“Generosity is doing something for someone without expecting anything in return”
Bosa Newsletter, Volume 35, October 2018
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 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
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to express its sincere condolence to all family members and relatives of Lavern “Britie” Smith – daughter of Shirley “Ives” Smith and his wife Livette Campbell-Smith – from Flint Valley and Headley “Nobba” Headly Smith – son of Reginald “Mass Reggie” Smith and his wife Agatha “Miss Myrtle” Smith – from Long Ground, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies. As these family members, relatives and friends 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, 2011 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Editor’s Note: Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has been invited by the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) to meet with the School Board at the School on September 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM to deal with this outstanding contentious matter that has been allowed to drag on since November 16, 2011.
UPDATE WITH RESPECT TO ACTION TAKEN BY BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (BOSA) TO RESOLVE THE OUTSTANDING VEXED CONTENTIOUS MATTER BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND THE ASSOCIATION.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wishes to use this Newsletter to inform all Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora, friends, Well-wishers and its Readers, that after the Association made several attempts to resolve the long outstanding vexed contentious matter between the School Board at Beersheba Primary School, the Ministry of Education as the Association has been to no avail; the Association has not been left with any other alternative but to instruct a reputable Law Firm in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica West Indies that specialize in Trust Matters, to take appropriate action to pursue and resolve the matter in the interest and welfare of the Association and affected parties.
In a meeting that was held on May 16, 2018 at the Law Offices of the Law Firm which the Association wishes to remain anonymous at this time, the Secretary/Treasurer who presented brief on behalf of the Association; was advised by the Lawyer representing the Law Firm, that he will contact the Association within two (2) weeks to discuss the appropriate action that will be taken with respect to the way forward in pursuing, resolving and bring closure to the long outstanding matter.
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. Shanisa’s excellent academic performance and deportment at UTECH has earned her a coveted spot in the Students Overseas Summer Work Programme in Wyoming, USA. Shanisa will return to the University of Technology (UTECH), Kingston Campus in September 2018 to continue her studies.
NICKAYLA STEVENS
Nickayla Stevens has been successful in passing subjects in CSEC and CXC Examination. Nickayla has graduated from Upper Six Form at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School at the end of the School Year in Summer 2018 and she is now looking for employment.
DAMANIKE SMITH
Damanike Smith continued to maintain her academic excellence as an enrolled student at HEART/NTA, Black River Campus and has graduated from the Institution after she successfully completed her course of study in Business Administration. Damanike is currently looking for employment.
MEET SAMEIKA MAITLAND BOSA ADOPTED ACHIEVER AND TRAILBLAZER
Sameika Maitland, financially challenged grade 10, Form 5 boarding student at Hampton School, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies for whom Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is safety net and monitor, continues her excellent academic performance as an A student.
Sameika who is now a Dormitory Prefect, continues to maintain a 3.3 GPA. Sameika will move on to grade 11 on September 3, 2018. Hampton School will become Sameika’s alma mater when she graduates from the school in Summer 2019 after she has sat and passed CSEC and CXC Examinations. Sameika who continues to do well in Natural Sciences, is still focused on her goal to become a Forensic Pathologist.
PROGRESS REPORT ON NASHEENA DOBBS AND NASHANA DOBBS AND DURVANNE BROWN
Nasheena Dobbs continues her excellent academic performance as student at Mount Alvernia High School, Montego Bay, Saint James, Jamaica West Indies. Our readers are invited to log on to BOSA website: bosaonline.org to read more about Nasheena Dobbs, an Achiever and Trailblazer from the graduating class of 2017 at Beersheba Primary School.
Nashana Dobbs, age 12 years – Nasheena’s sister – a beneficiary of James Richards Educational Fund Scholarship is currently attending Hampton School, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth as a non-boarding student in keeping with the decision taken by her parents Ivan Dobbs and Nola Delisser who resides in the impoverished peasant farming district of Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth.
Durvanne Brown who is also from Flint Valley, has been placed at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). Durvanne’s placement at STETHS resulted from his excellent academic performance of 82 average in 2018 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). Durvanne began attending STETHS for the New School Year that began on September 3, 2018.
Editor’s Note: For additional detail information about Nashana Dobbs and Durvannie Brown and other students from Beersheba Primary School who have been successful in 2018 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), please refer to news article that is posted on Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) website: bosaonline.org
PRIMARY EXIT PROFILE (PEP) WHICH REPLACE GRADE SIX ACHIEVEMENT TEST (GSAT) IN 2019
Parents and Guardians are urged to familiarize themselves with information that the Ministry of Education has promulgated on its website and through various Media Houses in Jamaica regarding Primary Exit Profile (PEP) with its focus on critical and analytical thinking that replaces Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) with its focus on pencil and paper and multiple choice task in 2019. Curricula in education systems worldwide have been changing and Jamaica must keep up with scientific and technological change or the country will be left behind.
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, 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 PRIMARY EXIT PROFILE (PEP) STUDENTS GRADUATING BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE CLASS OF 2019 AND BEYOND 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 do 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 4:00 PM.
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 for his own money to purchase the land on which the Ministry of Education built Beersheba Primary School as well as his money that Bermuda Trust Company transformed to the school as New Trustee from which James Richards Educational Trust Fund is established at The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited (Black River Branch); representatives of Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) met with His Worship the Mayor of Black River and Chairman Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Councillor Derrick Sangster and Mr. Errol Lebert, Chief Executive Officer, Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in the office of CEO on January 15, 2018 to thoroughly discuss this outstanding.
Councillor Richard Solomon, Member Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation for New Market Parochial Division who was invited to the meeting and participate in the discussion on the above mentioned subject matter did not show up.
Representatives from Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation who attended the meeting acquiesced that the Corporation will pursue the matter with the Ministry of Education since all criteria stipulated by the Ministry to rename the school has been met. In addition, it was agreed that the Councillor for New Market Parochial Division will take appropriate action to organize and hold a non-political, non-partisan Town Hall Meeting in the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School. The purpose of the meeting is to enable Councillor Solomon to obtain feedback from all Stakeholders in Beersheba Primary School Community on the matter and report his findings to Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation which has an active Education Committee on its establishment.
ATTEMPTS TO MEET WITH COUNCILLOR RICHARD SOLOMON, MEMBER SAINT ELIZABETH MUNICIPAL CORPORATION AND COUNCILLOR FOR NEW MARKET PAROCHIAL DIVISION IS STILL TO NO AVAIL
Several attempts made by Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) to meet with Councillor Richard Solomon, Member Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation and Councillor for New Market Parochial Division since he failed to show up at the meeting that was held in the office of the CEO Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation that was presided over by His Worship the Mayor of Black River and Chairman Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Councillor Derrick Sangster on January 15, 2018, has been to no avail.
In the pursuance of the Association’s desire to have an urgent meeting with Councillor Solomon, with Mrs. Carmen “Mitsy” Jones-Robinson, President New Market Community Development Council in attendance to discuss several outstanding matters affecting people in New Market and adjoining communities, the Association’s Secretary/Treasurer in addition to several correspondences that the Association sent to Councillor Solomon by email regarding these matter; contacted him by telephone recently. Assurance that the Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) received from Councillor Solomon that he is willing to meet with the Association’s Secretary Treasurer and the President New Market Community Development Council at Lewisville Branch Library is still awaiting Councillor Solomon’s confirmation with respect to the date and time for the meeting.
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 Staff representative: Mrs. Naomi Foster-Brooks
PTA Representative: Nickesha Lawrence
Community Representative: Mr. Valdez Hamilton
Member: 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.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) assumes that:
- As a result of the retirement of Mrs. Tatlin Smith-Williams as Principal Beersheba Primary School, National Education Council (NCE) will take appropriate action to ensure that Mrs. Michele Sanderson, Acting Principal is appointed to fill the vacancy on the School Board and its website updated accordingly.
- As a result of Miss Nickesha Lawrence no longer residing in Beersheba Primary School Community, that National Education Council will take appropriate action to appoint someone as the PTA Representative on the School Board and its website updated accordingly.
THE ELESA HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is in touch with the Hamilton Family who administers The Elesa Hamilton Scholarship Programme. The matter is scheduled to come up for discussion with the School Board in a meeting that will be held between the Board and Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) at a meeting that will be held in the main auditorium at Beerrsheba Primary School (Government Leased) on September 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Outcome of the discussion between the School Board and BOSA will be published in Volume 36 January 2019 of BOSA Newsletter.
BOSA SAYS LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE
After a machine was invented to catch thieves, it was taken to different countries to do a test run.
In the USA, in 30 minutes, it caught 20 thieves.
In the UK, in 30 minutes, it caught 25 thieves.
In Spain, in 20 minutes, it caught 25 thieves.
In Ghana, in 10 minutes it caught 6,000 thieves.
In Nigeria, in 5 minutes, it caught 9,000 thieves.
In Jamaica, in 3 minutes, dem thief the machine!!
Editor’s Note: Contributed by Merlene Holness-Price, RN, Beersheba Elementary School Alumna.
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
“God Will not give you what He wants to give to you until He knows you can handle it.”
“Where you are now, is not as important as where you are going.”
“If you are in a circus, do not head for the center unless you want to be a clown.”
“Life is not important unless there is impact that it has on other lives.”
Late US senator John McCain (1936 – 2018)
“If one day you want to run away, don’t be afraid to call me. I promise to be there running beside you. But, if one day you call me and there’s no answer, come to me, perhaps I need you. One day, one of us will not be here; then, it will be too late to say I care. Tears may flow, but I will be long gone. So, tell someone today and always that you do care.”
Contributed by Merlene Holness-Pryce, RN, Beersheba Elementary School Alumna
BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER
In keeping with the undertaking given in Volume 34 July 2018 of BOSA Newsletter, BOSA is pleased to continue to provide information on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) a debilitating joint disease.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) DIAGNOSIS
A Primary Care Physician (PCP) may suspect RA based in part on a person’s signs and symptoms. If so, the patient will be referred to a rheumatologist – a specialist with specific training and skills to diagnose and treat RA. In its early stages, RA may resemble other forms of inflammatory arthritis. No single test can confirm RA. To make a proper diagnosis, the rheumatologist will ask questions about personal and family medical history, perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests.
MEDICAL HISTORY
The doctor will ask about personal and family medical history as well as recent and current symptoms (pain, tenderness, stiffness, difficulty moving).
PHYSICAL EXAM
The doctor will examine each joint, looking for tenderness, swelling, warmth, and painful or limited movement. The number and pattern of joints affected can also indicate RA. For example, RA tends to affect joints on both sides of the body. The physical exam may reveal other signs, such as rheumatoid nodules or a low-grade fever.
BLOOD TESTS
The blood tests will measure inflammation levels and look for biomarkers such as antibodies (blood proteins) linked with RA.
INFLAMMATION
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or “sed rate”) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level are markers of inflammation. A high ESR or CRP is not specific to RA, but when combined with clues, such as antibodies, helps makes the RA diagnosis.
ANTIBODIES
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody found in about 80 percent of people with RA during the course of their disease. Because RF can occur in other inflammatory diseases, it’s not a sure sign of having RA. But a different antibody – ant-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) – occurs primarily in patients with RA. That makes a positive anti-CCP test a stronger clue to RA. But anti-CCP antibodies are found in only 60 to 70 percent of people with RA and can exist even before symptoms start.
IMAGING TESTS
An X-ray ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scan may be done to look for joint damage, such as erosions – a loss of bone.
RHEUMATIOD ARTHRITIS SELF-CARE
Self-care, or self-management, means taking a proactive role in treatment and maintaining a good quality of life. Here are some ways you can manage RA symptoms (along with recommended medication) and promote overall health.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET AND HEALTHY EATING
While there is no specific “diet” for RA, researchers have identified certain foods that are rich in antioxidants and can help control and reduce inflammation. Many of them are part of the so-called Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fish, vegetables, fruits and olive oil, among other healthy foods. It’s also important to eliminate or significantly reduce processed and fast foods that fuel inflammation.
BALANCING ACTIVITY WITH REST
Rest is important when RA is active and joints feel painful, swollen or stiff. Rest helps reduce inflammation and fatigue that can come with a flare. Taking breaks throughout the day conserves energy and protects joints.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
For people with RA, exercise is so beneficial it’s considered a main part of RA treatment. The exercise program should emphasize low-impact aerobics, muscle strengthening and flexibility. The program should be tailored to fitness level and capabilities, and take into account any joint damage that that exists. A physical therapist can help to design an exercise program.
HEAT AND COLD THERAPIES
Heat treatment such as heat pads or warm baths, tend to work best for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles. Cold is best for acute pain. It can numb painful areas and reduce inflammation.
TOPICAL TREATMENT
These treatments are applied directly to the skin over the painful muscle or joint. They may be creams or patches. Depending on the type used, it may contain nonsteroidol anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates or capsaicin, which help reduce pain.
NATURAL AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, guided imagery and visualization can help train painful muscles to relax. Research shows massage can help reduce arthritis pain, improve joint function and ease stress and anxiety. Acupuncture may also be helpful. This involves inserting fine needles into the body along special points called “meridians” to relieve pain. Those who fear needles might consider ocupressure, which involves applying pressure, instead of needles at those points.
SUPPLEMENTS
Studies have shown that tumeric and omega-3 fish oil supplements may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness. However, talk with a doctor before taking any supplement to discuss side effects and potential interactions.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM
Many studies have demonstrated that resilience, a ability to “bounce back,” encourages a positive outlook. Having a network of friends, family members and co-workers can help provide emotional support. It can help a patient with RA cope with life changes and pain.
Editor’s Note: Final information in the series on Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA And Infection Risk and Arthritis And Cancer Risk will be published in Volume 36 January 2019 in BOSA Newsletter.
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
Editor’s Note: The foregoing subject matter was thoroughly discussed in a meeting that was held in the office of the Chief Executive Officer, Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation on January 15, 2018. The meeting which was provided over by His Worship the Mayor of Black River and Chairman Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Councillor Derrick Sangster, was attended by Mr. Errol Lebert, Chief Executive Officer, Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, representatives of Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), New Market CDC, and Mrs. Elvie Miller and her daughter Madge Mullings; Owner of the property on which the Slave Burial Ground is located; acquiesced and decided that the Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation will pursue the matter with the History and Archaeology Department of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies so as to get the Department and Jamaica National Heritage Trust Foundation to honour the commitment that was given to the association that they would visit, take over, secure and preserve the site.
BOSA DEVOTIONAL
Mathematicians say life is like a line segment drawn from point B to point D.
What is point B to point D? It is from point of Birth (B) to point of Death (D)
Life starts from the moment we are Born (B) until the day we Die (D)
But on the continuum in the middle of Birth (B) and Death (D) there is a mysterious C.
What does this C stands for? It stands for Christ.
If we allow Christ to occupy the middle of our life (Birth Christ Death), our life will not end at D but it will extend to E.
What does E stand for? It stands for Eternal Life.
All those who have allowed Christ to occupy the middle or center of their lives have Eternal Life.
Sad to say, all those who do not allow Christ to occupy the middle or center of their lives, do not have Eternal Life after Death but they have (F) Fire.
The mathematical equation for those who have allowed Christ to occupy the middle or center of their lives – these individuals are called Believers or Christians – is:
B + C + D = E [Birth + Christ + Death = Eternal Life]
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