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.
Marubeni Power International managing director of Caribbean operations Mo Majeed (third left) speaks with scholarship recipients (clockwise from centre) Alician Lawrence, Martin Gentles, Theoden Ellis, and Breanna Bisnott at the Marubeni electrical engineering scholarship handover ceremony in the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Also present are UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) CEO Carla Seaga and Damian Obligio, senior vice president operations, Marubeni Power International.
Marubeni Power International’s latest educational investment underscores a strategic shift from traditional corporate philanthropy to targeted talent development, with nearly US$25,000 in scholarships awarded to five UWI Mona electrical engineering students positioned to transform Jamaica’s energy landscape.
Mo Majeed, managing director of Caribbean operations and chief operating officer of Marubeni Power International, distinguished this initiative from conventional corporate social responsibility during the ceremony at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus on Wednesday (May 28).
“At Marubeni, we do not view our scholarship program as charity. We view it as an investment in you, in this region, and in our shared future,” Majeed declared to the assembled recipients and dignitaries.
“As engineers in the power sector, your work will literally illuminate lives. This is both a tremendous responsibility and an extraordinary privilege. The energy challenges facing our region – from hurricane resilience to the excessive cost of imported fuels – are indeed global challenges. When you solve problems here, you develop solutions with worldwide relevance,” Majeed addressed the scholars directly, emphasising their global significance.
The partnership between the Japanese multinational and the UWI Endowment Fund represents a deliberate strategy to address regional energy challenges through local expertise development. Recipients Alician Lawrence, Theoden Ellis, Martin Gentles, Darren Passley, and Breanna Bisnott were selected through rigorous evaluation, including academic performance, professional references, and leadership interviews.
Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica Yasuhiro Atsumi reinforced the international dimension of this educational partnership, praising “Marubeni’s commitment to empowering the next generation of talented Jamaicans with engineering skills.”
The ambassador’s presence underscored Japan’s broader commitment to Caribbean development through strategic educational investments.
Dr. Venesse Morrison-Leon, project lead and transformation officer at the Ministry of Education, positioned the programme within national development priorities. “Marubeni is playing an active role in building a more knowledgeable, innovative and self-reliant society. The scholarship programme will assist the recipients in developing the systems, the technologies, and the solutions that our country and our region require,” she explained, before offering direct encouragement to the recipients: “To the five recipients, this moment should be a stepping stone for you, a reminder that you are seen, you are supported, and you are believed in.”
Carla Seaga, CEO of the UWI Development and Endowment Fund, demonstrated the transformative potential of such investments by sharing the inspiring story of Rochelle Stephen, a 2023 Marubeni scholarship recipient who became the first in her family to attend university.
“Education can change the trajectory of a life,” Seaga stated, illustrating how individual educational achievement creates broader social transformation and generational impact.
The collaborative approach extends beyond financial support to mentorship and professional development, creating pathways for graduates to contribute directly to Jamaica’s energy independence goals. Dr Lindon Falconer, deputy dean of quality assurance at UWI’s Faculty of Engineering, noted that Marubeni is “lighting the path” for future engineers, acknowledging the company’s role in bridging academic excellence with industry requirements.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt gratitude from scholarship recipient Breanna Bisnott, who spoke on behalf of her fellow scholars. “This scholarship is more than just an award, it’s a vote of confidence in our potential,” she expressed, capturing the collective determination of all five recipients to honour this investment through their academic and professional achievements.
Majeed’s philosophy resonated throughout the ceremony as he articulated Marubeni’s long-term vision: “We recognise that the most valuable resource in the Caribbean is not bauxite or tourism or even sunshine – it is the brilliance and determination of the people.”
As these five exceptional students embark on their enhanced academic journeys, they carry with them not merely financial support but the hopes and expectations of a nation poised to achieve energy independence through its own intellectual capital. Their success will illuminate not just homes and businesses, but pathways for future generations of Jamaican engineers who will find that excellence, when nurtured and supported, knows no boundaries. In their achievements, Jamaica glimpses its own limitless potential.
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.
Cedella Marley and her brother Stephen Marley are all smiles during their late father’s 80th birthday celebrations at Bob Marley Museum on Thursday, February 6, 2025.Garfield Robinson
Euphoria filled the air as we joined the throng to celebrate Bob Marley’s 80th birthday at Emancipation Park. The concert was laced with television interviews with the legend himself, who dropped lines such as, “Possessions make you rich? I don’t have that kind of richness — my richness is life forever.” We could see his ‘forever’ in the fans of all ages, dancing and singing along to his music.
His ‘forever’ echoed from the stage with surprising acts like Jah Fabio and Antidoping from Mexico as well as Nonpalidece from Argentina declaring their love for Bob Marley and Jamaica. We heard the clean creations of Aza Lineage, Warrior King, and Bushman, taking forward the icon’s legacy of lyrical wisdom. We embraced Bushman’s appeal to our broadcast media to refrain from carrying vulgar lyrics, noting that the “bleeps” do not help, as young people will mentally fill in those blanks.
The Julian Marley we saw and heard was an impressive artiste, matured from his earlier years and projecting his father’s charisma. A Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) release quoted him on his recent tour with brothers Ziggy, Ky-Mani, Stephen, and Damian: “What we all walked away with was how our father’s music was really a godsend. Despite the passage of time, it still resonates with audiences in a powerful way…” Grandson Skip Marley, son of Cedella Marley, had the young ladies in the audience mesmerised with his love songs, reminiscent of Marley’s Turn Your Lights Down Low. They honoured Marley’s genius well.
This led us to ponder Marley’s challenging lyrics calling out hypocrites and ‘talking blues’. From Timothy White’s biography of Bob Marley, Catch A Fire: The Life of Bob Marley, we learn of the early trials of young Marley when he was sent to Kingston from Nine Miles, St Ann, for what his family thought would be a better life with a wealthier side of his family. He lived with and did chores for an elderly woman. When he was sent by her to Coronation Market, he saw a friend of his mother and tearfully begged to be sent back to Nine Miles. He was taken back to St Ann where he enjoyed harmonious family life until he moved to Trench Town as a teenager. White related the marginal conditions under which Marley lived, including the ragged bed which was provided for him at Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s studio.Marley’s lyrics on inner-city living and society’s indifference to the poor’s suffering may have moved some in authority, but certainly not enough. At an event held last week, former Trench Town resident Owen “Ity” Ellis bemoaned the conditions of the community made famous by Marley in Trench Town Rock and No Woman Nuh Cry. These are laden lines:
“… I remember when we used to sitIn the government yard in Trench Town
Oba-obaserving the hypocrites
As they would mingle with the good people we meet.”
Such conditions there and in other poverty-stricken communities became a breeding ground for gangs, attracting desperate young people from fractured families. I give Prime Minister Andrew Holness credit for being one of the most vociferous leaders in condemning gang violence and Project Star, brainchild of Keith Duncan, for giving us hope for a more peaceful and equitable future. Let us have faith and realise Marley’s Redemption Song:
The Reliance Basic School in Braeton, St Catherine is in for a major upgrade, thanks to a partnership between 2017 Digicel Rising Star winner Akeem “Short Boss” Smith and Digicel Foundation. Akeem has chosen the school as his charity of choice to benefit from the Foundation’s donation of J$1.5 million that’s part of his overall winnings in the talent show.
“The world is nothing without education,” said Akeem, whose daughter is in her second year at the early childhood institution. “The school is where we start to prepare our young ones to go out into the world. It is so important, not only for our community of Phase Three, Braeton – Portmore, but also for children from outside the area to come here and learn. It means everything to me.”
The funds will go towards renovation and expansion of classrooms, building a resource area, setting up a multipurpose room and erecting a perimeter fence. Akeem is elated that he is able to make such a great impact. He shared, “I want the kids from the community to have a more comfortable environment – a ‘home away from home.’ This will really encourage them to learn more.”
The school has been serving the community since 1988 and currently has forty-eight pupils on roll. Principal, Judith Royal Gardner welcomed the partnership and commented, “The Reliance Basic School is most grateful for the assistance.” She is especially delighted that the school will have a fence that will provide a safer environment for students. Principal Royal Gardner is hopeful that the planned improvements will help Reliance Basic to obtain certification from the Early Childhood Commission – a goal the administration is working hard to achieve.
CEO of the Digicel Foundation, Dane Richardson, said the Foundation is delighted to be partnering with another Rising Star winner this year. “We congratulate Akeem on his win,” Richardson shared. “We are happy to be working with him on this project. Clearly, he is a man with a strong community spirit, and this will be a welcome contribution.”
Principal Royal Gardner is optimistic about the future: “This is where everything starts. This is the foundation. We are looking forward to providing much more for our students, thanks to Akeem and the Digicel Foundation.”
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.
Jamaica Highlights 