Tag: News

Digicel Foundation Equips Teachers’ Colleges with State-of-the-Art Smart Labs

(L–R) Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary
in the Ministry of Education, Skills Youth and
Information; Principal of The Mico University
College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock; CEO of the
Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels; and
Digicel Foundation Chair, Joy Clark, cut the
ribbon to officially open a Smart Lab at The
Mico University College. The lab is the second
of five being installed at teachers’ colleges
across the island.

The Digicel Foundation has officially handed over two state-of-the-art Smart Labs to St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College and The Mico University College, marking another milestone in its mission to advance education through technology and innovation.


The Smart Labs, each outfitted with 24 laptops and a Mimio-compatible smart board,
are part of the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that teacher training institutions
are equipped with modern tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the Smart Lab at St. Joseph’s Teachers College
on Thursday, October 09, 2025, Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation,
said the investment reflects the Foundation’s dedication to building a more inclusive and
technology-driven education system.


“Teachers are the backbone of our society. Every doctor, engineer or scientist begins
with a teacher who believed in them. And today, in this digital age, we want to give our
teachers the tools that will make their work more impactful and more efficient,” Daniels
said. “This Smart Lab has been fully retrofitted and outfitted with advanced technology,
including 24 laptops and an interactive Smart Board powered by Mimio Studio
Educational software.”


At St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, the newly installed Smart Lab has already been
embraced by faculty and students. Winsome Francis, Principal of St. Joseph’s Teachers’
College, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, noting its alignment with the college’s
mission to prepare 21st-century educators.


“This Smart Lab is a game-changer for our students,” said Francis. “It allows us to
expose future teachers to the technology they will use in the classroom, helping them to
innovate and connect with learners in new and exciting ways. We are thankful to the
Digicel Foundation for making this possible.”

Meanwhile, at The Mico University College, the second of the two Smart Labs was
officially handed over earlier this week. Dr. Asburn Pinnock, President of The Mico
University College, said the lab will enhance teaching practice.
“This Smart Lab embodies the intersection of education and technology that will now
serve as a powerful hub of creativity, collaboration and digital literacy,” Dr. Pinnock
stated. “The Lab will provide a dynamic space for teachers to explore innovative
teaching methods and a training ground for lecturers to model technology integration
and instruction.”


Representing the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan
Troupe, Permanent Secretary, commended the Foundation for its continued partnership
and support of national education priorities.
“We applaud the Digicel Foundation for understanding the mission and vision of
transformation in education,” said Dr. Troupe. “This investment means that our teachers
will be equipped with the skillset to prepare our young people for the global digital
economy. As this lab comes available, I encourage our teachers to embrace the new
learning opportunity.”
The Smart Labs at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College and The Mico University College are
the first two of five labs in teacher training colleges the Digicel Foundation will roll out
this financial year as part of its STEM and digital literacy programme.

Digicel Foundation Board Director, Wayne
Smith, engages with St. Joseph’s Teachers’
College Student Union President, Sariek
Edwards (left), and Vice President, Alex
Hepburn, inside the newly opened Smart Lab.
The lab is the first of five being installed at
teachers’ colleges across the island.

Drone training innovation for Trench Town’s youth

Trench Town youngsters Steve Lawrence (left) and Everton Levy enjoy their introduction to drone technology with Andrew Thomas (centre), senior telecom engineer at Brightstar, Debbie Green (second right), general manager Brightstar, and Luke Buchanan, executive director Mona GeoInformatics Institute.

A new chapter of technological innovation was unveiled in south St Andrew community of Trench Town on Tuesday as Brightstar Lottery Jamaica (BLJ) commissioned an after-school advantage centre, equipped to facilitate drone technology training for the youth in the area.

The handover ceremony, which was held at the Trench Town Community Development Committee (CDC), marked the company’s 15th donation of an after-school advantage centre and the beginning of its third annual drone technology workshop, an initiative aimed at equipping young people with hands-on experience in drone operations.

In the keynote address, general manager at BLJ Debbie Green pointed out how drone technology has been transforming the world and argued that this innovation was necessary to ensure that Jamaica’s youth are not left behind in the ever-changing nature of the technological world.

“Drone technology isn’t just some distant future. It is real, it is present, and it’s shaping industries right now. Drones are rewriting what is possible. The global drone market is projected to exceed US$100 billion within the next few years. The question is now: whether our young people will participate in this economy,” said Green.According to Green, she has high hopes for the possibilities of the centre and urged the youth in the community to make the most out of the opportunity they have been given.

“It’s not just about access to computers, it’s about access to emerging technologies while they’re still emerging. It’s about ensuring that our Caribbean youth aren’t merely consumers of innovation, but creators of it. To the students here today, you are part of a community that has always punched above its weight — that has always reached higher,” she said, as she underlined the Trench Town’s cultural significance as the hometown of musical legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and several others.“That same creative audacity that placed Trench Town on the world map through music now positions you to put it on the map through technology. The opportunities before you are boundless. You are a part of a community that speaks boldness. Your actions here today require curiosity, courage, and commitment. This centre is your launch pad. These drones are your tools, but the altitude you reach, that’s for you to determine,” added Green.

In the meantime, Lascelles Page, who delivered the vote of thanks, said he was invigorated by Green’s words of inspiration.

Page told the Jamaica Observer he was excited to see innovation that can impact the youth in his community.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for youth to come and learn. The training is great especially with the computers being here too. So I’m really grateful for that, I love to see this because this is my hometown, I grew up here, you know? So seeing this is just… I really appreciate it,” said Page.

He added that his introduction to drone technology has now broadened his horizons and has given him new passions and dreams in terms of possible career routes.

With opportunity now at his fingertips, Page declared that he is determined to make the most of it.

“I feel like learning how to use and fly one of these drones will open up new career paths for me because, as I said, technology is the future. So there will be jobs, like at Grand Gala where they use the drones to do the lights, I think that’s great.

“Somebody has to be the one who controls all of those drones. So I feel like doing this will help me unlock that door to get into this field. It’s not something that I thought about before, so that’s why I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” said Page.

Lascelles Page delivering the vote of thanks as Brightstar Lottery Jamaica (BLJ) commissioned an after-school advantage centre, equipped to facilitate drone technology training for the youth in Trench Town.
Debbie Green (left), general manger Brightstar Lottery Jamaica, and Zann Locke acting president, Trench Town Community Development Committee, share the moment following the ribbon cutting to signal the opening of an after-school advantage centre, equipped to facilitate drone technology training for the youth in Trench Town on Tuesday.

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. 

Caribbean brain gain

How coding initiatives encourage educated youth to stay local

A student adjusts a humanoid robot during the fifth annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar. The hands-on curriculum, developed in partnership with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, is part of a STEM initiative aimed at fostering innovation and technological literacy among Jamaican youth.

FOR decades, the Caribbean has watched its brightest talents migrate to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, pursuing opportunities that seemed unattainable at home. However, a quiet revolution is unfolding across our islands, one that is transforming the story of Caribbean youth and their future prospects.

Brightstar Lottery’s fifth annual Brightstar Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, which took place from July 14 to 25, 2025, is more than just a technology education programme — it’s a strategic investment in increasing brain gain in our region.The concept of “brain gain” has become increasingly relevant as Caribbean nations recognise that retaining educated talent is crucial for sustainable development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on economic incentives, Brightstar’s innovative camp tackles the root cause: the perception that meaningful technology careers do not exist in the Caribbean.

“We’re not just teaching students to code — we’re showing them that the Caribbean can be a launchpad for global innovation,” explains Debbie Green, general manager of Brightstar Jamaica. “When young people see that they can build cutting edge robotics projects right here in Jamaica, work with international partners like the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, and collaborate with peers across the Caribbean, they begin to envision a future where staying home means staying ahead.”This year’s camp brought together over 40 students from five Caribbean locations — Jamaica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. The programme’s theme, ‘Coding Opens Doors’, took on greater significance when viewed through the lens of regional development. These doors do not only lead to individual opportunities — they open pathways to transforming entire economies.

The multi-island approach is especially crucial. Instead of creating isolated pockets of expertise, the programme fosters a connected network of young innovators who view themselves as part of a larger Caribbean tech ecosystem. This interconnectedness is essential for brain gain as it shows that remaining in the Caribbean does not mean working in isolation.Amarez Huggins Delashley, from the camp’s 2024 cohort, notes, “The camp helped me to solve problems more easily; this made me think logically and solve complex problems. For example, solving a Rubik’s cube, putting together a complex puzzle, etc, the robotics camp taught me multiple shortcuts which are now helping me to easily access and use computers.”

The economic implications are profound. Traditional Caribbean industries — tourism, agriculture, and financial services — are increasingly reliant on technology. Young people trained in coding and robotics are not just prepared for hypothetical future jobs, they are enabled to innovate within existing industries and to develop entirely new ones.“We’re witnessing the emergence of a generation that sees technology as a tool for Caribbean empowerment, not escape. These students are learning that they can build international-standard solutions while addressing uniquely Caribbean challenges. That’s the foundation of sustainable brain gain,” says Green.

The camp’s collaboration with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute enhances academic rigour and local relevance in the curriculum. Students are not merely acquiring generic programming skills, they are investigating how technology can tackle Caribbean-specific issues such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable tourism.

“Our partnership with Brightstar represents a critical shift in how we approach technology education in the Caribbean. By providing coding and robotics training in real Caribbean scenarios — from hurricane tracking, general software development and coastal monitoring to environmental stewardship — at MGI we help students see that some of the most exciting technological opportunities exist right here at home. These young innovators are not just learning to code, they are learning to build solutions for the Caribbean and beyond.”

Fun fact: Students from other islands are already envisioning projects that could assist with oil spill clean-up — something that is very important for our environment here.The programme’s success is measured not only by the technical skills gained but also by the changed perspectives about the Caribbean’s potential. Participants leave with more than just coding knowledge, they carry a vision of the Caribbean as a place where innovation thrives and where young talent is nurtured.

The broader After School Advantage programme, which operates 38 centres across the English-speaking Caribbean, provides the infrastructure for this transformation. These centres ensure that the camp’s impact extends well beyond two weeks, establishing year-round communities of learning and innovation.

Programmes like Brightstar’s camp offer a path forward that does not require choosing between progress and place. By investing in technology education that is both world-class and locally relevant, Brightstar is not just training programmers — they are cultivating the architects of our region’s digital future.

The true measure of success for initiatives like this will not be reflected in graduation statistics or job placement rates, but in the young Caribbean professionals who, in 10 years’ time, will be leading technology companies, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring the next generation — all while calling the Caribbean home.

Students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s Mandeville branch participate in one of the level II sessions during the 2025 Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar..

CCRP in year-long celebration of 15 years empowering Jamaica’s seniors

CCRP founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin (second left) applauds after a symbolic cake-cutting, supported by cheers from distinguished guest Lady Rheima Hall (second right) and board directors Vilma McDonald (left) and Patricia Reid-Waugh.

The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) continued its year-long celebration for 15 years of dedicated service to Jamaica’s senior community with a vibrant Springtime Social and commemorative cake-cutting ceremony on May 22 at The Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston.
The milestone celebration, sponsored by Morgan White International insurance group, drew 75 members and distinguished guests including former Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall and Lady Rheima Hall, former Miss Jamaica World Joan McDonald, and board directors Patricia Reid-Waugh and Vilma McDonald.
CCRP founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin, alongside newly appointed General Manager Angela Patterson, led the festivities while highlighting the organisation’s remarkable growth and impact.
“CCRP focuses on the empowerment and upliftment of Jamaica’s seniors. We now have over 12,000 members and we are grateful for our scores of discount partners and health insurance benefits underwritten by Sagicor and Morgan White,” said Lowrie-Chin during her welcome. She also expressed gratitude to the special select committee of the Senate for the opportunity to present recommendations for elderly care and protection legislation, noting that “this will safeguard every elder, both present and future.”
The event featured a colourful hat parade, uplifting music, and delicious fare, creating an atmosphere of joy and community among attendees. All hat wearers received prizes. The audience rocked to selections from DJ Hubie Chin and applauded beautiful songs by Eberle Dawes and Sandra Crawford and poetry from Jennifer Williams.
CCRP will continue marking this significant milestone throughout 2025 with additional events and initiatives that honour the organisation’s journey of advocacy, community building, and empowerment for Jamaica’s elderly population.
The organisation’s 15-year legacy demonstrates its commitment to ensuring seniors live with dignity, access essential services through extensive discount partnerships, and benefit from comprehensive health insurance coverage.
The CCRP is Jamaica’s leading advocacy organisation for seniors, founded in 2010 by Lowrie-Chin. With over 12,000 members served through chapters in central, north-east, western, and south-east Jamaica, CCRP provides health insurance benefits, access to more than 100 discount partners, and actively advocates for legislative protections for Jamaica’s elderly population. The organisation continues to champion the empowerment and upliftment of seniors across the island.

Jamaica Stays Strong on Diplomacy

Jamaica has been wisely restrained during the recent news from the US regarding closures, deportations and tariffs. We welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness’s message to prospective returnees to Jamaica – they have a home here, as citizens of our country. Our collaboration with the USAID had been focused on development and education, projects that we understand can still attract assistance from the US State Department. In response to the recent announcement of tariffs, our Government response to concerned exporters was that they would initiate talks with the US Government.

We hope for a positive outcome, having enjoyed cordial relations with the US, thanks to Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, former US Ambassador Audrey Marks and the brilliant team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade led by Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith.

The recent American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)  Hummingbird Gala reflected the supportive relationship which endures between our two countries. In the presence of PM Holness, the AFJ recognized Elias “Lee” Issa with their International Achievement Award and Paul Issa with their International Humanitarian Award, described as ‘two Jamaican born iconic leaders; one a stalwart in Tourism and the other a trailblazing Humanitarian’. 

The AFJ, comprising current and former US Ambassadors and friends announced grants totalling US$740,000 which were awarded to 54 grantees to support several initiatives  here. These include education, music, sports, homeless, health, skills training, gender-based violence, arts, coding, veterinary care, environmental protection, school-feeding and peace-building programmes, among others.

Grant Certificates were presented last Tuesday at the US Embassy here in Kingston. In the JIS report, writer Judana Murphy quoted Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the event:  “For over four decades, the American Friends of Jamaica have remained a pillar of support for our country. Their legacy is etched into the walls of our hospitals, the classrooms of our schools and the hearts of our people. Whether responding to hurricanes, expanding educational opportunities or modernising public health infrastructure, the AFJ has consistently shown up for us.”

Charge d’Affaires, Amy Tachco, also remarked on the ‘generosity and dedication’ of the AFJ. which has been supporting Jamaica’s non-governmental organizations with millions of US Dollars since 1982.

Whether or not we agree with the current political situation in the US, let us remember that we are intrinsically joined through family and friends and applaud our diplomatic ties.

Red Bull Boosts Young Athletes

JAAA  President Garth Gayle recently announced that Jamaica’s young athletes can now benefit from the elite services offered at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC), both overseas and locally, through a partnership between the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and Red Bull.

This collaboration marks the company’s investment in the development of Jamaica’s Under-18 and Under-20 national teams, giving them access to world-class resources including physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, performance assessments, medical services, and rehabilitation.

“Red Bull is proud to be working with the JAAA, our first Athletics Federation partner globally” said Marc-Oliver Kochan, Managing Director, Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre. “Jamaica’s track and field legacy is world-renowned, and we are looking forward to supporting the next generation of young athletes on their journey. We are really excited to help them realize their dreams and provide them with the tools, services, and support they need—not just to succeed in sport, but also in life.”

Gayle noted,  “This sponsorship will allow the JAAA to provide a holistic programme, stay on track with the important components for their wellbeing and consistent performance. This is one of the objectives of the JAAA, and this level of support will ensure that no young athlete will be left behind.”

Eatmon noted that this is the first time that Red Bull is partnering with an athletics organization globally, and that they are proud that they chose the JAAA. “It means that they believe in what we’re doing, they believe in our programme, and they believe in the potential of our athletes,” he said.

 Red Bull Athlete Performance Programme representatives Dr, Helge Ripenot Medical Doctor; Peter Muller, Head of Therapy; and Fionn MacPartlin, Head of Strength Training also attended the Boys and Girls High School Championships. It must have made them happy that our amazing young athletes will receive the expert assistance of their APC.

IGT Fuels Educational Technology Growth

Young students from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School eagerly gather around a drone and meteorological equipment, engaging in hands-on learning about technology, weather forecasting, and environmental science at The UWI Faculty of Science and Technology’s Science Festival.

“Inever thought I could be a scientist until today,” whispered an awestruck student as she programmed a robot for the first time at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Science Festival. Her experience, alongside 49 other students from underserved communities, was made possible through International Game Technology’s (IGT) strategic investment in Caribbean educational technology (EdTech). The company strategically chose March 14 — Albert Einstein’s birthday and worldwide Science Education Day — for the students’ attendance, adding symbolic weight to an already transformative experience.

“EdTech is revolutionising education, and IGT is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Sponsoring ASA students for The UWI Science Festival is part of our broader mission to integrate technology into learning and create sustainable pathways for success,” said Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica.

After School Advantage (ASA) is the company’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centres in communities where IGT operates. The programme ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) educational opportunities while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 40 ASA computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its global communities, IGT aims to continually enhance the technological awareness of students and prepare them to contribute to the social and infrastructural development of the Caribbean.

The UWI Science Festival serves as a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and scientific concepts through interactive experiences. Professor Tannecia Stephenson, deputy dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and lead on the Science Festival, emphasised the impact of IGT’s support.“IGT’s support enables more students, particularly in underserved schools, to participate in the Science Festival’s immersive STEM experiences. Through experiments, tours, and expert talks, students gain exposure to science applications and career paths. This investment nurtures future innovators poised to create solutions for global and regional challenges,” she said.

The festival is aligned with The UWI’s strategic approach to education and innovation.“The UWI’s Triple A strategy — Access, Alignment, and Agility — guides its approach to STEM education and innovation. The festival highlights research, industry partnerships, and technologies, engaging students from Jamaica and the Caribbean. This aligns with initiatives like the BOOST Scholarship programme for science teachers in underserved schools and the ‘FiWi Science’ initiative, which celebrates Jamaica’s scientific culture and legacy,” Professor Stephenson explained.

IGT’s sponsorship enables students from diverse backgrounds to access educational experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach. By exposing them to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, the company is playing a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the Caribbean.

“By exposing students to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, we are nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers who will drive the Caribbean’s technological evolution,” Green added.

Through this partnership, IGT and The UWI are not only enhancing students’ technical skills but alsofostering an entrepreneurial mindset that will be essential for success in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative exemplifies how private sector involvement in education can accelerate the adoption of EdTech solutions and create opportunities for sustainable development across the region.

International Game Technology (IGT) Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green lifts a young student from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School for a closer look through a powerful telescope during the festival. Surrounded by his fellow students, this hands-on experience nurtures students’ love for astronomy and inspires the next generation to explore the wonders of the universe.

CCRP’s 15th Anniversary

Jean Lowrie-Chin

On Sunday, 20th April the seniors advocacy organization CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) will celebrate our 15th Anniversary. After the 30th Anniversary of our company, PROComm in 2009, I considered who had helped me along my journey and realized they were seniors including my Mother Maisie Lowrie who was our first investor and supported us throughout the years. In gratitude, I decided that I would start an organization to advocate for our underserved seniors.

Our initial collaborators were my husband Hubie Chin, Ambassador Aloun Assamba who donated all the legal work, registering the organization and preparing our Articles of Incorporation; J. Lester Spaulding, late Chair of the RJR Gleaner Group who set up our accounting system, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, our Honorary Director and Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, our Honorary Chair. We thank our Patron Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen for hosting our first media event at which the late Hon Oliver Clarke registered to be our first member – now we are over 12,000 members strong.

We are blessed with excellent Board Directors: Vilma McDonald, Director Emerita Ambassador Aloun Assamba, Patricia Reid-Waugh, Marlene Street Forrest, Dr Owen James,  Dennis Jones, Sethuraman Kumaraswamy, Warren McDonald, Peter Mais and Donovan Wignal. We recently appointed Angela Patterson as our General Manager, supported by the PROComm Team.

CCRP’s voluntary regional convenors are Patricia Blackwood – Central Jamaica; Dr Norma Taylor – Western Jamaica; and Pixley Irons, Northeast Jamaica. Our Caring Committee Chair is Moveta Munroe; former chairs are Irene Walter and Verla Seymour. The Committee comprises our parish representatives, who assist in our outreach to the needy elderly. Our excursions planned by Charmaine Harrison are hugely popular – they help our members in the words of our motto to live ‘Life to the Fullest’.

We thank our over 100 discount partners and top sponsors JNGI, National Baking, BPM Financial, Juici Jamaica, Supreme Ventures, Cari-Med Group, Sandals Group, Sterling Asset Management, WIHCON, Sagicor, Gallagher Insurance Brokers, managers of CCRP health plans and Morgan White Insurance.

We congratulate Senator Floyd Morris and Senator Sherene Golding-Campbell for taking the Motion for Legislation for the Care and Protection of the Elderly to an active Special Select Committee of Parliament which has been holding hearings on the matter. CCRP has made a comprehensive submission to the Committee, and we are optimistic that this Legislation will soon become a reality.

Source: Jamaica Observer

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