THE unassuming and compassionate Latchmin Jaramillo, affectionately called Ms Chinny, has continued to press for considerable charity to individuals and communities within Jamaica for over a decade. The humble medical care professional living in West Palm Beach, Florida, founded Free Spirit Outreach (FSO) Incorporated in order to bring practical help to those in need.

Since its founding in 2006, FSO, under the leadership of President Reverend Lincoln Lewis, has made several trips to Jamaica with shipments of items for schools, communities, and individuals. The organisation has rallied members of the Florida diaspora and other groups to come together for the cause of giving back to the island. Ms Chinny and the FSO team have also extended the reach of FSO and offers scholarships to tertiary students studying in Jamaica.

This summer, the organisation returns to Jamaica. Lewis, his deputy Maureen Greene, and the spirited-team, will bring a shipment of computers and other items for special distribution. The team of approximately eight intend to focus their efforts on Junction, St Elizabeth, on July 1, executing a health fair, a community giveaway programme, and the awarding of a scholarship.

Latchmin and the team have also initiated the launch of a local arm of the organisation, which will allow for more regular execution of events in Jamaica.

“It is a marvellous opportunity to be able to give back to those in need and to serve the people of the land we love,” the team said. “We will also be awarding a worthy recipient our Janice Neita Scholarship for study at Bethlehem Teacher’s College. Another student studying at The University of the West Indies will also be awarded the Latchmin Jaramillo Scholarship.”

The team will also be making donations of computers to two schools, and provide several items to facilitate a smooth 2023-2024 school year.

See www.freespiritoutreach.org or e-mail info@fsocharity.org for more details.