Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, May 27, 2019: Some of Jamaica’s youngest citizens were among those benefiting from two Digicel Foundation Labour Day projects this year. The Foundation and its army of volunteers went to work at Wilmington Basic School in St. Thomas and Ebony Vale Community Centre in St. Catherine to upgrade buildings and secure premises in keeping with the theme for Labour Day 2019: “Child Safety…it’s you, it’s me, it’s all ah we.”
Just three miles away from the Morant Bay capital of St. Thomas, volunteers erected a much-needed perimeter fence, constructed steps and installed new doors and windows to make Wilmington safer for the little ones. At the same time, another crew was busy demolishing worn building parts before renovating bathrooms, painting classrooms and outdoor spaces, and installing several windows and doors to make the Ebony Vale Community Centre more secure. Both renovations were completed at a cost of J$1.63 million.
Overwhelmed by the Digicel Foundation’s support, Chairman of the Wilmington Basic School, Dennis Maragh, commented that the renovation work “will go a far, far way” towards the further development of the school and its students. Founded in the late 1990s as a part of the Wilmington Primary School, which is on the same compound, the Basic School was registered as an Early Childhood Institution fifteen years ago. It has continued to upgrade its premises, renovating and occupying the Primary School’s teachers’ cottage.
The school caters for 45 children from Wilmington and the communities of Red Hill, Lyssons and Morant Bay. Mr. Maragh paid tribute to the school’s principal, Tamika Edmondson, parents and teaching staff who wholeheartedly turned out to help. “I wish to express my appreciation to the parents and staff for their cooperation and support over the years,” said Maragh, also paying tribute to the Principal of the Primary School, Andrew Chambers.
Member of Parliament for Eastern St. Thomas, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, joined the activities and lauded the Digicel Foundation for this latest round of improvements to vital social infrastructure in the parish. He commented, “I believe that the Digicel Foundation is getting it right by coming here and taking on this project. We are extremely impressed, not just for what happened here at Wilmington, but we have been the beneficiaries of a computer lab at Duckensfield Primary, and only last year the Foundation upgraded the Centre of Excellence at Lyssons.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Digicel Foundation Karlene Dawson noted, “Through the work of both teams, we aren’t just producing secure and comfortable areas for young people to play, learn and thrive, we are helping to improve the surrounding communities that depend on these facilities. With the selection of these two institutions, we continue to make good on our promise to the community.” She added that the overwhelming spirit of volunteerism made a big difference: “As in previous years, it is cooperation and mutual support that makes things happen, and we are very thankful for the large outpouring of support. This is in the true spirit of Labour Day for us at Digicel Foundation.”
To date, Digicel Foundation has completed 561 community development projects across Jamaica.
Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, May 29, 2019: The Digicel Jamaica Foundation is expressing its deep concern over a recent break-in at the Mickhail Betancourt Early Stimulation Centre of Excellence in Orange Bay, Portland. This is reportedly the second burglary in the past year. The criminals ransacked the building, stole small appliances and caused considerable damage to the building and equipment. School was suspended for two days afterwards.
“We are deeply distressed at this news,” said Chairman of the Digicel Foundation Jean Lowrie-Chin. “This Centre of Excellence, opened just three years ago, serves close to 100 children with special needs. This is particularly painful, because the building was named in honour of Donovan Betancourt’s beloved son Mickhail, a former Digicel employee, who passed away.”
“The heartless people who committed this criminal act are depriving some of our most vulnerable children of education, nutrition – the school provides two hot meals per day – and the services that this wonderful institution provides on a daily basis. We hope that the culprits will be apprehended in short order.”
Mrs. Lowrie-Chin expressed her sympathy to Mr. Betancourt and family, and to the students and staff who were traumatized and inconvenienced by this occurrence. She also reaffirmed the Digicel Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Jamaicans with special needs.
The Mickhail Betancourt Early Stimulation Centre of Excellence was opened in May, 2016 and is a partnership among Mr. Donovan Betancourt’s KB Foundation, the Digicel Foundation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. It is one of ten centres mandated by Digicel Foundation’s Patron Denis O’Brien, who committed J$337 million to the building or extensive renovation of facilities islandwide that serve the special needs community.
When we consider to heights which our precious Jamaican girls can reach, we mourn Jamaica’s loss with the parents of Shantae Skyers, Trisha Morris and Stefika Smith. Five days after seven-year old Shantae was reported missing, her body was found on April 16 in Sterling Castle Heights, Red Hills. On April 30, the body of 11-year-old Trisha Morris was found in her community of Woodland, Hanover and on May 13, the body of 17-year-old Stefika Smith was found in Four Paths, Clarendon.
On Saturday evening, CVM news carried a report of the attempted abduction of a schoolgirl in central Jamaica. Her mother said the child was lured to a car by a woman offering her a gift. As she looked in the car, she saw a man with a knife and ran screaming for her life. Her mother says the child is traumatized.
Dr Mearle Barrett, President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of St. Andrew (BPW St. Andrew) has expressed “alarm and concern at the recent spate of abuse and killings of young children, in particular, young girls … We call upon the authorities to vigorously investigate each incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. In addition, the need for more attention to be paid to the support services required to improve the family structure and parenting skills, must be recognized.”
The parents of Stefika Smith led a march in Clarendon last Friday, demanding greater protection for our children. We must respond to the anguished cry of Stefika’s mother and the many heartbroken parents throughout Jamaica – our children must be saved from these heartless criminals.
True respect for LGBT persons
J-FLAG marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia with a roundtable discussion and a presentation of findings from a recent survey on the attitude of Jamaicans towards members of the LGBT community. The results were encouraging, but still cast Jamaica, including employers and politicians as being ambivalent about the rights of these, our fellow citizens.
Support for change to the “Buggery Law” showed that the majority was still against it, though there was slightly better support for the teaching of tolerance of LBGT persons.
Ambassador of Mexico, Juan Jose González Mijares noted that his country decided that it was not choice but an obligation, to legislate against discrimination. He said that his country faced similar sociological issues as Jamaica, but passed a federal law against every kind of discrimination and established a National Council Against Discrimination. This upholds respect for all, regardless of race, creed, gender, age or sexual orientation.
Such laws would foster a more harmonious Jamaican society. Let us honour the “true respect for all” that we sing out in our Anthem.
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw described the hard journey of the Reggae Girlz on the road to their historic World Cup campaign in France and promised “to make Jamaica proud” at last week’s press conference. We want to assure her that they have already made us proud. Imagine, they were two goals down in Haiti and managed to come back with a draw to move forward.
Observer writer Dwayne Richards quotes her: “A year ago today we were in Haiti and I am sure many of you guys would not have known what we have been through in this whole process of qualifying for the World Cup. We dealt with a lot of adversities.. It was tough, we managed to go through the first round and we played against the US … the game didn’t go as what we wanted, but we knew that we had another game in hand, then we played against Panama … we knew that we had to go out there and win this game, we had to give it our all. As you can tell by our celebrations in the locker room, how proud we are to represent the country and to give it our best effort.”
Khadija’s dedication to her education is also exemplary. Recently, she completed studies for her degree at University of Tennessee, as she takes the long view of life: “I knew what I wanted and I knew at the end of the day my knees are going to get old and my muscles are going to get weary, but my brain won’t leave me, so at the end of the day, I just wanted to graduate and say when I walk across that stage, I gave it my best effort.”
Congratulations to Khadija on being named a Brand Ambassador for Puma – they have chosen well. Bonne chance Reggae Girlz!
Who says good news doesn’t sell? We just can’t get enough of the praise being heaped on the humble Ackaisha Green for her honesty. It was the Jamaica Observer which broke the story on May 6, recounting Ackaisha’s actions when she found a bag stacked with $5000 and $1000 bills.
“On my way coming out with it I saw two police officers,” the Observer reporter quoted her as saying, “and mi say, ‘Sir, I found a bag of money and I don’t know what to do with it’.”
This from a woman who that very morning, had to ask her mother to lend her $200. As the story spread, there was an outpouring of support for Ackaisha. Businessman Douglas Halsall announced on social media that he had started an account for her, Digicel presented her with a phone and gift items and Wray & Nephew gave a million-dollar scholarship and $200,000 cash.
Last Friday, she was lauded by the Senate. The opposite sides of the Upper House may differ on many issues, but on the subject of Ackaisha Green, they were of one voice. “We want to thank you for the inspiration that you are for a lot of young people, who look for direction in their lives…. We thank you for making the right choice; for demonstrating that honesty pays,” said Leader of Government Business Senator Kamina Johnson Smith
“Miss Green, you are an inspiration,” declared Leader of Opposition Business Senator Donna Scott-Mottley. “Your … decision is the pathway to having all of your dreams realised. Jamaica is behind you.”
Ackaisha Green has demonstrated to Jamaican scammers that honesty is indeed the best policy. While some of them were being arrested last week, Ackaisha was being applauded and assisted. May God continue to order the steps of this good woman.
Clarendon, Jamaica (April 17, 2019) – “I can sleep comfortably now, and I don’t have to worry about the rain falling,” said Ms. Cassandra Francis, who moved into her new two-bedroom home donated by Food For The Poor-Jamaica through its generous donors.
“I love everything about it,” she said.
It has not been easy for the Clarendon mother and her three children. Life in her old, dilapidated house was especially challenging for the family.
“We used to live in an old-time cob house, the walls started falling apart and the roof leaked – a lot,” she said.
In an effort to keep everything dry when it rained, Ms. Francis explained how she had to put the beds up to protect their mattresses. She expressed concern about her family’s security and privacy in their ramshackle house, and that she had no proper bathroom or kitchen.
Now, her life and the lives of her three children have changed for the better. Her 18-year-old son is seeking employment, and her 8-year-old daughter attends primary school in Frankfield. Francis also has a younger daughter, not yet 3.
“The kids are so happy now, and I especially enjoy the bathroom!” she exclaimed.
Ms. Francis feels she can plan for the future in her new home. While she currently does some subsistence farming, such as growing callaloo, tomatoes and other crops, she’s looking at other ways to boost her family’s income.
“I would like to take care of my family better, I would like to keep chickens,” she said.
But one important part of her dream already has come true.
“It has always been my dream to own my own home,” said Ms. Francis. “Words can’t explain how I feel. I’m feeling so thankful and grateful to Food For The Poor.”
Since inception, Food For The Poor has built more than 35,000 homes in Jamaica.
LOOKING BACK: The old house Ms. Cassandra Francis shared with her three children was in terrible condition. The roof leaked when it rained and the walls started falling apart. Thanks to its kind donors, Food For The Poor-Jamaica provided Francis and her family with a safe, new home.
BEFORE: An outside view of Ms. Cassandra Francis’ previous home in Clarendon. There was no proper kitchen, so the meals had to be prepared outside.
SAFE, NEW HOME: Ms. Cassandra Francis is happy to have a safe home for her family. Joining her for a photo are her 18-year-old son (right), 8-year-old daughter (front) and her 2-year-old daughter. Ms Francis’ new home was donated by Food For The Poor-Jamaica, through its kind and caring donors.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Sherrόn Barker, Fishing Manager at Food For The Poor – Jamaica (left), and members of the Hunts Bay Fisherfolk Benevolent Society assist with trash collection during cleanup activities at Hunts Bay Fishing Village. Over fifty people participated in the initiative which took place on Monday, April 15.
Kingston, Jamaica – (April 20, 2019): A major pre-Easter holiday cleanup of the Hunts Bay Fishing Beach and Complex on Monday, April 15 was deemed a great success by the community. Over fifty people participated in the initiative, which was a partnership among Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, the Hunts Bay Benevolent Fishermen Friendly Society, the Jamaica Constabulary Force Marine Police Division, fishermen, vendors and village residents.
The community effort was not only a boost for the environment, but also enhanced economic opportunities for the fishermen and vendors at the beach. It is hoped that the cleanup just before the Easter holiday will encourage more customers to come and buy their fish for the season. The cleanup yielded eighty (80) bags of garbage holding approximately 5,500 lbs. of trash – the majority being plastics and styrofoam.
Fisherman Michael Latchman was elated: “Everybody co-operated today,” he enthused. “We worked together and we now have a clean environment – that is the environment we want to see.” Another fisherman, Mark Lawrence, added, “The customers come in now and they have no complaints. They feel welcome.”
FFP Jamaica’s Manager of Fisheries Sherron Barker pointed out, “The fishermen complain about the garbage, which drifts around Kingston Harbour from the gullies.” The solid waste pollution directly affects the fishers’ livelihoods while degrading the marine environment, he noted.
Pollution in Kingston Harbour is recognized as an ongoing environmental concern affecting people’s lives, which needs to be addressed over the long term. Corporal André Clarke of the Marine Police Division observed, “We see nets coming up with more garbage than fish in them. This is a major concern for us. Today’s cleanup shows what working together can accomplish.”
The fishermen and vendors have pledged to maintain the cleanliness of the beach and were provided with tools, extra garbage bags and bins, as well as refreshments during the day by FFP Jamaica.
Meanwhile, Mr. Barker is encouraging the public to support the Hunts Bay Fishing Village, conveniently located on the corner of Portmore Causeway and Dyke Road, by purchasing fresh local catches from the established vendors. “They have good quality fish, caught outside the Harbour,” he noted. Snappers, groupers and grunts are among the fish on sale.
Fisherman Mark Lawrence was gratified by the efforts, describing the environment as “Beautiful, beautiful!” He added, “FFP Jamaica has done a great thing for us.”
WASTE: At the end of the day’s clean-up activities at Hunts Bay Fishing Village on April 15, approximately 6,000 lbs. of waste was collected.
Welcome Address: CCRP Western Chapter Chairman, Dr. Norma Taylor welcomes members to a meeting held recently in Montego Bay where Sagicor Life gave updates on the CCRP Group Health Plan. Looking on are (from left) Jean Lowrie–Chin, CCRP Founder and Chairman, Clive Ebanks, representative of Sagicor Life and Shona Heron, Executive Member, CCRP Western Chapter.
Montego Bay, St. James – April 16, 2019: “This meeting proved to be both helpful and lively,” stated Dr Norma Taylor, Chairman of the Caribbean Committee of Retired Persons (CCRP) Western Chapter, at their meeting on Sunday, 14 April 2019 at the Unity of Montego Bay Worship Centre, 12 Dome Street. Members of the Chapter came out in their numbers to get updates regarding the Sagicor-CCRP group health insurance plan from Mr Clive Ebanks, representative of Sagicor Life, who answered all their questions regarding coverage, procedures and premiums.
The Sagicor-CCRP group health insurance is a Major Medical Plan that offers Laboratory & X-Ray Services, Diagnostic Services, Hospitalisation Services & Surgical Benefits and Overseas Emergency Benefits. The Plan is ongoing and open to all CCRP members.
Also attending Sunday’s meeting was Founder of the CCRP, Jean Lowrie-Chin. She thanked members of the Western Chapter for their initiative of obtaining the permission of the Unity of Montego Bay Worship Centre to grant them office hours from 10 am to 12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 Dome Street, Montego Bay. Members and interested citizens may visit during those hours on any matter affecting Senior Citizens over the age of 50 years. The Chapter may also be contacted by telephone at 876-377-7616 during those hours.
Special thanks were expressed at the meeting to volunteers Dr Erica DaSilva, Dr Doreen Bernard and Mr Courtney Henry for manning the CCRP Western Chapter Office to answer questions, give updates on CCRP Discount Partners, and to help ensure that CCRP members in Western Jamaica can add their voices to the call for the rights of Jamaica’s Senior Citizens to be established and protected.
CCRP Jamaica is a membership organisation for persons 50 and over who are retired or planning to retire. The organisation was launched in April 2010 with a mission to work towards ensuring that the vast talent, experience and wisdom of seniors are respected and that they enjoy the quality of life which they so richly deserve. For more information on the CCRP, persons can visit the CCRP Facebook page, visit the CCRP head office at 2 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10 on workdays between 10 am and 2 pm, or call 876-469-1944 during weekday office hours.
SWEET HOME: Pearl Prendergast (right) shares in memorable photo moment with her ten year-old daughter (left) and six year-old grandson outside their new home donated by Food For The Poor – Jamaica with the help of its kind and caring donors.
Kingston, Jamaica (Apr. 1, 2019) – “I need a roof over my head,” sang the Jamaican roots reggae group the Mighty Diamonds in the 1970s. Ms. Pearl Prendergast may have been singing this classic song before she moved into her new home three months ago.
“When the rain falls, I remember how it was there,” sighed Pearl Prendergast. She was talking about the “very old house,” where she grew up with her parents and siblings. Ms. Prendergast recalls instances when the roof would leak. Not only did she get wet inside when it rained, the house also did not have a suitable bathroom, and the kitchen was outside. She was “so happy” to be in her new two-bedroom house, provided by Food For The Poor Jamaica through the generosity of its overseas donors. Ms. Prendergast moved in three months ago.
The 52-year-old single mother of three said her former home in St. Catherine was in very poor condition. Although it is still standing, it is due for demolition, she noted, as it cannot be lived in. She grew up there as the youngest of five children. “When I pass by it now, I say to myself ‘Just look at it!’ Then I enter my lovely new house, and I am so happy,” added Ms. Prendergast.
BEFORE: An outside view of Pearl Prendergast’s previous home in St. Catherine. Although it is still standing, the house is in no state to be lived in. Thanks to its kind donors, Food For The Poor – Jamaica has donated a new home to Ms. Prendergast.
Ms. Prendergast shares her new home with her ten year-old daughter. She also has two adult children: a 28 year-old son and a 26 year-old daughter. “I also have a grandchild, aged six!” she declared. She is very proud of her family.
The St. Catherine resident is particularly thankful for an inside kitchen, as her former home had an outside facility. She also loves the front verandah. The house includes a bathroom, hall/dining room and much more living space than she had before, she noted. “We are so thankful for it,” she added.
“I do a little farming,” Ms. Prendergast disclosed. She goes into Kingston to sell in downtown markets every two weeks or so.
“I have a mind to give something back one day,” she added. “I am so grateful to Food for the Poor – for what they have done for me and my family.”
In 2018, FFP Jamaica handed over 692 homes – that is, an average of almost 60 houses per month – providing much needed shelter and a home to be proud of to thousands of needy Jamaicans such as Ms. Prendergast and her family.
PREVIOUS HOME: Pearl Prendergast stops for a photo in the front yard of her previous home. Thanks to Food For The Poor – Jamaica and its kind donors, Ms. Prendergast now has a has a safe, new home for her family.
BEAMING: Pearl Prendergast (right) is grateful for her new home donated by Food For The Poor – Jamaica and its kind and caring donors. Excited to join her for a memorable family photo are her ten year-old daughter and six year-old grandson.
Afterhis Fire Phone flopped, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos said, “If you think that’s a failure, we are working on much bigger failures right now. And I am not kidding. And some of them are going to make the Fire Phone look like a tiny little blip.” Bezos believes that failures are significant learning experiences.
Jamaica has not been short of such experiences. The People’s National Party (PNP) is smarting over its loss in the Portland Eastern by-election, and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Government is having to take a sober look at the National Identification and Registration Act — popularly called NIDS Act — after Chief Justice Bryan Sykes announced that the Constitutional Court was unanimous in its decision to declare it unconstitutional.
“Opposition Leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President Dr Peter Phillips is ripping into the media and pollsters, claiming they contributed to the party’s loss in the Portland Eastern parliamentary by-election last week Thursday,” wrote the Jamaica Observer‘s Kimone Francis on Friday, April 12, 2019.
She quoted Phillips: “…When you calculate the political propaganda coming out of some sections of the media; when you calculate that poll seh we going lose by 20 points, some seh 10, some seh six, some seh it’s climbing every day; and when you look at the result, you realise that it was just propaganda. [It was] pure, simple propaganda directed against the People’s National Party and the candidate.”
It was refreshing, however, that the PNP’s losing candidate Damion Crawford did not lose his sense of humour. After his defeat, he tweeted a photo of a crying baby and wrote, “Every time me wake and see say election day really gone.”
The case against NIDS was brought by PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson. In response to the chief justice’s live-streamed announcement, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: “The Government is respectful of the court’s ruling and will spend some time carefully reviewing the judgement, after which a more [comprehensive] response will be forthcoming. The Government would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to the full court panel, comprising Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, Justice David Batts and Justice Lisa Palmer Hamilton for their considered judgement.”
I must also to eat humble pie. Only last week this column was pushing NIDS without reading Robinson’s argument. Another lesson learned. However, we do agree with Owen James’ post on social media: “In the modern era when many countries are into artificial intelligence-oriented strategies to deal with crime and economic issues, I don’t think Jamaica can totally ignore a NIDS-type regime. If some parts of NIDS are broken, let us fix them and move along.”
Respect is due to Julian Robinson.
Science rocks at St Catherine High
Students at St Catherine High lined the driveway for the arrival of their distinguished alumna, Member of Parliament Juliet Holness, last Wednesday. The occasion was the opening of the expanded and newly equipped science lab at the school, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation.
This is also the high school of her husband, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, as well as Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston Kenneth Richards. Other excellent graduates include media colleagues Dashan Hendricks and Dennis Brooks; school board Chairman Sharon Dale; Hugh Douse, founder of the talented Nexxus singing group; and Don Williams, CEO of CS Citi-Scape. Kudos Sister Mary Paschal for your seminal work in developing this great school.
“If we are to be the people of the future – the innovators and creators of the future technology,” said Juliet Holness, “then we have to start by training our students, and no better place to start than my alma mater, St Catherine High.”
Selfie: The Most Hon. Juliet Holness (second right) shares a delightful moment with students from the St. Catherine High School, taking a selfie at the school’s lab opening held recently. Joining them is Jean Lowrie Chin (left), Chairman of Digicel Foundation.
Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Karl Samuda urged students to fully capitalise on the resources provided. Principal Marlon Campbell enthused, “Our students are full of exuberance and zeal at the sight of the laboratory in its completed state.”
When emcee Elon Parkinson announced that Head of Science Department Conrad Moore would give the vote of thanks, the audience erupted. And no wonder; Moore is a rock star of a science teacher. He gave a rousing vote of thanks backed by the talented St Catherine High School band. No doubt, science rocks at St Catherine High.
Farewell, Jean McIntosh
What a privilege it was to see Joyce Ann ‘Jean’ McIntosh’s elegant journey as wife, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, worshipper, and lover of life. This inspiring leader — both in her capacity as co-founder and director of the McIntosh Bedding Company 55 years strong, and as a founding board member of the Stella Maris Foundation — brought her brilliance, wit and refreshing common sense to the organisations.
Peter Mais, the co-founder of the Stella Maris Foundation, recalls that McIntosh was “a caring contributor to the development of the foundation”. She shared her motherly love with children in the Grant’s Pen area participating in Saturday activities at the foundation. She ensured that at the annual children’s Christmas party everyone had a gift. Mais says that his lasting memory of McIntosh was that she was always available and accessible.
As a mother, McIntosh shared her joie de vivre with her lovely daughters, Stephanie and Annie. It warmed my heart to see them arriving at social events looking more like sisters than mother and daughters. It was a learning experience to watch her maternal mentorship of her daughters, guiding them to take their places as senior executives in the McIntosh organisation.
My deep sympathy to her husband Donald, and other family members, friends and the McIntosh Bedding Company team members. Rest in peace, unforgettable Jean.
Annual ‘Gah San’ Ceremony
Earlier this month, my husband Hubie and sister-in-law Doreen joined members of the Jamaican Chinese community to commemorate the Ching Ming Festival or ‘Gah San’ honouring the memory of their relatives interred at the Chinese Cemetery on Waltham Park Road. Hubie, who paid respect at his grandparents’ graves, was impressed with the extensive renovation of the once-vandalised cemetery. Congratulations to the executive of the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) for the restoration of the location.
The committee for the Calvary Cemetery renovation is now facing a similar challenge, as the once-beautiful cemetery is in a dilapidated state. We hope to get guidance from CBA President Robert Hew as we face an uphill task.
Jean Lowrie-Chin
Jamaica Highlights 