Gary 'Butch' Hendrickson receives AFJ International Humanitarian Award

Gary 'Butch' Hendrickson C.D.

From the American Friends of Jamaica: 

I am pleased to introduce tonight’s honoree Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Continental Baking Company Ltd. and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia.  

Butch Hendrickson also chairs the board of the EXIM Bank, is a Vice President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) and Rainforest Seafoods.

Continental Baking Company is a leading provider of baked goods in Jamaica such as bread, buns, crackers and snacks and is most popularly known for its brands National, HTB and HoMade.

He actively participates in programs focused on early childhood education and local manufacturing in Jamaica and is a major contributor to charities such as Mustard Seed Communities, Laws Street Trade Training Centre, Food for the Poor and St. Patrick’s Foundation amongst many others.

(Butch Hendrickson Introductory Video)

AFJ Director and Gala CoChair, Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, will present the 2016 International Humanitarian Award to Mr. Gary “Butch” Hendrickson for his exemplary leadership and philanthropy.
_______________________________________

Butch Hendrickson shows off a Mustard Seed
item at his Made In Jamaica Christmas Fair

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column by Jean Lowrie-Chin

And so it was a special joy to learn that the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) whose Board comprises past and present esteemed US Ambassadors to Jamaica and other friends, have bestowed the AFJ International Humanitarian Award for philanthropy and exemplary leadership  on National Baking Chairman and Patron of the National Baking Foundation, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson.

Butch Hendrickson with Sister Mary Benedict Chung
"I don't know how our Laws Street projects would
survive without Butch's kindness," she says.

The AFJ’s Citation lists his titles, but only those of us who know him well, will understand the stratospheric generosity of this passionate Jamaican. Yes, he is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Continental Baking Company Ltd. and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia. He also chairs the board of the EXIM Bank, is a Vice President of Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) and Rainforest Seafood’s.

Butch's son Craig has inherited his Dad's caring ways

Remarkably, this in-demand leader has devoted much of his time to mentorship and has ploughed hundreds of millions into early childhood education projects. He was the major sponsor of Crayons Count, and recently launched his National Baking Foundation, and has again committed millions to the Little Leaders programme, including a well-equipped mobile classroom. Even as he is working at this, Butch is constantly upgrading his manufacturing and distribution facilities, training, promoting and affirming his team members.

Little Leaders Launch with colleague Glen Christian

Butch Hendrickson is always deflecting praise, but, over the past six years, 27 new manufacturers have been bowled over by his ‘Bold Ones of Manufacturing’ programme, which has provided them with fully-paid marketing programmes, catapulting some to Jamaica Stock Market listing, and to overseas markets. Butch insists that without his faithful team members and customers, he would have been able to accomplish little.  This humility has been passed on by his legendary parents, Hon. Karl and Mrs. Nell Hendrickson, who are themselves icons of entrepreneurship and nation-building.

Marcus Garvey would applaud the work of this caring visionary.  In Garvey's words, “There is a world of opportunities awaiting us, and it is for us through unity of will and of purpose, to say we shall and we will play our part upon the great human stage of activity.”

What would Garvey say?

• 

  Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica's first

  named National Hero

  Jamaica Observer column published MON 17 October 2016

  
  

  by Jean Lowrie-Chin

  
  

  On this National Heroes’ Day, it is welcome news that the current records of three of our National Heroes who had been punished because of their freedom-fighting activities, will be expunged from Jamaica’s criminal records.

  
  

  In addressing our House of Parliament last Wednesday Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange said, “The legacy that we honour and celebrate during Heritage week is a direct result of the selfless acts of our country’s six named National Heroes."

  
  

  She shared that the Cabinet had approved “drafting instructions in respect of legislation which will cause the expungement of the criminal records of notable freedom fighters, national heroes, supporters, sympathizers and participants by association who were involved in the 1760 Chief Tacky’s St. Mary rebellion, the 1831/32 Christmas rebellion, the 1865 Morant Bay rebellion and the 1929 campaign of the People’s Political Party.”

  
  

  She noted that, “Our National Heroes Paul Bogle, Samuel Sharpe and Marcus Garvey, as well as, our ancestral hero Tacky, will be those directly affected by this legislation when it comes into being.”

  
  

  Marcus Mosiah Garvey, our first named National Hero had much to say about this struggle over centuries.  We have a treasury of his quotations in a compilation by the late Jamaican author Ken Jones, “Marcus Garvey Said … Up You Mighty Race! You Can Accomplish What You Will.”

  
  

  For this column, I will share appropriate Marcus Garvey’s quotes, and I hope readers will share them with others.  In response to this move for the expungement of his criminal record, I will quote what he said to the US Court when he was arrested unjustly for mail fraud:

  “I am still firm that I served my race, people, conscience and God …If you say I am guilty, I go to my God as I feel, a clear conscience and a clean soul.”

  
  

  March Pen Massacre

  
  

  On October 9, five persons of one family including three children were shot and burnt to death as a result of an alleged internal gang feud, in the March Pen Road community of St. Catherine.  The “person of interest” was brought in by a Pastor on Wednesday. As we learn about the records of this person and his alleged rival for leadership of a notorious gang, we must realise how urgent it is to make our security intelligence and justice system more efficient. 

  
  

  These gangs are vicious extortionists who have taxi drivers, market vendors and micro businesses in fear for their lives if they do not pay ‘protection money’.

  
  

  Garvey: “I pray to God that we shall never use our physical prowess to oppress the human race, but we will use our strength, physically, morally and otherwise to preserve humanity and civilization.”

  
  

  Philanthropy rewarded

  
  

  It was a special joy to learn that the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) whose Board comprises past and present esteemed US Ambassadors to Jamaica and other friends, have bestowed the AFJ Hummingbird Award for philanthropy and business on National Baking Chairman and Patron of the National Baking Foundation, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson.

  
  

  The AFJ’s Citation lists his titles, but only those of us who know him well, will understand the stratospheric generosity of this passionate Jamaican. Yes, he is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Continental Baking Company Ltd. and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia. He also chairs the board of the EXIM Bank, is a Vice President of Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) and Rainforest Seafood’s.

  
  

  Remarkably, this in-demand leader has devoted much of his time to mentorship and has ploughed hundreds of millions into early childhood education projects. He was the major sponsor of Crayons Count, and recently launched his National Baking Foundation, and has again committed millions to the Little Leaders programme, including a well-equipped mobile classroom. Even as he is working at this, Butch is constantly upgrading his manufacturing and distribution facilities, training, promoting and affirming his team members.

  
  

  Butch Hendrickson is always deflecting praise, but, over the past six years, 27 new manufacturers have been bowled over by his ‘Bold Ones of Manufacturing’ programme, which has provided them with fully-paid marketing programmes, catapulting some to Jamaica Stock Market listing, and to overseas markets. Butch insists that without his faithful team members and customers, he would have been able to accomplish little.  This humility has been passed on by his legendary parents, Hon. Karl and Mrs. Nell Hendrickson, who are themselves icons of entrepreneurship and nation-building.

  
  

  Garvey: “There is a world of opportunities awaiting us, and it is for us through unity of will and of purpose, to say we shall and we will play our part upon the great human stage of activity.”

  
  

  Digicel Foundation’s great partnerships

  
  

  The Digicel Foundation in Jamaica presented its Annual Report last Thursday, noting that on behalf of Patron Denis O’Brien, they had invested J$460 million in education, special needs, community development and Respect Jamaica projects. Of note was that through partnership with the USAID and the Ministry of Education, they had rolled out an Education Enrichment Programme in 104 schools islandwide which had surpassed all targets, moving Jamaica closer to our millennium development goal (MDG) of 100 percent literacy. Since its launch 12 years ago, the Digicel Jamaica Foundation has invested J$3.35 billion (US$262.2M) in national development.  The dedicated Digicel Foundation team is led by senior executives Samantha Chantrelle, Dane Richardson and Patrice Smith-Sterling.

  Garvey: “You must now … cultivate among yourselves true love, true fellowship, self-ambition, self-pride, self-respect, and when you have done that the world around will respect you”

  
  

  Honour for Our Olympians

  
  

  We welcome the news that the Government of Jamaica will be giving substantial rewards to our shining athletes who lifted the psyche of Jamaicans here and abroad as they triumphed with six Gold, three Silver and two Bronze Medals at the Rio Olympics earlier this year. We applaud all athletes who qualified to make the team and deem them worthy of the prizes being offered by the Government.  The critics should know how Jamaicans live with their families, and that the J$82 million will be ploughed right back into our economy, improving the lives of the athletes and their families.

  
  

  Garvey: “Unite your hands and hearts … and let us reach out to the highest idealism that there is in living, thereby demonstrating to others … that we are ambitious, virtuous, noble and proud.”

  
  

  Congratulations – National Honours

  We join with all Jamaica in saluting the over 200 recipients of National Honours who will be celebrated at this morning’s ceremony at King’s House.  It is no coincidence that despite our challenges, there is still so much positivity and optimism in our country.  It is because we still have these persons of excellence who are not giving up on their country and continue to give us standards to which should all aspire.

  Garvey: “With sterling character you can destroy a world and rebuild it, you can go down to the depths and then rise to the heights.”

  
  
• 
  

COMMENTS FROM JAMAICA OBSERVER WEBSITE www.jamaicaobserver.com

PhilT McNasty • 2 days ago

• 
  

  Garvey would distance himself from us. And rightfully so! We haven't learnt a ting!
  

  
  

  
  
  

  1  

  •

  Reply

  •

  Share ›
  • • −

    

    
    
    
    

    OPERATION CHAOS 1962-PRESENT  PhilT McNasty• a day ago

    
    

    We've learned that smoking weed,buss gun,bruck out,shell dung di dance and gallang bad behaviour is more important than to read,understand and treat each other with respect.

    
    

    
    
    
    

     

    •

    Reply

    •

    Share ›
• • −

  

  
  
  
  

  Andre • 21 hours ago

  
  

  Garvey would be surprised that Institute of Jamaica has not digitized and archived all the printed materials in it's possession and made them available on the internet for anyone who is interesting in accessing the same. I would like to read more about Jamaican history but only find the elementary stuff.

  
  

  
  
  
  

   

  •

  Reply

  •

  Share ›

Digicel Dedicates Top Award To Customers

Published Jamaica Gleaner :Monday | October 17, 2016

Photo:
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda (centre), makes an amusing observation about the tie being worn by Digicel Chief Technology Officer, Craig Henry (left). He drew the attention of Digicel Head of Customer Experience, Patrick King (third left), Digicel Head of Public Relations, Elon Parkinson (second right) and Digicel Foundation Director of Operations, Dane Richardson (right).

On receiving the Jamaica Bureau of Standards' top ranking for excellence in service, Digicel has dedicated the prestigious award to its more than two million customers.

The total telecommunications and entertainment services provider also received sectional awards for excellence in human resource focus and excellence in business results at the Bureau's National Quality Awards Ceremony in Kingston on Wednesday night.

In reaction to the announcement, CEO of Digicel Jamaica David Butler said, "We wholeheartedly dedicate the top award to our customers and say a big 'thank you' to all of them. "

He continued, "These wins are the latest example of our constant obsession with our customers - making sure that we deliver the highest quality of service and satisfaction."

The trifecta comes as Digicel continues its extended celebration of Customer Service Week.

"I cannot think of a better time to receive this recognition. All this week we've been celebrating the unwavering commitment and dedication of our more than 500 customer care agents who are always answering the call to better serve our customers. So, these awards are another reflection of their hard work," Butler said.

Digicel's strong focus on recruiting, training and developing the best human talent helped earn it top recognition in the human resource category.

The introduction and successful performance of Jamaica's first LTE network, along with Digicel Play - which offers the fastest home Internet speeds and a rich array of content - contributed to the award for excellence in business focus.

Digicel Jamaica Foundation celebrates 2015-2016 achievements

It is such a great honour to be Chairman of the Digicel Jamaica Foundation

Here is my welcome address at the launch of their Annual Report for the year ended 31 March, 2016.  The event was held at the Digicel Regional Headquarters in downtown Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday 13 October 2016:

Welcome Minister! Sen. Hon. Ruel Reid (3rd left) on arrival at event is welcomed by Jean Lowrie-Chin, Chair, Digicel Jamaica Foundation, CEO Samantha Chantrelle and COO Dane Richardson

Master of Ceremonies, Krystal Tomlinson; Senator the Hon Ruel Reid, Minister of Education; Mrs Maura Barry-Boyle, Mission Director, USAID Jamaica; Mrs Lisa Lewis, Immediate Past Chair, Digicel Jamaica Foundation; Digicel Jamaica Foundation CEO Samantha Chantrelle

Dedicated Partners in Education, Special Needs and Community Development; Members of the Media; Colleagues of the Board, Management and Staff of Digicel Jamaica; Friends all:

USAID Mission Director Maura Barry-Boyle

On behalf of our Patron, Denis O’Brien, Digicel Foundation International CEO Maria Mulcahy and the Digicel Jamaica Foundation Team, it is a pleasure and an honour to welcome you most heartily to the launch of the Annual Report of the Digicel Foundation in Jamaica for the Year Ended March 31, 2016. 

We are one of four such Foundations and similar launches are being held in Papua New Guinea, Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti, where their Digicel Foundation Team is actively on the ground assisting Hurricane victims. Our prayers are with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

Honourable Minister, Senator, partners, this occasion is actually a celebration of the extraordinary Jamaicans who make the work of the Digicel Foundation gratifying and joyful. 

As our team members traverse the hills and valleys of Jamaica, the resulting projects demonstrate the great faith of our people in their country and in themselves.

Carlyle Gabbidon & Fabian Jackson of DeafCan! Coffee

You will note that in the financial year covered by this report, US$3.6 million has been invested and that since the launch of the Digicel Foundation in Jamaica 12 years ago, a total of US$262.2 million was invested in projects for education, special needs, community development and the Respect Jamaica campaign.

However, this Annual Report goes beyond statistics to showcase our wonderful Jamaican sisters and brothers. You will meet Son-Son, one of the children who blossomed under the Education Enrichment programme in 104 primary schools, generously supported by the USAID in partnership with the Ministry of Education. 

Donna Davidson - Early Stimulation Plus Programme

You will meet Shantoi and Samoi, special needs students who are responding well in the Early Stimulation Programme.

You will learn about Carlyle at DeafCan! Coffee who is now empowered to be a member of the company’s management team, and also meet his colleague Fabian later.  You will enjoy learning about Respect Jamaica Youth Ambassador Jherane, who created a prize-winning campaign against gender-based violence.

Because simply handing over a cheque cannot solve a situation, our Digicel Foundation team, led by Samantha Chantrelle and senior managers Dane Richardson and Patrice Smith-Sterling, have travelled throughout the island in response to funding applications.  They have worked closely with our partners, honouring Digicel’s belief that human resources are the most precious assets of any project.

Colleen Pigeon of the Canadian High Commission,  with
Digicel Foundation's Dane Richardson and Digicel's Trisha Williams-Singh

The board’s Project approval committee, chaired by Karlene Dawson examines submissions, and we are amazed continually, at the efforts of the humblest Jamaican folks.  

They come to us, having already secured other partners, or digging deep from their own resources. They are hardworking, dignified Jamaicans, and we at the Digicel Foundation feel very honoured to be their partners.

As this morning’s event unfolds, you will hear more of their uplifting stories, and you will be reassured that their extraordinary efforts will keep us on track towards a strong and shining future for our beloved Jamaica.

Once again, we heartily welcome you, as you share with the Digicel Foundation a morning of faith, hope, love and respect.

Thank you!

UWI backtracks re appearing before PAAC

I was appalled that my University,  the University of the West Indies, had refused to appear before Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).

When you collect more than J$8 Billion per year of Jamaican tax payers' money, you are answerable.

I am relieved that the Vice Chancellor has apologized and expressed the UWI's willingness to now appear before the PAAC.

Report from the Gleaner

Published Gleaner :Thursday | October 13, 2016 | 3:17 PM

Beckles ... The University Bursar, acting on behalf of the entire UWI system, is empowered to honour the request of the PAAC and will do so as soon as his presence is requested.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has backtracked on its earlier position that it would not be appearing before Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).

The University had or originally stated its position in a letter by University Registrar C. William Iton to the Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry, Maurice Smith.

That letter was presented to the parliamentary committee yesterday.

However, today, the UWI vice chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles wrote to the Parliament apologising, saying the institution is prepared to appear before the committee to account for its spending.

See full text of UWI snub letter below:

Dr. Maurice Smith
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Education, Youth and Information
2 National Heroes Circle, Kingston 4

Dear Permanent Secretary,

The University is in receipt of a letter dated August 12, 2016 addressed to you from the Committee Clerk, Ms Camesha Bailey, which purports to request the University to appear before the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee in accordance with order No. 73A of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives which empowers the Committee to monitor expenditure in Government bodies and to make recommendations for the improvement of public administration.

Please be advised that The UWI is a public autonomous regional educational institution which serves seventeen countries in the Caribbean. The University was established by Royal Charter in 1962.

The University therefore has to be distinguished from other agencies of your Ministry. Please find attached legal authority provided by the Attorney General's Chambers in January 2017 (see attachment).

The University recognises that as a contributing country you are entitled to know how your government's subventions are utilised, and in that regard would recommend that your representative on the University Finance & General Purposes Committee use that forum to request the necessary information.

Please accept my highest consideration.

Regards,

C. William Iton University Registrar
Cc:       Vice-Chancellor University Bursar Principal

See full text of UWI apology letter below:

Dr. Wykeham McNeill, MP
Chairman
Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee
House of Parliament
Gordon House
81 Duke Street
Kingston

Dear Dr. McNeill,

The University of the West Indies (UWI) apologises for the misunderstanding and its consequences that have developed in respect to the request for an engagement with the Parliament's Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).

The letter from the University Registrar sought to clarify the principle of accountability and facilitate the procedure rather than obstruct the importance of the engagement.

The UWI, as a regional institution, is keen and willing to appear before the PAAC in respect of Jamaican investments in all of our campuses, not just the Mona Campus.

It is well established procedure for the University Bursar to make such submissions to all governments on behalf of all campuses.

The Mona Campus accounts for only a part of the national expenditure, hence the need to assist the parliament to fully take on board the regional nature of its investment.

Governments have, from time to time, sought clarification of the principle of regional investment and national accountability, and the governance model of the UWI was created in order to embrace Ministers of National Governments in order to accommodate this circumstance.

There is therefore no attempt to challenge the authority of the Jamaican parliament which we celebrate and recognise as having made the largest single investment in the UWI these past 68 years.

We are grateful that the parliament has approved investments that have enabled the UWI to grow as a globally respected regional University.

The University Bursar, therefore, acting on behalf of the entire UWI system, is empowered to honour the request of the PAAC and will do so as soon as his presence is requested.

Yours sincerely,

Hilary Beckles
Vice-chancellor

Cc: Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, CD Minister of Education, Youth and Information
Dr. Maurice Smith
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Education, Youth and Information

Fighting this hurricane of violence

I wrote this column before the savage murder of a family of five, including 3 children in March Pen, St Catherine.  Now everything becomes so much more urgent!  Jean

Observer column published 10 Oct 2016

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Our fast, effective hurricane preparedness plan can be a crime fighting blueprint. As we watched the press briefings on preparations for what could be a serious hit to Jamaica by Hurricane Matthew, we were impressed by the synergy and obvious concern of the authorities. Local Government Desmond McKenzie showed strong leadership and the ODPEM volunteers were exemplary. Evan Williams of our Met Office gave updates until he was hoarse – and his tracking coincided with the advisories from the US NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

The Ministry of Social Security established scores of shelters, primarily in the eastern parishes, and their permanent secretary, Colette Roberts Risden had the information at her fingertips. News footage revealed that bedding and food supplies had been put in place. After the storm changed course, there were the usual criticisms and it has become wearying that a matter of natural circumstances could be so politicized. However, we are not entering into that fray.  We prefer to ask, why can’t we apply this fast-moving result-oriented template to our crime fighting issues?

Not even Hurricane Matthew could stem the death-toll from crime in the parish of St. James, and this has raised some serious questions. Why can’t we have this same level of engagement and openness about crime fighting?  The ODPEM Parish Representatives who did such a brilliant job, could be recruited by the Police Neighbourhood Watch Programme to help co-ordinate activities. The media could share information and advisories, and church groups could offer counselling and mediation. Then together we can fight this raging hurricane of violence that has been buffeting Jamaica for the past thirty-six years.

I remember a newcomer to politics recounting to me an incident where the person’s political meeting was shot up and there was credible information that it was done by political thugs.  However, news reports ascribed the incident to gang warfare.  Should this be a warning to Jamaica as we head towards the Local Government elections?  Indications are that it is going to be a very hard-fought battle. When it comes to political violence, neither of our political parties have a squeaky-clean reputation.

The best allies that we have for a peaceful Jamaica are the media.  Gone are the days when because they were so few, the thugs would threaten our reporters if they dared to delve too deep.  Our media workers are members of a strong international body of reporters, many of whom have faced great danger in defending what is right and just.  Those reporters could support our cause for a peaceful and more open society. Because this is such a closed society, let us invite our overseas media colleagues to join us in affirming the positive leaders in our midst, and exposing the negative one.

Lessons from Columbia’s Nobel Laureate

A wonderful example of courageous leadership is Juan Manuel Santos, the President of Columbia who was announced last week as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2016. In his quest to end fifty-year long Civil War with FARC guerrillas, which took over 200,000 lives, he was finally able to bring their leader to the table to sign a historic Peace Deal on September 26.

In spite of a shocking vote by the people of Columbia last week to reject that Peace Deal, the Nobel Committee recognised Mr. Santos’ notable accomplishment.  He has pledged to continue working for peace. These strides have contributed to his country’s economic growth in recent years. 

Crime and our Economy

We in Jamaica should know that investors of means do serious due diligence before they put their millions into a country.  This high hurdle of crime could be overcome if all our leaders from both sides of the House resolve to end any alliance, direct or indirect, with criminal elements.

The communication recently circulated by the Economic Growth Council led by Michael Lee-Chin is heartening.  One of the eight recommendations made by the EGC is to improve citizen security. Their document states: “Improving citizen security is the most consequential growth-inducing reform that Jamaica can undertake. Jamaicans need to experience dramatically improved levels of security and feelings of personal safety. However, it requires a comprehensive approach encompassing judicial and police reform, while also addressing entrenched problems of social exclusion among other measures. Piecemeal, kneejerk responses that lack depth and perspective are unlikely to improve outcomes.”

Special Needs inspiration - as we gear for #DigiNight5K

Dane Richardson and yours truly of Digicel Jamaica Foundation with successful Down Syndrome students. Drummer Zane Ramikie is at right.

Trevor Ramikie and his son Zane are a dynamic drumming duo.  Trevor watched admiringly as his teenage son matched his quick rhythm at the Tropical Elegance location on Cunningham Avenue recently.  Trevor had every reason to be proud.  His son Zane was born with Down Syndrome and with the love and care of his family, father Trevor and mother Patricia Clarke-Ramikie, Zane is a happy and intelligent young man.

We were in the fine company of a group of dedicated volunteers who support the Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation.  The Founding Director and Chairman, Dr. Charmaine Scott has built an organization which is the reason that the parents of Down Syndrome children and their children can become active and productive individuals.  We certainly saw this in the lively presentations of little Andrea Chambers and Dimirio Humphrey.  The Chairman of their Fund Raising Committee, Ms. Ivy Scott, has been relentless in obtaining funding so that parents of Down Syndrome children can travel and meet and share information on social media.

Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation and friends. Patron Hon. Marigold Harding is 2nd left and Founder-Chairman Dr Charmaine Scott 2nd right.

Patron Marigold Harding confessed that she has a special love for the Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation, because of the dedication that fuels their work.  Board directors are Dr Charmaine Scott (Founder), Judith Richards and Christopher Lai, while Honorary Directors are Charles Jones, Dennise Williams, Pauline Lovindeer and Jennifer Anglin.

Dennise Williams, the popular Financial and Business journalist recalled that the Down Syndrome Foundation represented hope for her when four years ago, her infant son Bertram was diagnosed with the condition.  She said that as soon as she learned this, she “went on Google” and there discovered the Down Syndrome Facebook page with a phone number.  One of the most important things when faced with such a situation, she noted, is awareness. Through the Foundation she became connected with other parents benefiting from the counselling and mentoring offered.  The Foundation now has 500 members, 85% of whom do not live in the corporate area. 

The Digicel Imagine Night 5K Walk/Run to be held on Saturday 22 October will support nine special needs organizations including the Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation.  One of the parents pointed out that to properly support the education of a Down Syndrome child, it requires 40 hours per week of therapy – speech, occupational therapy etc, which cost $1.4M per annum and she was very grateful to the Digicel Foundation.

The Digicel Foundation will this year complete ten (10) Special Needs Centres throughout Jamaica promoting accessibility to well-equipped educational facilities.  This emphasis on Special Needs has heralded a new level of awareness and respect for persons who through no fault of their own, have huge challenges which should attract our willing support.  It is encouraging that since our Special Olympians led by the indefatigable Lorna Bell, brought so much glory to Jamaica, our special needs communities are getting well-deserved headlines.

Food For The Poor Appeals for Local Donations to Assist Haiti 🇭🇹 Following Hurricane Matthew

News Release from Food for the Poor
Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St. Catherine  www.foodforthepoorja.org

October 5, 2016, Spanish Town, St. Catherine:  In an effort to help the thousands of Haitians who were left devastated by the fury of Hurricane Matthew on Tuesday, charity organization, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica is making a local appeal for Jamaicans to assist. 

According to a report from the United Nations, "the destruction wrought by Hurricane Matthew has affected 350,000 Haitians and left the country facing its 'largest humanitarian event' since the devastating earthquake six years ago." 

The Charity has advised that cash donations are the best way to help so persons can donate at:
www.foodforthepoor.org/hurricane using PayPal or
Directly to NCB St. Jago Branch Account # 471043885 or
Make cheques payable to Food For The Poor and drop off at our Head Office in Spanish Town.  Indicate "Haiti Relief" on the cheques. 

For those who would rather donate goods, the Charity is also facilitating and accepting the drop off of ONLY canned/non-perishable food items such as canned meats, canned fish, and canned milk.   

The locations for drop offs are as follows:

FFP's office/warehouse at Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St.  Catherine
RJR Communications Group
Stella Maris Catholic Church (8:30 – 4:30 Mondays to Fridays)
Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (8:30 – 4:30 Mondays to Fridays)
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay, 1 Fort Street, Montego Bay
Bishop Boyle's Outreach & Resource Centre, 66 Caledonia Road, Mandeville
The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited

You may also donate through purchases made at the following supermarkets

All Shoppers Fair Supermarkets
All Super Shoppers Fair Supermarkets
All Hi-Lo Food Stores
D & Y Supermarket (Savanna-la-Mar)
All Progressive Foods Stores
SuperValu Supermarket
All Brooklyn Supermarkets
John R. Wong Supermarket
JR's Bargain World (Linstead & May Pen)
Loshusan Supermarket

For further information, please contact 876-564-2444 (DIGICEL) OR 876-486-3002 (FLOW)
-END-

“We belong to each other”

Observer column for MON 26 September 2016

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Rev Dr Margaret Fowler

While she served as the Pastor for the United Church in Negril, Rev Dr Margaret Fowler was asked to participate in the Theodora Project which fights human trafficking.  As a guest at a top restaurant, she saw a middle-aged man arrive with two young girls, one about 10-years-old, the other about 12.  She noticed that he ordered alcoholic drinks for them and decided to probe further.  She was able to get his name, and sure enough, investigations led to his arrest for human trafficking.  If, as we say, we are tired of the crime and violence in our country, we need to be as dedicated as Dr Fowler. 

Dr. Marilyn Lacey

We heard this account at a Panel discussion last week at the UWI Library, where the keynote speaker, Dr. Marilyn Lacey, of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, spoke about her work with refugees in South Sudan.  The founder of the Mercy Beyond Borders organisation, showed us the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by a journalist named James Carter of an emaciated young boy, crawling towards a refugee camp to get food, while a vulture hovered close by, awaiting his death. 

Carter related that he wept when the child died. The photograph won the Pulitzer, but Dr Lacey said that two years later, the journalist took his own life, leaving a note that said, “there is simply too much pain in this world”.

Dr Lacey called us to “radical compassion” that pushes us above and beyond, to resist, to threaten the status quo.  “You can’t shrink from suffering, or protect from pain,” said the clear-eyed missionary. “But you can stand with those who suffer.”

Dr Debbie-Ann Chambers

Sister Hazeline Williams spoke of the work of various religious orders of sisters throughout Jamaica. We noted that great examples are Sister Benedict Chung who was the first person to negotiate a truce between warring gangs in downtown Kingston, Sister Paschal Figueroa who last Saturday celebrated 80 years of service to Jamaica.  Two American sisters also celebrated their 60^th and 50^th anniversaries: Sister Marjorie Woods, retired teacher and Sister Susan Frazer, the heartbeat of the St. John Bosco School and Training Institution in Manchester.

Sister Hazeline Williams

Dr Debbie-Ann Chambers who is in formation to become a Sister of Mercy reminded us of the importance of contemplation to centre oneself to serve. It takes spiritual strength to do the hard work of active compassion.

Father Peter McIsaac related his experiences as Pastor of St. Anne’s Church in West Kingston.  “I had a small strip of dirt between the church and the rectory,” he told us, “and I decided I would plant some zoyza grass. Every morning, I would get up early to water it and meditate.”

Father Peter McIsaac

One morning, a gunman he knew crept up behind him, poked a finger in the priest’s back and shouted, “Boi! Boi! Boi!”  Father Peter thought he was a goner, much to the amusement of the man.  After he collected his wits, Father asked the man, “What do you think about my planting this grass?”  The man paused, and said deliberately, “I think that is very important.”

Extensive research has shown that people respond positively to order and beauty around them. In our Jamaica, where the bougainvillea blooms even brighter in drought, and there are over 200 parish councillors, we have no excuse for the neglect of environment.

A plea from Dr Lucien Jones
Dr Lucien Jones, an Elder at the St. Andrew Parish Church, keeps us centred with his Internet Ministry.  As he contemplated the killings of Black men in America the murders in Montego Bay, scamming, and human trafficking, he quoted the prophet Jeremiah: "Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all, they do not even know how to blush". Jeremiah 6:12.

Dr Lucien Jones

“Charlotte is a metaphor for the pain black folks feel for the years of brutality meted out to them by racist elements in the police force,” he says, “some of whom don't even know how to blush at their wickedness.”
In commenting on the alarming murder rate in Montego Bay, he notes, “Young, rich, and heartless scammers in Montego Bay … A behavior born out of a culture of wanton criminality which has been allowed to fester, if not aided and abetted by powerful forces, for far too long in my once tranquil and beautiful country. Now populated by far too many ‘dog hearted’ gunmen, who do not even know how to blush.”
Dr Jones wants us to be ashamed of our sins of commission and omission if we want Jamaica to be healed: “For only when we are fully 'convicted of Sin', can we really follow Christ. And help to rid, our country [and the world], with the power of The Living God, of murderous scammers and racists.”

A heartfelt plea was made also by Marlene Malahoo Forte, MP for St James West Central who said that the security forces alone cannot contain the violence, it requires everyone’s participation. This reminded me of Mother (now Saint) Teresa’s words, quoted by Dr Lacey: “If there is no peace in the world, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”