Tag: culture

Young musicians exhibit impressive talent at Food For The Poor Band Camp closing ceremony

Stephanie Lyew, Public Relations Account Executive for the Sean Paul Foundation presents graduation certificate to Bjorn Hawthorne, Senior Band Camp member with focus on the Keyboard. The graduation ceremony for the annual Band Camp was held on Thursday, August 21 on the grounds of Food For The Poor. The summer camp, which commenced on Monday, July 21, took in sixty students from St. Catherine and surrounding areas to develop their skills and talents in playing musical instruments. 

The Food For The Poor (FFTP) annual Band Camp closing ceremony was held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 with rousing performances from the participants in the summer camp, held under the theme “Where Passion Meets Purpose: Saluting the Next Generation of Musicians”. 

The camp, held on the grounds of FFTP in St.Catherine, brought together sixty talented youths from across the island, providing them with hands-on training in various musical disciplines including brass, percussion, woodwinds, and strings. Led by experienced music instructors, the four-week programme focused not only on technical ability but also on discipline, teamwork, and creative expression.

“The Band Camp is about more than learning to play an instrument,” said Camp Director Jeffrey Brown. “It’s about giving our youth a platform to grow, express themselves, and dream bigger; today’s performances are proof of what can happen when we invest in their potential.”

Over the course of the camp, students benefited from mentorship, instrument care workshops, and opportunities to collaborate on musical pieces. The initiative forms part of FFTP’s ongoing commitment to youth development, providing safe and inspiring spaces for creativity to thrive.

The closing ceremony featured graduates of the camp showcasing their achievements through stirring ensemble performances and vibrant renditions. 

Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of Food For The Poor Jamaica remarked, “The Band Camp stands as a testament to the power of nurturing talent. The musical excellence on display is exceptional and it reflects the hard work of the students and mentors. This initiative goes beyond music; it is helping to build character and create brighter futures for our youth.”

The organisation is marking its 15th year of the camp and has influenced many of their students to establish their own music classes as a source of income.

FFTP Jamaica expresses gratitude to the sponsors: dancehall artiste Sean Paul and prominent goods production company, Wisynco; camp volunteers; and families whose support made the Band Camp a success. 

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.