BOSA Newsletter – Volume 26, July 2016

BOSA NEWS LETTER

“Only The Best Is Good Enough”

Volume 26,  July 2016

 

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

OBJECTIVE

The objective of BOSA Newsletter is to inform and educate the people in Beersheba Primary 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 Beersheba Primary School Community from falling through the cracks cognizant of the fact, that had it not been for intervention of the Association, these students would be left alone to fend for themselves contrary to the vision of James “Dick” Richards, (1872-1965), 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 detains 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 and the Managing Committee For James Richards Educational Trust Fund Re: Shanisa Jones, Now Grade 10 C Student At Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETH). 

BOSA is pleased to provide an update to its comments on the above subject matter as they were written on page 1 of 12 and 2 of 12 in Volume 14 July 2013 of its Newsletter.

At an impromptu meeting convened by the Head Office of the Ministry of Education in Kingston at its Regional 5 office in Mandeville on May 7, 2016 to which the Secretary/Treasurer of BOSA was invited, the meeting that was Chaired by Ms. Latoya Davis, from the Internal Audit Department of the Ministry and was also attended by Ms. Masie Hamilton from that Department and Mrs. Tatlin E. Smith-Williams, Principal Beersheba Primary School – and which Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Chairman School Board Beersheba Primary School did not attend as she also did when the first meeting was held at the Head Office of the Ministry on March 13, 2013 – the following decisions were taken:

 

  1. All accounting records pertaining to James Richards Educational Trust Fund which the Principal Beersheba Primary School was requested to hand over to Internal Auditors from the Ministry of Education at the meeting will be audited.
  2. Four (4) queries raised by BOSA in its email message dated November 22, 2015 to Dr. Maurice D. Smith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education in which the Association sought inter alia to ascertain if the signatures on James Richards Educational Trust Fund Account at The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited (Black River) are the same ones that Bermuda Trust Company (Former Trustee for the Fund) authorized in the legal document; Deed of Appointment And Termination James Richards Educational Trust Fund dated October 24, 2011 by which the former Trustee transferred the balance in the Fund to The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited (Black River Branch) to be managed by Beersheba Primary School (New Trustee) will be pursued.
  3. Point made by BOSA that decisions taken by meeting held at Beersheba Primary School under the Chairmanship of then Mrs. Nadine Leachman, Regional Director, Region 5, Ministry of Education on November 16, 20111 and March 6, 2012 were ultra vires because persons who attended the meeting purporting to be members of the School Board at Beersheba Primary School were not appointed by the Minister of Education on the recommendation of National Council on Education and the Board was therefore illegal.
  4. Claims submitted in favour of BOSA, Shanisa Jones and Vincent Samuels to the Chairman of the School Board at Beersheba Primary School seeking reimbursement of expenses from James Richards Educational Trust Fund for Shanisa Jones, qualified beneficiary of the Fund will be further examined in keeping with the legitimate directive given to Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Chairman of the School Board by Mrs. Elaine Foster-Allen, then Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education at the meeting that was held at the Ministry’s Head office in Kingston on March 13, 2013.
  5. Written outcome of all deliberations taken on the matter will be sent to BOSA.

Progress Report on Shanisa Jones, Nickayla Stevens, and Damanike Smith

Shanisa Jones

BOSA is pleased to publish in its entirety without comment, the following email message that the Association has received from Shanisa Jones.

 Shanisa Jones Grade6 Photo“I started out at the noble St. Elizabeth Technical High School with a determination to excel in whatever challenges I encountered and to give of my best academic performance at all times. At first, I was a bit shy but as time went by, I became a brave and out spoken person. As a result of this, my leadership qualities improved and hence I was selected as Form Captain and Student Council Representative. I must say my years at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School were very challenging ones. However, these challenges     were my motivation and they pushed me to work harder and to obtain better grades. I enjoyed my seven years at this noble institution and indeed, St. Elizabeth Technical High School is the best! The teachers are great and they not only play the roles of teachers but also the roles of our parents. They cared for us with a deep passion. The environment is also great for learning.

Today my heart aches as I didn’t want to leave such a noble institution but my time has come and so I have to move on. I never could have gone this far without the help of God, my parents, friends, relatives and you Vincent Samuels and the entire Beersheba Old Students Association! You are my strength when I was weak. You supported me not only financially but also emotionally. You encouraged me all the way and you were there for me at all times! Therefore, I want to thank you very much and I appreciate your assistance towards me, I would also like to thank the entire BOSA members. You will always be in my prayers and I encourage you to continue assisting those in need. You have pushed me one step further towards achieving my goals!!! Once again, thank you! I am a young lady who is persistent and ambitious. I am also a very confident person and so, I completely agree with Marcus Mosiah Garvey who stated that: if you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. I will continue to make you proud as I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Once again, thank you! Love Always. From Shanisa Jones.”

 

Nickayla Stevens: 

Nickayla 5 Photo Current

Nickayla Stevens, grade 11 student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), Santa Cruz, Saint Elizabeth has completed her Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Exams and she will graduate from the school in June 2016. In continuation of being her safety net and monitor, BOSA has contributed JMD 5,000.00, half the cost of defraying her graduation expenses.

Nickayla  graduated June 23,  2016 and wrote this letter to BOSA .

My name is Nickayla Stevens, a proud graduate of the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) since June 23, 2016. I spent 5 glorious years of my life at this noble institution that I can now call home. Yes! I can indeed call it home because for 9 months every year, this is where I spend 8 hours, 5 days per week. In grade 7, I was a very quiet individual since STETHS was a new environment to me but as months passed I became acquainted. I met friends and we were busy bodied. However, our no nonsense form teacher and grade coordinator Mrs. Level was there to let us know that STETHS was not a playground.

As time progresses, I settled down and became a part of the Spanish club. In no time grade 8 came knocking. Our very friendly form teacher, Mrs. Brown helped us feel at home. She entrusted me with the responsibility of assistant form captain. But as soon as I got settled grade 9 was here. I met the fearful, Mrs. Freckleton. At this stage, I had left the Spanish club sad to say and was now a part of the LEO club. I was still assistant form captain in grade 9. Yet still the big decision of Career Choice was right before my eyes and I decided that I wanted to explore the Science field as such I chose Chemistry, Physics and Biology along with 5 other subjects.

The heart wrenching and nerve wrecking 2 years of my life was here: grade 10&11. I was elected Treasurer of the Leo Club(10&11) and Student Council Representative in grade 11. School Base Assessment (SBA) gave me sleepless nights. I wrote until my fingers and eyes hurt. Projects, home work and test didn’t stop coming but at the end of the day I did them all.

During May-June 2016, I sat 8 CSEC subjects including: English A, Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, Information Technology, Agricultural Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. I am now awaiting the results that will be published in August 2016 and to apply for sixth form. I could not have made it thus far without the help of all of you: being my strength when I needed it and pushing me out of my comfort zone.

A special thanks to you all and I will always be grateful. However, a special thank you to my backbone whom died a little over a year ago, my grandpa, Mr. Daley, Mr. Samuels (my father figure), Mrs. ‘Miss Lily’ James, Ms. Cain and Mrs. Sheila Hamilton (my mother figures: I feel very lucky to have three mothers) and also special thanks to the Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) for your support. I love you all and you will always be in my heart. My philosophy is:  ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. (Nickayla)

Nickayla Graduation Photo 2016

BOSA is hopeful that Nickayla’s excellent academic performance in natural science subjects at STETHS will enable her to obtain consideration from the school to continue her education in Lower Six Form in September.

 

Damanike Smith

Damanike photo 3 smallDamanike Smith – part of the trio of excellent performing students from Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies – grade 11 student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). Damanike has completed her Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Exams and she will graduate from the school in June 2016.

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to congratulate Shanisa Jones, Nickayla Stevens and Damanike Smith – all from the impoverished peasant farming hilly terrain of Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, for their scholastic accomplishments at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School.

Damanike wrote this letter of “Thanks” to BOSA:

I must say, it was a rough ride throughout the past five years that I have attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School,  but thanks to all those who supported me and gave me words of encouragement to carry on. As a result, I am now a proud graduate of this prestige institution with a high school diploma and has successfully completed eight (8) subjects in which I had pursued. I especially want to give Mr. Vincent Samuels and the BOSA family a very big and special thank you for supporting me financially and even medically throughout these years.

You made it possible for me to complete these years successfully and for that I want to show my gratitude and appreciation for all that you have done for me. I just want to say that what you have all done for us and is still doing for other children going into high school is a very good thing, continue doing what you do best.

I will end with this quote by David M. Burns which I hope will inspire those who read this letter: Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. (Damanike)

 

 Meet Sameika Maitland BOSA Adopted Achiever and Trailblazer

Sameika 2015 photoSameika Maitland, financially challenged grade 8, Form 3 boarding student at Hampton School, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies for whom Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is safety net and monitor, received the Silver Award and recognition as a member of the Headmistress Round Table as commendation for her excellent academic performance for 2014/2015 school year. (Please view and read the news article that is posted on BOSA web page about Sameika’s achievement).

Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, Friends, Well-Wishers, Visitors to BOSA website and Readers of this newsletter in Jamaica and the Diaspora who would like to assist Sameika Maitland defray the cost of her boarding and tuition fees at Hampton School, should make checks (cheques) or money orders payable to Munro & Dickenson Trust – Hampton School and send them indicating that their donations is for Sameika Maitland, student ID 2923 to:

Mrs. Svetlana Crawford-Keane

Bursar Hampton School

Malvern P.O.

Saint Elizabeth

Jamaica West Indies

Please notify BOSA by email: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com to let the association know that your donations have been sent to the Bursar so that they can be reconciled with her and promptly acknowledged.

Bosa Invaluable, Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary members, Friends, and Well-Wishers

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to place on record and express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to those Beersheba Primary School Alumni – including Winston and Sheila Hamilton, Roy Holness, Kenneth Smith, Dr. Trevor Hamilton, Dorette Lind, Nora Lawrence, Winston Hamilton et al for their invaluable financial support that they continue to give to the Association.                       

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.

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, 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 

No profile has been received from anyone to be posted 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 as 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, South Coast Resort Board and Jamaica Heritage Trust Foundation, 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 do the right thing so that James “Dick” Richards, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Icon and Philanthropist will be officially recognized and honoured as an integral part of the heritage in Beersheba School Community..

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

The Elesa  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.

Because of the students Psychological Profile, BOSA Secretary/Treasurer met with Mr. Shields, Harry Archer’s Form Teacher who decided that he will make Mrs. Levy, Head of Guidance Counseling Department aware of his challenges so that further intervention – including home visit – can be arranged to provide him with additional support that he needs.

 GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS

“The key to a successful person is to surround oneself with persons who are better than oneself.”

  “FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is not going to come to Jamaica unless we in Jamaica show confidence in Jamaica.”

“I have confidence and am willing g to back up the confidence with swimming upstream. The aspirational goal of 5% GDP in Jamaica can be achieved by having integrity in everything you pursue, intelligence in whatever you do and being passionate about what you do, then you can move mountains.”

                                               

                                                                 Hon. Michael Lee Chin, O.J. Jamaican-Canadian Billionaire Entrepreneur, Chairman Portland Holdings, Chairman National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited, newly appointed Chairman of the Economic Growth Council in the Government of Jamaica in his interviews with Owen James on CVM-TV on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 and with Gary Spalding, Gleaner Writer, Jamaica Gleaner.

Editor’s Note: After being born under poor conditions in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica West Indies in 1951 when no one in his family had ever attended High School; going to Canada to pursue engineering after he graduated from Excelsior High School, Michael Lee Chin, Self-made Businessman; got into business selling investments competing with Royal Bank of Canada and other large business conglomerates in Canada.

BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER: HOW YOUR NUTRITIONAL CHOICES AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

Spring marks the beginning of gardening season. As every good gardener knows, plants and vegetables thrive when they get the proper balance of nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), and water.

Likewise, the human body relies on certain nutrients (Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins and Minerals) and water to grow and thrive. Consuming the proper balance of these dietary components can improve your health in a myriad of ways, including boosting your energy levels, strengthening your ability to fight off disease and infection, and improving your memory and sleep patterns, to name just a few!

THE BASICS

Calories: Our bodies need a certain amount of calories to survive and function. We get calories from the foods we eat and drink. I you’re cutting calories as away to lose weight, be sure you’re eliminating the right calories from your diet. Not all calories are created equal! For instance, 1 cup of puffed rice cereal contains about the same calories as three-quarters cup of bran flakes cereal, but the bran flakes cereal contains more fiber, protein and potassium.

PUFFED RICE CEREAL                   BRAN FLAKES CEREAL

 Amount                                                 2 cup                                                      ¾ cup

Calories                                                      104                                                         100

Total fat                                                     0g                                                             0.5g

Dietary Fiber                                            0g                                                               5g

Protein                                                   1.6g                                                                3g

Potassium                                             24mg                                                      170mg

 

Source: CalorieKing.com

 

A pound of fat contains about 3500 calories. To lose a pound a week, you’ll need to either cut 500 calories from your diet each day, burn 500 calories each day through physical activity, or practice a combination of the two.

 

Protein: Often referred to as the body’s “building blocks”, protein plays a key role in the growth and repair of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood, and the synthesis of chemicals such as enzymes and hormones.

 

  • Healthier protein sources include lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs, beans and peas, nuts and seeds, low or non-fat dairy products.
  • Unhealthy protein sources include fatty or processed meats such as hamburgers, hot dogs or salami, anything fried, salty or preserved; and regular dairy products.

 

Carbohydrates provide energy and include sugars and starches. One of the most important carbohydrates is glucose, also known as “blood sugar,” which plays a crucial role in the conversion of food to energy.

 

  • Healthier carbohydrates include whole grain breads and cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Unhealthy carbohydrates include white bread, rice or pasta, potato chips, pastries, deserts, candy, soda and refined sugars.

 

Dietary fiber is a special type of carbohydrate found in plants. Rather than be absorbed in the bloodstream, fiber works in the small colon to help prevent constipation, regulate food intake (by creating a feeling of fullness) and reduce cholesterol levels.

 

Fats are used for energy storage, nervous system function, maintaining healthy skin and other tissues, dissolving water-soluble vitamins so they can be utilized by the body, and making hormones. All people need some dietary fat; in fact, essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, can only be obtained through diet. Regardless of the source, all fats should be used sparingly

Healthier fats include monosaturated fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocados, and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids derived from oily coldwater fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and herring).

  • Unhealthier fats include saturated fats from animal products (meat, poultry skin, butter, high fat dairy), coconut oil and palm oil.

Trans fat are man-made compounds that many manufacturers use in place of saturated, natural fats. They have a long shelf-life, which explains why trans fats are present in forty percent of foods on supermarket shelves. Research now shows that trans fats raise the level of bad cholesterol in your bloodstream, contributing to clogged arteries and heart disease. As a result, many manufacturers have begun removing trans fats from their products.

Vitamins are crucial to hundreds of processes in the human body. Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they come from living things. They are classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins are stored by the liver and fatty tissue and include Vitamins A, D, E, and K. The water-soluble vitamins are not stored by our bodies and any unused portions are expelled as waste. The water-soluble vitamins include Vitamin C, the B-vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin and cobalamin), and folate.

 

  • Fat-soluble vitamins can be found in fatty foods and animal products such as vegetable oils, milk and dairy foods, eggs, liver, oily fish and butter.
  • Water-soluble vitamins are found in fruits, vegetables, potatoes, grains, milk and dairy foods.

Minerals help our bodies function in a myriad of ways. They are inorganic compounds, meaning they are not made by living things. From a nutritional standpoint, minerals are classified as either macrominerals and trace minerals. Two of the most important macrominerals are calcium, used to build strong bones and teeth, and iron, which helps transport oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. The main trace minerals are magnesium, manganese, molybedenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and sodium

Most Americans consume twice the recommended daily allowance of sodium. Over-consumption of sodium is a major factor in the development of high blood pressure, a condition affecting one in three adults. Most people with high blood pressure aren’t aware they have it.

 

Fresh versus Processed Foods

 Nutrition professional generally agree that you should choose fresh and unprocessed foods over processed foods whenever possible. There are good reasons for this: fresh foods naturally contain a wide variety of nutrients and fiber, and are usually lower in fat. They do not include added sugars and salt, additives, preservatives and artificial coloring found in many processed foods.

De-coding Nutritional Labels

 If you’re like most people, your diet probably includes a combination of fresh and processed foods. Most packaged foods are required to have a Nutrition Facts panel, or label, on the outside of the package. Some notable exceptions include foods served in restaurants, delivered to homes ready for immediate consumption, or sold directly to consumers from the location where prepared, such as bakeries.

Knowing how to read the nutrition Facts panel can be a powerful tool in your goal to eat healthier. Here are some helpful hints to help you make smarter choices at the grocery store:

Serving size: This is a suggestion of how much of a food you should consume at one time. These guidelines were initially determined in 1993. Recognizing that our eating and drinking patters have changed over twenty years, in 2014, the FOOD and Drug Administration proposed a number of changes in the Nutrition Facts Panel, including calculating “serving size” based on what people actually eat, rather than what they “should” eat.

 

It’s important to note that the numbers and percentage on the Nutrition Facts Panel pertain to one serving daily only. If a carton of juice, for, contains one-and-a-half servings, you’ll need to multiply the numbers by 1.5 to get an accurate account of what you’re eating.

% Daily Value: These percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories per day, the daily calorie needs of a healthy female age 19-30 or a healthy male age 51 or above. If you don’t fit this profile, you’ll need to adjust these percentages upward or downward.

How much nutrition do you need? The answer depends on your age, gender, and goals, and current health status. Bigger isn’t necessarily always better. Be on the lookout for nutrients with extraordinarily high %DVs, especially if you’re already getting those nutrients from other sources. Sodium and sugar are often added in levels multiple times the recommended daily value.

Sugars: Most of us consume too much sugar. Over-consumption of sugar has been cited as a leading cause of obesity (overweight), which now affects two out of thee adults and one in five children.

Because sugar enhances flavor and texture, it is added to many foods you wouldn’t expect. For instance, one tablespoon of ketchup contains about 4 grams of sugar – more than a typical chocolate chip cookie!

Ingredients are listed in order of quantity. The ingredients list offers valuable clues as to whether a food is healthy or not.

If sodium (also called salt, NaCI, sodium benzoate, disodium and monosodium glutamate, or MSG) or sugar (also known as fructose, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, lactose, dextrose, and other ingredient ending in “ose”) are high on the ingredients list, you may want to put that food back and look for healthier option.

 

Food allergens: Each year anaphylaxis caused by food allergies sends thousands of people to the emergency room. Since 2004 the FDA has required all Nutrition Facts Panels to indicate whether a food contains any of the eight major allergenic foods: milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp), tree nuts (e.g.) almonds, walnuts, pecans, wheat, or soy beans. If you have allergies or other food sensitivities pay special attention to this area.

 

Currently the FDA does not require a manufacturer to indicate the potential or unintentional presence of food allergens from “cross-contact” during manufacturing. Some Nutrition Facts Panels include advisory languages such as “may contain (allergen)” or “Produced in a facility that also uses (allergen)” but this is not required.

 

Editor’s Note: The forgoing article is taken from THE GRAYBILL BLOG – Volume 4, Issue 1, March 14, 2016.

DISCOVERY OF SLAVE BURIAL GROUND AT PAYNES TOWN, NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH, JAMAICA WEST INDIES

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) again invites readers of its Newsletter to log in to its website: bosaonline.org to read and view photographs related to the above captioned news article that is published on its web page.

Mrs. Elvie Miller , 79 year old widow (owner of the property on which the Slave Burial Ground is located) and her daughter Mrs. Madge Mullings who reside on the same property, is awaiting the visit from Archaeologists from the History and Archaeological Department of the university of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica West Indies and Jamaica National Heritage Trust to take over, preserve and secure the site where the mortal remains of Hon. John Salmon, former Custos Rotulorum for Saint Elizabeth and President of the Legislative Council in Jamaica, Samuel John Manley, grandfather of Norman Washington Manley, former Prime Minister of Jamaica and Jamaican National Hero and myriad African Ancestors are buried.

 

As a result of the significant discovery of the Slave Burial Ground, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) in anticipation of New Market – including Carr District, birthplace of James “Dick” Richards – being declared a National Heritage Site by Jamaica National Heritage Trust – has written to the Ministry of youth and Culture (copied to other related Government Ministries, Agencies and Quasi Agencies and Hon. J. C. Hutchinson, Member of parliament NW Saint Elizabeth and Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Commerce and Agriculture requesting that favourable consideration is given to refurbish the Old New Market Police Station into a Museum that will be managed by a trained professional Curator.

 

MEMORIES FROM THE VISIT OF A BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL ALUMNA TO HER ALMA MATER

Vinnette Andrade Photo Beersheba

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to publish in its entirety for information of its readers, the following email message that the Association has received from Vinette A. D’Andrade, BBA, Business Consultant/Program Administrator, Real Estate/Life & Health Insurance/Annuities/Counseling Services:

“Please thank Ms. Cain for showing me around during my visit to the school. She was very pleasant. I had the opportunity to visit the classrooms and even helped a few 5th graders with their math.

 It was quite a bit of memories. The open court yard reminded me of playing hop-scotch back in the late sixties, the canteen where we were served hot lunches looked the same, the 3 classrooms that Ms. Lue and Mr. Brown taught are no longer classrooms (now assembly hall) and the library is now the Teacher’s Lounge. The playground used to be well maintained but now filled with weeds.

 I told Ms. Cain that the school has produced lots of great minds from several adjoining districts. I hope it will grow again.”

Ms. Velita Cain, Teacher

 Velita Cane Beersheba Teacher

Editors Note: Ms. Cain to which reference is made by Mrs. D’Andrade is Ms. Velia Cain, Trained Teacher for Grade 1 at Beersheba Primary School. Mrs. D’Andrade is the sister of Dr. Trevor Hamilton, International Management Consultant who is a Beersheba Primary School Alumnus.

NON PARTICIPATION BY BOSA IN PROVIDING UNIFORMS FOR GSAT STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE FROM BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL, ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL STUDENTS DINNER AND CHURCH SERVICE 2016

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to inform its readers that due to the Association being strapped for cash, it will not be participating in providing high school uniforms for GSAT students who graduate from Beersheba Primary School, Annual Back To School Students Dinner and Church Service 2016 where the students would be provided with school supplies.

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is aware that the students who have benefited over the years from the Association’s philanthropy will all be very disappointed. However, one has to face reality that: “the Association cannot make blood out of stone.”

 

 BOSA DEVOTIONAL

What does the scripture say through God’s Ambassador and Servant the Apostle Paul – who was called not of man, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Galatians 1:1) – about speaking in tongues that has created division in the church of which the Lord Jesus Christ is Head?

“Now brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not make a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly, there are all sorts of languages in the world; yet, none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those gifts that build up the church. What then shall we say brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or interpretation. Everything must be done in an orderly manner so that the church may be built up.” (1 Corinthians 14:6-12, 26 New International Version)

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”

 

 

One comment to BOSA Newsletter – Volume 26, July 2016

  • bosa  says:

    Congratulations to Shanisa Jones of St. Elizabeth Technical High School who graduated June 26 for a job well done, and for taking the time to write this lovely “thank you letter” to the Beersheba Old Students Association for the help and support given to her while she was in school. With such determination and ambition we know you will achieve your goals. God bless you and stay FOCUS.

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