BOSA Newsletter, Volume 38, July 2019

BOSA Newsletter, Volume 38, July 2019 

“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, 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

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) joins with family members, relatives and friends who are grieving and mourning the loss of their love ones who have passed away since our last newsletter was published. May the memories of these bereaved love ones continue to linger in our hearts and minds cognizant that 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 1:00PM to deal with this outstanding contentious matter that has been allowed to drag on since November 16, 2011.

UPDATE ON MEETING HELD AT BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2018 BETWEEN THE SCHOOL BOARD AND BEERSHEBA OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

 The foregoing subject matter was discussed at a meeting that was held in the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, was presided over by rev. Christopher Euphfa, Moravian Minister, Chairman of the School Board and successor to Rev. Phyllis Smith-Seymour, Moravian Minister, former Chairman of the School Board.

This meeting to which representatives of Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) was invited in writing to attend with all members of the School Board, did not do anything tangible to resolve the outstanding contentious matter on which the Ministry of Education has already issued its directive but the Chairman of the School Board – past and present – refuse to obey.

The Chairman and other members of the School Board – including two reactionary members, a past student of the school and a member of the academic teaching staff – wasted valuable time in attempting to narrate the entire story that led to the Ministry of Education issuing its directive to the School Board.

Against the backdrop of the Chairman of the School Board coming to the meeting unprepared to deal with the subject matter and apologizing that Mrs. Michele Sanderson, Acting Principal of the School was unable to copy and circulate to all members of the School Board, documents that are germane to the discussion because the Printer broke down; the Secretary/treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) on behalf of the Association’s Vice President Victor Smith and BOSA representative Vincent Brown, in disgust, asked that they be excused from the meeting. Prior to leaving the meeting, the Secretary/Treasurer informed the Chairman of the School Board that since it is evident that the School Board does not appear to be inclined to find an amicable solution to resolve vexed issues involved in the outstanding contentious matter, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is not left with any other alternative but to take appropriate action to instruct its Attorney – at – Law who specializes in Trust Matters, to take the matter to Court where the Association will be Plaintiff and the School Board and the Ministry of Education will be Defendants.

PROGRESS ON STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE.

 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 2019 in USA. Shanisa will return to the University of Technology (UTECH), Kingston Campus in September 2019 to continue her studies.

NICK AYLA STEVENS

Nickayla Stevens who has been successful in passing subjects in CSEC and CXC Examination has graduated from Upper Six Form at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School at the end of the School Year in Summer 2018.  Nickayla currently gainfully employed in the Hotel Industry in Montego Bay, Saint James, Jamaica West Indies.

DAMANIKE SMITH

Damanike Smith who continued to maintain her academic excellence as an enrolled student at HEART/NTA, Black River Campus, graduated from the Institution after she successfully completed her course of study in Business Administration. Damanike is currently gainfully employed at a Bill Express/Western Union, Black River, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies.

 

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. (Please view and read the news article that is posted on BOSA website: bosaonline.org about Sameika’s achievement).

Sameika will graduate from Hampton School on June 16, 2019 after sitting her CSEC and CXC Examinations.  Sameika who continues to do well in Natural Sciences, is still focused on her goal to become a Forensic Pathologist. Sameika will return to Hampton School as Upper Six Form Student in September 2019..

Samieka’s  Graduation Pictures from Hampton High June 16, 2019

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 INVALUABL, 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 4:00PM.

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 39 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 honored 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 unable 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 MADE BY BOSA 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.

UPDATE ON VISIT WITH COUNCILLOR RICHARD SOLOMON

At the invitation of Councillor Richard Solomon, the Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) accompanied by Mrs. Elvie Miller and Madge Mullings, visited and toured the Slave Burial Ground at Paynes Town, New Market on Sunday, February 03, 2019. BOSA is looking forward to hear from Councillor Solomon with respect to the way forward in dealing with this matter.

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. Valdes 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, former 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.

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

 

Editor’s Note: At the meeting that the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) held with representatives of Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, with “Shana”, a new face  introduced by the Chairman of the School Board as the representative of the PTA, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association informed the Chairman that the name of the new representative of the PTA that he has introduced to the meeting is not on the official list of members published by National Council on Education (NCE)

THE ELESA HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

By way of update to information that is given in Volume 35 October 2018 of BOSA Newsletter on the above subject matter; the said matter was thoroughly discussed between the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) and Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) at a meeting that was held in the main auditorium at the School on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.

With respect to the position that the School Board has taken on the matter that the criteria set by the Administrators of The Elesa Hamilton Scholarship Programme is too stringent, the Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), told the Chairman that since the Association has no jurisdiction with respect to how the Scholarship Programme is administered, the School Board should write to the Administrator of the Scholarship Programme to discuss the Board’s concern.

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is still awaiting a copy of the email message that the School Board has sent to the Administrator of the Scholarship Programme regarding concern the Board mentioned at the meeting.

GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS

• Between 52 and death, it’s time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don’t just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than a son or daughter-in-law with big ideas for your hard-earned capital.
• Warning: This is also a bad time for investments, even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof. They only bring problems and worries. This is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.
• Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don’t feel bad spend9ing your money on yourself. You’ve taken care of them for many years, and you’ve taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter and support. Your responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.
• Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well and get your sleep. It’s easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. This is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor, do tests even when you’re feeling well. Stay informed.
• Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner. One day one of you will make your transition and you’ll miss each other and money will not provide any comfort then so enjoy it together.
• Don’t stress over the little things. You’ve already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don’t let the past drag you down and don’t let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now. Small issues will soon be forgotten.
• Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor and remember: “A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection.”
• Be proud, both inside and out. Don’t stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, do to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well maintained on the outside, it seeps to the inside making you feel proud and strong.
• Don’t lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your own sense of style. You’ve developed your own sense of what looks good on you – keep it and be proud of it. It’s part of who you are.
• Always stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to use some of those social networks. You’ll be surprised what old friends you’ll meet.
• Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future, and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday’s wisdom still applies today. Never use the phrase:”in my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of this time.
• Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people; it’ll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you feel older and harder to be around.
• Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren (if you have a financial choice, that is). Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. Even then, do so only if you feel you really need the help or do not want to live by yourself.
• Don’t abandon your hobbies. If you don’t have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, dance. You can adopt a cat or a dog. Grow a kitchen garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, golf.
• Try to get out of the house, meet people you haven’t seen in a while, experience something new (or something old). The important thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a park. Get out there.
• Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless it is constructive criticism. Try to accept situations as they are.
• Pains and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of life.
• If you’ve been offended by someone – forgive them. If you’ve offended someone, apologize. Don’t drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn’t matter who is right. Someone once said: “Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die. Don’t take that poison. Forgive, Forbear, Forget and move on with your life.
•  Laugh! Laugh away your worries. Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a long one. Many persons never get to this age, never get to experience a full life.

 

Editor’s Note: Contents in Golden Thoughts And Nuggets taken from WhatsApp Messenger: Special Notes For Our Age provided by Anthony “Gary” Atkinson, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Munro College Alumnus, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies Alumnus.

BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER

Although or readers were advised in Volume 37 April 2019 of BOSA Newsletter that the final series on Rheumatoid Arthritis, (RA) And Infection Risk and Arthritis And Cancer Risk would be published in Volume 38 July 2019 of its Newsletter; from time to time, news of greater significance that supersedes the subject that BOSA had in mind. Such is news about the toughest situation in the life of celebrated Jamaica Forward Footballer Luton Shelton and his family.

Shelton, the Reggae Boyz Scorer with 35 international goals, has been ill since 2016. Shelton now 32 years old, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) which has broken down his immune system, attacking the muscles and ultimately the nerve cells and spinal cord.

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to publish news article about ALS from Mayo Clinic, USA for information of our readers.

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS)

OVERVIEW: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (a-my-o-TROE-fik LAT-ur-ul skluh-ROE-sis), or ALS, is a progressive nervous system (neurological) disease that destroys nerve cells and causes disability.

ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the famous basketball player who was diagnosed with it. ALS is a type of motor neuron disease in which nerve cells gradually break down and die.

Doctors usually don’t know why ALS occurs. Some cases are inherited.

ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in the limb, or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe. There is no cure for ALS, and eventually the disease is fatal.

SYMPTOMS

Early signs and symptoms of ALS include:

• Difficulty walking or doing your normal daily activities
• Tripping and falling
• Weakness in your legfeet and ankles
• Hand weaknesses or clumsiness
• Slurred speech or trouble swallowing
• Muscle cramps and twitching in your arms, shoulders and tongue
• Difficulty holding your head up or keeping good posture

ALS often starts in the hands, feet or limbs, and then spreads to other parts of your body. As the disease advances and nerve cells are destroyed, your muscles progressively weaken. This eventually affects chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing.

ALS doesn’t usually affect your bowel or bladder control, your senses or your thinking ability. It’s possible to remain actively involved with your family and friends.

CAUSES

ALS is inherited in 5 to 10 percent of cases, while the rest have no known cause. Researchers are studying several possible causes of ALS, including:

Gene mutation. Various genetic mutations can lead to inherited ALS, which causes nearly the same symptoms as the non-inherited form.

Chemical Imbalance. People with ALS generally have higher than normal levels of glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain, around the nerve cells in their spinal fluid. Too much glutamate is known to be toxic to some nerve cells.

• Disorganized immune response. Sometimes a person’s immune system begins attacking some of his or her body’s own normal cells, which may lead to the death of nerve cells.
• Protein mishandling. Mishandled proteins within the nerve cells may lead to a gradual accumulation of abnormal forms of these proteins in the cells, destroying the nerve cells.

RISK FACTORS

Established risk factors for ALS include:

Heredity. Five to 10 percent of the people with ALS inherited it (familial ALS). In most people with familial ALS, their children have 50-50 chance of developing the disease.

• Age. ALS risk increases with age, and is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Sex. Before the age of 65, slightly more men than women develop ALS. This sex difference disappears after age 70.
• Genetics> Some studies examining the entire human genome (genomewide association studies) found many similarities in the genetic variations of people with familial ALS and some people with non-inherited ALS. These genetic variations might make people more susceptible to ALS.

Environmental factors may trigger ALA. Some that may affect ALS risk include:

Smoking. Smoking is the only likely environmental risk factor for ALS. The risk seems to be greatest for women, particularly after menopause.

• Environmental toxin exposure. Some evidence that exposure to lead or other substances in the workplace or at home may be linked to ALS. Much study has been done, but no single agent or chemical has been consistently associated with ALS.
• Military service. Recent studies indicate that people who have served in the military are at higher risk of ALS. It’s unclear exactly what about military service may trigger the development of ALS. It may include exposure to certain metals or chemicals, traumatic injuries, viral infections, and intense exertion.

COMPLICATIONS

As the disease progresses, people with ALS experience complications, which may include:

• Breathing problems. Over time, ALS paralyzes the muscles you use to breathe. You may need a device to help you breathe at night, similar to what someone with sleep apnea might wear. For example, you may be given continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to assist with your breathing at night. Some people with advanced ALS choose a tracheostomy – a surgically created hole at the front of the neck leading to the windpipe (trachea) – for full-time use of a respirator that inflates and deflates their lungs. The most common cause of death for people with ALA is respirator failure. On average, death occurs within three to five after symptoms begin.
• Speaking problems. Most people with ALS will develop trouble speaking over time. This usually starts as occasional, mild slurring of words, but progresses to become more severe. Speech eventually becomes more difficult for others to understand, and people with ALS often rely on other communication technologies to communicate.
• Eating problems. People with ALS can develop malnutrition and dehydration from damage to the muscles that control swallowing. They are also at higher risk of getting food, liquids or saliva into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia. A feeding tube can reduce risks and ensure proper hydration.
• Dementia. Some people with ALS experience problems with memory and making decisions, and some are eventually diagnosed with a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.

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

BEARING THE BURDEN OF WRONGS

On January 11, 2018, almost thirty-eight years after his conviction, Malcolm Alexander walked out of prison a free man. DNA evidence cleared Alexander, who had steadfastly maintained his innocence amid a myriad of court proceedings that were tragically unjust.

An incompetent Defense Attorney (later disbarred), shoddy evidence, and dubious investigative tactics, all put an innocent man in prison for nearly four decades. When he was finally released, Alexander showed immense grace. “You cannot be angry” he said. “There’s not enough time to be angry.”

Alexander’s words, evidence a deep grace. If injustice robbed us of thirty-eight years of our lives and destroyed our reputations, we would likely be angry and furious. Though Alexander spent many long heartbreaking years bearing the burden of wrongs inflicted on him, he wasn’t undone by the evil. Rather than exerting his energy trying to get revenge, he exhibited the posture that the Apostle Peter instructs in 1 Peter 3:9; “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.”

The scriptures go a step further: rather than seeking vengeance, the Apostle Peter tells us that we are to bless (1Peter 3:9). We extend forgiveness, the hope of well-being for those who have unjustly wronged us. Without excusing their evil actions, we can met them with God’s scandalous mercy.

On the Cross at Calvary, Jesus bore the burden of our wrongs, that we might receive grace and extend it to others – even those who have wronged us.

Editor’s Note: Taken from article contributed by Winn Collier in OUR DAILY BREAD devotional for Friday, March 22, 2019 published by Our daily Bread Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”