Jamaica still making us proud
Last week brought strong reminders that there are countless Jamaicans achieving excellence, quietly working to uplift others, particularly in the field of education and special needs. We need to get into the habit of recognising them.
First, I visited Tivoli Gardens High School — its entrance transformed, grounds immaculate, science lab renovated, cafeteria upgraded, and 400 students enjoying the use of new tablets. As I spoke with its dynamic headmaster, Alrick Durrant, I realised that he had put his whole being into the transformation of the school over the past three-and-a-half years. A master of his profession, Durrant explained that some of his teachers had been out at a seminar, and so he was doing substitute teaching in several subjects. The dignified principal maintains that heads of schools should be out and about among teachers and students. He spoke of the enthusiasm and respectful nature of his charges, which was evident at every turn, as we were politely greeted.
The school’s recent renovation is a personal ‘thank you’ gift from Catherine and Denis O’Brien, founder and chairman of Digicel, to the people of Jamaica, where their company was launched. They have funded extensive renovation also at the Maud McLeod High School in Westmoreland and St Michael’s Primary in central Kingston.
Dedicated teachers
As Josefa Gauthier toured schools in Kingston, St Mary and Portland, she was impressed by the dedication of our Jamaican teachers and parents. At the Stella Maris Foundation, HEART Trust/NTA classes in IT and Spanish were full to capacity. The sewing centre was buzzing and children of some of the students were well cared for at the Norma Chang Nursery. The premises were clean and well-kept, with a planned extension under construction, thanks to the keen work of General Manager Janielle Jackson and her team.
We enjoyed the laughter of the adorable children at Annotto Bay Primary School, where we were greeted by Principal Paulette McLennon. An education enrichment centre, jointly sponsored by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Digicel Foundation, had reaped excellent results, she reported. The centre was beautifully decorated with colourful graphics and motivational quotes, demonstrating the interest of teachers like Sophia Hamilton who are going the extra mile for their beloved students.
Portland centre for
We are always overwhelmed by the well-equipped Mickhail Betancourt Centre of Excellence in Orange Bay, Portland, named in memory of Digicel’s young IT staffer who passed away two years ago. A handsome portrait of Mickhail in the foyer of the building watches over the parents (including several fathers), with special needs children on their laps, waiting to be assessed by representatives of the Early Childhood Stimulation Programme (ESP), a division of the Ministry of Labour and Social Services.
Labour Minister Shahine Robinson has been a staunch supporter of ESP, and the head of the programme Antonica Gunter-Gayle crackles with energy as she takes us from room to room where the children are lovingly taught and nurtured by attentive teachers.
Principal Wilks notes that the centre serves communities in both Portland and St Mary. “The parents sometimes spend $1,000 daily, using three taxis, to get here,” she says. “These parents really want the best for their children and make many sacrifices for them.”
Gunter-Gayle says that ESP has been able to provide more islandwide services to Jamaica’s special needs community, and she has seen dramatic improvement in the children served in the programme. “With early diagnosis and focused programmes many of these children will be able to become independent and productive citizens,” she declared.
Lady Allen receives
Another high point of hope last week was a tour with my colleague, trailblazer and former Haiti Government Minister Josefa Gauthier, chair of Digicel Haiti Foundation (I chair the Digicel Jamaica Foundation). We made a courtesy call on Lady Allen, wife of Governor General Sir Patrick. Lady Allen, an accomplished nurse educator in her own right, shared her thoughts on Haiti’s brave history and the continued struggles of her people.
Lady Allen noted that when she taught at West Indies College (now Northern Caribbean University), which had some 30 Haitian nurses, and so she developed an interest in the country and its people. She said she was deeply saddened at the devastating earthquake and admired the resolve to the Haitian people to rebuild their country.
“She is so knowledgeable. What a beautiful and caring lady,” noted Josefa, as she recalled Lady Allen’s conversation, indicating her involvement in several health and education programmes.
We were guided on a tour of King’s House by Maxine Francis and Anya Edwards. We learnt it had been rebuilt after the 1907 earthquake, and Josefa remarked on the similarity of the architecture with Haiti’s presidential palace which was destroyed in the earthquake. She was impressed to learn that Their Excellencies grow most of their own food right there in the beautiful gardens at King’s House and they are vegetarians.
A lovely surprise for me was the King’s House Museum, curated by my long-time media colleague Joy Scott. We saw treasures from the days of Queen Victoria to the present and were enthralled by Joy’s well-researched narrative.
A thought: Photographs and reproductions of those pieces for stationery and souvenir items could raise good funds to expand the museum.
Thank you, Colm Delves!
Two years after its launch in Jamaica, in 2001, Colm Delves was appointed head of the Digicel Group and presided over a US$5-billion expansion of the company across 31 markets. He lived in Jamaica for 12 of the 14 years at the company, and with his wife Paula and daughter Hannah were embraced by a large Jamaican circle of friends. We loved that Colm, a musician in his own right, became a fan of our rhythms, naming the Third World band his favourite. Hannah attended a local school and still serves as a young ambassador for Mustard Seed Communities.
Colm Delves was that calm centre of the Digicel dynamic. It was a privilege to experience his inspiring leadership; never drawing attention to his achievements because he was too busy congratulating his colleagues for theirs. Despite his incredible schedule, he somehow made time for everyone and was unstinting in his guidance and mentorship. It is reassuring that although Colm will be demitting the post of CEO, the Digicel Group Board will still be able to benefit from his vast experience. Best wishes to the wonderful Delves family.
lowriechin@aim.com
www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com