Joy Clark, chair of the Digicel Foundation, shares a joyful moment with Sharaya McPherson (right) and Nicquantae Evans, students from the Catherine Hall Special Education Unit in St James who received backpacks filled with essential school supplies as part of the foundation’s recent annual back-to-school initiative.
As families across Jamaica prepare for the new school year, the Digicel Foundation is helping to ease the financial burden of back-to- school preparations, delivering more than 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students across selected schools, special needs institutions and community groups.
The annual initiative is part of the Digicel Foundation’s continued commitment to education and community development. This year, the programme takes on added significance for families in western Jamaica, where more than 300 of the 500-plus students receiving support were affected by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Each backpack was packed with care by members of the Digicel Foundation team and included practical supplies such as books, pencils, pens, colouring books, geometry sets and rulers, items designed to help students return to the classroom prepared and ready to learn.
For Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels, the initiative is about standing with families at a time when they need support most. “We know how difficult this time of the year is for many parents, especially those in the West who have to add back-to-school expenses to the many challenges they are already facing after experiencing a Category 5 hurricane. As a Foundation committed to education and community development, we wanted to play our part.”
Among the beneficiaries was the Catherine Hall Special Education Unit in St. James, where the Special Needs Unit Coordinator Marsha Rigg-Kerr expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued support of students with special needs. “Every year, our parents can count on the Digicel Foundation to lend a helping hand where back-to- school supplies are concerned. As you know, many of our students were impacted by the hurricane, so these supplies are very much welcomed. They will make a meaningful
difference to our students and their families and we are truly thankful to the Digicel Foundation for continuing to support our children.” The Digicel Foundation continues to work with schools, community organisations and other partners to identify opportunities where targeted assistance can have a direct and meaningful impact on children and communities.
Food for the Poor Band Camp (Photo: Food for the Poor)
Four weeks of music, fun, mentorship, and devotion describe Food For The Poor Jamaica’s annual Summer Band Camp experience this year, as 65 young musicians, ages 8 to 18, enrolled in one of the organisation’s most beneficial programmes for inner-city youth in Jamaica.
The camp commenced on Monday, July 20, 2026, on the Food For The Poor grounds in St. Catherine, and youngsters from across the island benefitted from specialised hands-on training in various musical disciplines including strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Guided by experienced music instructors, the four-week programme went beyond developing musical skills, fostering discipline, teamwork and creative expression among participants.
Long-serving Camp Director, Jeffrey Brown, believes that the camp serves as a useful platform for youth to grow and express themselves, realising that providing such an avenue to impressionable minds will naturally lead to creative discoveries and maximum development.
Over the course of the camp, students benefited specifically from 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, which was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, featured graduates of the camp showcasing their achievements through stirring ensemble performances and vibrant renditions. Eight children received special awards as most outstanding students for the instruments being offered this year: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Trombone, Keyboard, Drums, Clarinet, Trumpet and Bass Guitar.
Denise Cagley-Jefferson, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, remarked, “Food For The Poor Jamaica’s Band Camp is a wonderful example of what can happen when we invest in the potential of our young people. Through music, these students are developing not only valuable skills, but also confidence, discipline, teamwork and a sense of purpose. We are proud to provide a space where they can discover their talents, express themselves creatively and envision brighter possibilities for their futures.”
The organisation is marking its 16th 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(recurring sponsor and partner) through their Brands MPOWA and WATA, Food For The Poor Canada, JAMBISCO (recurring sponsor & partner) and Sun Island Jamaica, along with camp volunteers and families whose support made the Band Camp a success.
Players from Total Football Academy celebrate with a symbolic $650,000 cheque presented by Digicel Foundation, after the Academy’s winning entry in the Foundation’s “Show Your Skills and Score” social media challenge earned it the grant to support its football programme.
Total Football Academy (TFA) has been awarded a $650,000 grant from Digicel Foundation, giving the grassroots programme a significant boost as it continues developing young talent. The Academy won the Foundation’s “Show Your Skills and Score” social media challenge, which invited school football teams, community clubs, and academies to post a video showcasing their team’s skills for a chance to win a grant. Total Football Academy emerged victorious, securing over 1,000 organic likes on Instagram. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation, said the timing of the contest was deliberate, designed to ride the wave of excitement generated by the World Cup tournament.
“Football has a unique way of uniting people and the whole world was watching the World Cup with such passion. We wanted to channel that same energy back into our own communities, where the next generation of footballers is being shaped every day. A lot of young players look up to these World Cup athletes, and they dream of one day representing their own countries on that same stage,” she said. Daniels added that the grant reflects the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to sport as a tool for social development. ‘Throughout the years, we have consistently supported grassroots programmes because we’ve seen firsthand what it does for young people. It teaches discipline, teamwork and resilience. It keeps children engaged and out of harm’s way. Most importantly, it brings communities together.”
Founder and Director of TFA, Raymond Leveridge, said the grant comes at a pivotal moment for the Academy’s growth. ‘We are incredibly grateful to Digicel Foundation for this opportunity and for believing in what we’re building here. This grant will help us provide proper gear for our players, cover training expenses and support critical areas like nutrition and hydration that are often overlooked but so important to a young athlete’s development. We’ll also be able to purchase much-needed equipment that will elevate the quality of training we can offer,” he said.
Leveridge also spoke to the Academy’s mission and the communities it serves. “We are an academy with a very diverse demographic. A large number of our players come from inner-city communities and less fortunate backgrounds, where access to structured, quality football programmes isn’t always guaranteed. For many of these young people, TFA is a safe space, a and a support system.
This grant allows us to remove some of the barriers that stand between our players and their potential and that means everything to us,” he said. Digicel Foundation offers two grant programmes: the Mek A Muckle grant, which provides up to $650,000 in funding for small projects and the Build Jamaica grant, which supports larger programmes with up to $2,000,000 in funding. To learn more about Digicel Foundation grants, visit www.digicelfoundation.org/jm/en.
Ahead of the highly anticipated Caribbean Premier League Draft, all six franchises have confirmed their mandatory pre-draft Breakout Player retentions, locking in a group of emerging Caribbean stars who represent the next generation of regional cricket excellence.
Under the CPL’s player draft and acquisition regulations for the 2026 season, each franchise was permitted to retain one player ahead of the draft, with that player required to be selected from the team’s Breakout Player category. The retained players – Joshua James, Ramon Simmonds, Quentin Sampson, Navin Bidaisee, Ackeem Auguste, and Nathan Edward – have each earned recognition for their performances, potential, and growing impact across Caribbean cricket.
The six retained Breakout Players are:
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons – Joshua James
Barbados Royals – Ramon Simmonds
Guyana Amazon Warriors – Quentin Sampson
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots – Navin Bidaisee
Saint Lucia Kings – Ackeem Auguste
Trinbago Knight Riders – Nathan Edward
Each franchise will name a total of three Breakout Players in their final squad for the 2026 season, reinforcing the CPL’s continued commitment to developing emerging Caribbean talent and providing young players with opportunities on the region’s biggest cricketing stage.
As part of the tournament regulations, every team will also be required to field at least one Breakout Player in every match throughout the season.
With only one pre-draft retention allowed – and that retention reserved exclusively for a Breakout Player – the remaining squad positions for all six teams will now be filled during the CPL Draft, setting the stage for one of the most competitive and exciting player selections in league history.
The Caribbean Premier League continues to serve as the premier platform for Caribbean cricket, combining elite entertainment with a proven pathway for the next generation of players to develop and succeed on the global stage.
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.
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.
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’.
(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.
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.
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.
