FFP TRAINS 50 STUDENTS AT SUMMER BAND CAMP

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Executive Director of Food for the Poor (FFP) Jamaica David Mair (right) engages in conversation with a student and parent who participated in the annual summer band programme. Band Director Jeffrey Brown and Sandra Ramsey (2nd left) FFP prison ministry administrator, look on .

THREE weeks and 16 lessons, that’s what it took for Food For The Poor(FFP) Jamaica’s Annual Summer Band Camp programme to transform 50 students from musical novices to trained musicians, after playing instruments of their choice.

The participants were trained to use drums, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, clarinets and trombones between July 18 and August 11 at the summer band camp, which was held at FFP’s headquarters in Ellerslie Pen, St Catherine.

David Mair, executive director at FFP, said the band camp, which is in its eighth year, was an important initiative for the charity organisation.

“The annual band camp is a very special aspect of our ministry here at Food For The Poor and one that is anticipated by both the participants and FFP staff. Music unifies us so every year we look forward to hosting the children and celebrating with them during their graduation,” said Mair.

He added: “Another amazing aspect of this programme, which we fully endorse, is the fact that past students actually return to assist and they also serve as an inspiration to the new crop of students.”

Attendees at the awards ceremony, which included several proud parents, were treated to multiple music pieces which the participants learnt over the three weeks. One proud parent, Sharonette Walker, whose son Nathan has been participating in the camp for two consecutive years, sang nothing but praises for the musical programme.

“For the past two years, I have been assisting with the programme in terms of monitoring the students. It has been an inspiring journey because you see the growth these students experience and how much they love what they do,” she stated.

During the graduation ceremony held on August 11, the participants were filled with much excitement upon receiving the news that they would be awarded with the instruments they used during the camp.

Band campers Christeena Henry and Daniel Myers expressed gratitude to band camp organiser and administrator for the prison ministry department, Sandra Ramsay, as well as music instructor Jeffrey Brown.

“We couldn’t have done this in three weeks without the dedication of Mrs Ramsey and Mr Brown. They constantly pushed us to be better even when we didn’t see it for ourselves,” they said.

Ramsey announced that on the last Saturday of each month, the 50 youngsters can return to the grounds of Food For The Poor to practice and better develop their musical talents and skills. They will also be given the opportunity to learn other musical instruments.

This year, Food For The Poor’s Summer Band Camp hosted students between six and 16 years of age. Since the programme started eight years ago, more than 200 participants have been trained.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/FFP-trains-50-students-at-summer-band-camp_71463

I-Octane brings beat to Rio

Published in the Jamaica Observer, August 18, 2016

JAMAICA House in Rio de Janeiro was the most sought after place in Brazil on Tuesday night. Fresh from cheering on Team Jamaica at the Olympic stadium, Digicel ambassador I-Octane took the celebration to the venue where he kept the crowd in high spirits.

Performing hits including Dem Nuh Bad, We Love Di Vibes, Happy Time, and Wine and Jiggle, I-Octane had the crowd entertained throughout his performance. No I-Octane set would be complete without a demonstration of Jamaican dance moves.

 

I Octane
I Octane performs at Jamaica House in Rio de Janeiro  Source: Jamaica Observer

 

 

“To perform for a crowd where more than 85 per cent of the people don’t speak English and you see them singing along and dancing and just keeping the vibes is just amazing. It made me realise just how much the world is watching Jamaica,” he said.

“This is just after seeing Bolt run live for the first time in my life, and I’m still amazed by the power of our brand—which is Jamaica. Usain Bolt came inside a noisy stadium where people were cheering and making a ‘bag a noise’ and all he did was put his finger to his lips asking for quiet and the whole place go ‘sshhh’. That just made me feel proud, and I’m still amazed that a Jamaican can come on the world’s stage and do that,” he continued.

Jamaica House has quickly become a favourite entertainment spot. Reggae singers Luciano and Ky-Mani Marley will be making appearances at Jamaica House in the coming days.

GRACE FOODS RECALLS SPECIFIC BATCHES OF CURRY PRODUCTS

GraceKennedy Limited has announced the recall of the following batches of its curry products in keeping with a recall by a former supplier, Miami-based Oriental Packing Company, Inc.:

Product Net Weight Best Before Date & Batch Number
Grace Mild Jamaican Style Curry Powder – in glass container 2 oz BB 03/11/19   OPCLOT # 030716

BB 03/28/19   OPCLOT # 032516
Grace Mild Jamaican Style Curry Powder –

in glass container

 6 oz BB 03/11/19  OPCLOT # 030716
Grace Hot Jamaican Style Curry Powder – in glass container

 

 2 oz BB 03/11/19  OPCLOT # 030716

 

BB 03/28/19  OPCLOT # 032516
Grace Hot Jamaican Style Curry Powder – in glass container 6 oz BB 03/11/19  OPCLOT # 030716

 

BB 04/11/19  OPCLOT # 040816
Grace Caribbean Tradition Hot Curry Powder – in plastic container 4 oz BB 12/14/19  OPCLOT # 121115

 

BB 12/14/19  OPCLOT # 120115

 

BB 03/11/19  OPCLOT # 030716

 

BB 03/28/19  OPCLOT # 032516

 

BB 04/11/19  OPCLOT # 040816

 

The products being recalled are packaged in the USA and distributed within the USA, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

 

The recall has been initiated due to the presence of lead in some variants of curry products which Oriental Packing Company, Inc. produced for GraceKennedy Foods (USA) and other companies.

 

Lead can accumulate in the body over time, and may cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences.    To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the products being recalled.

 

Consumers who may have purchased the Grace Curry products bearing the above best before dates and corresponding batch numbers, should not consume them.  Instead they should return same to point of purchase, where the full cost will be refunded. The best before dates and batch numbers can be found on the top of the product caps.

 

Mr Ryan Mack, President and CEO of GraceKennedy Foods (USA), stated that “GraceKennedy wishes to assure consumers that their safety is paramount and that providing safe, high quality products to our consumers remains our number one priority.”  He added that the recall did not include any other batches of Grace Curry products.

 

Consumers in the USA with questions pertaining to the recall may contact Linda Colon at GraceKennedy Foods (USA) at (201) 329-6260 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Consumers in the Bahamas and Bermuda may contact Steve Boucher at (954)774-2687. Questions may also be sent via email to  gracekennedy@gkco.com.

 

GRACEKENNEDY JAMAICAN BIRTHRIGHT PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

The excitement of the recipients of the GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright internships resounded at the media launch of the 2016 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme held on July 11, 2016. Intrigued at the prospect of living and working in Jamaica, the interns gathered at GraceKennedy Limited’s Headquarters to meet -the  GraceKennedy family, along with corporate and government sponsors, at the start of their cultural and professional programme. GraceKennedy’s Group CEO Senator Don Wehby, said he was pleased to be welcoming the 2016 cohort. “The goal of the programme is to connect bright and talented young people to their roots, improving their knowledge of their Jamaican heritage and give them a more complete sense of self,” he said.
 
 
The one-month internship is offered annually to students in the diaspora who have never lived in Jamaica. The programme is designed to give them a well-rounded experience of Jamaica as they work in a GraceKennedy subsidiary linked to their field of study and participate in cultural activities on the weekends.
 
Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, the guest speaker at the event, lauded GraceKennedy Limited for conceptualizing and implementing the GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright programme. “This Birthright Programme epitomizes the ‘We Care’ philosophy of GraceKennedy.  It is yet another initiative that demonstrates the Company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, not only in Jamaica, but in the jurisdictions   in which GraceKennedy is established –  the Diaspora locations of the UK, USA and Canada, in this context,” she stated.
 
The four interns, Kimberly Ann Stephenson, Casey Daley, Natasha Allen and Karis Edwards, are all eager to embrace their heritage. “To me, being Jamaican far surpasses an identity. It is a living spirit that reflects community, kinship, and a country that is rich in culture. I applied for the GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme to embrace this spirit,” stated Stephenson.
Live Changing Experience - GraceKennedy Birthright Programme
Group CEO, GraceKennedy Ltd, Senator Don Wehby (left) join GK Birthright interns: (from left) Natasha Allen,from Toronto, Kimberly Ann Stephenson, from New York, Karis Edwards,from the UK, Casey Daley, from Florida and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator The Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith at the Official Launch of the 2016 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme
 
GraceKennedy provides the interns with airfare, housing, transportation and a stipend for the duration of their internship. Executive Director of the Birthright Programme, Caroline Mahfood, in expressing her confidence in the selected interns stated, “We have chosen four exceptional young people this year who we believe will be remarkable ambassadors for not only GraceKennedy, but for Jamaica on a whole. We are indeed thrilled by the outpouring of support from the Diaspora and our local partners.”
 
Main sponsors of the GraceKennedy Birthright programme include: Jakes Hotel and Spa, FLOW Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Grace Foods, Hi-Lo Food Stores and the Jamaica Cultural Development Centre (JCDC). Other sponsors include major tourist attraction companies. Further information on the Birthright programme can be obtained at www.gracekennedy.com/birthright.

MARS VOLUNTARILY RECALLS SPECIFIC VARIETIES OF COMBOS® FOR POTENTIAL UNDECLARED PEANUT RESIDUE DUE TO FLOUR SUPPLIER RECALL

Mars Caribbean & Central America (“Mars”) has announced a voluntary recall of two variants of COMBOS brand of products in Jamaica.

The products being recalled are COMBOS® Cheddar Cheese Pretzel and COMBOS®

Cheddar Cheese Cracker, which bear the code 613FAALB01. This can be found on the back of the package.

Mars has indicated that it initiated the recall after its supplier of flour, Grain Craft, recalled certain lots of wheat flour that have the potential to contain low levels of peanut residue. The COMBOS® Brand products subject to the recall may have been produced using the recalled flour.

Although no peanut residue has been detected in this product to date, consumers with severe peanut allergies are advised to avoid the recalled products. Mars advises that the USA-based Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the amount of peanut exposure from the flour is low and not expected to cause adverse health effects in the vast majority of peanut allergic consumers.

 

To date, Mars has received no reports of illness related to the products covered by this recall. No other Mars products are impacted by this recall.

 

Consumers with any of the products being recalled in Jamaica are being advised to return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund.

 

Consumers with questions regarding the recall may contact World Brands Services, a division of GK Foods & Services Limited and exclusive distributor of Mars products in Jamaica, via email gracekennedy@gkco.com or by calling 749-9844 or 383-9511.

VIP Attractions Adopts Montego Bay Autism Center

Jamaica’s Club Mobay & Kingston Inspiring Possibilities At Montego Bay Autism Centre…“We Make It Happen!”

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – VIP Attractions (Club Mobay and Club Kingston) added colour to the lives of 38 children through its inaugural Labour Day initiative which led 100 members of staff to the Montego Bay Autism Centre.

VIP Attractions- Club MoBay/ Club Kingston Labour Day 2016 Project

Compelled by their passion to serve, the staff opted to spend the holiday painting classrooms and gardening in an effort to enhance the property’s landscape.

Autism is a life-long developmental disability that causes individuals to experience difficulties in understanding what they see, hear and sense. This results in severe challenges with social relationships, communication and behaviour. It affects one in every sixty eight children.

Founded in 2010 by Mr. & Mrs. Adam Blagrove, the centre was developed from an in home service which catered to the need of a mother with a special needs child. The non-profit organization offers early intervention, pre-school and primary education services.

When asked why this project was selected, newly appointed CEO Ricardo Esteban responded “I am delighted that this is one of the first initiatives as a part of the VIP family that I am undertaking considering my passion and previous involvement in projects assisting children. VIP Attractions’ (Club MoBay and Club Kingston) since inception has been actively involved with assisting children with special needs and their families. We are guided by the footsteps of our Executive Chairman, David Hall who dedicated years of his life towards building a Special Needs academy for children in Kingston.  It is our core value of service that motivates all of us to help to make a difference in our community and this year we have chosen the Montego Autism Centre of St. James to lend our support. WE MAKE IT HAPPEN!”

Club-Mobay-and-Club-Kingston-at-Mobay-Autism-Centre

VIP Attractions has adopted the school and will continue to lend support to the centre’s efforts to improve the quality of life for children and parents affected by Autism.

Overwhelmed with joy and moved to tears Mrs. Blagrove noted “this is a testament that all things are possible through Christ, I prayed for God to send us an angel and my prayers were answered.” She further stated that it has always been her vision and dream to elevate the lives of these kids at the centre. Before, she could not have fathomed how possible it would have been until God has blessed her with her new extended family found in the VIP Attractions’ team. “Your commitment rain or shine is forever appreciated and thank you for making it happen for our children”

Montego-bay-Autism-Centre
ALL SMILES: Lavern Smith, Human Resources Officer of VIP Attractions (left), Mrs. Adama Blagrove, Principal at Montego Bay Autism Center and Nicola Thompson, Deputy Director of Operations of VIP Attractions (left).

VIP Attractions would like to thank all their sponsors for the tremendous support on this very successful initiative.

Premier Support Team: Jamaica Tours Limited, Solo Jamaica, Iberostar, We Resolve, MS Tech, Fresh and Direct.

Other Amazing Partners: Baking Enterprise, Discount Lumber and Hardware, Gourmet Jamaica, Goddard Catering, Wrap City, Coldfield Manufacturing Limited, Mothers and Wisynco. 

For more information on the Montego Bay Autism Center and VIP Attractions, visit –http://www.montegobayautismcenter.org/ or http://www.vipattractions.com

This article was originally shared on the South Florida Caribbean News website: http://sflcn.com/vip-attractions-adopts-montego-bay-autism-center/

The story is also available on the Jamaicans.com website: http://jamaicans.com/jamaicas-club-mobay-kingston-inspiring-possibilties-make-happen/

GRACEKENNEDY LENDS A HAND FOR FACELIFT TO THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF THE WEST INDIES

GK Group CEO Don Wehby today handed over a cheque for $150,000 to the Emergency Medicine Division (EMD) of the University Hospital of the West Indies, in support of its upcoming Labour Day project.

GK Supports UHWI Labour Day Project
GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby (2nd right) hands over GK’s contribution of $150,000, to representatives of the University Hospital of the West Indies representatives, Dr Jean Williams-Johnson (2nd left) and Dr Romayne Edwards (right). Cathrine Kennedy, GK’s Chief Risk Officer was also present for the cheque handover.

Shortly before handing over the cheque, Mr Wehby sat down with Medical Director of the EMD, Dr Jean Williams-Johnson, EMD Consultant Emergency Physician, Dr Romayne Edwards and Mr Keverly Henry, Patient/Client Representative with the EMD. The UHWI representatives shared with the Group CEO the needs of the hospital, and the important role the Labour Day Project represents in the achievement of future goals. According to Dr Edwards, “The Labour Day Project is just a start. There is much more to be done.”

 

“We were made aware that work was needed on the Casualty Section of the Hospital and we decided we wanted to help because of the tremendous work that is done by the hospital,” said GK Group CEO, Don Wehby. “We are happy to help in this way not only because we know a facelift would be good for the hospital, but because we know that it will help to lift the morale of the staff members who work there, who can feel good about the environment in which they work,” he continued.

 

The Emergency Medicine Division (EMD) is a section under the Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anesthesia and Intensive care at the Hospital, which sees approximately 54,000 patients per year in a fast paced challenging environment for learning and clinical practice.

The funds contributed by GraceKennedy will go towards the purchase of paint for the project. According to Dr Romayne Edwards, Chair of the Hospital’s Labour Day Committee, “We are there for care and we know people want to be cared for in a comfortable environment. We are appreciative of and grateful for the support of corporate entities such as GraceKennedy towards creating a better experience for all our stakeholders. This project will go a far way in helping us to deliver service with a smile, because we care too,” she added.

GK-Sponsored Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce Pocket Rocket Foundation Celebrity Auction a Huge Success

Event raises some J$4M for Pocket Rocket Foundation Education Fund

SFP
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with the memorabilia auctioned.

On Thursday, May 5, GraceKennedy supported Jamaica’s first ever silent auction put on by its Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The auction featuring mobile bidding for signed sports memorabilia exceeded its intended target of $3million, raising a whopping $4 million plus for the scholarship fund for Shelly-Ann’s Pocket Rocket Foundation. The event, held at The Spanish Court Hotel Hall, was supported by GraceKennedy’s FGB, GKRS, GK General Insurance and GraceKennedy Corporate brands.

With Dr. Michael Abrahams as MC and President of the Pocket Rocket Foundation Bruce James guiding the mobile bidding process, regular updates on the popular items were provided to encourage the audience to submit their best offers. The 14 items available fetched impressive bids, with a jersey from superstar footballer Neymar Jr., shoes from LeBron James and spikes from Shelly-Ann attracting the highest individual bids. A precision timepiece by Swiss watchmakers Ernst Benz and a signed 2014 PGA Championship Valhalla flag donated by PGA Golfer Rory Mcllroy, also attracted impressive bids.

Guest speaker, Olympian Sherone Simpson shared stories of her success, despite the pressures of a demanding athletic career and her focus on her academics.

Guests included Shelly-Ann’s sponsors, Board Members of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, MVP Track & Field Club teammates and sports enthusiasts.

Champion Household workers welcomed at King’s House

We are delighted to share Lowrie-Chin’s post on Blogspot highlighting the outstanding GraceKennedy Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year awardees on their courtesy call visit to the Governor General on April 15. 

Let’s salute these amazing women!

The 2015 GraceKennedy Champion Household Worker Rosetta Steer and runners-up Jasmin Miller, Donna Elizabeth Smith, and Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) President Shirley Pryce were warmly received at King’s House last Friday by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.  The company’s Communications Director Simone Clarke-Cooper and Executive Chef Mazie Miller accompanied the second set of winners, who demonstrated not only good housekeeping skills, but care and concern for their communities.

2015 GK HWA - Kings House
GraceKennedy 2015 Household Workers of the Year arrive at King’s House with Shirley Pryce (2nd left), President of the Jamaica Household Workers Union

 

The GG observed that household workers were invaluable to our productivity.  He said that the busiest of persons, including those in leadership positions, look forward to returning to their homes at the end of the day, and remarked that it was because of dedicated household workers that many of us could enjoy an orderly home. I mentioned that the sacrifices made by Fanny Ricketts, our family’s household worker of blessed memory, inspired me to propose this award, which was readily embraced by GraceKennedy

Nominated by the two diplomats for whom she does housekeeping, the dignified Rosetta

GG greets 2015 recipients
GG Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen greets Donna Elizabeth Smith, 2nd Runner-Up while Rosetta Steer, GK Household Worker of the Year (in yellow) and 1st Runner-Up Jasmin Miller look on

Steer used some of her $350,000 prize money to complete her course in practical nursing. “It is hard to work and study,” she said, “but with prayer I am getting there.” Jasmin Miller is winding up her City & Guilds course in housekeeping, while mentoring children in her Spanish Town community. Donna Elizabeth Smith was nominated by media maven Fae Ellington, her next door neighbour, who noted her devotion as caregiver to a 103-year-old lady.

 

Computers for Mary’s Child

The International Game Technology, through its After School Advantage Programme, recently donated eight desktop computers and a printer to Mary’s Child, a Mustard Seed Communities’-run home for abandoned teen mothers.

The After School Advantage programme provides vulnerable children and young people with access to technology by donating computers and related equipment and education software.

Ann-Dawn Young-Sang, Regional vice-president of IGT Caribbean, while commending the founder of Mustard Seed, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, and his team, said that the presentation of the computers was a continuation of a long-term partnership. Last year September, IGT donated a computer centre to Jerusalem Children’s Home, also run by Mustard Seed Communities.

Mary’s Child was designed in 1992 as a programme to provide a secure and spiritual environment for abandoned pregnant teenagers. Today it is one of 10 homes operated by Mustard Seed and currently houses 17 teenage mothers. An additional seven are expected in coming weeks.

“What we have is a programme that gives support to pregnant teenagers,” said Administrator Nadia Williams.

“Most of them come to us through the court system, because they are in need of care and protection. (As a result of the fact that) they are unable to go to school, because they are pregnant, we provide academic continuation and skills training while they are here. We also work with the Child Development Agency (CDA) in getting them reinstated with a family member who can assist [because] sometimes the abuse took place at home and they cannot go back to that facility. So, if there is a grandmother or aunt we will work with the CDA to get them reintegrated.

“The beauty about it is that they will go back with a skill to offset some of the cost that comes with raising a child while they further their education,” Williams said.

Reacting to the donation, one of the teens who has been living at the institution for approximately eight months now said she felt heartened.

“I feel great today to know that I am at a home and that we are getting support from outside,” she said.

Another ward concurred: “I am grateful for the contribution.”

This story was first published in the Jamaica Observer on Sunday, March 27