Kavelle Hylton, Digicel Foundation SIT programme partner and CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub, engages students at the Jessie Ripoll Primary School in interactive discussions on online safety.
The Digicel Foundation’s Safer Internet Together (SIT) programme has already impacted more than 5,000 students across Jamaica, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Launched on Safer Internet Day in February, the programme is now in its fifth week and has visited 20 primary and high schools, with a goal of reaching 150 schools by year-end. Kavelle Hylton, CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub, who partners with Digicel Foundation to deliver the interactive lessons, highlighted the programme’s impact: “Technology is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. Through the SIT programme, we are empowering not just students, but also parents, teachers, and community members with the skills they need to stay safe online.”
A dedicated volunteer team of nearly 200 Digicel employees, known as the SIT Squad, has been mobilised to support the initiative.Mona Heights Primary School Principal Alex Hepburn is among those commending Digicel Foundation for the initiative.
“The SIT programme has been invaluable in helping our students understand online safety. We want them to understand that there are certain nuisances in the online space and therefore it is very important to teach them how to navigate it responsibly,” said Hepburn.In the meantime St Jude’s Primary School Principal Susanna Ainsworth also expressed support for the programme.
“This initiative has empowered our students and staff to promote online safety, digital responsibility, and cyber awareness. We are thankful for the Digicel Foundation for its dedication to creating a safer online environment for our school community,” said Ainsworth.
The SIT programme is a holistic awareness and educational campaign that goes beyond the classroom.
In addition to engaging students, the initiative includes sessions for parents and teachers, helping them understand online risks and how to guide children in safe internet usage.
It also extends to business owners, service group members and the elderly, ensuring that digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness reach all generations.
The success of the SIT programme to date can be attributed in large part to the support of its partners, including Jamaica Public Service Company, Sunshine Snacks, Kool 97FM, and Macmillan Education.
The JMEA Expo, which ended yesterday, brought back memories of its early days and the dedicated volunteers from the then JMA (Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association) and JEA (Jamaica Exporters’ Association).
There was Gloria Millwood, with her impeccable knowledge of protocol, who hosted the Hospitality Suite and Horace Abrahams, both gone to their rest. The longest-serving member of the Expo Committee, Deryck Rose, is still there, though now playing a less active role. Paulette Wong Rhoden of blessed memory was a dynamo, quickly completing her Crimson Dawn display and then running from booth to booth to help them make the deadline for the opening.
One of the most dramatic scenes was of a business owner who arrived the night before opening and was so disappointed with the appearance of his display that he destroyed it single-handedly! The contractors worked all night to get it right, and they did. The best booth competitions were filled with drama and intrigue, with rumours of expensive gifting.
The most amazing displays were sponsored by Butch Hendrickson’s Bold One of Manufacturing programme. They showcased an avenue of displays of upcoming manufacturers, with all the reusable promotional materials created for their ongoing marketing programmes. Visitors were introduced to Lacey-Ann Bartley’s All in Wood, Michelle Smith’s Chocolate Dreams, and Devon and Nayana William’s Lifespan Water.
As we were enjoying our locally grown breakfast, including the best coffee in the world, we heard a call for an Eat Jamaican campaign from a JMEA representative at Expo 2025. Our shop had run an Eat Jamaican campaign about 10 years ago and the logo we created continues to be used. It features “Doctor Bird” complete with stethoscope, a mascot we created, which featured in our cross-island road show with Ity and Fancy Cat. A highlight was a visit to the culinary arts final of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) with a young Shelly-Ann Fraser. The fact that our home-grown athletes are world leaders should tell us something about the great nutrition offered by our produce.Sure, we saved a few dollars running abroad to shop, but we need to save our economy by supporting the top-class Jamaican-made products which were on display at the JMEA Expo. The business of manufacturing creates employment and the most delicious and enjoyable products. They say the closer to home that you source your food, the healthier it is. Paulette Rhoden used to emphasise also the ready markets in the Caribbean and Central America. The US tariff may focus us more wonderfully on the opportunities that exist outside of the USA.
Deputy head boy of Santa Cruz Primary School Kemar Smith (right) explores the possibilities of the new smart lab, a cutting-edge space designed to enhance digital literacy as his teacher Kamala McKnight guides him.
THE Digicel Foundation has officially opened a state-of-the-art smart lab at Santa Cruz Primary School in St Elizabeth.
This innovative learning space is designed to bridge the digital divide and expose students to 21st-century skills and job opportunities.Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, shared that while Santa Cruz Primary is the first school in St Elizabeth to receive a smart lab, it will not be the last.
“In a few days from now we will be right down the road at the Black River Primary School opening another smart lab and ensuring that even more students in St Elizabeth have access to cutting-edge technology and digital learning tools,” said Daniels.She shared that the lab will also serve as a hub for the foundation’s recently launched Safer Internet Together (SIT) programme, which aims to promote online safety and digital citizenship.
“As we introduce advanced digital technology in schools, it’s essential that we also educate our youths on how to use it safely and responsibly. That’s why we’ve proudly launched our SIT programme, a year-long initiative which will empower students, parents, and educators to navigate the online world confidently,” added Daniels.Senior education officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information’s Region 5, Nevadeene Gallimore Miller, urged parents to continue learning beyond the smart lab.
“We want parents to assist us in ensuring that ICT [information and communication technology] penetration does not stop at the school gate. We want when your children come home with the information and the ideas that they would have been engaged in at school, that you support them,” said Gallimore Miller.
By the end of March 2025 there will be 21 smart labs established by Digicel Foundation.
Each lab costs approximately US$70,000 and is equipped with 12 laptops, 12 tablets, a printer, a smart door lock, and an interactive mimio-compatible smart board.
Since inception, Digicel Foundation has spent over US$2.5 million on projects in St Elizabeth. In 2023 the foundation opened the Santa Cruz Special Education Centre, a space dedicated to providing quality education and support for students with special needs in the parish.
Deborah Broomfield, construction project manager at the Digicel Foundation, engages with students at Santa Cruz Primary School inside their newly opened smart lab, which is set to transform learning experiences, equipping students with essential digital skills for the future.
Students from Mustard Seed Communities Mary’s Child (in white) learn about the fundamentals of robots in a coding session with Darren Fletcher, Technical Project Coordinator at Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) while Luke Buchanan (left), MGI Executive Director, Debbie Green (centre), IGT General Manager and Kevin Johnson (right), MGI Software Developer watch attentively. This year’s staging of the Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp is hosted by IGT in collaboration with MGI. The virtual camp ran from July 15 – 26 with 72 participants from five Caribbean countries: Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten. This is the fourth edition of the annual camp. (Photo: Contributed)
International Game Technology (IGT), a global leader in gaming technology and innovation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its fourth annual IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp for Caribbean youth, held July 15-26.
IGT partnered with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) to host the virtual camp, under the theme “Climate Action.”
The camp serves as an extension of IGT’s global After School Advantage programme.
Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica, delivered remarks at the start of the camp, underscoring IGT’s commitment to digital learning and community empowerment.
“As part of IGT’s Sustainable Play programme, our After School Advantage initiative is devoted to providing youth with access to technology and promoting digital learning opportunities in the communities where IGToperates. This camp is a shining example of our commitment to these goals,” said Green.
Since its inception in 2021, this regional tech learning camp has seen remarkable growth. What began as a pilot programme for 36 participants across five countries has flourished into a signature IGT ASA project, significantly impacting our communities.
In 2022, the camp expanded to include a Level II component, increasing the cohort to 72 students at both the Introductory (Level I) and Intermediate (Level II) levels. Hundreds of Caribbean youth have gained valuable knowledge in coding and robotics through this camp.
This year, students participated from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, and St.Maarten.
Jamaican participants hailed from Mustard Seed Communities – Matthew 25:40, Mary’s Child, and Jerusalem; Spring Village Development Foundation; and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation in Mandeville and Savanna-la-mar. Barbados participants were from The Learning Centre and the Rupert I. Maynard Youth Community Centre; St. Maarten – St. Maarten Youth Council; Trinidad and Tobago – Sophia House, Cotton Tree Foundation, Amica House and Credo Boys; and St Kitts and Nevis – Maude Crosse Preparatory School.
This young man shared his progress from the day’s coding and robotics activity with Hilary Nembhard of SOS Children’s Village Jamaica’s Stony Hill location during the 2023 Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp. (Photo: Contributed)
The Level I course introduced students to the fascinating world of computer science, providing a foundational understanding of coding and computing, exploring careers in the industry, and developing essential skills such as website development and robotics.
Specifically, the Level I course aimed to:
Build awareness of coding and its applications.
Inform about potential careers for developers.
Develop basic computing and development literacy.
Teach the basics of computer programming.
Introduce website development.
Explore robotics.
Enhance problem-solving skills
For returning students in Level II, this year’s programme built upon the knowledge gained last summer, with afocus on more complex web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and an introduction to artificial intelligence.
The Level II course aimed to:
Provide a refresher on last year’s content.
Improve website development skills with advanced techniques.
Introduce the principles of artificial intelligence.
Further develop problem-solving skills.
An exciting new feature of this year’s camp was the provision for the intermediate robotics class to develop hands-on robot creation.
Green encouraged students to embrace this learning adventure with enthusiasm and curiosity.
“The skills you acquire here will not only open doors to exciting career opportunities but also equip you to become innovators and problem-solvers in our ever-evolving digital world,” she said.
Green also extended heartfelt thanks to partners at MGI and the UWI team for their unwavering support and collaboration in making this camp a success.
“Your dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering technological skills is truly commendable,” she added.
All well-thinking Jamaicans welcomed the creation of Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), which ensures that the security forces remain professional and ethical. In every organisation you will find the few who ‘let down the side’, and it is important that they be brought to justice.
I must, therefore, quote at length Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake’s response as shared by Jamaica Observer Editor-at-Large Arthur Hall in a report headlined ‘No Apology — Police commissioner slams JFJ; says criminals to be blamed for 50 fatal shootings in 50 days by security forces’.
Commissioner Blake is reported to have said that “….while he supports the view that the number of fatal shootings by the security forces is too high, the focus should be on the criminals who make the decision to challenge members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force [JCF], ‘which is a far more superior force’.”
Hall reported: “He charged that a call for the JCF to be held more accountable is a slap in the face of Indecom, which has a single most important mandate of investigating actions against civilians by members of the security forces.”
Here are excerpts from the commissioner’s response, as quoted by Hall:
“And so, let me encourage Jamaicans for Justice to be more responsible in their public pronouncements, especially when the nation is aware of its members’ proven ability to comprehend the most basic and fundamental principles of security.
“To suggest that fatal shootings numbers can be reduced by anything other than the unwillingness of persons being apprehended to engage in deadly confrontations with members of the security forces is irresponsible, or at best advocating for us to relent in our pursuit,” added Blake.
“He declared that criminals who are intent on killing and maiming will not be left free to hold communities at ransom and in constant fear,” wrote Hall.
That Savanna-la-Mar earthquake in the late 1950s was a frightening one for me as a small child. I was in the house behind the shop run by our widowed mother. As I felt the place shaking, I ran out into the dark street. A light flashed on red-seamed trousers. Because the police always cast a protective eye on our shop, I knew I would be safe if I grabbed on to that red-seamed trousers leg. The police officer picked me up, took a look, and recognised me as “Mrs Singh’s little girl”. He walked swiftly to the shop and handed me to my mother.
Many years later, on assignment at Caymanas Park in the 80s, I would have long conversations with officers Williams and Whitney. They would always arrive impeccably dressed and were thoroughly professional. Some mornings they would share that they had been in operations the night before, dodging bullets.
In the 90s I collaborated with Lasco to create the Police Officer of the Year Award and met some of the most inspiring officers. Some of the organisers were Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Neville Wheatle, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) LK Simpson, and a young constable who is now Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Natalie Palmer-Mair. Interestingly, the first Police Officer of the Year was retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Steve McGregor, who is now a politician.
After the 2002 General Election, which had been monitored by representatives of the Carter Centre, they reported that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), led by then Commissioner Francis Forbes, had been exemplary in its work, as were the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) personnel. They declared that there would be no reason for them to monitor any further elections in Jamaica.
In other projects, I have seen the courage of SSP Ionie Ramsey Nelson, the brilliance of retired DCP Novelette Grant, SSP Stephanie Lindsay, and the compassion of Sergeant Jerr Johnson-Heron who has assisted with distributing care packages for the elderly on behalf of our seniors advocacy organisation. Indeed, the police youth club is the largest youth club in Jamaica and the Law Enforcement Torch Run has earned millions of dollars over several decades for Jamaica’s Special Olympians.
It is, therefore, deeply concerning that our outstanding JCF appears to be under unrelenting attack by the organisation Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ). I am confounded that the current head of the JFJ seems to be unaware of the dangers our police face in their crime-fighting efforts.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 the Digicel Foundation launched their ‘Safer Internet Together’ (SIT) programme at The UWI, Mona. The programme, which was launched on Safer Internet Day 2025, targets STEM programmes at over 150 educational institutions. From left: Avryl Francis, Security Operations Manager, Digicel; Antoinette Heirs, Digicel Foundation Board Director; Dr Terri-Karelle Reid, Founder of Open Door Jamaica Foundation; Charmaine Daniels, Digicel Foundation CEO; and Joy Clark, Board Chair of Digicel Foundation.
The internet offers a world of possibilities, providing benefits and opportunities. It has made everyday life more convenient and knowledge more accessible. However, the online world is far from perfect. It has become a confusing, complex space for many Jamaicans to navigate. At times, the internet can seem like an unsafe place to be.
What are the dangers lurking in the digital landscape – and how can we protect ourselves? Addressing these concerns, the Digicel Foundation officially launched its Safer Internet Together (SIT) Programme on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. This year-long initiative puts the emphasis on online safety, digital responsibility and cyber awareness – for all Jamaicans.
The launch event at the Mona School of Business and Management, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, observed Safer Internet Day 2025, under the theme “Together, For A Better Internet.” Digicel Foundation will roll out the SIT initiative in 150 educational institutions, in partnership with the ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, STEM Builders Learning Hub, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Sunshine Snacks, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), and MacMillan Education.
As CEO of Digicel Foundation Charmaine Daniels pointed out [in a Letter to the Editor] the programme of activities will be inclusive, “engaging diverse groups across the country on digital literacy and online responsibility.” Daniels added: “Furthermore, in partnership with the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), we will conduct specialised sessions during Senior Citizens’ Month in September to help older adults recognise and protect themselves against online threats.”
Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of the Digicel Group explained the programme’s goal: “We work every day to have our Internet available to our customers, but we are also mindful of the potential risks that the internet poses for young children. With the Safer Internet Together programme, we intend to raise awareness on how to mitigate the space carefully, with the help of all our sponsors.”
“Our responsibility at Digicel is to work together to help the new generation to be safe and to be protected.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Technology, Leonardo Brown, in a dynamic presentation at the launch, reminded participants: “The internet and connectivity never forgets; whatever you post remains somewhere.”
Audience member Christoph Tucker reacted: “This day provides opportunities to learn about online risks, how to stay safe online, where to get help, and how to gain a better understanding of the laws.” He stressed: “There are so many young children nowadays using tablets. We want to ensure that they’re always safe and exposed to the right content, so that they become good people within our society.”
The Digicel Foundation CEO urged stakeholders and Jamaicans, young and old: “As we observe Safer Internet Day, let us commit to making the internet a place of opportunity rather than a source of harm. Let us foster a culture of responsible digital citizenship, ensuring that everyone – regardless of age or background – can explore the online world safely and confidently.”
A young girl beams with joy while enjoying the see-saw with the support of Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels at the Early Stimulation Plus Development Centre in Kingston on Wednesday.
DIGICEL Foundation made ‘Play Day’ extra special for the children at the Early Stimulation Plus Development Centre in Rockfort, Kingston, by spending a morning engaging in games and fun activities.
February has been designated as Play Month by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), a celebration endorsed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica Office.This year’s theme, ‘Bringing Back the Game of Play Through Traditional Games — Out of Many, One People,’ highlights the importance of play in early childhood development while embracing Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage.
During the visit, Digicel Foundation staff and board members joined the children in classic Jamaican games such as dandy shandy and hopscotch.In addition to the interactive play activities, the Digicel Foundation also donated crayons and colouring books to the school, providing the students with creative resources to support their learning and development.
Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation, emphasised the significance of supporting institutions like the Early Stimulation Plus Development Centre.“The Early Stimulation Plus Development Centre is dear to us, as it is one of the 21 special needs schools we renovated a few years ago. Play is an essential part of childhood development, and we are delighted to be part of this initiative that brings joy, inclusion, and learning to these children,” said Daniels.
She pointed out that the Digicel Foundation has been a longstanding advocate for children with disabilities, investing over US$11.8 million in special needs initiatives across Jamaica since inception.
We can never forget Dr Velma Pollard’s spirited dance to the live mento band at a CCRP outing to Milk River Hotel & Mineral Spa. Her joie-de-vivre, reflected in her warm smile, would charm her fellow members at various outings. The celebrated writer, who passed away at 87 on February 1, never rested on her laurels and was a mentor to many.
“Rest peacefully, Velma Pollard,” wrote the Observer’s Bookends coordinator Sharon Leach. “I will always remember your kindness, your interest in my writing, and your encouragement… and more than anything else, your relentless support of the Sunday Observer’s Bookends.”
In lauding Dr Pollard’s achievements, Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange remarked on her affirmation of Jamaican patois and her publications From Jamaican Creole to Standard English: A Handbook for Teachers and Dread Talk: The Language of Rastafari.
“Along with her sister, Dr Erna Brodber, also a critically acclaimed author, Pollard organised an annualEmancipation watchnight vigil in Woodside, where members of the community and the wider Jamaica could come and reflect on the significance of Emancipation,” noted Minister Grange.
Blogger Emma Lewis wrote a memorable tribute, ending with: “… her delightful, sometimes sharp humour, her warmth and her encouraging and sympathetic manner endeared her to many. She will be missed by Jamaicans of all ages, especially younger writers. Her passing leaves a gap in Jamaica’s cultural narrative, which she so effortlessly and warmly expressed.”
My deepest sympathy to Dr Pollard’s beloved family and friends. May her great soul rest in peace.
The concern was palpable at Ambassador Audrey Marks’ first online ‘Let’s Connect’ meeting for the New Year. Ambassador Marks spoke on the Jamaicans who have been affected by the new US Immigration policy. Her keynote guest speaker was Finance Minister Fayval Williams whose presentation had notes of hope for those Jamaicans seeking to be repatriated.
Ambassador Marks noted that of the thousands being repatriated in the Caribbean, only .5% is Jamaican. Of the 56 who arrived in Jamaica last week, only seven had criminal records while the others had immigration offences. Those with immigration issues, she emphasised, should not be regarded as criminals and every Jamaican will be welcomed home. She noted many Jamaicans have been calling for instructions on how to get home without being subject to deportation and they have been receiving assistance from the Embassy and Consulates.
Attorneys at Law Sekou Clarke and Xavier Francis spoke on immigration concerns. Clarke has expanded his legal services in Florida and was named by Forbes magazine as one of the ‘Top 40 Entrepreneurs to Watch’ in 2025. Xavier Francis has been running a leading immigration firm for eight years.
Clarke said there was collateral damage when undocumented immigrants are separated from their blended families. He noted that in one ICE operation, they went to a location to take an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and ‘scraped up’ others. He advised that getting married to an American citizen is not the only way to become a legal immigrant. He said the T Visa could be applied for by persons suffering from discrimination while the U Visa can be used for victims of crime who would have to furnish a police statement.
There is also the EB-5 Visa available for investors or those who have an existing business. Francis also noted that holders of the F1 Student Visa could self-sponsor themselves for Green Cards if they have awards for outstanding performance or are members of professional organizations.
Francis gave three tips to cope with the new zero tolerance position:
– Don’t overstay your visa
– Legal immigrants should carry a copy of their documentation on their phones as every immigrant is at risk of being taken into custody
– Reconsider the alternative pathways that exist.
Ambassador Marks said that Jamaicans who wish to return to their country should communicate with the Embassy and via Diaspora organizations. The Jamaican Embassy website has been recently loaded with specific information on immigration matters.
Members of the Jamaican Diaspora continue to preserve our culture and want to give back to their homeland. Florida Consul Oliver Mair announced that the fourth annual celebration of Marcus Garvey would be held on February 18. Young Tiffany Haynes expressed her wish to do more for Jamaica and asked for a more intentional programme to strengthen ties.
Jamaica Highlights 