“Only The Best Is Good Enough”
Volume 23 October 2015
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, PresidentVictor Smith, Vice President
Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer, Newsletter
Ann Hamilton, Assistant Secretary
OBJECTIVE
The objective of BOSA Newsletter is to inform and educate the people in Beersheba School Community and all Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora by means of clean and wholesome news. In doing so, the Newsletter will continue to highlight and celebrate their achievements, mourn their losses, defend their rights and articulate their needs. With meticulous calculated professional news reporting, the Newsletter will ceaselessly expose the entrenched culture of silence, secrecy, non-response and pussy-footing that has characterized the unscrupulous tyrannical oligarchy rule that is tarnished with nepotism that is designed to frustrate Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) as it continues to work assiduously as the safety net and mentor for voiceless and vulnerable students who reside in the impoverished peasant farming Community of Beersheba Primary School from falling through the cracks cognizant of the fact, that had it not been for intervention from the Association, these students would be left alone to fend for themselves contrary to the vision of James “Dick” Richards, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Philanthropist and Icon.
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.
Notwithstanding another written directive that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education sent by Jamaica Post Office Registered Letter to Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Chairman School Board at Beersheba Primary School, she continues to defy the directive of the Permanent Secretary by refusing to pay all outstanding amounts owed to the parties involved.
Progress Report on Shansa Jones, Tanhoi Guthrie, Nickayla Stevens, and Damnike Smith.
Shanisa Jones
In addition to information that is given in paragraph 1 on page 2 of 12 in Volume 22 July 2015 of BOSA Newsletter with respect to the article that appears under the above heading, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is happy to announce that Shanisa Jones has been successful in all four (4) subjects that she sat in Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in May 2015.
In the pursuance of her goal to do medicine as her career, Shanisa who is now an Upper Six Form Student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) will sit her final four (4) subjects in CAPE Examination in May 2016 in preparation to seek admission to Medical School.
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 monitoring from Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), Shanisa has not ceased to excel academically.
All residents in your native Flint Valley District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth and Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora are proud of you Shanisa and we all BIG YOU UP and encourage you to KEEP ON KEEPING ON and NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE UP!
Tanhoi Guthrie
It is understood that Tanhoi Guthrie graduated from Hampton School in 2014. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) was not invited to attend her graduated ceremony that was held at Munro College Auditorium. The Association does not have any information regarding Tanhoi’s whereabouts or her future career.
Nickayla Stevens
Notwithstanding personal challenges that Nickayla is experiencing with ill health of her mother, Nickayla who now resides with Mrs. Delvis “Lilly” James her Caregiver/Guardian, is now an grade 11 student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) where she is busily involved in completing her SBA Assignment that will enable her to graduate in 2016 after she has sat her CXC Examination.
Nickayla continues to maintain excellent academic performance in natural science subjects (physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology). Like Shanisa Jones her mentor, Nickayla has also chosen medicine as her career.
Damanike Smith
Damanike Smith – part of the trio of excellent performing students from Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies, is now an grade 11 student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) where like Nickayla Stevens, she is focused on completing her Student Based Assessment (SBA) Assignment that will enable to sit her CXC Examination and graduate from high school in 2016.
Meet Sameika Maitland BOSA Adopted Achiever and Trailblazer
Sameika Maitland, financially challenged Form 2 student at Hampton School, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth, JAMAICA West Indies, has been adopted and is being assisted and monitored by Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA).
Sameika Maitland continues to maintain excellent academic performance at Hampton School. Her final grade of 81.9 in 2014/2015 school year has earned her the coveted Award of Silver Pin at the Headmistress Round Table. Sameika will be recognized and honoured at an Award Function that will be held at Hampton School in November 2016.
Sameika Maitland, daughter of Juliette Mullings, an Alumnus of Beersheba Primary School, graduated from New Roads All Age School, Westmoreland, Jamaica West Indies where she was successful in passing the Grade Six Achievement Text (GSAT) with a grade of 92.7%. The Ministry of Education placed Sameika at Hampton School on the basis of her excellent performance in the GSAT Exam.
When news reached BOSA Secretary/Treasurer that Sameika’s mother was in the process of removing Sameika from Hampton School because she could not afford to pay her daughter’s Boarding and Tuition Fees, the Secretary/Treasurer stopped the transfer process and initiated action that resulted in Sameika being admitted to Hampton School where she began classes on September 3, 2014.
Sameika continues to excel at Hampton School by scoring all 90s in tests and Exams that she has been given at school.
For more information about Sameika and her plight, readers are invited to log on to BOSA website: bosaonline.org where by clicking on July 2014 in the archives section, they will be able to read the news article captioned: WHO WILL HELP SAMEIKA MAITLAND IN HER PLIGHT that is posted on BOSA webpage.
If the hearts of our readers are touched by Sameika’s plight and success story, you can make your generous financial contribution to assist in defraying the cost of her Boarding and Tuition Fees at Hampton School in the following manner:
If you reside in Jamaica West Indies, you can deposit your contribution into Account No. 891007604 in the name of Munro & Dickenson Trust Hampton School for Sameika Maitland Student # 114108 at any Branch of National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited. Please indicate on the deposit slip that the amount deposited is for Sameika Maitland Form 2 Student and you are kindly asked to advise Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) by e-mail to: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com the name, mailing address or e-mail address of the donor and date when the money was deposited.
If you reside in the Diaspora outside of Jamaica West Indies, you can make your checks/cheques or money orders payable to Beersheba Old Students Association. Your generous sacrificial financial contribution may either be sent directly to BOSA or they can be deposited in the Association’s Savings Account # 4410317200298396 at any Sagicor Bank Jamaica Limited Branch including the one in Black River. All contributions that will be sent directly to BOSA, should be sent with a letter indicating the name, mailing or e-mail address of the donor, should be mailed to: Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), 99 Jacaranda Avenue, Flat Rocks Subdivision, Black River P.O., Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies. All contributions will be promptly acknowledged.
Editor’s Note: Readers are asked to log on to BOSA website: bosaonline.org and browse through the Association’s web pages to ascertain the reasons that Parents have rejected the education products that are being offered at Beersheba Primary School and have been moving their children from the school to New Roads All Age School that is located in the neighbouring Parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica West Indies
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 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 sixty eight (268) Jamaican Proverbs that were published in Volumes 2-22 of the Association’s Newsletters, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to list the following eleven (11) 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:
Lightening no strike de same place twice
Pretty rose got macka fe juck you
See and blind hear and deaf
Donkey say the world no lebel
Tree drop a grun, bench get up
Alligator no fe call hog long mouth
Cus weh you a go but no cus weh you a come from
When leaf drop a pond bottom, it no rotten same time
Bud fly too fat pass im nest
No call alligator long mout 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, and 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
The Administration at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased), has granted Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) permission to continue holding its bi-monthly general meeting in the main auditorium of the school. Meetings are held in the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School bi-monthly on the second Friday commencing at 4:00PM.
Fund Raising Activities in Connection With BOSA Support Fund For High School Students
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, Page 6 of 12 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 Support Fund payable to BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION and is to be mailed to: Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) at 99 Jacaranda Avenue, Flat Rocks Subdivision, Black River P.O., Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies. 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 Sagicor Bank Jamaica Limited and advise the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association when the deposit has been made so that such contributions can be promptly acknowledged in writing.
Meet The Achievers and Trailblazers
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) whose heart has been touched by the news article POOR BOY WITH NO FOOD AND SHOES RISES TO THE TOP that was published in the Jamaica Observer on August 4, 2015, is pleased to cite the news article written by Ingrid Brown, Associate Editor of the newspaper and has modified and publish this news article in this newsletter in the public interest.
Growing up with his grandmother in rural Saint Elizabeth, Lennox Rowe could not attend school more than three days a week as he had to stay home to work in the field and accompany the elderly woman to the market.
But despite his poor attendance at primary school and sometimes going to bed without dinner, Rowe not only passed the Common Entrance Examination to gain a place at Munro College, but has risen from being a poor boy with one pair of uniform and no shoes to having a doctorate in education.
“I never dreamt that one day I Lennox Rowe would have a doctorate in front of my name, and I am so humbled by this accomplishment,” said Dr. Rowe, who is getting ready to pen his biography which he intends to title: FROM POVERTY TO PHD’
Rowe, an advance chemistry teacher at Nassau Christian Academy in The Bahamas, said failure was not an option as he knew the only way out of poverty would be education, since he had no hope of an inheritance. “Because of the condition in which I grew up, there was always a drive to ensure that I would never continue like this and I recognized the importance of education as social mobility,” Rowe said.
Beginning of Rowe’s Journey
Rowe’s journey began in the deep rural community of Bantin in Mountainside, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies when his mother gave him to his paternal grandmother, despite his father not initially acknowledging him as his son. According to Rowe, his father had given his mother the wrong information, resulting in him being registered in a different name.
Rowe said he grew up thinking his mother did not want him, and with his father providing only a small stipend towards his upkeep, his grandmother had to work hard, making and selling woven baskets and mats to make ends meet for both of them.
Life was tough, as they lived in a one-room house, but his grandmother loved him as if he was her own son. As the only child in the home, he had to help with the chores from an early age. This included, plaiting straws to make the craft items for sale.
Owning only one pair of uniform and needing to help the elderly woman with everything around the home, Rowe said he would only get to go to school three days of the week. “On Thursdays, I had to go to the garden (the field) to work there and on Fridays, I would be kept out of school because I had to go with my grandmother to the market to carry the basket,” he explained. And even on the days he went to school, Rowe said he had to feed the animals and prepare wood for the fire before heading out for the day.
Imperfect Attendance Did Not Stop Row’s Success
Although Rowe’s attendance was not perfect, that did not stop him attaining first place in all his classes throughout primary school. “It was just an innate ability to do well.” Rowe said of his academic achievements.
“My grandmother never set foot in a classroom and so, when she had money, she ensured that I had to go to school, even if at times we went to bed without food,” Rowe explained, adding that it was the many fruit trees in the community that helped him to ease his hunger many days. However, despite a rough life, Rowe was the only child who passed the Common Entrance Examination from his district that year, gaining a place at the prestigious Munroe College in the parish.
“No one was expecting me to pass, let alone pass for Munroe, because of how poorly I attended school. So I remember I didn’t even check the papers when results came out,” Rowe explained.
Rowe Faces New Challenges In Attending Monroe College
Rowe did not have much time to bask in his success, as he was immediately confronted with the reality that his grandmother could hardly afford to send him to the nearby primary school how much more difficult would it be to board at Munroe College.
Nevertheless, Rowe’s grandmother was adamant that his father needed to help his son. Rowe’s father’s stepchild was also attending Munroe College at the time and Rowe recalled that this was how he would sometimes get a ride to school when the stepchild was home visiting his grandmother.
Those early years in high school were extremely challenging for Rowe, who said it was difficult adjusting to a study schedule since he was not accustomed to attending school regularly. However, Rowe said he had some very good teachers, such as Hermine Lewis who taught mathematics and she always encouraged him.
Being from such a poor background and boarding in high school also meant that Rowe did not have many of the other things that his peers had, making it extremely hard for him to fit in at first. “I did not have a tuck box like the other boys because I had no food to put in it,” Rowe said of the wooden boxes in which his schoolmates would keep their snacks. However, the cooking abilities that he picked up from his grandmother, helped him tremendously at boarding school, as the boys who could afford it would buy the food and he was responsible for preparing it, although this was prohibited by the school administration.
“At Munroe College, we use to cook in a cheddar cheese pan, and we used to go and buy flour and corned beef and cook it, and so they use to call me dumpling,” Rowe said recalling the day he was caught by school administrators but he was fortunately let off with only a reprimand.
New Challenges Faced By Rowe After Graduating From Monroe College
At the end of five years at Munroe College, Rowe said his father warned him to get whatever subjects he could as sixth form would not be an option for him. However, having graduated with four subjects and no prospects of further education, Rowe needed to find employment to help himself and his frail grandmother with whom he was still sharing the one room. He got a three-month stint at Alumina Partners Jamaica Limited (ALPART) as plant operator, and when that ended he was left with no option but to accept a handyman job at a hardware store. “I remember people began to talk about me and say: look at de buoy way guh Munroe and come out a lift cement bag off truck,” Rowe said but he added that he had to do whatever was necessary to help his grandmother.
Turning Point In Rowe’s Life
The turning point in Rowe’s life came one day while on his way home from work at the hardware store, he ran into a cousin who gave him new hope. Recalling the conversation that day that changed his life, caused Rowe’s eyes to swell with tears which streamed down his face. “This cousin on my mother’s side was a teacher and she said why don’t you try teacher’s college? And I said I couldn’t do it, but she started to encourage me and urged me to try,” Rowe recalled.
Rowe said he went home and completed a hand written application and with no money in his pocket, he hitched a ride to Bethlehem Teachers’ College in Saint Elizabeth to drop off the application. Rowe received a provisional acceptance into the teacher education programme, on the grounds that he had to sit and pass English in one year.
Additional Challenges Rowe Encountered In Climbing the Ladder of Success.
Getting accepted into college was one thing, but finding the money was an uphill battle as Rowe said he did not have as much as the first year’s fee.
With absolutely nobody to turn to, Rowe turned to farming to get his first year’s college fee. That year, he sat and passed all his courses, but he again faced finding the second year fee. Rowe was determined to find employment and he was fortunate to receive a summer job at a Bank to computerize manual data. Determined to save every cent towards his tuition, Rowe said he would often hitch a ride to work to save money. Again, Rowe passed all his exams, and when it was time to vote for College President, he was the most likely candidate.
“Because the failure rate was high, students at the college had to vote for the person that was most likely to pass, consequently, they voted me President” Rowe explained. However, while he was sure to pass all his courses, Rowe said he again had no idea where he would be able to find the final year fees. God was on his side. Rowe got a summer job at Alumina Partners Jamaica Limited (ALPART) as a press operator, and this again, was enough to see him though his final year.
From Physics Teacher At Hampton School To Math Teacher in the Bahamas.
After graduating from Bethlehem Teachers’ College as Valedictorian in 1990, Rowe began teaching physics at Hampton School. While working to make enough money to care for his grandmother, Rowe said he saw an advertisement in the newspaper inviting mathematics and science teachers with two years experience and a first degree to work in The Bahamas. Despite not having two years’ experience or a first degree, Rowe said he applied nonetheless and he was very surprised when he received a response indicating that his application was being considered.
In preparation for a possible acceptance, Rowe started the application process for a passport but he ran into yet another obstacle when he discovered that that he did not own a birth certificate. “It was not until the day that I was leaving for the airport that I was able to collect my passport.” Rowe said.
Insatiable Appetite For Education Propels Rowe Onward.
In The Bahamas, Rowe said he knew no one, but he immediately set about making a name for himself as a mathematics teacher. His professional career includes being a curriculum co-coordinator and head of Mathematics and Science Department at Nassau Christian Academy and part-time lecturer at Atlantic College. “In Nassau, I am like a household name because I also teach mathematics and science privately.” Rowe said. A few years later, he completed a first degree in management studies through the University of the West Indies (UWI) satellite campus graduating with honours. Shortly after, he completed his MBA through distance learning from Heriott Watt University in Scotland and the Master’s in Education in teacher education from UWI. That same year, Rowe began his PhD in education, majoring in curriculum and instruction at Northern Caribbean University.
Dr. Lennox Rowe Addresses Graduating Students At His Alma Mater.
Rowe who recently addressed students at the graduating ceremony at the primary school that he attended in his impoverished peasant farming neighborhood, encouraged them to remain focused and to set their respective goals in life. “I tell them, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t attain those goals, and once you set those goals the Lord will always make a way,” said Rowe who is a Christian.
Dr. Rowe’s Insatiable Desire to Give Back to Jamaica
Dr. Rowe said he is now seeking to return to Jamaica so he can give back to the education sector, but he is disappointed that his application for principal’s position was turned down because he has not been working in the local sector for a minimum of two years. “I don’t understand why this should be a stipulation because my degrees are from Jamaican Universities, yet I am being discriminated against,” Dr. Rowe said. Nevertheless, Dr. Rowe said he is not giving up on his dream as he believes his experience will assist him in helping students who are going through similar financial struggles.
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 as future Volumes of the Newsletter..
Resolution To Rename Beersheba Primary School James Richards Primary.
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 21 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 of Beersheba Primary School.
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
Laughter Is Good Medicine For the Soul
Research done by medical science has revealed that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Consequently, a smile that often culminates in laughter does not only support good muscular skeletal health but it is also medicine for the soul.
BOSA invites its readers to read, smile and have a good laugh at the contents of the following article:
A fleeing Taliban terrorist, desperate for water, was plodding through the Afghan desert when he saw something far off in the distance. Hoping to find water, he hurried toward the mirage, only to find a very frail little old Jewish man standing at a small makeshift display rack selling ties.
The Taliban terrorist asked the little old Jewish man, “Do you have water?”
The little old Jewish man replied, “I have no water. Would you like to buy a tie? They are only $5.”
The Taliban terrorist shouted hysterically, “idiot infidel! I do not need such an over-priced western adornment, I spit on your ties. I need water!”
“Sorry, I have none, just ties, pure silk and only $5.”
“Pahh! A curse on your ties! I should wrap one around your scrawny little neck and choke the life out of you but…..I must conserve my energy and find water,”
“Okay,” said the little old Jewish man, “it does not matter that you do not want to buy a tie from me or that you hate me, threaten my life and call me infidel. I will show you that I am bigger than any of that. If you continue over that hill to the east for about two miles, you will find a restaurant, it has the finest food and all the ice-cold water you need…….Go in Peace.”
Cursing him again, the desperate Taliban terrorist staggered away over the hill. Several hours later, he crawled back, almost dead and gasped. “The owner of the restaurant will not let me in without a tie!”
Beersheba Old Students Association 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.
The Elsa Hamilton Scholarship Programme
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to announce that Harry Archer of New Savannah, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies and a member of the graduating class of 2015 at Beersheba Primary School, is the first qualified beneficiary that has satisfied the criterion of 85 average to benefit from Elesa Hamilton Scholarship Programme.
Harry Archer – an orphan who is currently under the care giving and guidance of Angella Balds – began attending Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) where the Ministry of Education placed him as a grade 7 student on the basis of his performance in the 2015 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).
Harry Archer whose tuition fee of JMD 24,000.00 was paid by the scholarship programme was provided with three (3) suits of khaki uniforms and school supplies by Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA).
Cognizant of the strict criteria by which the scholarship programme is administered, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has arranged for Vincent Brown, Retired Trained Teacher at Beersheba Primary School to monitor Harry Archer in his school work so as to ensure that he will consistently maintain 85 average that will enable him to continue to benefit from the scholarship programme.
Annual BOSA Back To School Dinner and Church Service
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to inform all Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-wishers and other readers of its newsletter that the Annual BOSA Back To School Dinner and Church Service that was held at Gold Spoon Restaurant, Intown Plaza, Black River and New market Methodist Church, New market, Saint Elizabeth on August 22 and 30, 2015 respectively was successful.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to express sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed cash and kind to make both events the success they have been.
BOSA Devotional
“The Sneeze”
They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would not pray during the commencement, not by choice but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were routine until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then it happened! All ninety-two students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!!!
The student on stage simply looked at the audience as said: “GOD BLESS YOU” and he walked off the stage.
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class found a unique way to invoke God’s blessing on their future with or without the court’s approval.
Editor’s Note: The foregoing is a true story that occurred at Eastern Shore District High School in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Additional 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 posted quarterly on its website: bosaonline.org. It is my sincere wish that all our readers will have a Peaceful, Blessed and Spirit-filled summer.
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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