BOSA NEWSLETTER
Generosity is doing something for someone without expecting anything in return”
Volume 44, January 2021
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, ASC, BBA, 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, UPPER SIX FORM STUDENT SAINT ELIZABETH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL (STETHS) AND BACHELOR OF ARTS, FIRST CLASS HONOURS, CLASS OF 2020, UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (UTECH) JAMAICA
As a result of the entrenched culture of silence, secrecy, non-response and pussyfooting by the School Board, the contentious outstanding subject matter that is mentioned on pages 1, 2 and 3 of 10 in Volume 40January 2020 of BOSA Newsletter remains unresolved.
PROGRESS REPORT ON SHANISA JONES, NICKAYLA STEVENS, AND DAMANIKE SMITH, NASHENA DOBBS, NASHANA DOBBS AND DURVANE BROWN
SHANISA JONES
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to inform all Beersheba Elementary and Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora and all readers of its newsletter, that notwithstanding continuous victimization that Shanisa Jones received from the unconscionable School Board – past and present – at Beersheba Primary School, New Trustee for James Richards Educational Trust Fund of which Shanisa is a qualified beneficiary. With personal financial assistance from Vincent Samuels and contributions made by
Beersheba Elementary and Primary School Alumni through BOSA; Shanisa graduated in the Class of 2020 with a Bachelor of arts Degree, first class honours from the University of Technology (UTECH) Jamaica.
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.
NASHENA DOBBS
Nashena Dobbs continues her excellent academic performance as a student at Mount Alvernia High School, Montego Bay, Saint James, Jamaica West Indies. Our readers are invited to log in to BOSA website bosaonline.org to read more about Nashena Dobbs, an Achiever and Trailblazer from the graduating class of 2017 at Beersheba Primary School. No recent progress report on Nasheena is available.
NASHANA DOBBS
Nashana Dobbs – Nashena’s sister – a beneficiary of James Richards Educational Trust 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. No recent progress report on Nashana is available.
DURVANE BROWN
Durvane Brown who is also from Flint Valley, has been placed at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). Durnane’s placement at STETHS resulted from his excellent academic performance of 82 average in 2018 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). Durvane began attending STETHS for the New School Year that began on September 3, 2018. No recent progress report on Durvane is available.
MEET SAMEIKA MAITLAND BOSA ADOPTED ACHIEVER AND TRAILBLAZER
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to announce that Sameika Maitland has applied and has been admitted by the University of Technology (UTECH) Kingston Campus to pursue the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health. In the letter of admittance that UTECH has sent to Sameika Maitland, the University wrote quote: Your qualifications demonstrate the work you have put in and we have chosen you from a vast pool of applicants unquote.
BOSA is pleased to report that Sameika Maitland commenced classes as a boarding at UTECH on Monday, August 24, 2020.
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 WHO CONTINUE TO GIVE IN THE INTEREST AND WELFARE OF OUR STUDENTS
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.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) also wishes to recognize and commend Vinette Hamilton-D’Andrade, BBA and her husband Clayton D’Andrade for their innovation in proposing to use Clouds Of Hope Ministry & Clouds Of Hope Substance Abuse Prevention Services, LLC to work with Stakeholders in Beersheba Primary School Community to put on GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNIUTY DAY (An Annual Event) that will be held at Beersheba Primary School on Friday, July 3, 2020.
Volunteers and Donors who desire to identify and contribute in cash and kind to this outreach project are urged to contact:
Vinette Hamilton-D’Andrade, BBA
Cellular/Mobile Telephone: 1-404-272-5810
Email: vinette474@gmail.com
UPDATE ON GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY DAY
As a result of the global devastating effect that COVID-19 Pandemic is having in countries throughout the world, the organizers have decided to postpone the event until July 2021.
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 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.
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 (Deceased)
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.
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.
BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER
NEW MARKET FLOOD WATERS RISING AGAIN
With myriads aquifers the plains of former Slaves Estates of Kepp, Paynes Town and New Savannah waiting to be reactivated by rainfall that came from the outer bands of Tropical Storm Eta as it passed south of Jamaica where it developed into a category 4 Hurricane that devasted Nicaragua and Honduras; it is very obvious that residents in New Market and adjoining communities have forgotten flood waters of 1979 an d have ignored warnings from Urban Development Corporation (UDC) that people in flood prone communities in the area should not reestablish themselves in these areas.
It is because of rising flood waters that lasted for several months, that UDC relocated residents – including government agencies and commercial businesses to Lweisville where New Market Community was reestablished.
At the time of writing this newsletter, National Works Agency (NWA) has advised motorists and the travelling public that main roads from New Market to Darliston and New Market to Montego Bay are impassable. Beersheba/Flint Valley Parochial Road is also impassable from Carr Gate, New Savannah to its intersection with the Bye Pass Road near “Balamba” at Beersheba Primary School.
Alternate routes for motorists and the travelling public are the Bye Pass Road from Four Roads, New Savannah near “Sefton” shop through Carr District to the main road at New Market People’s Cooperative Bank and the Bye Pass Road that intersects with the main road at “Mankind” Dennis property through Brunty District to the main road at Paynes Town.
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
“No one can domestic change to us but our own discontent”.
Edward Snowden
“Look beyond our differences and let us walk the path together.”
Ralston McKenzie, RJR Sunday Contact, Sunday September 13, 2020.
“If you want to be a General in the Army, you have to start off by being a good Private.”
The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica speaking at the Swearing In Ceremony of Eight State Ministers at Kings House, Jamaica on Monday, September 14, 2020.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.”
Mark Twain, Author
“Never believe rumours unless they are absolutely true. If the other was heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.
Charles Simeon (1759-1836), Minister Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, England.
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
At the invitation of Councillor Richard Solomon, the Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) accompanied by Mrs. Elvie Miller and her daughter Madge Mullings visited and toured The Slave Burial Ground at Paynes Town, New Market, Saint Elizabeth on Sunday, February 03, 2019. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is looking forward to hear from Councillor Solomon with respect to the way forward in dealing with the matter.
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
GIVING GENEROUSLY TO THE POOR AND NEEDY
In 1 Timothy and throughout the Bible, God’s people are encouraged to give generously (Timothy 6:18). We are told that when we do, we are blessed in return. Deuteronomy 15:10 states, “Give generously without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
In Proverbs we read, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9) Why give? Because God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment,” (1 Timothy 6:17). As Jesus declares, “Every good and perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights.” (James 1:17).
The Apostle Paul, who also wrote the letters to Timothy, offer this guideline for giving. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Ayon Keida, Insight Contributor to Our Daily Bread Devotional, Sunday, November 22, 2020.
COVID-19 WHICH IS NOW IN COMMUNITY SPREAD IN JAMAICA HAS CHANGED THE WAY PEOPLE LIVE AND INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) urges Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Honorary BOSA Members, friends and well-wishers and our readers in Jamaica and the Diaspora to keep up with updates that are issued periodically by World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and various Health Authorities in countries where you live and travel.
In light of information published in Jamaica Gleaner dated Saturday, September 5, 2020 captioned “COVID everywhere! – Health ministry says virus can no longer be easily traced from one person to the other.”, BOSA endorse and underscore invaluable information given by Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health quote: “Jamaicans will now have to assume that everyone they come in contact with is positive. We are alerting the public that the transmission of the virus can no longer be easily traced from one member of the population to the other” Dr. Tufton said during a virtual press conference that was held at the Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies on Friday, September 4, 2020.
BOSA also urge everyone to wear masks, maintain social distancing and adhere to and observe all protocols that have been established and promulgated by Health Authorities.
Stay safe, stay smart and stay strong! Please lend and give a helping hand to the elderly and the poor and needy who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 Pandemic. As we all continue to invoke Divine Guidance and Deliverance from JEHOVAH-rafa (God who heals) in the crisis; be assured, that THIS TOO WILL PASS!!
ADVERSE EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PRIMARY, HIGH SCHOOL AND TERTIARARY EDUCATION
Not only has COVID-19 Pandemic delayed the reopening of Primary, High Schools and Tertiary Institutions from September 3, 2020 that was pushed back to October 5, 2020, but notwithstanding effort by the Ministry of Education to use seventeen (17) pilot schools to resume face to face teaching, up to the time that this newsletter is being written, the Ministry is still struggling to resume this method of teaching.
With online use of the Ministry of Education Digital Platform to teach students at home, parents and guardians – many of whom are computer illiterates – are finding it extremely challenging and difficult to help children in their homes do their school assignments.
DGITAL BANKING IS HERE TO STAY
Announcement made by The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited to close its flagship branch at 6 High Street, Black River, Saint Elizabeth and its Christiana Branch in Manchester in February 2021, in addition to converting six (6) of its other Branches to Digital Non Personal Banking, is proof that Scotia Bank in re-engineering its operation to reduce and eliminate fixed costs (rent, salaries, health insurance benefits and utility bills); has joined other financial conglomerates in making transition from inhouse to online digital banking that ultimately is going to result in a cashless society that has advantages and disadvantages.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is urging elderly customers of Banks to come to full realization that their “banger phones” have become obsolete and must be immediately replaced with a Smart Phone with at least 16 GB Internal Memory that is capable to download and install Mobile Banking Apps that will enable them to do their banking transactions from their homes. Young people including those in academia who are computer literate, are urged to help the elderly who must not be scammed or abused in the process.
EDITOR’S CLOSING STATEMENT
As all Beersheba Elementary and Primary School Alumni and our readers in Jamaica and the Diaspora reflect on the devastation that COVID-19 Pandemic, Climate Change and Heinous Crimes and Evil that heartless uncaring persons with deviant aberrant behavior continue to unleash on their specie, it does well this holiday season that, that we come to realize that the world in which Henry Wadworth Longfellow (1863), Poet lived when he wrote the Christmas Carol “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”, was no different from the world in which we live today.
Like Longfellow, let us console ourselves with these inspirational lyrics that he penned in his wold famous beloved Christmas Carol:
And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said.
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth goodwill to me.
Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead nor does He sleep.
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.
Blessings and Shalom is multiplied to you all in abundance for Christmas 2020. It is my sincere wish that you will all have a Good, Prosperous and Productive New Year 2021.
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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