BOSA NEWSLETTER
“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
Vincent Samuels, ASC, BBA, 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) 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.
CONTINUED REFUSAL BY SCHOOL BOARD BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL TO PAY BOSA AND VINCRENT SAMUELS LEGITIMATE OUTSTANDING AMOUNTS OWED BY JAMES RICHARDS EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND AS AUTHORIZED BY PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH AND INFORMATION
The subject matter which is mentioned on page 1, 2 and 3 in Volume 40 January 2020 of BOSA Newsletter remains unresolved because of the Board’s defiance to carry out legitimate directive given to it by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.
PROGRESS REPORT ON NASHENA DOBBS, NASHANA DOBBS, DURVANE BROWN SAMEIKA MAITLAND, DEVONNETTE SMITH AND TANASHAY JONES
NASHEENA DOBBS
Nasheena Dobbs who is currently a grade 9 student at Mount Alvernia High School, Montego Bay, Saint James, is now focusing on Business Studies. Nashena’s present grade is 88.
NASHANA DOBBS
Information received from Faye (Nashana’s grandmother who resides in Montego Bay, Saint James on March 8, 2022) states that Nashana who is presently residing vwith her father at Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies, is still attending Hampton School where she is continuing to excel in her
academic performance notwithstanding the loss of her mother Nola Delisser. Her grandmother has informed the editor of this newsletter that Nashana recently won coveted awards of gold and silver medals at her school for her excellent academic performance.
DURVANE BROWN
No recent information is available on Durvanne Brown since publication of Volume 48 of this newsletter.
SAMEIKA MAITLAND
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to report that Sameika Maitland continues to maintain excellent performance in academia in her pursuit of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health at the University of Technology (UTECH) Kingston Campus, Jamaica West Indies.
Despite challenges that Sameika is encountering in not being able to attend face to face classes because of COVID-19 Pandemic, Sameika’s dedication and discipline to online classes, has rewarded her with A’s and B+’s for Christmas Term 2021.
Notwithstanding Sameika being able to negotiate and access funding from The Government of Jamaica Students Loan Bureau to defray the cost of her tuition; Sameika who boards on campus is experiencing financial challenge to defray the cost of her boarding expenses.
If there is any Beersheba Primary School Alumna/Alumnus, Honorary BOSA Member, friends and well-wishers who would like to assist Sameika overcome her plight, please send your generous sacrificial financial contribution by check/cheque, Western Union Money Transfer or MoneyGram Money Transfer payable Juliett Mullings, Sameiks’s mother whose address mailing address is as follows:
Juliett Mullings
New Savannah District
New Market P.O.
Saint Elizabeth
Jamaica West Indies
DEVONNETTE SMITH
Devonnette Smith, from Beersheba, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, granddaughter of the late Victor Smith, 1st Vice President Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) who is currently a grade 8 student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) has a current grade of 85.4.
TANASHAY JONES
Tanashay Jones from Flint Valley District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth who is first cousin of Shanisa Jones, is a student at Hampton School. Tanashay’s current grade is 89.
.2021 BENEFICIARIES FROM JAMES RICHARDS EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND
As one of the Stakeholders with whose acquiescence the balance of USD 79,841.49 (JMD 6,856,029.84) was transferred by HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, former Trustee James Richards Educational Trust Fund in November 2011 to The Bank Of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited Chequeing Account No. 3002-82 with the names of Tatlin E Smith-Williams, former Principal Beersheba Primary School and the late Victor Smith, 1st Vice President Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) as legitimate signatories to withdraw funds from the account; Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is still awaiting response from the administration at Beersheba Primary School regarding information requested from the school to the following questions:
- Names of the two students in the graduating class of 2021 who are successful in 2021 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Examination and will be selected as qualified beneficiaries of James Richards Educational Trust Fund in keeping with the criteria and desire stipulated by the Trustor.
- The agreed mechanism that will be used in selecting the two students.
- The quantum of financial benefit that will be allotted to each students and the purpose for which the funds will be utilized.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wish to place on record, the Association’s concern that notwithstanding the fact that financial records pertaining to James Richards Educational Trust Fund were handed over to Misses Latoya Davis and Maisie Hamilton, Internal Auditors from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information by Tatlin E Smith-Williams, former Principal Beersheba Primary School in the presence of Vincent Samuels, Secretary/Treasurer Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) at a meeting that was held in the conference room at the Ministry of Education, Region 5, Mandeville, Manchester on May 5, 2016, the Association has not received a copy of the audited financial statement pertaining to the outcome of the audit that was done.
In the pursuance of probity, transparency and accountability, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is not going to discontinue its inquiry into these high-profile matters until responses requested have been received.
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, Josephine Wade, Roderick Colquhoun 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 2019AND 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
Due to restrictions pertaining to gathering stipulated in the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) that regulates COVID-19 Pandemic in Jamaica, bi-monthly meeting of BOSA has been suspended indefinitely. BOSA Newsletter has become an invaluable link between Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), Honorary BOSA Members, friends and well-wishers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH BOSA SUPPORT FUND FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends and Well-wishers are asked to revisit information given on page 3 of 10 and 4 of 10 under this heading in Volume 46 July 2021 of BOSA Newsletter to obtain additional information with respect to how you can assist to financially support students attending high schools. All financial contributions from donors will be promptly acknowledged in writing.
MEET THE ACHIEVERS AND TRAILBLAZERS
In keeping with its desire and admiration to see individuals excel in academia and careers in which thy are involved; Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) with its belief and commitment to zero tolerance for mediocrity, wishes to focus its attention and present to its readers, well-wishers, three of these individuals who stand out as Achievers and Trailblazers:
COURTENAY RATTRAY
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York City, USA, announced on December 17, 2021 that Courtenay Rattray of Jamaica West Indies, has been appointed as his Chief of Staff and successor to Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti of Brasil, South America
CURRICULUM VITAE
- Director of Marketing and Promotion at Jamaica National Export Corporation in Kingston, Jamaica (1987-1988)
- Executive Director of Jamaica Marketing Company in London, England (1990-1997)
- Special Advisor to the Minister for Industry and Investment Jamaica (1999-2020)
- Special Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Jamaica (2000-2001)
- Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Jamaica, Washington, DC, USA (2001-2005)
- Director of the Bilateral Relations Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign, Kingston, Jamaica (2005-2008)
- Jamaica’s Ambassador to China (2008-2013)
- Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, NYC, USA.
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies from West Virginia Wesleyan College, USA, where he was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa)
- Master of Arts Degree in International Business from London South Bank University, England
- Master of Arts Degree from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA.
DR. E. DALE ABEL
Dr. E. Dale Abel, an Endocrinologist, a native of Jamaica West Indies, has been appointed the new chair of the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA where he will oversee more than 3,000 faculty physicians and staff members in 14 divisions.
CURRICULUM VITAE
- Student at Wolmer’s Boys School, Kingston, Jamaica.
- Student at University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies where he earned his Medical Degree.
- Doctorate in Physiology from Oxford University, UK which he attended on a Rhodes Scholarship.
- Completed Medical education at Northwestern University, Chicago, USA and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Served on faculty of Harvard Medical School and University of Utah, USA.
- Served as Director of Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetic Research Center where he led research projects studying the biological paths that raise the risk of heart failures in diabetes patients.
- Received numerous awards and honours during his Medical Career, including awards for mentoring biomedical scientists as honoured from under represented communities within the Endocrine Society. While at Harvard Medical School, he was honoured with Harvard Medical School Excellence in Teaching Award. He also received awards from American Heart Association. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2018; a year in which he also received the African American Museum of Iowa History Makers Award. In 2020, Dr. Abel was President-elect of the Association of Professors of Medicine and he was named one of the most inspirational Black Scientist in the USA by Cell Press.
NICK PERRY
Nick Perry, 71 year old native of Kingston, Jamaica West Indies who migrated to the USA in 1971 and served two years in the US Army; is now officially the new United States Ambassador to Jamaica West Indies. He was confirmed by the United States Senate late in the night of March 11, 2022 having received more than 51 votes.
Nick Perry is the first Jamaican born American to hold the position as United States Ambassador to Jamaica. He will replace Ambassador Donald Tapia whose appointment ended in 2021 with the inauguration of Joe Biden as new President of USA following the 2020 election.
CURRICUM VITAE
- Past student Kingston College, Jamaica West Indies.
- Represented the 58th Assembly District Brooklyn, NYC, USA for more than 30 years since he was first elected to New York State Assembly in Albany, USA in 1992 as a Democrat.
- He has been through the Assembly ranks over the years and he is the most powerful politician in Albany.
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
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends and Well-wishers are asked to revisit information given on page 4 and 5 of 10 under this heading in Volume 46 July 2021 of BOSA Newsletter to obtain additional information.
STORY BOARD TO BE CREATED ON THE EMBANKMENT OF THE INTERSECTION OF BEERSHEBA/FLINT VALLEY PAROCHIAL ROAD AND BYE PASS ROAD THROUGH CARR DISTRICT IN MEMORY OF JAMES “DICK” RICHARDS (1872-1965) WHO WAS BORN IN CARR DISTRICT, NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends and Well-wishers are asked to revisit information given on page 5 of 10 under this heading in Volume 46 July 2021 of BOSA Newsletter to obtain additional information.
MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL, NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH, JAMAICA, WEST INDIES
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends and Well-wishers are asked to revisit information given on page 5 of 10 under this heading in Volume 46 July 2021 of BOSA Newsletter to obtain additional information.
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
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends and Well-wishers are asked to revisit page 6 of 10 under this heading in Volume 46 July 2021 of BOSA Newsletter to obtain additional information/
BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER
The most common medical condition that affects middle age and elderly people is nocturia (waking up at nights to urinate). Because of nocturia, the elderly is afraid of drinking water before bedtime. These individuals do not know that not drinking water before they go to bed; getting up in the night to urinate without drinking water causes early morning cerebral infarction in middle age and elderly people. Contrary to what some people believe, nocturia is not a problem ot dysfunction of the bladder.
Nocturia is caused by the aging failure of heart function in the elderly and inability of the right atrium of the heart to draw blood from the lower body.
During the day, able body men and women are all in a standing position when blood will flow to lower parts of the body. If the heart – which is muscular pump – is not in good working condition, the following disorders will occur:
- Blood volume in the heart will be inadequate.
- Pressure on the lower body will increase.
- Middle age and elderly people will end up being affected by edema (an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of fluid in connective) in the lower body during the day.
When middle age and elderly people lie down at nights, pressure on the lower body will be relieved and a lot of water accumulate in connective tissues of the body and return to the blood stream. I too much water is present in the blood stream, the kidneys will work hard to filter out water from the body and drain it to the bladder resulting in nocturia.
It usually takes about three to four hours lying in bed at nights for people to get up out of bed to go to the toilet for the first time. As water in the blood continue to increase, middle age and elderly people will find that within another three hors, they have to respond to the urge to go back to use the toilet.
Why is this situation of frequent urges to use the toilet a cause of concern with respect cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction? The reason for this concern is because after two or three urinations, water in the body is greatly reduced. The body also continues to lose water through breathing. After significant loss of water occurs un the body, blood begins to thicken and the heart rate will slow down due to low metabolism in the during sleep. With thickened blood and slow blood flow, the effect on blood vessels can be disastrous!!! This explains why middle age and elderly people tend to have myocardial infarction (heart attack) or cerebral infarction (stroke) at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM. This situation will ultimately lead to death while the affected person is asleep.
Everyone including the elderly, are advised to note and be guided by the following:
- Nocturia is not a malfunction of the bladder but it is a problem of the aging heart.
- Drink water at room temperature before going to bed at nights and drink water at room temperature when you wake up at midnight to urinate.
- Do not be afraid of nocturia because by not drinking adequate amount of water at room temperature at nights may result in your death.
- Exercise more to strengthen the muscles of the heart so as to enable it to function satisfactorily. The human body is not a machine!! A machine will wear out when used frequently but the human body will experience longevity and become stronger the more it is frequently used.
.GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
Proverbs 11:24
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
“O man! Place not thy confidence in this world!”
Aba – Rahman 111 ruler of Cordoba, Spain in the tenth century.
The teacher/preacher in Ecclesiastes 2:25; 3:12-15 concluded that eating, working and doing good could all be enjoyed when done with God in the equation.
“Unity does not mean uniformity; we all bring our respective personalities to the mix community (internal environment). Howbeit, in our diversity, we can still demonstrate love to the world” (external environment) around us.
Danny Franks, Pastor at Summit Church, Raleigh Durham, North Carolina, USA.
As a Jamaican, you know that you are getting older if:
- You had an exercise book with Queen Elizabeth and her husband the Duke of Endingburg instead of a hard cover or ring binder note book.
- You use to listen to ZQI Rediffusion.
- You were Bata Crepe and GB laced up canvas footwear to school and bought Asham at the school gate. (Extra credit if you know the commodity from which Asham was made)
- You remember the Lou and Rannie Show which was aired on radio at 7;00 PM ON Sundays. How can you ever forget Miss Lou searching for her flat board to discipline Mass Ran.
- You know what the initials T.A.D.P stand for. Clue: this popular long running show which was hosted by Aggrey Brown or Adrian Robinson was aired on JBC Radio.
- You know the name of the names of popular shows hosted on RJR Radio by Tony Verity, Howard Clarke and Charlie Babcock.
- You can name more than two characters in a Jonkanoo Band.
- You know the Boxing Title held by Bunny Grant.
- You did not buy gigs, yo-yos, kites and catapults in a store; you made them yourself.
- You know what Fanta and Nu Grape are.
- You know what a Woolsley, Humber, Zephyr, Morris Oxford and Austin Cambridge are.
- You got a wash out and worm medicine from your parents at the end of summer holidays.
- You withstood the obnoxious odour and pain when your parents applied “iodiform” and bluestone from the drugstore to treat your buck toe and lame foot.
- Your school graduation was called prize-giving and the event that was held on the last day of class for Christmas Term was called Eisteddfod.
- You still call Norman Manley International Airport “Palisadoes Airport.”
- You still have a BOAC or PANAM bag hidden somewhere in your closet.
- You remember when Jamaican would go to the airport to see their relatives off and they would return home with a twang.
- You still want to go to the airport just to stand on the waving gallery.
- You still refer to any smooth stretch of paved road as “Barber Greene.”
- You still use words like “bine” and clide” and know the difference between both.
If you can relate to all of the above, it is quite possible that you might have Limacol, Bay Rum, and Ferrol on the night table next to your bed. It is also quite possible that you might have a chimmey under your bed and an enamel goblet with water on the corner table in your bedroom.
DISCOVERY OF SLAVE BURIAL GROUND AT PAYNES TOWN, NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH, JAMAICA WEST INDIES
Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Friends and Well-wishers and our other readers who are interested in this subject matter, are asked to revisit page 7 and 8 of 10 in Volume 46 July 2021 under this heading in BOSA Newsletter to obtain additional information.
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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
VIRTUALLY CONNECTED DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
As COVID-19 Delta and Omicron Dominant Variants have been discovered by Scientists in India and South Africa respectively march across the globe; government leaders, Scientists and Public Health Experts have mandated that people in various countries observe and practice protocols that have been established. In some countries like Jamaica West Indies where the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) is being enforced, the following protocols have been put in place to curb the spread of the virus:
- Physical distancing
- Greeting one another with elbows instead of hand shakes
- Wearing of masks
- Constant hand washing with soap and water
- Use of hand sanitizers
- Employees working remotely from home
- Self-Isolation and/or quarantine
- Virtual conferences and meetings
- Virtual online classes for school students
Although COVID-19 and its dominant variants have physically disconnected the way people who are gregarious characters communicate with each other traditionally, the Pandemic has literally brought about new ways of togetherness through virtual internet.
Many of us who are believers in Christendom are reminded that it is not just the internet that keep us connected during the Pandemic but as members of the body of Christ in which we are securely connected by the Spirit whom the Lord Jesus Christ Himself bequeathed to us.
Although we can’t always physically be with one another and those we love because of the Pandemic, technology and the Spirit has filled the gap and has kept us connected..
COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND IT’S VARIANTS HAVE CHANGED THE WAY PEOPLE LIVE AND INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER
In order to enable the government of Jamaica to fulfill its desire for herd immunity in the Jamaican Population, ALL JAMAICANS are urged to make appointments on the Ministry of Health and Wellness online platform and call centers to get themselves vaccinated at Vaccination Blitz which are being held island wide at venues advertised by the Ministry in the electronic and printed media and by town Criers.
World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has announced that COVID-19 Delta Variant which was discovered in India, has now spread to ninety-two (92) countries.
Everyone is urged to obtain updates directly from the Ministry of Health and Wellness or news releases the Ministry or Jamaica Information Service (JIS) will make through the electronic and printed media with respect to Vaccination Sites, days and times when vaccines will be administered.
WORLD IN HIGH ALERT OVER NEW COVID-19 OMICRON VARIANT B.1.1.529
New COVID-19Variant B.1.1.529 which has been discovered in South Africa is said by health experts from World Health Organization (WHO) to be more transmissible than other previous variants. Cases of this new variant have now been discovered in thirty-eight (38) countries up to December 5, 2021 when this newsletter is being typed to be published.
As a precautionary measure, the government of Jamaica has imposed travel restriction on travelers from several countries in South Africa as other countries in the global community have done.
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.
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT ACT (DRMA) TO BE LIFTED EFFECTIVE MARCH 18, 2022
Editor’s Note: In his address to Parliament during his contribution to the Budget Debate on Thursday, March 17, 2022, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) will end on March 18, 2022. Our readers are also asked to note that certain aspects of the DRMA has been Incorporated in the Public Health Law. These measures will continue until April 15, 2022.
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.
CHANGING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR AND BUSINESS DECISION TAKEN BY JAMAICA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED (JPSCO) TO CLOSE SEVEN OF IT’S OFFICES
In a news article captioned: JPS addresses concerns about impending closure of branches that appeared in Jamaica Gleaner on Thursday, February 4, 2021, Senior Vice Resident Customer Service at JPS, Ramsay McDonald, is quoted as saying “While we fully appreciate the concerns of the residents, our decision to close the office – speaking in reference to the closure of the Portmore Office which is among seven (7) offices that will be closed effective March 8, 2021 – was made after careful consideration and observation of the changing behaviour of our customers. Over the past four years, customers have increased their use of online platforms to do regular transactions.”
Since less face-to-face transactions with JPSCO is going to be the norm going forward, consumers are urged to utilize several options that are available to them. One option is downloading and installing JPS App from Google or Apple Play Store on Smart Phones through which electricity bills can be paid.
HAPPY EASTER GREETING
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wish to use this opportunity to wish all Beersheba Elementary and Primary School Alumni, Friends, Well-wishers and all our valuable readers of our quarterly newsletter in Jamaica and the Diaspora; HAPPY EASTER 2022 on this memorable event on the Christian Calendar.
THE LORD IS RISEN!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!! HALLELUJAH!!
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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