AS far as the unsuspecting students of Clapham Community Basic School in Moneague, St Ann, knew when school dismissed on Friday, February 9, 2024, it was going to be another routine weekend in the usually quiet rural township.

Meanwhile, 30 crew members of the visiting His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS)Margaret B rooke, berthed imposingly in the Port of Ocho Rios, were making their way to Clapham to join with 19 excited members of Sandals Foundation for what would be an eventful weekend.

On Monday, as the school gates swung open, the immediate impact of the weekend activities was felt in the delightful shrieks of students and parents who were met by a refreshed playground and freshly painted buildings, thanks to the visitors.

The ship’s crew members were in Ocho Rios to engage in bilateral and defense partnership events, part of Operation Caribbe, which included spending half-day creating a brighter and happier space at Clapham Basic. They painted the entire perimeter of the building, refreshed the playground equipment, and made other minor improvements in a joint endeavour with Sandals Foundation.

The makeover project, which also included a generous donation of school supplies and essential food items, put the school on track to receive the coveted certification from Early Childhood Commission (ECC) as Regional Supervisor Brandi Aarons and her team were on-site to provide guidance and support, recognising the school’s pivotal role in serving the needs of over 25 students, ages two to six, in the remote district.

At the end of the project, HMCS Commanding Officer Nicole Robichaud commented: “A significant aspect of our mission is community outreach… Whenever we dock in a port we seize the opportunity to forge meaningful connections and extend support. My crew relishes the chance to step off the ship to interact with and be of service to the community.”

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Emina Tudakovic commended the joint effort, expressing gratitude to executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart and Sandals Foundation for their support.

“This marks the high commission’s first standalone project of this nature, and we are delighted with the support received and the positive impact it will have on the students and community. Collaborative endeavours like these not only enrich educational opportunities but also strengthen the bonds of solidarity between Canada and Jamaica,” she said.

Sandals Foundation volunteers, led by Sandals Dunn’s River General Manager Deryk Meany, contributed paint and painting supplies, and actively participated alongside the Canadian crew members.

“This initiative is part of the foundation’s broader commitment to community outreach. We take great pride in making a meaningful difference in the communities where our employees and resorts are situated so this project aligns seamlessly with our mission,” Meany noted.

Clapham School Chairman Stephen Kelly was effusive in his praise of the crew members and Sandals Foundation for their support, saying: “It brings me immense joy to witness the dedication shown towards improving our grounds. Despite being a small community school the generosity we have received reaffirms that size is no barrier to accessing significant support. I am confident that both our students and the wider community will share in this sentiment.”