“Only The Best Is Good Enough”
Volume 19 October 2014
Produced by: Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA)
Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased)
New Market P.O., Saint Elizabeth
Jamaica, West Indies
E-mail: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com
Officers: Glenis Daley, President
Victor Smith, Vice President
Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer, Newsletter Editor/Producer
Ann Hamilton, Assistant Secretary
REFLECTION ON BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL ALUMNI THAT HAVE PASSED ON
In keeping with the decision of Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) to support a paperless friendly environment and go green, effective from Volume 16 of its newsletter, the Association will no longer list in its newsletter the names of Beersheba Primary School Alumni that have passed on.
All Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers, and all our other readers who are accustomed to see the names of those that have passed on listed in its newsletter, are asked to visit BOSA website: bosaonline.org where information is listed in full details and it will be updated periodically.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to express its sincere condolence to all family members and relatives of the deceased as they continue to grieve and mourn the loss of their love ones. May the memories of these bereaved love ones continue to linger in our heart and subliminal consciousness. Sunset in one land is sunrise in another.
DECISION TAKEN BY THE SCHOOL BOARD AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) AND THE MANAGING COMMITTEE FOR JAMES RICHARDS EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND RE SHANISA JONES, NOW GRADE 10 C STUDENT AT SAINT ELIZABETH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL (STETHS)
BOSA comments on the above subject matter remains the same as they were written on page 1 of 12 and 2 of 12 in Volume 14 July 2013 of its Newsletter.
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers, and all readers of this newsletter are urged to visit BOSA website: bosaonline.org to view and read new articles posted on the website that will give them additional information with respect to this outstanding, contentious matter unresolved.
PROGRESS REPORT ON SHANISA JONES, TANHOI GUTHRIE, NICKAYLA STEVENS, AND DAMANIKE SMITH
Shanisa Jones, grade 11 student, at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) who sat eight (8) subjects in the CXC Examination, passed all eight (8) subjects as follows: 5 subjects with 2’s and 3 subjects with 1’s (including one with distinction). Shanisa has returned to Saint Elizabeth Technical High School.
(STETHS) as a Six Form Students where she will pursue studies that will enable her to sit CAPE Examination. Shanisa plans to pursue Medicine as her choice of career. Notwithstanding the unconscionable tyrannically oligarchy ruled Administration at Beersheba Primary School (new Trustee) for James Richards Educational Trust Fund has consistently denied Shanisa benefit as a qualified beneficiary of the Trust Fund from she was grade 7 student in September 2009, with assistance and mentoring from Beersheba Old Students Association, Shanisa has not ceased to excel academically.
Tanhoi Guthrie, grade 11student, Nickayla Stephens, grade 10 student, and Damanike Smith, grade 10 student who currently attend Hampton School and Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Malvern and Santa Cruz, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies respectively, continue to maintain satisfactory academic performance.
BOSA INVALUABLE HONORARY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND WELL-WISHERS
Cognizant of how invaluable Honorary Members, Friends, and Well-wishers are to Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association with importunity, continues his relentless search through the use of social net work websites and Information Technology (IT) to build BOSA database so as to add Honorary Members, Friends, and Well-wishers who are invaluable to the work that BOSA is doing in the interest and welfare of students at Beersheba Primary School.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record and express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Hartley Cawley of Cawley’s Pharmacy, High Street, Black River, Saint Elizabeth for his continued invaluable support that he has been giving to the Association.
BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) ALUMNI WHO CONTINUE TO HAVE A CARING HEART TOWARDS STUDENTS WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL AS WELL AS THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE SCHOOL
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sheila & Winston Hamilton, Nora “Kitty Teacher” Lawrence, Kenneth Smith, Viola Cain-Hall, RN, Gloria Smith-Meredith, BSC, Roy Holness, Neville Jones and other Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni who have requested that they remain anonymous, for their generous sacrificial financial contribution that are utilized by the Association as a safety net to assist students who are in need to further their education.
NEED FOR GSAT STUDENTS GRADUATING BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL TO BE COMPUTER LITERATE
Against the backdrop of information given on page 2 of 10 Volume 15 October 2013 under the above heading, and in light of recent announcements made by the Ministry of Education with respect to the introduction and provision of Computer Tablets to each student at the Primary Level, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) met with the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) on December 4, 2013 to discuss the way forward regarding this matter.
Decision taken at this meeting at which four (4) additional items that were used as terms of reference for this meeting, is that the Administration at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) will take appropriate action to contact Stephen Curran, Network Design Director at Digicel Group, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies regarding his interest that he has indicated to Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) to provide Wireless Broadband Internet Service to the school notwithstanding the fact that his knowledge of the terrain in the area could be challenging to provide service to the school.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has not received any information from the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) with respect to the outcome of the contact that the Board is expected to make with Stephen Curran, Network Design Director at Digicel Group.
MORE JAMAICAN PROVERBS
On page 8 of Volume 2 of BOSA Newsletter under the heading: JAMAICAN PROVERBS THAT OUR ANCESTORS TAUGHT US, we defined a proverb (which comes from the Latin word proverbium) in any
language – including Jamaican Patois – as a simple and concrete saying that is popularly known and repeated and expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experiences of humanity.
In addition to two hundred and seventeen (217) Jamaican Proverbs that were published in Volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Association’s Newsletters, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to list the following thirteen (13) additional Jamaican Proverbs for the information and consideration of all Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, and Well-wishers and other readers of its newsletter in Jamaica and the Diaspora:
Wha a fe you can’t be un fe you
If you socks hab holes, you shoes nah talk
Whey eye no see heart no lep
Beggars are not choosers
So me buy it so me sell it
Money no grow pon tree
Once a man twice a child
When dog foot bruck im find im yard
Bruck calabash bring new one
Wha don’t ketch you yet don’t pass you
Me neba born when me mada gone a market
Trouble deh a bush, Anancy carry come a yard
No throw weh you stick till you cross de riber
ERECTION OF UNPAINTED PLY-BOARD PARTITION IN THE MAIN AUDITORIUM AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL
In the pursuance of comments listed on page 9 of 14 of Volume 7 of BOSA Newsletter regarding the above subject matter, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that as a result of pussy-footing by Ministry of Education Technocrats Errol Golding, Director of Technical Services, Courtney Hamilton, Regional Building Officer, Bertram Brooks, Area Building Supervisor, and Collin Blair, Director of Communications, the issue remains unresolved and inimical to all Stakeholders in the Beersheba Primary School Community. notwithstanding the assurance given by the Board of Governors Beersheba Primary School which met at a meeting that was chaired by Mrs. Nadine Leachman, Regional Director, Region 5, Ministry of Education that the Board would handle and resolve the matter, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that this outstanding matter remains unresolved.
BI-MONTHLY MEETINGS OF BOSA
Arising from two occurrences when Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) was unable to gain access to the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) – although the Association sought written permission from Mrs. Tatlin Smith-Williams and Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Principal of the School and Chairman of the School Board respectively to hold its meeting – the Association was forced to seek permission from the Pastor, Beersheba Moravian Church to hold its bi-monthly general meeting on November 13, 2013 in the church.
In accordance with the unanimous decision that was taken at the meeting that was held on November 13, 2013, written permission has been sought from The Salvation Army Carr Corp to hold bi-monthly general meetings of the Association in the church hall effective Friday, January 10, 2014 commencing at 4 PM.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record, its profound gratitude to James “Dick” Richards (1872 – 1965) Beersheba Elementary Moravian Church School Alumnus, for his insight and philanthropy in donating money to purchase land and to erect the first wooden building that housed the Salvation Army Carr Corp where the new concrete building is located. The Association also wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Envoy Glenis Smith and other officers of the church for willingly granting permission for BOSA to hold its bi-monthly general meeting in the church hall.
FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH BOSA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
BOSA Members, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers, and other Beersheba Primary School Old Students who have not yet heard but who through the help of other Old Students, and this News Letter, will be made aware of BOSA existence and the work that the Association has been doing in the interest and welfare of students at Beersheba
Primary School, are urged to make Checks/Cheques/Money Orders for their generous financial contribution to BOSA Scholarship Fund payable to BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION and is to be mailed to the Association at 99 Jacaranda Avenue, Flat Rocks Subdivision, Black River P.O., Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies. Another most cost effective method for persons named herein to send their generous financial contribution to the association is to use MONEYGRAM MONEY TRANSFER which should be sent to the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association at the Association’s indicated herein. The name and mailing or e-mail address of the Sender, and Reference/Control Number, amount that will be sent of the money that will be transferred should be called in to the Secretary/Treasurer at telephone numbers: 1-876-634-2410, 1-876-919-0456, 1-876-297-1515 or e-mailed to the Association’s e-mail address: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com All donations received will be promptly acknowledged in writing on BOSA official letter head.
Persons living in Jamaica, West Indies may deposit their generous financial contribution to BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION Savings Account No. 4410317200298396 at any Branch of RBC Bank Jamaica Limited and advise the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association when this has been done so that such contributions may be promptly acknowledged in writing. Likewise, persons who reside outside of Jamaica in London, England, may wire their generous financial contribution to the Secretary Treasurer.
MEET THE ACHIEVERS AND TRAILBLAZERS
No profile has been received from any Beersheba primary School (Government Leased) Alumnus/Alumna; consequently, there is nothing to report under this heading in this newsletter.
Editor’s Note: If Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora would like to see themselves being featured under this heading, Alumni who have not yet responded to appeals made in BOSA Newsletters to send the Editor/Producer their curriculum vitae, academic, and communal profile as an attachment to the Association’s e-mail address: beershebaoldstudentsassn.@gmail.com as soon as possible so that they can be published in Volume 18 as well ads future Volumes of the Newsletter..
RESOLUTION TO RENAME BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL JAMES RICHARDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
As a result of the above subject matter being thoroughly discussed with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in a meeting that was held at the Ministry’s Head Office in Kingston, Jamaica west Indies on March 13, 2013, and the matter being given full support by the Saint Elizabeth Parish Council, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is hopeful that with the full backing of the entities named herein, the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) will acquiesce to meet with BOSA so that in the same way that Bob Marley Foundation has succeeded in getting cabinet approval for Hon. Robert “Bob” Nester Marley alma mater to be named after him, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) will also get Cabinet approval to rename James Richards alma mater, Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) after him.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that this subject matter was discussed at the meeting that was held in the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) between the School Board Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) and the Association on December 4, 2013. The Chairman of the School Board Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour – a Moravian and member of the decision making body in the Moravian Church pertaining to educational matters – informed the meeting that notwithstanding consensus reached by stakeholders in Beersheba School Community that the school should be renamed, the decision of the Moravian Church in Jamaica which she will communicate to the Association in writing is that the name of the school will not be changed despite philanthropic contributions that James “Dick” Richards, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Philanthropist, Icon, and Legend has made to the school.
The big issue that will have to be resolved by Cabinet or the Courts in the Government of Jamaica is whether or not the Moravian Church as a Protestant Denomination has the inalienable right to ignore the voice of the majority of stakeholders in Beersheba School Community and in so doing, deny the greatest good to the greatest number.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to report that up to the date and time of Volume 17 of BOSA Newsletter being published, the Association has not received any written response from the Moravian Church in Jamaica as promised by Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Chairman Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) stating that the name of the school will not be changed despite philanthropic contributions that James “Dick” Richards have made to his alma mater.
MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL, NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH, JAMAICA, WEST INDIES
The National Council on Education (NCE) has published the names of the following persons whom the Honourable Minister of Education has appointed to serve on the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government School), New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies:
Chairman: Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour
Principal: Mrs. Tatlin Smith-Williams
Academic Member: Mrs. Naomi Foster-Brooks
PTA Member: Nickesha Lawrence
Community Member: Mr. Valdes Hamilton
Member 1: Mrs. Karen Walker
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS THAT ARE WORTHWHILE PONDERING
“One’s success does not depend on one’s situation.”
“A viable seed will germinate in any soil in which it is planted.”
– Mr. Amorkard Brown, BSC in Botany and Zoology, UWI Mona, Past Student New Roads All Age School, Lewisville High School, Black River High School, Recipient of the Prime Minister of Jamaica Youth Award. Mr. Brown made his comments as Keynote Speaker at the School Leaving Exercise at New Roads All Age School, Westmoreland, Jamaica West Indies on July 3, 2014.
“If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”
“With confidence, you have won before you started.”
“A people without knowledge of their culture are like a tree without root.”
Hon. Marcus Mosias Garvey, First Jamaican National Hero
BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (BOSA) HOME-COMING AND STUDENTS REUNION
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has not received any feedback, comment, and/or suggestion since the above subject matter was promulgated and thoroughly discussed in Volume 13 page 12 of 12 in its Newsletter, April 2013.
VISIT TO JAMAICA OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR AND ALDERMAN AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY OF HAMILTON BERMUDA
Councillor Donal Smith, Deputy Mayor and Alderman and six (6) other representatives from the City of Hamilton, Bermuda, visited the island of Jamaica West Indies at the invitation of His Worship the Mayor of Black River and Chairman Saint Elizabeth Parish Council Councillor Everton Fisher.
Highlights from the visit of the Deputy Mayor and Alderman and other representatives from the City of Hamilton, Bermuda to the parish of Saint Elizabeth are as follows:
Attendance and participation in a cultural presentation that was done at Beersheba Primary School on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. Activities in the cultural presentation package consisted of a mento band, congo drumming and dancing, maypole dancing, “bruckings” dancing, indigenous Jamaican foods, displays of craft and artworks from cottage industries in the community and artifacts, memorabilia and writings about James “Dick” Richards (1872-1965) that Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) collected in Bermuda during his visit to the island September 17-23, 2012.
Keynote Address that was delivered at the Launching and signing of the book: FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA that was held at the Saint Elizabeth Parish Library, High Street, Black River on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. The book that is written by Vincent Samuels, is about the life and person of James “Dick” Richards. Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Free Mason, Philanthropist and Icon who freed himself from the shackles of poverty in the impoverished peasant farming Carr District, New market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies where he was born. At age 15 years, James “Dick” Richards walked 115 miles from his birthplace to Kingston, the capital city in Jamaica West Indies in search of employment after he lost his parents at an early age and he had no one to care for him.
Attendance and participation in BLACK RIVER DAY that was held on Thursday, July 31, 2014 including a live interview of the Deputy Mayor and Alderman on Hot 102 FM Radio.
Visit to Carr District, birthplace of James “Dick” Richards on Saturday, August 2, 2014.
THE ELESA HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP THAT WAS ANNOUNCED A THE MEETING OF BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL (GOVERNMENT LEASED) PTA THAT WAS HELD AT THE SCHOOL ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to inform its readers, that none of the sixteen students at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) who sat the Ministry of Education Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in 2013 met the criteria that would qualify them to benefit from The Elesa Hamilton Scholarship.
Parents and other Stakeholders are urged to take active interest in the welfare of students who attend Beersheba Primary School so as to ensure that they will be able to meet and satisfy the criteria set by the
Hamilton Family that manages and makes disbursements from the Scholarship Fund to qualified beneficiaries.
ANNUAL BOSA BACK TO SCHOOL STUDENTS DINNER
The Annual Beersheba Old students Association (BOSA) Back to School Students Dinner was held at Gold Spoon Restaurant, Intown Plaza, School Street, Black River, saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies on Saturday, August 9, 2014. Twenty three (23) persons consisting of parents, who accompanied their children and two BOSA Members, attend the dinner.
The Secretary/ Treasurer BOSA handed each person who attended the dinner, a copy of important facts that he wrote about The Historic Town of Black River and he acted as Tour Guide and he took the Parents and their children on a tour of historic sites in the Town of Black River.
Despite the appeal that was made for Beersheba Primary School Alumni in the Diaspora to make their contribution to assist in defraying the cost of the dinner, no response was received.
A REVIEW OF THE BOOK FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA
ARE YOU AN OLDER JAMAICAN?
Dr. Trevor Hamilton, International Management Consultant from Trevor Hamilton Associates and Beersheba Primary School Alumnus write:
“I’ve received a copy of your book FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA. Thanks very much. I spent the first three (3) hours of my day reading through the material and have to confirm the following:
1. Your research has been thorough and credible.
2. The book is very reader friendly.
3. The story is very inspiring and should therefore be read by all youngsters in Saint Elizabeth.
4. I believe the book and its readers could have been more enriched if you included lots of pictures. Congrats on a job done with excellence.”
GREETINGS FROM TWO BENEFICIARIES OF JAMES RICHARDS EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND IN BERMUDA THAT WERE READ AT THE LAUNCHING AND SIGNING OF THE BOOK FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA
Shanisa Jones, grade 11 – now Six Form Student – at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and a qualified beneficiary of James Richards Educational Trust Fund, eloquently read the following greetings on behalf of Mrs. Valerie E. Smith-Pethen, MVO, BAA (Journalism), JP, and Mr. Leslie C. E. Holder, BS, MBA, Ed. D., JP:
I am pleased and truly humbled to have been invited to send greetings on the occasion of the official launch of the book on the life of my benefactor, Mr. James “Dick” Richards. I commend Mr. Vincent Samuels and Beersheba Old Students Association for preserving the legacy of this generous gentleman. Thank you.
Allow me to share my story. The year 1956 was an interesting time in Bermuda. Schools were segregated; education was highly valued among black people who had few opportunities for success without it. Mr. James Richards, a distinguished businessman, who had come to Bermuda from Jamaica, was highly regarded for his benevolence to the black community.
In 1956, I was ready to graduate from the Central School, the largest and most academically successful primary school for black children. There was no free secondary education. All top students island-wide, competed in an examination for the four scholarships awarded by the Bermuda Government to attend the best and most prestigious secondary school for black children, The Berkley Institute. It meant free tuition for four years. I worked hard to win one of the scholarships.
Nothing can describe my deep disappointment on learning that I was not successful. Without a scholarship, my parents could not afford the fees to send me to Berkley Institute or any other secondary school. My mother was not perturbed. She simply said, “When one door closes, it means that God has something better for you.” You see, my mother believed in prayer. At age 11, I’m not sure what I believed in. I simply had a burning passion to excel in school and to achieve something special in my life. I came to learn that through faith, miracles can happen1
I am convinced that the Lord gently nudged Mr. James Richards to bring that miracle to reality. When all seemed lost, to our amazement, my parents were informed that Mr. Richards has given two scholarships to the two top Central School students who passed the entrance examination for Berkley Institute. I was awarded one and Leslie Holder the other. I was elated! It was the first and only time Mr. Richards gave scholarships to Berkley Institute. I shall be forever grateful for his gift.
My next memory: My mother dragging me off to the Canadian Hotel in Hamilton to thank Mr. Richards. We climbed the three flights of stairs to his office. Coached by my mother, I had prepared a little speech which I delivered with much fear and embarrassment. Mr. Richards was gracious, said he was glad he could help deserving children get an education and assured me I would do well. Before we left, my mother said a prayer.
As my mother had said, God had something better for me than the four years Government Scholarship which was withdrawn if recipients did not maintain a high level. The James Richards Scholarship gave Leslie and me five years’ tuition at Berkley Institute, more if we went beyond the School Certificate level.
I completed my studies at Berkley Institute in 1962 with a Cambridge School Certificate, Grade 2, high distinction in English Language, credits and passes in all seven other subjects.
My next visit to Mr. Richards was with Leslie Holder. We were 17 years old. We wanted Mr. Richards to know we had been successful and to thank him for his support. Mr. Richards beamed his pleasure at seeing us. He also thought we had come to ask for help with college. We hadn’t. But he said, if we had come earlier, he could have helped us, but at that time he was engaged in other charitable endeavours. I was sorry we hadn’t asked, because there was no way my parents could send me to college.
In the ensuing years, I started a family, took various jobs, including a reporter for The Royal Gazette, but I never gave up on my dream of earning a University Degree. I was determined that I would not squander Mr. Richards’ benevolence to me. So, at the old age of 31 years, following a divorce, I took my two children to Toronto Canada where I attended Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (now University) for three years. I graduated on June 1, 1979 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree (Journalism). It was the happiest day of my life.
What followed was an amazing 26-year career in the Bermuda Government Department of Communication and Information. I have worked with six (6) Premiers of Bermuda, numerous Cabinet Ministers and other Government Officials, International Dignitaries, Royalty and people from all strata of society. The pinnacle of my career came in 1994, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, awarded me Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) for my role in her successful visit to Bermuda. I was the first woman in Bermuda ever honoured in this way, and am now one of the only seven (7) living Bermudians who hold this prestigious honour, awarded only by the Reigning Monarch. In 2005, I retired from Government but remain active with government and community projects.
Leslie Holder went on to achieve even greater academic success. Leslie says: “I am grateful for James “Dick” Richards Scholarship that enabled me to attend The Berkley Institute. My family would not have been able to afford the school tuition. After graduation from The Berkley Institute, I attended two Christian Colleges – Oakwood College in Alabama and Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts, USA where I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.
For the next 12 years, I worked an Accountant and Treasurer of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bermuda. I spent 2 years in Richmond, Virginia where I earned a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) after which I worked for several years as a Pension Fund Accountant and Assistant Controller at Fidelity International Limited.
I ended my professional career with a 21 year stint at Bermuda College where I was a lecturer in Business Studies which included accounting and marketing. While working at Bermuda College, I spent several summers in Michigan where I earned a Doctorate in Education Administration from Andrews University.
The James Richards Scholarships that were awarded to Valerie Smith and me in 1956, enabled us to attend the best high school in Bermuda and go on to become productive citizens in our home, Bermuda.
Largely because of our common benefactor, Mr. Richards, Valerie and I have developed a great personal friendship that has lasted to this day – 58 years later! Both of us thank you Mr. James “Dick” Richards.
To the current recipient of the James Richards Educational Trust Fund, we say Shanisa; you have a bright future ahead of you. Seize this opportunity as the springboard to achieve your goals. You have the ability, the love and support of family and associates and the best wishes and prayers of two people in Bermuda who stood in your shoes so many years ago. Above all, in all your ways acknowledge God and He will direct your path.”
GREETINGS FROM A BENEFICIARY OF JAMES RICHARDS EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND WHO RESIDE IN FLORIDA, USA THAT WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE LAUNCHING AND SIGNING OF THE BOOK FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA
The following greeting that was intended to be read at the launching and signing of the book FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA on Wednesday, July 39, 2014 was received after the function.
Andrea Morgan-Palmer, a former resident of Cool Retreat, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies, Beersheba Primary School Alumna and a beneficiary of James Richards Educational Trust Fund writes:
“As a former recipient of the James Richards Educational Trust Fund (1975), I am proud to say that I have represented the school and maintained the high standards intended by Mr. Richards to the best of my ability
After graduating from Beersheba Primary School, I attended Hampton School, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth where I completed 7 years ; successfully completing O and A levels in General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations. After I graduated from Hampton School, in 1982 I went to The College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST) – now University of Technology (UTECH) – where I completed an Associate Degree in Medical Technology.
I worked at a private Laboratory in Kingston for about 5 years after which I migrated to the Miami, USA where I attended Florida International University. I completed a Bachelor Degree in Medical Technology at this University in 1991 after which I started working at Jackson Memorial Hospital. I continued my studies and completed a Masters Degree in Health Science Administration. I am currently employed as a Supervisor in the Pathology Department and have completed twenty three (23) years of service at this outstanding facility.
I am married to my husband Horace and we have two beautiful daughters Adrienne 11 years, and Ashley 8 years.
I am truly grateful for financial support that I received from James Richards Educational Trust Fund and I hope it will continue so that other children will benefit from the Fund and that their lives will be enriched as it has done to me.”
POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL ALUMNUS TO BEERSHEBA NEWSLETTER
Patrick Brown, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus who currently resides in the State of Vermont, USA writes:
“I am reading with great interest as you continue to document the long history of Beersheba and surrounding areas. Thanks for doing this and keeping the memory alive.
I visited Mrs. Meyler last August; she spoke glowingly of you and expressed her gratitude to you for continuing to visit and support her.
There are so many success stories: yours, Joy Jones, Lanzette Jones, Lloyd George Barrett, the great Russian Trained, Jamaican Baritone taught at Beersheba Primary School for many years.
We must also be proud of Ryland Campbell, from Carmel who actually taught me at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), and in addition to getting the honor of Commander of Distinction will be honored with an Honorary Degree from UWI in October 2014.
Please be in touch when you can, we have much to be proud of. It all started at Beersheba where Only The Best Is Good Enough.”
DO YOU KNOW?
Do you know that the botanical name for Guinea Hen Weed is Petivera Alliacea?
Do you know that Guinea Hen Weed (Petivera Alliacea) as it is known in Jamaica, West Indies is also known as Anama/Mucura and it is a herb that is indigenous to the Amazon rain forest and the tropical areas of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Africa?.
Do you know that Zoologist Dr. Lawrence Williams’s intent on finding a cure for cancer is convinced that his counterparts in Germany have been able to produce the anti-cancer compound, dibenzyl trisulphide (DTS) from Guinea Hen Weed (Petivera Alliacea) which grows in Jamaica?
Do you know that the anti-cancer action of dibenzyl trisulphide (DTS) is linked to the molecule ability to disrupt the skeletal framework of cells, of which there are two viz. action and microtubules?
Do you know that microtubules are responsible for cell division and it is microtubules that dibenzyl trisulphide (DTS) acts on?
Do you know that dibenzyl trisulphide (DTS) has no effect on normal cells?
RECALL NOTICE!!!
God, the manufacturer of all human beings, is recalling all units that were manufactured, regardless of make or year because of a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart (mind). This defect is caused by a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve and has resulted in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been identified as “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality” that is more commonly known by the acronym SIN.
Some of the symptoms of “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality” are:
Loss of direction
Foul vocal emissions
Amnesia of origin
Lack of peace and joy
Selfish or violent behavior
Depression or confusion
Fearfulness
Idolatry
Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of undertaking repairs to remedy the defect. There is no additional fee or hidden cost. The number to call to get repairs done in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. When you are connected, please upload your “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality” by taking the following steps:
1. The REPENTANCE procedure
2. Download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, JESUS into the heart (mind) component
Irrespective of how large or small the “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality” (SIN) defect is, JESUS will replace it with: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Gentleness and self-control.
Please see the operating manual (Best Instructions Before Leaving Earth) [The B-I-B-L-E] to obtain additional information with respect to the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correcting the defect voids the Manufacturer’s warranties thus exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will ultimately result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS.
DANGER: All human being units that do not respond to this recall will be demolished and destroyed in the fiery furnace. This “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality (SIN) will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
ANNUAL BOSA BACK TO SCHOOL CHURCH SERVICE
The Annual BOSA Back To School Church Service for High School Students who would return to School on September 3 and 4, 2014, was held at The Salvation Army Carr Corps, Carr District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth on August 31, 2014.
The Salvation Army Carr Corps was chosen as the venue for the Church Service because of its significance to James “Dick” Richards (1872-1965) who purchased the land and donated his money to construct the first wooden building that housed The Salvation Army Carr Corps. For several years, being the oldest place of worship in New Market Community, the little wooden building that was located at the entrance to Carr District – birthplace of James “Dick” Richards – was the only church provided spiritual support for people who resided all Districts that make up New Market Community.
After Envoy Glennis Smith, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Carr Corps and Beersheba Primary School Alumnus invoked God’s blessing on all students who attended the church service, Envoy Smith handed out pencils and pens to the students. Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) handed out note books to all High School Students who wore their uniforms to the church service as they were requested to do.
Our readers are invited to visit BOSA website: bosaonline.org to view the photograph of students who attended the church service.
Editor’s Note: We wish to remind our readers that as part of its vision to contribute to a paper free environment as well as to use Information Technology (IT) to minimize cost, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) will no longer circulate its Newsletters by Post Office and hand delivery. Effective immediately, BOSA Newsletters will be sent as e-mail attachments to persons whose e-mail addresses are in BOSA data base and they will also be posted simultaneously on its website: http://bosaonline.org on publication
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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