Tag: News

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.

Food For The Poor Jamaica Hosts Successful Health Fair in Ramble, Hanover

A touching moment: At the Ramble, Hanover health fair, a member of the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) personally hands a box of supplies to a woman in a wheelchair. Her joy says it all. These essential items brought comfort and relief, showing the power of community care and support. This health fair ensured hundreds of residents had access to essential health services and support, underscoring the power of partnership in strengthening community wellbeing.

Food For The Poor Jamaica recently hosted a community health fair in Ramble, Hanover, on January 10, 2026 serving more than 500 residents from the surrounding areas and reaffirming its commitment to improving access to essential healthcare services in western Jamaica.

The health fair provided a wide range of free services, including eye examinations, general medical care, dental services, and mental wellness support. Residents benefited from consultations and screenings aimed at promoting early detection, prevention, and overall well-being.

The initiative was made possible through the support and collaboration of several corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector partners. Participating organizations included JAM for Jamaica, JAMBISCO, Island Grill, National Water Commission (NWC), Jamaica Public Service (JPS), National Bakery, Wisynco, A&E Ambulance Services, Lions Club, KFC, Sean Paul Foundation, the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Sign Xpress, Jamaica AIDS Support For Life, the University of the West Indies (UWI), and the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Through these partnerships, the health fair delivered vital services directly to the community, reducing barriers to care and providing much-needed support to residents in the west. Food For The Poor Jamaica continues to work alongside partners to uplift vulnerable communities by addressing critical needs such as healthcare, food security, and social support.

Smile Awhile: Demonstrating good spirits, Food For The Poor Jamaica’s Agricultural & Fisheries Manager, Othniel Carby (left) poses for a quick picture with a woman and her baby at the recent health fair in Ramble, Hanover. The event, which served over 500 people, provided free medical, dental, eye care and mental wellness services, made possible through strong partnerships across the public and private sectors.

Historic Manning’s School to benefit from 2026 National Leadership Prayer Breakfast

Flanking Pastor Claudia Ferguson, chair of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, are Jonathan Brown (left), Manning’s School board member, and Courtney Campbell, president & CEO of the VM Group.

THE historic Manning’s School in Westmoreland, which was ravaged by the October 28, 2025 Hurricane Melissa, will get a rebuilding boost for its wellness centre from this year’s National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB).

The 46th staging of the NLPB will focus on western Jamaica, with the historic Thomas Manning Building structure, which is believed to be the oldest-surviving part of the institution that was built in the early 20th century, being the focus.

“This year the VM Group and the NLPB have identified simultaneously the charity for sponsorship as the Manning’s School, and we are focusing again on the sick bay which requires significant rehabilitation,” said secretary for the NLPB Committee Reverend Wayneford McFarlane during media briefing on Wednesday.

Past chairman of the NLPB Committee, Reverend Sam McCook, said the project, which is valued at $2.8 million, will be undertaken in collaboration with the Manning’s School Past Students Association.“The project involves spending roughly $2.5 million on a modular structure, $300,000 on some ancillary aspects which they regard as a baseline. That is in excess of what we have traditionally done as a breakfast, and we indicated to the past students that we may not be able to fully fund that, but they welcomed the support and the efforts will be made to compliment what was done,” said McCook.

In the meantime, president and CEO of VM Group Courtney Campbell said its organisation stands in support of all the objectives and the virtues promoted by the NLPB.“We believe in the power of faith, we believe in the effectiveness of prayer, we believe in the importance of unity, and we believe, like many others, righteousness exalts a nation,” Campbell said.

Underscoring Melissa’s devastation to western parishes, the NLPB Committee announced on Wednesday that the annual National Week of Prayer for this year will be launched in that section of the island, with the first service being held at the First Church of the Open Bible in Montego Bay, St James.

The week of prayer will culminate on the morning of January 15 with the NLPB, which will be held under the theme ‘Caring for our neighbour’.

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.