ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

May 25, 2023

Photo

Oneil Grant

St Mary’s in partnership with Hope Zoo fêted the top performing grades five and six students of Maxfield Park Primary School on May 15, to a day of mindful fun, surrounded by the menagerie of birds, fish and other wildlife at the Zoo. Here, Deandra Sanchez (left) feeds Sammy, an African tortoise, under the watchful eye of Joseph ‘Joey’ Brown (right), general curator at Hope Zoo, and Neleta White (centre), commercial manager at JP Farms.

Grant bids farewell as JCSA head

Oneil Grant has described the end of his tenure as president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) as "a bittersweet moment".

Grant, who headed the public sector union for 12 years, decided not to seek re-election for the post

"It is sweet because the JCSA continues to transform and grow and despite all the challenges we are faced with right now, we have built an institution that we all can be proud of.

"It is bitter for me because I am walking away from something that I love and would have seen it transformed to what it is today."

Grant, having been on secondment for the past 12 years, returns to the Ministry of Agriculture. He said that he looks forward to "resuming my career as a civil servant in whatever capacity the government sees fit".

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St James cops adopt basic school in Salt Spring

A healthy relationship is flourishing between the police and young residents of a tough St James community, where law-enforcement officers have adopted the Hartfield Basic School.

The partnership is not only about maintaining law and order, but about nourishing minds and shaping futures. Schooldays at the Salt Spring-based institution begin with a warm meal for the students, courtesy of the police division's breakfast programme.

On Labour Day, the St James police officers joined hands with parents and school staff, dedicating their time and resources to give the school a much-needed facelift.

"It's inspiring to witness the transformation of our school and the students' perception of the police," said principal Carlene Miller.

"This partnership allows the children to view officers in a new light, fostering an atmosphere of respect and trust."

Miller believes that the positive experiences are a testament to the police's role in building a stronger community, dispelling negative perceptions, and promoting a cooperative spirit. She expressed hope that this model of police-community partnership will serve as an example for other communities across Jamaica.

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MoBay bats for Sharpe lessons

Mayor of Montego Bay Leeroy Williams is calling for Jamaicans to be taught about National Hero Sam Sharpe.

Williams said that the life and works of the freedom fighter, affectionately known as Daddy Sharpe, should be incorporated in the school curriculum.

"The time has come for more focus to be placed on the work and worth of this great Jamaican," the mayor said.

Labour Day 2023 marked the 191st anniversary of the national hero's hanging in Montego Bay, St James, for the role he played in the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, which was instrumental in ending slavery in the British West Indies.

The place where Sharpe was hanged has since been named in his honour.

"It is my distinct hope that soon and very soon literature will encapsulate the work of Sam Sharpe and will become part of our education system. This will allow our students from an early age to appreciate what Daddy Sharpe did in winning freedom and liberation for Jamaicans," Williams said.

The mayor called on the education ministry to "take the necessary steps" to include the teachings of Sam Sharpe in aspects of the school curriculum.

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Grace Foods treats Westmoreland school

The students and staff at Hatfield Early Childhood Institution in Westmoreland were in for a treat last Thursday, May 18, when GraceKennedy team members visited the school bearing gifts.

Principal Morfia Patten expressed her gratitude for the donation of food items from Grace Foods.

"It was a very good day; the children enjoyed the interaction and the company. The team from Grace was very friendly and supportive, and we truly appreciate the donation. Not only will it go a long way in providing meals for the students, but the limited funds we have can go towards other needs," said Patten.

She shared that many times, students attend school without meals, which hinders them from being fully active and present in the moment.

"We often have to find meals for students, and this boost from Grace Foods will certainly help our students to be have a nutritious meal, and be more focused in the classroom," she added.