“Generosity is doing something for someone without expecting anything in return”
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 (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 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. For additional update on the above subject matter that is still outstanding and has not been resolved, our readers are asked to news article captioned: Entrenched Culture of School Board At Beersheba Primary School And Ministry of Education is An Impediment To James Richards Educational Trust Fund that was posted at BOSA website bosaonline.org on November 16, 2016.
Following non response to letters that Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) sent to Mrs. Barbara Allen, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, and another letter that the Association sent to the Acting Permanent Secretary in which 14 days ultimatum was given with indication that if no response is received, the Association will not be left with any other alternative but to seek redress in Court where the Association will be Plaintiff and the School Board at Beersheba Primary School and the Ministry of Education will be Defendants.
Acting on recommendation that Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) received from a learned Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, BOSA brought the unresolved outstanding contentious matter by registered letter to Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education asking him to intervene and amicably resolve the matter. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has not received any acknowledgment or response from the Minister of Education up to the date on which its quarterly newsletter is being prepared for publication.
Progress Report on Shanisa Jones, Nickayla Stevens, and Damanike Smith:
SHANISA JONES
Shanisa Jones continues her academic excellence as a student enrolled at the University of Technology (UTECH) Kingston Campus. She currently maintains a GPA of 3.54.
NICK AYLA STEVENS
Despite her continuous gripe over the volume of work that she has to so in Lower Six Form at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School, Nickayla will move on to Upper Six Form when the New School Year begins in September 2017.
DAMANIKE SMITH
Damanike Smith Continues to maintain her academic excellence as an enrolled student at HEART/NTA, Black River Campus.
MEET SAMEIKA MAITLAND BOSA ADOPTED ACHIEVER AND TRAILBLAZER
Sameika Maitland, financially challenged grade 9, 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 mail 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
Telephone: 1-876-966-5161, 1-876-550-0777
Fax: 1-876-966-5115
Email: bursar.hampton@gmail.com
Another method would be donors can use to send their financial contributions to the Bursar at Hampton School is to wire transfer them payable to Munro & Dickenson Trust – Hampton School, National Commercial Bank, Santa Cruz, Account No. 891007604.
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.
Sameika Maitland continues her excellent academic performance at Hampton School with her End of Year 2015/2016 Report showing that she achieved a grade of 82.8 which is A grade at her school. Sameika will move on to grade 10 and she is expected to continue her excellent academic performance when the New School Year begins in September 2017.
MEET NASHEENA DOBBS, AGE 12 YEARS, TOP PERFORMER IN 2017 GRADE SIX ACHIEVEMENT TEST (GSAT) AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to commend Nasheena Dobbs, age 12 years from the impoverished peasant district of Flint Valley for her excellent academic performance in obtaining 83% passing grade in 2017 Ministry of Education Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).
Our readers are asked to log in to BOSA website: bosaonline.org to read more about Nasheena Dobbs, an Achiever and Trailblazer in the Graduating Class of 2017 at Beersheba Primary School
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, Neville “Butty” Cooke, Professor Patrick Brown, Merlene Holness-Pryce, Howard 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
It is with great joy and long awaited accomplishment that Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) announces that Broadband Internet Wi-Fi Service is now available at Beersheba Primary School.
The Association wishes to commend the Administration at the school for its tenacity and innovation in bringing Broadband Internet Wi-Fi Service to the school. The Association hopes that now that Information Technology (IT) is now available at Beersheba Primary School, that the Administration will take appropriate action to ensure that all students that are enrolled at the school will be exposed and trained to use the technology so that no student will graduate from the school as a computer illiterate.
Beersheba Primary School Alumni who would like to contact their alma mater can so by email to: beersheba.primary.sch@moey.gov.jm
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. 5501336655 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 under the above 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 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.
In the pursuance to ensure that James “Dick” Richards gets full recognition for using his own money to purchase the land on which the Ministry of Education built Beersheba Primary School as well his money that Bermuda Trust Company transferred to the school as New Trustee from which James Richards Educational Trust Fund is established; Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) should have met with His Worship the Mayor of Black River and Chairman of Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Councillor Derrick Sangster and other Technocrats of the Corporation – including Councillor Solomon, Councillor for New Market Parochial Division on May 18, 2017 but the Association received information from His worship the Mayor that the meeting was postponed.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has again written to His Worship the Mayor asking him to set a new date for the meeting to be held between June 29, 2017 – July 24, 2017. Outcome of the meeting that will be held between the Association and Officials of Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation will be published in Volume 31 October 2017 of the Association’s Newsletter.
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 Senator Ruel Reid has appointed to serve on the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government School), New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies for 2016/2017 Academic School Year:
Chairman: Rev. Christopher Euphfa
Principal: Mrs. Tatlin Smith-Williams
Academic Member: Mrs. Naomi Foster-Brooks
PTA Member: Nickesha Lawrence
Community Member: Mr. Valdes Hamilton
Member 1: Mr. Michael Morgan
Our readers whom Beersheba Old Students association (BOSA) assumes are familiar with issues that have resulted in Senator Ruel Reid, Minister of Education asking the Chairman and few other members of the School Board at Hampton School, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth to submit their letters of resignation from the
School Board effective April 1, 2017, are asked to note the remarks made by the Minister of Education as they were aired on Nationwide Radio FM 90 on February 23, 2017 that:
- All School Boards are accountable to the Minister of Education.
- All arrangements with respect to Acting Principals in schools must be brought to and authorization must be obtained from the Ministry of Education and Finance.
- Under the Education Act and other Regulations, School Boards are not Entities unto themselves but they are accountable to the Minister of Education for all their actions.
It is refreshing that the Minister of Education has sensitized School Boards to the fact that when the Minister of Education gives legitimate directives to School Boards they must not be defied and must be carried out.
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.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has received credible and reliable information that Harry Archer has not turned up to see Vincent Brown, Retired Trained Teacher, Beersheba Primary School for monitoring. No further information is available about Harry Archer since effort to contact him is of no avail.
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
“Some people always throw stones in your path. It depends on what you make with them; a wall or bridge. Remember you are the architect of your life.”
Unknown
“The most important aspect of human lives is to treat others as we expect ourselves to be treated.”
John Wagner who withstood the Nazis and Gestapo’s to liberate and save Jews during the Holocaust
“Living a simple life reminds me that simple is not naïve or stupid: it’s direct and unpretentious.”
Randy Kilgore, contributor to Our Daily Bread Devotional.
“Human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences Family members may argue and refuse to forgive a husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love does not always last because it is fickle.” Cindy Hess Kasper, contributor to Our Daily Bread Devotional.
“The contents of your heart are more important than the outward packaging.”
Ralston McKenzie, host of Radio Jamaica Sunday Contact Programme.
BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER
MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES FOR MEN (AND WHAT CAN YOU DO?)
Conventional wisdom tells us that men aren’t taking care of their health. Statistics bear this out: according to a recent survey by Kaiser Family Foundation, men are less likely than women to:
- Have seen a healthcare provider within the past two years
- Get recommended screening services such as general checkups, blood pressure and cholesterol.
The following is a list of common issues for men. It’s worth noting that a man’s risk to develop many of these conditions can be lowered significantly with lifestyle changes, such as getting regular physical exams and screening tests, eating a healthier diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Risk Factors You Can’t Control
Knowing your risk factors for certain diseases is the first step in disease prevention. But some risk factors, such as age and family history can’t be controlled.
- As we get older, our risk to develop certain illnesses increases. At the same time, juggling careers, family issues and other responsibilities can make it harder to squeeze in healthy lifestyle habits.
- You have a shared genetic makeup with your immediate family members. I a parent, brother or sister suffers from a condition such as heart disease you may be at risk for heart disease yourself.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to turn back time or alter genetic profile. You can, however make adjustments for aging and genetics when planning your strategy for wellness and prevention.
Cardiovascular disease
According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease (25%) and stroke (4%) account for nearly one in three deaths among men in the United States. In addition, if you suffer from erectile dysfunction, it could be a sign that you’re in early stages of cardiovascular disease.
What can you do:
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet. Limit your intake of salt and foods high in artery-clogging saturated fats, such as fatty red meats, cheeses and “100%” dairy products. Replace these with “healthy fats” from lean meats, olive oil and omega-3s, whole grains, low-fat (1% or 2%) dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables. (Keep in mind that too much fat of any kind is bad for you as it can lead to other problems, such as obesity.)
- Schedule regular, annual routine exams with your Primary Care Physician. During this all-important exam your (PCP) will go over your family history and current health status. He/she will also screen you for cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Cancer
Lung, prostate, colorectal, melanoma and other cancers combine to form the second leading cause of death (24%) among U.S. men.
What you can do:
If you’re a smoker, quit smoking, and if you’re a non-smoker, don’t start. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Avoid chemical pollutants by doing aerobic exercise in the mornings or indoors.
- A recent CDC survey found that 42% of American men never use sunscreen. Always use sunscreen when you’re outdoors, regardless of whether your complexion is light or dark or the sky is clear or cloudy. Be sure to choose sunscreen with at least SPF15 and that offers broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection.
- Speak with your PCP about getting screened for colorectal cancer and prostate disease.
Accidents
Accidents (“termed unintentional injuries” by CDC) are the third leading cause of death among men of all ages, especially through their 40s. The top three cause of accidental death among men are: driving accidents, poisoning or drug overdoses, and falls.
What you can do:
- Practice safe driving habits. Buckle your seat belts and drive defensively. Don’t text while driving and use a Bluetooth or other hands-free device. Don’t drink and drive.
- Practice workplace safely. Be aware of possible drug interactions that can interfere with driving or operating machinery.
- Check your home for proper lighting and tripping hazards such as loose rugs and other objects.
- Avoid the use of illegal or illicit drugs.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disease that can result in kidney failure, amputation, blindness and even death. It’s estimated that 13 million American men have diabetes and the numbers are rising rapidly, especially among younger men.
As with heart disease, an annual routine wellness exam is the first step in preventing or managing diabetes. Your PCP can determine whether you have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions (high blood pressure; high blood sugar; excess belly fat; unhealthy cholesterol levels; high triglycerides) that dramatically increases your risk of developing diabetes. If you have two or more of these conditions, your PCP may order further tests such as fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), to diagnose whether you have diabetes.
What you can do:
- Change your diet. To help regulate spikes in blood sugar, eat more frequent, smaller meals and more fiber-rich foods, such as fresh vegetables and whole grains. Cut down on processed carbohydrates such as white breads, pastas, and foods made with added sugars.
- Lose weight. Ninety percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.
Depression and suicide
Depression can be deadlier for men than women. Men are only half as likely to suffer from depression as women, but they are four times more likely to commit suicide. Sadly, suicide ranks seventh among the leading cause of death of men in the U.S.
What you can do:
- Recognize the warning signs of depression. These may include (but are not limited to): constantly feeling overwhelmed, sad, unfulfilled, angry, guilty, worthless, pessimistic, hopeless, restless or agitated, that no one cares about you, or that life is not worth living.
- Recognize behaviors associated with depression. These may include (but are not limited to): eating or sleeping too much or too little, abusing drugs or alcohol, engaging in reckless or risky behavior, having trouble focusing or remembering, experiencing a loss of interest in work, family, hobbies or activities you used to enjoy, or losing interest in sex.
- Reach out to others, including a loved one, relative, or close friend; talk to that person about what you’re feeling.
- See your doctor or mental health professional, who can work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include various therapies and/or medications.
- If you’re in crisis, contact a suicide crisis center hotline.
Editor’s Note: The foregoing news article is taken from The Graybill Blog – Volume 4, Issue 3, June 15, 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.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) and Paynes Town/New Market Community anxiously await the visit of Archaeologists from the History and Archaeology Department University of the West Indies (Mona campus), Jamaica National Heritage Trust to fulfill their written commitments to visit the historic site with a view to preserve and secure the site and declare it a National Heritage Site.
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.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is delighted to inform readers of its Newsletter that as a result of representation that the Association made to Government Ministries and Agencies to rid the Old Police Station at New Market of Squatters who had illegally occupied the building, that the building has been repossessed and the entire premises is being cleaned and cleared of thick overgrowth and vegetation. The Association looks forward to the building being turned into a museum and the monument that was built on the site and dedicated in a civic ceremony on the night when Jamaica gained Independence from Great Britain refurbished.
In its email message dated June 10, 2017 addressed to Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends, Well-wishers and related Jamaica Government Ministries and Entities, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wrote quote: While Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) and other Stakeholders in the impoverished peasant farming New Market Community eagerly await the visit of Archeologists from UWI History and Archeology Department and Jamaica National Heritage Trust to take over, preserve and declare the Slave Burial Ground a National Heritage Site, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) invites everyone to procure and read Maureen Warner-Lewis book: ARCHIBALD MONTEATH, IGBO, JAMAICAN MORAVIAN, University of the West Indies Press 2007. Maureen Warner-Lewis book which can be purchased in various bookstores as well as at www.amazon.com will open readers eyes and help them to better understand the events that occurred on the Slave Estate at Kepp, Paynes Town, Hopeton, New Savannah and elsewhere in the Parish of Saint Elizabeth. Unquote
Continuing in the final paragraph of the email message referred to herein; Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wrote quote: Libraries that lie buried below the myriad graves that have been discovered at the Slave Burial Ground at Paynes Town, must be explored and the truth with respect to the Slave Trade that flourished in the impoverished peasant farming New Market Community accurately and meticulously documented for posterity even if it means that history has to be rewritten. Unquote
BOSA DEVOTIONAL
A memorial stone stands in the grounds of a former Japanese Prison Camp in China where a man died in 1945. I reads: “Eric Lidell was born in Tianjin of Scottish parents in 1902. His career reached its peak with his gold medal victory in the 400 metres event at the 1924 Olympic Games. He returned to China to work in Tianjin as a teacher. His whole life was spent encouraging young people to make their best contributions to the betterment of mankind.”
In the eyes of many, Eric’s greatest accomplishment was on the sports field. But he is also remembered for his contribution to the youth of Tianjin in China, the country where he was born and that he loved. He lived and served by faith.
What will we be remembered for? Our academic achievements, job position, or financial success may get us recognized by others. However, it is the quiet work we do in the lives of people that will live long after we are gone.
Moses is remembered in Hebrews 11, the faith Chapter and God’s honour Roll in the Bible, as someone who chose to align himself with the people of God instead of enjoying the treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26) Moses lead and served God’s people by faith.
Editor’s Note: The foregoing devotional article that is written by C. P. Hia, is taken from Our Daily Bread Devotional Booklet, Wednesday, March 22, 2017 that is published by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Grand rapids, Michigan, USA.
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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