hunter 5 years old

Most Senior Runner: Gerline Nelson 79 years old

“We are most heartened by the support for this event in terms of sponsorship and participation,” said Mr. Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of Food For The Poor. He notes that proceeds from four previous stagings of the event was able to fund the construction of two hundred and fifty (250) homes for needy Jamaicans, through individual registration and corporate sponsorship.

One Food For The Poor house costs US$3,800, including a water tank, septic tank and solar panel unit.  Over the past six years, FFP Jamaica has handed over a total of 5,149 houses to Jamaican families in urgent need of shelter. “This has been made possible by the generosity of FFP donors, to whom FFP Jamaica is extremely grateful,” the FFPJ Chairman adds.

A family and community atmosphere enveloped Emancipation Park for the FFPJ 5K as the Food For The Poor Band “Blazing Genesis” performed and showed why they emerged winners of 3 trophies in this year’s Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Festival of the Performing Arts for “Best Instrumental Piece”, “Best Stage Band” and “Best Instrumentalist”. The Food For The Poor Choir also entertained with an inspiring original song entitled “Give With All Your Heart” that celebrated the life-changing programmes of Food For The Poor in the areas of Housing, Education, Health, Prison Ministry and Economic/Agricultural Projects.

Food For The Poor Jamaica reminds all Jamaicans who could not make it to the “Run for JA 5K” that they can still contribute to building a house for a needy Jamaican by making a one-time or monthly donation to Food For The Poor Jamaica and may contact them at 876-984-5005 or www.foodforthepoorja.org.

-END-

IGT in Jamaica partnered with Dress for Success for an intensive one-day professional development workshop, which benefited ten students of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation. The training took place at the Altamont Court Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. It forms part of the ongoing support offered by IGT’s After School Advantage Programme, which provides support for underprivileged children by improving access to education through technology.

The highly interactive and empowering workshop, titled ”Journey to Work and Beyond: The B.O.L.D. and Beautiful Approach”, introduced the students to skills and strategies that would be useful to them as they moved from school to work, entrepreneurship or further education. The acronym “B.O.L.D.” (Believe, Opportunity, Love [Learning], Dream [Big]) sought to inspire and motivate the young women, while building confidence and self-esteem.

One of the participants, Altonette Whyte, found the “B.O.L.D.” concept inspiring. “I’m really glad I came,” said Altonette. “The workshop made me see things from a different perspective. I learned a lot.”A fellow student and aspiring doctor Jody-Ann Matthews appreciated the advice on what colours to wear for a job interview. She found the interaction highly motivational. “I learned that our smile shows we are unstoppable…And I learned the importance of acquiring the mindset for learning.”

Charmaine Lewis and Amanda Rose of Dress for Success also turned the students’ attention to the importance of setting ambitious but realistic goals and taking steps to realize them through careful planning. The young women then enjoyed a Vision Board activity, taking their work home with them to continue. The session concluded with practical tips on presentation and the appropriate makeup for employment interviews.

“It’s really about building their confidence, and allowing them to discover and present their best selves,” said trainer Charmaine Lewis. Colleague Amanda Rose agreed with her that the participants were “quick to grab the opportunities to volunteer and speak up.” Ms. Rose added that it was gratifying to “see the shoulders straight and heads held high,” as the students stepped out of the workshop “much more confident about their potential.”

IGT Jamaica’s General Manager Debbie Green observed: “We are delighted to partner with Dress for Success on this project, which will do so much to enhance the progress of these young ladies as they move on in their lives.” She added: “This seminar is a part of our efforts to broaden educational opportunities for young people under the umbrella of our After School Advantage Programme.”

The workshop was supplemented by a booklet containing additional information, tips and guidelines on interview techniques and resumé preparation.

The Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica, established in 1978, focuses on providing education and training opportunities for adolescent mothers, in addition to offering counselling and guidance on preventing further pregnancies for the young women, their partners and families.

 

Hearts of Gratitude! Children supported by the Digicel Foundation have fun while posing for their picture with (back, left to right) Sonita Abrahams, Executive Director, RISE Life Management Services; Shawn McGregor, Programme Manager, RISE Life Management Services; Jennifer Spence-Silvera, Programme Manager/Education and Special Needs, Digicel Foundation; and Juliet Campbell McPherson, Principal, St. Michael’s Primary School in Kingston.

Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, June 3, 2019: Students with special needs at St. Michael’s Primary School in downtown Kingston have been receiving additional support from the Digicel Foundation, through a programme administered by the non-governmental organisation RISE Life Management Services on sexual abuse prevention. The programme in nine schools, entitled Find Your Voice, ended on May 31. St. Michael’s Primary is one of three special schools in Jamaica selected by Patron of the Digicel Foundation Dennis O’Brien and his wife Catherine to benefit from extensive renovation, revitalizing the learning environment.

 

Principal Juliet Campbell McPherson noted that the school has eighteen pupils with special needs, who are integrated into the school – playing, working and eating lunch together. “It is inclusive,” said Mrs. Campbell McPherson, adding: “We want our children to be heard. Children are being abused and are afraid to speak – this is what is happening in society now. This programme has motivated them through the performing arts, music and other tools.” She wants students to be reassured that they can talk to trained personnel such as guidance counsellors, “who can comfort and support them.” The Principal said such programmes are “absolutely necessary, especially in the inner city” over the long term. Now that the school has resources available, it will continue to work with the students on prevention education, noted Mrs. Campbell McPherson.

 

Executive Director at the Digicel Foundation Karlene Dawson pointed to its long-term partnership with the school. “St. Michael’s is an example of the Foundation’s dedication to our youth, especially those with mental and physical challenges,” said Ms. Dawson. “We are pleased to have added this critical extra dimension to the excellent and much-needed programme conceived by RISE Life Management Services. Sadly, our children – especially those with special needs – are vulnerable, and need to understand these messages on how to keep themselves safe.”

 

“What is exciting about Digicel Foundation being able to come in with us is that we were able to go into the schools with disabled populations and work with those children – something that we have not done much of before. It was very well received and appreciated,” said Sonita Abrahams, Executive Director of RISE Life Management Services. She concluded: “I think it went very well, and we got excellent feedback. It has been exciting for our team, a wonderful success!”

 

Project Coordinator at RISE, Ms. Cammoy Robinson called the programme with special needs students “a very enlightening experience.” Her team collaborated closely with and learned from the teachers. She noted that many children responded “with their emotions,” and that the most effective way to communicate with them was through music. Songs explaining self-esteem, “good and bad touches,” and ways in which they can take responsibility for keeping themselves safe, delighted and resonated with the children, noted Ms. Robinson.

 

Principal Campbell McPherson, who has been teaching at St. Michael’s for 24 years, reiterated how much she values Digicel Foundation’s support. For her part, she says she wants her young charges to regard the school as “an oasis.”

-END-

 

The Location! St. Michael’s Primary School in downtown Kingston is one of three schools in Jamaica specially selected by Patron of the Digicel Foundation Dennis O’Brien and his wife Catherine to benefit from an extensive renovation.

 

Full House: A full house at the Montego Bay Convention Centre at the opening of the Early Childhood Commission Professional Development Institute held recently.

Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, June 12, 2019: Teachers in the highly specialised field of early childhood education have received professional development training that will enhance the learning experience for children in basic and infant schools across Jamaica. Over 1,100 teachers participated in the Early Childhood Commission’s (ECC) Professional Development Institute, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre recently. The Digicel Jamaica Foundation was pleased to be a sponsor of this event.

 

Held under the theme “Creating Quality Learning Environments for Strong Foundations,” the workshops provided the teachers with valuable lessons on how to develop children’s cognitive skills that will enhance their ability to focus, learn and solve problems. They also covered other topics including teacher development and professionalism, creating active learning environments, using technology in the classroom, addressing behaviours and improving student health and safety.

 

“Our sponsorship of this event fits in with our long-term goals in education. It is all about building a strong support base for our children in their first 1,000 days,” noted Karlene Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of the Digicel Foundation. “We commend the ECC for its strategic focus and sense of purpose, as it seeks to offer its teachers opportunities for career development and ongoing training. This capacity building is critical in helping to raise and maintain standards in the sector.”

 

Ms. Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes, Executive Director of the ECC, expressed her thanks to the Digicel Foundation for their support.

 

“The Early Childhood Commission embarked on a journey to train practitioners with an aim to fill the professional development gaps in the sector. Thanks to organisations such as Digicel Foundation for recognizing the need for the investment in our human capital. This contribution is invaluable. You have helped practitioners who will in turn impact the lives of hundreds of children, one at a time. On behalf of the team at ECC, I express sincere gratitude and look forward to partnering with you for the next staging of ECC’s Professional Development Institute.”

 

Since 2017, the Digicel Foundation has supported the Commission in its ongoing efforts to have more early childhood institutions registered, helping four infant schools to reach the required 12 Operating Standards. There are currently 167 certified early-childhood institutions island-wide.

-END-

 

Congratulations! Chair of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Mexine Bisasor receives an award for contribution to the sector on behalf of the Most Honourable Edward Seaga from State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Alando Terrelonge. The occasion was the opening ceremony of the Early Childhood Commission’s Professional Development Institute held recently, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre

 

 

We are happy you’re here! Executive Director of the Early Childhood Commission, Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes welcomes participants during the opening session of the Early Childhood Commission’s Professional Development Institute held recently, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

 

Teamwork for the environment: Ms. Shanice Shaw, Resident of Jerusalem! Home, assists Mr. Rohan Williams, Technology Manager of IGT Jamaica in unwrapping a Duranta Gold tree for planting at a pre-Labour Day exercise held recently.

A splash of golden green foliage will now greet visitors to the Mustard Seed Communities’ Jerusalem! after IGT Jamaica contributed toward beautifying the entrance to the home for Labour Day 2019. IGT donated 160 Duranta Gold seedlings which were planted by IGT staff and staff of MSC, Jerusalem! on May 16, 2019.

 

IGT General Manager Debbie Green pointed out that the home has “a special place in our hearts.” In September 2015, Mustard Seed Communities’ Jerusalem! was the first of five Mustard Seed facilities to receive an After School Advantage (ASA) computer centre from IGT Jamaica. “Our partnership with Mustard Seed continues to flourish,” said Ms. Green. “Last November, we opened the fifth Mustard Seed ASA Centre at the Matthew 25:40 home.  We remain steadfast in our efforts to use technology to empower our children who face developmental challenges,” Ms. Green added.

 

Mrs. Darcy Tulloch Williams, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities, expressed her gratitude to IGT Jamaica. “The computers have really been a lifesaver for the children,” she said. “IGT has been so generous in setting up the ASA Centre and in following up with us afterwards.” She shared her appreciation for the “wonderfully productive” relationship between IGT and Mustard Seed, noting also that the computers connect the children – who are living with various disabilities – to the outside world. “It has been extremely impactful in their lives,” declared Mrs. Tulloch Williams.

 

“These plants will bring beauty to the Home,” noted  Ms. Green. “They will enhance the surroundings and will positively impact the workers and visitors alike by creating a cheerful environment. At IGT Jamaica, we believe that quality of life is very important, especially for our most vulnerable citizens.”

 

Pointing to the theme of Child Month in May (“Encourage, Enable, Include ME”), Ms. Green also observed that IGT’s support for the Home, including this beautification project, has helped to create an empowering and safe environment for the children, who are differently abled.

 

Jerusalem! is located on 14 acres of land near Spanish Town. The residential care facility  houses a pre-school, a village layout for older residents, and agricultural initiatives. It provides a secure and supportive environment for over 150 children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Skills training and formal education is available for residents who wish to follow a more independent way of life.

 

Mrs. Tulloch Williams added, “I am sending a big ‘thank you’ to IGT from the kids!”

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About IGT’s After School Advantage Programme:

The After School Advantage programme is IGT’s signature philanthropic programme providing computer labs for children ages 5-18 to use for homework assignments during the critical after-school hours. The programme strives to close the “Digital Divide” for at-risk children who are left behind because they do not have the means to access computers at home in today’s increasingly digital society. IGT offers the After School Advantage programme in jurisdictions where we do business. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 39 After School Advantage centres in the English-speaking Caribbean. IGT has opened 14 After School Advantage Centres in Jamaica and 19 in Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean Lottery and IGT have equipped one After School Advantage Centre in each of these locations: St. Kitts, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Barbados; and there are two After School Advantage Centres in Antigua. IGT and its subsidiaries regularly upgrade computer centres and have made 19 further donations in new computer equipment, software, and employee volunteer hours.

 About IGT:  IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favourite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has over 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit http://www.igt.com

Nice plant! Team members of IGT Jamaica, Trevor Thompson, Marketing Research Manager (left), Rochelle Brown, Account Development Rep (centre) and Nicholas Spence (second right) , Sales Manager, interact with the team from the Mustard Seed Communities, Mrs. Darcy Tulloch-Williams, Executive Director (right) and Ms. Suzette Dixon (second left), Administrator of the Jerusalem! Home at the tree planting exercise at the Home recently.

 

Good Job! GPS Coordinator of IGT Jamaica, Ms. Kellye Barwise (left) assists Ms. Nordia Lewis, Resident of Jerusalem! Home of the Mustard Seed Communities, in planting a Duranta Gold tree at a beautification exercise at the Home in Spanish Town recently.

 

 

 

Spur Tree, Manchester – May 27, 2019 – May is Child Month in Jamaica, and this month’s theme: “Encourage, Enable, Include ME!” very much aligns with IGT Jamaica’s ongoing drive toward assisting students living with Autism through technology. As part of its After School Advantage (ASA) programme, IGT Jamaica recently donated a new assistive learning programme to Mustard Seed Communities. The equipment, valued at over J$250,000, was presented at the Gift of Hope children’s home in Spur Tree, Manchester recently. Several residents at the home are living with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The equipment consists of a Tobii Dynavox Speech Case and an iPad, which work together to provide a unique solution for communication. With clear audio and a lightweight, user-friendly design, the Speech Case transforms the iPad into an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device that enhances listening and speaking abilities.

Administrator at Gift of Hope Ann-Marie Parker-Dale pointed out that their residents on the autism spectrum are all non-verbal. “We want to communicate with them, and they with us,” she said. “We have worked out a way to communicate, but it is mostly trial and error.” She pointed out that the children often get frustrated and express themselves through their behaviour. This new equipment is designed to supplement existing speech; in many cases at Gift of Hope it will replace speech where it is absent altogether. Mrs. Parker-Dale believes that this technology will transform the residents’ lives in terms of communication.

Gift of Hope was first a recipient of computer technology and equipment through IGT’s ASA programme in June 2016. IGT Jamaica’s General Manager Debbie Green emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to providing technology and learning solutions for children who would not normally be able to access them. Five Mustard Seed homes are now equipped with ASA Centres.

“We remain motivated and committed to continue strengthening our relationship with Mustard Seed by providing technology solutions for their students and residents that face particular challenges. This specialized equipment meets a critical need, and is not readily available in Jamaica,” said Mrs. Green.

“We have seen where technology has enriched the learning experience for those with special needs. It is also an empowering tool for their dedicated teachers and caregivers. For this year’s Child Month, with its inclusive and empowering theme, we are proud to continue building our support by donating this software, designed for our very special children with ASD.”