Sagicor Foundation donates millions to Jamaica Association for the Deaf

Sagicor Foundation has donated $4 million to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD) Herbert Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund, in honour of Hall, who served the JAD for more than 50 years.

Hall, who passed earlier this year, is known as a stalwart in the insurance industry and was a co-founder of Life of Jamaica, which later transitioned to Sagicor.

The foundation has committed to another million.

Sagicor Foundation chairman, R Danny Williams, and president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, Christopher Zacca, on Wednesday made a symbolic cheque presentation to JAD's executive director, Dr Iris Soutar, and chairman Christopher Williams at the JAD's office located in Papine, St Andrew.

"The Jamaica Association for the Deaf has served the deaf and hard of hearing community in Jamaica, unreservedly well, for almost 80 years, and this scholarship fund in memory of Herbert, will assist many underprivileged children who are unable to fund their education", said Williams.

He also served as chairman of JAD in the 1960s and has one of the schools for the deaf named in his honour.

a sound education

Christopher Williams thanked Sagicor Foundation for being the first partner to come on board in contributing to the scholarship fund, noting how important education was to Hall.

"He dedicated half a century to the JAD and he was passionate about helping those affected by hearing loss to have access to a sound education", Williams said.

Zacca added: "Sagicor Foundation's contribution to the JAD will positively impact so many Jamaicans who are affected by hearing loss, and I am pleased that we can play our part in helping the association to help so many who are in need."

The JAD currently operates eight educational facilities in partnership with the Ministry of Education, as well as social support services for workforce integration, advocating for full inclusion of the deaf and hard of hearing persons in mainstream society.