Tag: family

Media Veterans Honoured

 PAJ President Dashan Hendricks at the PAJ Veterans Awards hosted by Campari-Wray & Nephew.
 

We gathered at Wray and Nephew in New Kingston for the Press Association’s Annual Media Veterans Awards. It was with some measure of dismay that I discovered that my younger colleagues, Simone Clarke, Marline Stephenson Dalley, Pete Sankey, Milton Walker and Rudolph Brown were now being honoured as veterans. Kingsley “Super T” Tomlinson from St. James was represented by Giovanni Dennis. Citations revealed their sometimes dangerous assignments, their ascent as media professionals and their steadfast integrity.

The short slogan for this year’s Journalism Week speaks volumes for our times: ‘Truth, Always’. With misleading AI videos, mischief-makers posting libelous remarks, hiding behind pseudonyms and the greasing of palms, truth is getting a battering. It is important to honour those who have always stood up for the truth.

Last Thursday, in association with UNICEF, journalists attended a timely workshop, “Ethical Reporting on Children”.

We await the Journalism Awards being presented after press time for this column. Congratulations to President Dashan Hendricks and his hardworking executive – it has been a successful Journalism Week.

Women’s Month

We have mixed emotions this Women’s Month. We grieve with the families who have lost their young children and a teenage son in tragic incidents. We take cold comfort from the conviction and sentencing of Jolyan Silvera who confessed to committing manslaughter, taking the precious life of his unarmed wife, Melissa – from the evidence, it smells more like cold-hearted murder.

We are looking forward to Professor Verene Sheperd’s distinguished lecture this afternoon on “Gender and Human Rights: The Role of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Violence.” Shepherd is Vice-Chair of the United Nations Committee dedicated to this subject. Prof Shepherd and Dalea Bean will launch their book, ‘Gender-Based Violence in the Caribbean: Historical Roots, Contemporary Continuities’ later this month.

The Food for the Poor Jamaica ladies gathered on Friday for a lively Women’s Day Tea organized by Marketing Manager Marsha Burrell Rose. It was a sweet reward for the diligent ladies who have been spending long, hard hours in their far-reaching hurricane relief programme.

Inspiring Dr Trevor Golding

As we listened to the tributes to Dr Trevor Golding at last week’s Thanksgiving Service, we heard the measure of a man whose generous embrace encircled family and friends and who was dedicated to excellence in his profession as a trailblazing radiologist. We appreciated that politics did not figure in his friendships as he had partnered with John Junor to create the popular ‘Paddington Posse’ and was a lifelong friend of Justice Patrick Robinson.

His brother, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding described the closeness of the three brothers as ‘three gungo peas in a pod’.  It is interesting that as we age, the sibling bond grows even stronger, so there is a deep sense of loss with their passing. Even in the brief camaraderie we had at a ‘Jazz and Blues’ evening, Hubie and I experienced the warmth of Dr. Golding and his wife Shirley, their kindness and conviviality. Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Trevor Golding. May his wonderful soul rest in peace.

CCRP Collaborates with NCSC to Observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Angela Patterson, General Manager of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), addresses a group of seniors during the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The seminar was hosted by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) at the Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston on Friday, June 13, 2025.

CCRP, the seniors advocacy organization, joined forces with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday, June 13, 2025. The forum, held at the Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston, featured presentations from the NCSC, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and CCRP, focusing on abuse prevention, safety tips, and advocacy for improved quality of life for seniors.

Addressing the issue of elder protection, CCRP General Manager Mrs. Angela Patterson outlined key recommendations previously submitted to Parliament’s Special Select Committee regarding the proposed Elderly Care and Protection Act. “We recommend the establishment of a Commission for the Elderly, which would evolve from the current NCSC,” said Mrs. Patterson. “This Commission would be empowered to investigate and prosecute cases of abuse, as well as hold accountable organizations serving the elderly.” She emphasized that such legislation would not only protect today’s senior citizens, but also safeguard future generations.

Chairperson of the NCSC, Dr. Julian McKoy-Davis, underscored the importance of proactive planning in abuse prevention. She advised that developing and discussing care plans with trusted family and friends can help prevent neglect or mistreatment, especially in care homes. She also highlighted the impact of cultural norms and lifestyle habits on elder well-being, stressing the importance of maintaining positive mental health. In her closing remarks, Dr. McKoy-Davis urged mutual responsibility across generations: “Be your brother’s keeper: stay aware of the older adults around you.”

Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Dillon of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Centres offered practical advice for ensuring the physical and financial safety of seniors. She noted that predictable routines often make elderly individuals more vulnerable to abuse and urged them to be vigilant and proactive about their security. “Many elderly persons become victims of abuse but are afraid to report it,” she said. “You have the right to protect yourself and we [the JCF] have a duty to protect you,” she asserted.

Following the presentations, attendees were invited to share their concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback. A plethora of issues continue to plague Jamaican seniors ranging from neglect to physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, which underscores the need for greater care to be taken of this vulnerable group in the Jamaican society. 

A key concern raised during the event was the challenge seniors face with digital banking. One participant shared her distress in accessing her money, citing the frustration caused by the discontinuation of traditional bank books and the forced transition to digital platforms. She noted that service providers often question the competence and intellect of older clients, and highlighted the lack of senior-friendly facilities in many commercial spaces.

The CCRP remains committed to advocating for the rights of older adults and is pleased to collaborate with the NCSC to enhance the safety, dignity, and well-being of Jamaica’s senior citizens.

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.”