Tag: books

NDTC returns with bold new works, beloved classics

The company in Rex Nettleford’s Kumina (1971).

The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) returns to the stage with its 63rd Season of Dance, running from July 18 to August 10 at the Little Theatre in St Andrew.

Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, with a special matinee for children on Friday, August 1 at 2:00 pm honouring children in State care and welcoming all children to attend.

This season, the NDTC promises a thrilling mix of beloved masterpieces and exciting new creations. Audiences will once again revel in the timeless brilliance of the late Professor Rex Nettleford’s iconic works:
Kumina (1971), a pulsating celebration of Jamaican spirituality and identity; and Ritual of the Sunrise (1998), a lyrical invocation of renewal and awakening.

The company will also debut five compelling new works, including pieces by emerging local choreographers and distinguished international collaborators. Mattu Perry expands his hauntingly poetic Clipped and Fallen (2025), first glimpsed during the NDTC’s Morning of Movement and Music in April of this year.

Shavaughn Byndloss unveils Home (2025), a poignant meditation on loss and belonging, commissioned by the Phillip and Christine Gore Family Foundation. International guest choreographers Avree Walker and Radnell Marin Pedraza will present Bloom: On Earth As It Is In Heaven (2025), commissioned by Myers, Fletcher & Gordon. The work explores the ethos and enduring legacy of the NDTC, weaving together the rich vocabulary of the African Diaspora with contemporary and Caribbean folk forms. Adding to the diversity of the programme, American choreographer Crystal Frazier brings a bold new voice to the NDTC stage, blending Afro-Diasporic movement with hip hop as a central technique to create Also returning by popular demand is Flight (2014) by Garfield Lemonius, which received critical acclaim in last year’s season for its emotive storytelling and choreographic finesse.

In a spirited contribution from the NDTC’s singers and musicians, Dr Kathy Brown’s lively arrangement conFUSION (2025) takes a witty musical dive into the age-old drama of community gossip and those who fuel it.

Other highlights of the season include …minutes and seconds (2008), a poetic work by KerryAnn Henry and Momo Sanno; and Don’t Leave Me (2013) by Jamie Thompson, adding emotional and choreographic depth to the season’s offerings.

Speaking about the season, NDTC Artistic Director Marlon D Simms remarked, “This season, the NDTC presents a fresh, artistically rich and entertaining programme. It is diverse, eclectic, and emotionally layered; every audience member will find something to connect with. Whether it’s the return of timeless favourites or the debut of bold new voices, you’ll see the NDTC as you’ve never seen us before.”

The company remains steadfast in its mission to support nation-building through the arts. Proceeds from the season will benefit a wide range of charitable organisations dedicated to health, education,youth development, cancer care, and community upliftment. Beneficiaries this year include Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), Jamcoders, ICAN Foundation, Christ Church, St John the Evangelist, St Catherine High School Past Students Association, Wolmer’s Girls’ Alumnae, Jamdammers Running Club, Consie Walters Cancer Care Hospice, Herlene Williams Scholarship Fund, Eve for Life, Kiwanis Club, and Dynamic Connections Scholarship Fund.
Ascend (2023), an innovative and inclusive direction for the company.

Kerry-Ann Henry and Mark Phinn in Flight (2014), choroegraphed by Garfield Lemonius.

Digicel Foundation gifts smart lab to NAZ Children’s Centre

Lenard Lawrence of Transcendence Construction Limited gives a progress update on the new smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre to Kristalle Chin (centre), general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+, and Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels during a site visit.

DIGICEL Foundation has taken another step in its mission to create a digitally inclusive Jamaica with the start of construction of a state-of-the-art smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre in Montego Bay, St James.

The lab, co-funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is designed to support students with special needs and is one of several being rolled out islandwide to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

“Every child deserves access to technology and the future it brings,” said Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation.

“As a foundation, we are prioritising the communities that are often overlooked, because we believe digital inclusion is a right,” added Daniels.The smart lab at NAZ will be equipped with laptops, tablets, a MIMIO-compatible smart board, a printer, and assistive software tailored to children with diverse learning needs.“This smart lab will allow our children to learn and explore more, especially children on the spectrum. The lab will give them an opportunity to use technology in a guided way,” said Alixann Narcisse-Campbell, principal and director of NAZ Children’s Centre.

“For years we have dreamed of a space like this. We’re grateful to the Digicel Foundation for making it a reality and for valuing the unique potential of every child,” added Narcisse-Campbell.

The establishment of the NAZ Children’s Centre Smart Lab coincides with Digicel’s wider infrastructure development in Montego Bay, where the company is laying underground fibre to support the growing demand for reliable high-speed Internet in western Jamaica.

“Digicel’s fibre expansion is a game-changer, especially for students and teachers at NAZ who’ll now enjoy a seamless online experience,” said Kristalle Chin, Digicel’s general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+.

“With our fibre now reaching Montego Bay, we’re empowering digital spaces such as the foundation’s smart labs and boosting digital access across western Jamaica,” added Chin.

Enthrose Campbell: A legacy of excellence

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Service, Enthrose Campbell, at a recent farewell ceremony held at the agency’s head offices in Kingston.

The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) family bade farewell to former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Enthrose Campbell, who retired on December 31, 2024.

Team members gathered at the agency’s head office on Half-Way Tree Road in Kingston recently, to celebrate the respected journalist and dedicated civil servant, who spent almost 30 years at the Government’s news agency, serving as CEO for the last two years.

Campbell’s illustrious career stands as a testament to dedicated public service and transformative leadership in government communication.

“It was a really good 29 years,” she said, reflecting on her time at the agency.

“It was good for me because I moved from radio to TV to production to deputy CEO and then to CEO. It was a good experience.

“I am really delighted to have worked with all of you. It has been a journey and I am grateful and thankful. Thank you for your support, you made my work so easy… because you all did so well,” she added.

Campbell commenced her tenure at the JIS as a temporary editor in 1995, rising through the ranks and making impactful contributions before being ultimately appointed to head the agency in October 2023.

Among her notable appointments was as senior editor and radio manager, where she played a pivotal role in modernising broadcast operations, and as director of electronic productions, where she oversaw the agency’s multimedia content strategy. As deputy CEO, she was instrumental in driving the agency’s digital transformation.

Campbell’s exceptional leadership was exemplified by herskilful media management of critical national events, including State visits and disaster-response efforts.

Another of Campbell’s key achievements was transforming the agency’s ‘Get the Facts’ television programme into Jamaica’s premier platform for articulating Government policies and programmes, which, at its peak, directly reached more than 300,000 weekly viewers.

Notably, she spearheaded the establishment of the JIS Morant Bay Regional Office in St Thomas in 2023 to enhance community outreach.

Beyond her roles at the JIS, Campbell made significant contributions to public service, particularly through diplomatic translation.Leveraging her master’s degree in Spanish translation, she provided critical interpretation services for numerous international summits, State visits and CARICOM delegations at United Nations assemblies.

Throughout her illustrious career, Campbell pursued specialised training across five continents, honing her skills in media management, disaster communications and digital journalism.

Her impact and excellence were widely recognised through myriad accolades and awards. These include the prestigious 2019 Press Association of Jamaica Veterans Award, the 2013 Civil Servant of the Year Award, and annual commendations for crisis communications leadership from successive Cabinet Secretaries between 2005 and 2016.

Aside from her professional achievements, Campbell dedicated 25 years to volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, positively impacting more than 1,500 children through youth programmes.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the JIS, Celia Lindsay, commended Campbell for her impactful leadership.

“[You] never faltered in providing strong and visionary leadership through the celebrations as well as the challenges, ensuring that optimum levels of performance would have been maintained,” she shared.

“Ms Campbell, your leadership of the Jamaica InformationService and your many years of dedicated contribution have been sterling and a source of inspiration to many of us. Thank you for being a remarkable leader; your legacy will continue to motivate us.”

Manager for the JIS Radio Department, Vaughn Davis, noted that Campbell was an instrumental part of his entry into radio production.

Davis joined the JIS as a research officer in the Research and Publications Department in 2009 and made the switch to radio three years later.

Despite having no prior experience in radio production, Davis seized the opportunity and, 15 years later, credits Campbell for her unwavering support in shaping his success.

“Throughout my time in Radio, Ms Campbell had always been very supportive and had words of encouragement and advice to help me grow and develop,” he said.

He noted that “she has always been a source of good professional and personal advice, and her cheerful and pleasant disposition has also been much appreciated. I wish her well in her retirement and hope she finds happiness and fulfilment in her second act.”

Managing Editor of the Editorial and Photography Department, Tracey Chin Loy, described Campbell as “both a mentor and a friend”. “I will always treasure our one-on-one sessions. Her support and guidance have made me a stronger and more confident leader,” she shared.

Chin Loy noted that the former CEO’s ability to inspire team collaboration, combined with the positive energy she brought to the workplace, “will be missed”.

“She can feel confident that she has left a legacy of outstanding achievement that will inspire everyone she worked with,” the managing editor added.

Senior audiovisual librarian, Simone Burnside, noted that “Ms Campbell has an impeccable sense of style that is commendable”.

Her legacy lives on through the JIS’s expanded regional presence and the new generation of media professionals shementored, she said.

Campbell’s unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership and profound impact on Jamaica’s communication landscape have left an indelible mark on the nation, its people and the field of public service.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Audrey Marks Appointed to the Senate of Jamaica

Jean Lowrie- Chin

Audrey Marks

First, let me reflect on last Friday’s swearing in of Audrey Marks as a Government senator at Gordon House. Our friend for decades has just ended her tour of duty — nine brilliant years — as Jamaica’s first woman ambassador to the US.

She is succeeded by another excellent Jamaican, former commissioner of police and former chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force Major General Antony Anderson, who has been appointed as Jamaica’s ambassador-designate to the US.

One thing is sure, whether she continues as a Government or Opposition senator, Senator Marks will make her mark. Those ubiquitous Paymaster outlets, now owned by Digicel, were the brainchild of Marks. She created Paymaster two years before Max Levchin, Peter Thiel, and Luke Nosek created PayPal, but as a then fledgling entrepreneur, she did not patent her technical breakthrough. So efficient was her system that in about two years billions of dollars were being processed by Paymaster for leading corporations.As US Ambassador, Senator Marks forged strong links with members of the Jamaican Diaspora and celebrated their achievements. Her ‘Jamaica Connect’ series featured celebrated Jamaican Americans who were giving back to their homeland. The embassy shared Jamaican cultural events and worthy fund-raisers, widening the Diaspora network.

She has been a passionate advocate for investment in Jamaica, hosting events where successful investors in Jamaica could share their experiences with prospective US corporations. One memorable occasion was her introduction of a senior executive of Marriott Corporation to then Digicel Chair Denis O’Brien. Within a few years, two Marriott hotels were built in Kingston, Jamaica, and one in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.Marks has served as president of the Jamaican American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and continues to mentor young entrepreneurs. I remember her encouraging others to do likewise, saying, “Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats.” In acknowledgement of her invaluable support of her country, she was conferred with the Order of Jamaica last year.

Marks noted at her swearing-in ceremony that, like many of us, her heart leapt as her flight gave a view of our lush island, knowing that she would once more have her feet on Jamaican soil while working for the country’s advancement. She was warmly welcomed by all, including Senate Speaker Tom Tavares-Finson, senators Kamina Johnson Smith, Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Aubyn Hill, Kavan Gayle, and Opposition Senator Peter Bunting.

Keep rising Senator Marks, you will be an activist for your people because you have never stopped believing in our promise.

Prof Louis Grant: A hero for health

Jean Lowrie- Chin

Professor Louis Grant

Last Friday we gathered at the former Foundation for International Self-Help Jamaica Limited (FISH) Clinic to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the renamed Louis Grant Medical Centre in honour of its founder, Professor Grant. The beloved professor created the clinic in 1975 at 19 Gordon Town Road, near Papine, to serve less fortunate Jamaicans.

In her tribute at the event, his daughter, Bette Grant Otunla, traced the humble beginnings of this son of Mitchell Town, Clarendon, whose love of learning gained him the Vere Trust Scholarship to Jamaica College at a time when the College was a school for the privileged. The outstanding student was recommended by his headmaster, William Cowper, to take up a position at the government laboratory. This involved working visits to the Kingston Public Hospital where young Grant became interested in medicine, and with his savings and assistance from his family, enrolled at University of Edinburgh.

“He graduated in 1939 with his medical degree, three months before World War II started, and returned to the government laboratory in Jamaica,” shared his daughter. Soon after “he was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship to do a master’s in public health at the University of Michigan in the USA, which then had one of the best public health programmes in the world … [He] set up an excellent system of laboratory services in Jamaica on his return,” she said. This continues to be a linchpin of Jamaica’s health system.

Professor Grant was one of the first members of staff at the newly established The University College of the West Indies (UCWI) and was awarded a scholarship to study bacteriology at London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Thus armed, he set up the Department of Bacteriology at The UCWI. His research on tropical diseases led him to appeal to the World Health Organization and UNICEF to provide vaccines for an islandwide immunisation operation. We can thank the goodly professor for the eradication of tuberculosis in Jamaica.

Further, he noted the suffering of patients with leptospirosis and embarked on a public education campaign so Jamaicans would learn to protect themselves from rats, which carried this often-fatal disease. When equine encephalitis became widespread among horses, Professor Grant set up an area for animals near the Mona Post Office where he could test and treat them.

The professor used his knowledge to help protect Jamaica’s livestock. One of his colleagues at the Department of Bacteriology, Dr Owen James, recalled, “Outside of the department in nearby communities like August Town or further afield in St Thomas, chickens or goats or horses or other animals would be kept in certain areas and checked from time to time. This could signal a warning of an imminent outbreak of a particular disease, based on the findings from these ‘Sentinel stations’.”

Source: Jamaica Observer

Commissioner Blake’s Response

All well-thinking Jamaicans welcomed the creation of Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), which ensures that the security forces remain professional and ethical. In every organisation you will find the few who ‘let down the side’, and it is important that they be brought to justice.

I must, therefore, quote at length Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake’s response as shared by Jamaica Observer Editor-at-Large Arthur Hall in a report headlined ‘No Apology — Police commissioner slams JFJ; says criminals to be blamed for 50 fatal shootings in 50 days by security forces’.

Commissioner Blake is reported to have said that “….while he supports the view that the number of fatal shootings by the security forces is too high, the focus should be on the criminals who make the decision to challenge members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force [JCF], ‘which is a far more superior force’.”

Hall reported: “He charged that a call for the JCF to be held more accountable is a slap in the face of Indecom, which has a single most important mandate of investigating actions against civilians by members of the security forces.”

Here are excerpts from the commissioner’s response, as quoted by Hall:

“And so, let me encourage Jamaicans for Justice to be more responsible in their public pronouncements, especially when the nation is aware of its members’ proven ability to comprehend the most basic and fundamental principles of security.

“To suggest that fatal shootings numbers can be reduced by anything other than the unwillingness of persons being apprehended to engage in deadly confrontations with members of the security forces is irresponsible, or at best advocating for us to relent in our pursuit,” added Blake.

“He declared that criminals who are intent on killing and maiming will not be left free to hold communities at ransom and in constant fear,” wrote Hall.

The thankless and dangerous job of the JCF

Jean Lowrie-Chin

Dr Kevin Blake, Police Commissioner

That Savanna-la-Mar earthquake in the late 1950s was a frightening one for me as a small child. I was in the house behind the shop run by our widowed mother. As I felt the place shaking, I ran out into the dark street. A light flashed on red-seamed trousers. Because the police always cast a protective eye on our shop, I knew I would be safe if I grabbed on to that red-seamed trousers leg. The police officer picked me up, took a look, and recognised me as “Mrs Singh’s little girl”. He walked swiftly to the shop and handed me to my mother.

Many years later, on assignment at Caymanas Park in the 80s, I would have long conversations with officers Williams and Whitney. They would always arrive impeccably dressed and were thoroughly professional. Some mornings they would share that they had been in operations the night before, dodging bullets.

In the 90s I collaborated with Lasco to create the Police Officer of the Year Award and met some of the most inspiring officers. Some of the organisers were Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Neville Wheatle, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) LK Simpson, and a young constable who is now Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Natalie Palmer-Mair. Interestingly, the first Police Officer of the Year was retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Steve McGregor, who is now a politician.

After the 2002 General Election, which had been monitored by representatives of the Carter Centre, they reported that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), led by then Commissioner Francis Forbes, had been exemplary in its work, as were the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) personnel. They declared that there would be no reason for them to monitor any further elections in Jamaica.

In other projects, I have seen the courage of SSP Ionie Ramsey Nelson, the brilliance of retired DCP Novelette Grant, SSP Stephanie Lindsay, and the compassion of Sergeant Jerr Johnson-Heron who has assisted with distributing care packages for the elderly on behalf of our seniors advocacy organisation. Indeed, the police youth club is the largest youth club in Jamaica and the Law Enforcement Torch Run has earned millions of dollars over several decades for Jamaica’s Special Olympians.

It is, therefore, deeply concerning that our outstanding JCF appears to be under unrelenting attack by the organisation Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ). I am confounded that the current head of the JFJ seems to be unaware of the dangers our police face in their crime-fighting efforts.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Marubeni partners with FFPJ to build houses for families in need

On October 28, 2024, in Bongo Town, Victoria, on the outskirts of Linstead, St. Catherine, Marubeni Power International, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ), provided a new home for Mavadeen Aldred (front, centre), a single mother of three who survived years of abuse and housing instability. Sharing the frame are Marubeni Power International Inc. Senior Vice President Damian Obiglio (third left) and colleagues Takuya Kokawa, associate (front, left) and Keisuke Harada, senior manager (back, left). And Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) management, Executive Director Kivette Silvera (front, right), Director of Agriculture & Fisheries Nakhle Hado (right) and Development and Marketing Manager Marsha Burrell-Rose.

Since Marubeni Power International, Inc made its entry into Jamaica’s energy sector as one of the major shareholders of Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, the company has not only focused on business growth but also demonstrated its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

For many years, Marubeni has been actively engaged in philanthropic activities aimed at giving back to the people of Jamaica.

On October 28, at Linstead, St Catherine, Marubeni, in collaboration with Food For the Poor Jamaica, provided a home for a family in need. The Marubeni team of Damian Obiglio, Keisuke Harada and Takuya Kokawa were there to hand over the keys to Mavadeen Aldred, a mother of three.

Mavedeen is on a path to a brighter future thanks to the compassion of Marubeni and the dedicated efforts of Food For The Poor Jamaica and ending decades of instability, uncertainty and woe. In 2011, after leaving an abusive partner, Aldred moved into a one-room structure belonging to her grandmother; it was later demolished due to safety concerns. In 2021, she moved to Bongo Town, Victoria (Linstead), into a house owned by a caring friend. It had a deteriorating ceiling that leaked whenever it rained and posed ongoing difficulties for the family of five (Aldred, her three children and her mother), who are striving for stability and safety.

“We have been collaborating with Food For The Poor Jamaica because we see the excellent work they have been doing over several decades. Their values align with the Marubeni creed: Fairness, Innovation and Harmony,” said Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice President, Marubeni Power International Inc. 

He continued: “When it comes to harmony, there is no better place to develop this than in the home. A loving home is the foundation of harmony. It is a place to build family values, a place to study, a place to rest.”

This partnership highlights the importance of community support and corporate responsibility in helping those in vulnerable situations. “Partnerships foster a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. When we unite our efforts, we maximise resources and inspire others to join the cause,” said Food For the Poor Jamaica Executive Director Kivette Silvera.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support we have received,” said Aldred. “This new house will not only improve our living conditions but also bring hope and security to my family.”

SOS Children’s Village Barrett Town residents shine with IGT computer room upgrade

Tisha Wilson, IGT’s Administrative Supervisor, and youngsters at SOS Children’s Village Barrett Town display some of the books donated by the IGT team on Friday, September 22, 2023. Standing at the back of the room are house mothers Marcia Whyte (left) and Juliet Campbell. (Photo: Contributed)

Hewitt Walker, SOS Children’s Village director, is impressed with the progress of his residents after a comprehensive upgrade by International Game Technology (IGT) of their After School Advantage (ASA) computer lab at SOS Barrett Town, St James.

“Previously, students lacked convenient access to information to complete their assignments but now we are grateful to have a dedicated space where the residents can efficiently access resources needed for their academic tasks,” said Walker. 

Generous donation

SOS Barrett Town was first equipped with an IGT ASA computer centre in 2013.  In a recent upgrade, the company replaced previously installed desktop systems with 10 brand-new laptops equipped with updated software. In addition, IGT has provided a laptop storage cabinet and versatile multipurpose printer.

In observance of International Literacy Month, representatives of IGT made a generous donation of books to SOS Barrett Town earlier this month, engaging residents in a reading session.

Hosted under the theme ‘#IGTreads,’ this initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting education while emphasising the importance of literacy and reading. The theme was created for an IGT read-aloud initiative last year.

Debbie Green, IGT general manager, says she is elated to see the progress and growth in the IGT decade-long partnership with SOS Children’s Village Barrett Town under its After School Advantage programme.

“We remain committed to partnership and continued support of our centres under our After School Advantage programme, and we embrace the opportunity to nurture lifelong reading among our students, understanding that in the pages of books, we venture into a world of possibilities,” said Green.

Tisha Wilson, IGT’s administrative supervisor, along with two team members, were welcomed by a host of youngsters at the children’s village, who were thrilled to receive this book donation. Upon seeing the range of books being donated, the youngsters could not contain their excitement.

Support United Nations SDG

This positive reaction was a major goal as IGT is encouraging reading and awareness around the significance of literacy. This is also in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and Reduced Inequalities. 

“The children were just so excited,” said Wilson. “The goal is to raise awareness for reading and improve literacy among our children. With technology and the Internet, we don’t have many readers, so for me, I was very surprised when we came in and the students were picking up books to find their favourite stories – even without us planning to engage them at that level. It was heart-warming to see students still having that interest to read.”

Walker believes that this initiative has the potential to ignite a passion for reading among the residents, particularly in an era dominated by technology, where reading is less common and social media use is more prevalent.

“I think it was a very good initiative because we live in a technological age and a lot of children use technology for social media, as opposed to reading, so a donation of books to the SOS Children’s Village is a good venture. This is a very important donation because it allows the kids to be exposed to books so that they can delve into stories and read more,” said Walker.

He, too, was impressed by the reaction of the youngsters.

“I think the kids are quite happy. They are looking for the books that they like and are enjoying them so far. I am very happy to see this because this is not something that you see very often in the village,” said Walker.

Improved literacy

House mothers at SOS Children’s Village Barrett Town Juliet Campbell and Marcia Whyte were also impressed by the initiative taken by IGT. For Campbell, IGT’s push for improved literacy plays an active role in their homework sessions.

“There are times when we have problems getting books at their reading level and I see that they have received a lot of those, so we are happy for them. We will engage them with more reading in the evenings after school,” Campbell said.

“I think this initiative will enhance the children in their vocabulary and help them to know new words,” said Whyte.

IGT shows its commitment to supporting education and technology access for youth through its After School Advantage (ASA) programme.  The gaming technology firm has established 15 ASA computer labs in NGO-run institutions in Jamaica, including those in SOS Children’s Village Barrett Town and Stony Hill, Mustard Seed Communities – Matthew 25:40, Spring Village Development Foundation, Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation Mandeville and Savanna-La-Mar and Sunbeam Children’s Home in St Catherine.

SOS Children’s Village Barrett Town provides an alternative home for 38 children and young adults up to 22 years old who have lost parental care. SOS Children’s Villages International comprises more than 130 national associations around the world and has helped over four million children worldwide since its inception in 1949.