BOSA Newsletter, Volume 50, July 2022

July 22, 2022 Posted in  Newsletters No comments

“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.

DURVANNE BROWN

An adverse report has been received from Durvanne Brown’s Form Teacher at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). Failure by Durvanne’s grandmother and caregiver Veronica Graham to meet with BOSA Secretary/Treasurer to discuss the report with them, resulted in BOSA asking Valdes Hamilton, Past Student Beersheba Primary School, Community Activist, Business Owner and member School Board Beersheba Primary School to meet with them to discuss the report which was the terms of reference for the meeting.

Mr. Hamilton has contacted BOSA Secretary/Treasurer to report that he met with Durvanne Brown, grade 9 student and his grandmother at their home in Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth. Mr. Hamilton has reported that Durvanne has shown remorse regarding his conduct that resulted in the adverse report that was generated and he has acquiesced to apologize to his Form Teacher and other Teachers who complained to his Form Teacher about his behaviour.

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 2020.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. The agreed mechanism that will be used in selecting the two students.
  3. 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 INVALUABLE, 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 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

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:

KARINE JEAN-PIERRE

Karine Jean-Pierre 2021.jpg

President Joe Biden on May 5, 2022, named Karine Jean-Pierre, Haitian/American born in Forte de-France, Martinique, West Indies, daughter of Haitian parents on August 13, 1977as the next White House Press Secretary and successor to Jen Psaki who resigned from the post to pursue her career in broadcasting/communications with a major news media.

Jean-Pierre who is the first black woman and first openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House Press Secretary not only bring the experience, talent and integrity needed forb this difficult challenging job, but she will continue bto lead the way in communicating about the work that is being done by Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people.

CURRICULUM VITAE

  • Graduated from Kellengerg Memorial High School in 1993.
  • Obtained Bachelor of Science Degree from New York Institute of Technology in 1997.
  • Received her Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University in 2003 where she served in student government and decided to pursue politics.
  • Worked as the director of legislature and budget affairs for New York City Copuncilor James F Gennsoo.
  • Hired in 2006 as the outreach coordinator for Walmart Watch in Washington, DC.
  • Southeast Regional Political Director for John Edwards Presidential Campaign in 2008.
  • Joined Columbia University Faculty in 2014 as a lecturer in International and Public Affairs.
  • Served in 2008 as Barack Obama Campaign Southeast Regional Political Director and was the Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Obama administration first term.
  • Named in 2014 by Moveon.org Senior Activist and National Spokesperson for the 2016 presidential election.
  • Became a Political Analyst for NBC and MSNBC in 2019.
  • Worked as a Senior Advisor to the Joe Biden 2020 Presidential Campaign.
  • On November 29, 2020, the Biden-Harris Transition Team announced that Jean-Pierre had been made Principal Deputy Press Secretary.

FELICIA WATKINSON

British Staff Sergeant Felicia Watkinson, a native of Clarendon, Jamaica, has been named in Queen Elizabeth’s 2022 birthday honours list that was released on June 1, 2022.

Watkinson who is also called Nadine, has served in the British Army since 2003 and she is a member of the Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Reserved Support Branch). Watkinson who will be awarded the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire Award, excluding a Knighthood/Damehood, is currently serving at the army headquarters in Hampshire, England. She previously served in Belize, Germany and Belgium.

ALISON SMITH

The town of Black River, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica which is known for several first in world history, made another first in history when Jamaican-American Attorney Alison Smith, a native of Black River, made history on June 18, 2022 when she was sworn in as the first black female President of the 97-year old 4,000 member Broward Bar Association in Florida, USA. Smith’s barrier-breaking achievement is significant in an occupation that is overwhelmingly white and overwhelmingly male.

CURRICUM VITAE

  • Past student Manchester High School. Mandeville, Jamaica.
  • Graduate of Nova University and Nova University School of Law, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
  • Partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Birsman Law firm where she practices in the areas of labour and employment municipal and appellate law; representing both private and public entities.
  • Attorney for several cities in South Florida, representing them in labour and employment issues.
  • Instituted several programmes in South Florida to inspire young people to achieve their goals. Smith has won numerous awards for her support to South legal communities.

 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 EAMBANKMENT 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.

BOSA is pleased to inform all Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora and our other invaluable readers and well-wishers, that HomeTime Cable, Inc., Black River, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, with its innovation and tenacity to provide Cable TV and Broad Band Internet Service to residents at Carr, Happy Hall, Beersheba/Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies; has indicated the Company’s interest to pursue the erection of a Story Board which has been outstanding on the agenda of Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation since James “Dick” Richards (1872-1965), was honoured posthumously at a function that was held at Luan Club, Black River, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica.

James “Dick” Richards, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Real Estate Tychoon Bermuda, Philanthropist and Icon certainly deserves the honour of a Story Board that will be erected on the embankment at the intersection of Beersheba/Flint Valley Parochial Road and Bye Pass Road leading to Carr District his place of birth.

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

Epsom Salt, which is not really a salt at all but a mineral compound comprised of magnesium and sulfate, gets its name from a saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom Salt has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, and also has many beauty, gardening and household uses.

Both magnesium and sulfate are readily absorbed into the skin, which makes their health benefits readily accessible. Over 325 enzymes in the body are regulated by magnesium, which also helps reduce inflammation, alleviates hardening of the arteries and improves muscle and nerve function. Sulfates improve the rate at which nutrients are absorbed and help to flush out toxins.

Here are seventeen (17) uses for this versatile compound:

  1. Soothe sore muscles. An Epsom salt bath is a great way to soothe sore muscles, cramps, bruises and joint pain. Because of this, it is a great after-work soak. In addition, soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a wonderful way to relax and relieve stress. Add 2 cups of salts to a warm bath. Mix the salt in so it dissolves in the water. Soak for 10-15 minutes for best results.
  2. Exfoliate skin. Aswe shed our skin naturally, the buildup of dead skin cells clogs pores and can cause blemishes. Exfoliate is necessary to keep skin health, glowing and vibrant. The best way to exfoliate with Epsom salt is to massage handfuls all over the body in the shower or bath. Your skin will feel soft and fresh with this homemade spa treatment.
  3. Homemade hand wash. Mix ½ cup of baby oil with ½ cup of water, and add ¼ cup of Epsom salt and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Set this homemade mixture next to your sink for a nice bathroom hand wash.
  4. Treat insect bites and poison ivy. A compress made with Epsom salt is a great way to treat mosquito bites, bee stings and poison ivy. Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with 1 cup of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and hold on affected area to remove pain, burning and itching
  5. Clean your face. Your face need to be cleaned and exfoliated just like the rest of yoy body. Put a teaspoon of Epsom salt in your hand and mix with a little warm water. Scrub your face with the mixture then rinse clean. This facial cleaner not only exfoliate and rejuvenates but also helps removes blackheads and prevent acne.
  6. Remove splinters. Splinters can be tricky and painful to remove. Skip the needles and soak your splintered skin in an Epsom salt bath. The salt will draw the splinter out and leaves the area clean.
  7. Lip balm. Dry, flaky, cracking lips are not only unsightly but also painful. Heal this uncomfortable condition with a homemade Epsom salt lip balm. Mix equal parts organic coconut oil and Epson salt. Apply to lips generously to exfoliate and moisturize.
  8. Tile cleaner. Bathroom and kitchen tile grime can be difficult to clean. Powerful tile cleaners are not only expensive, but also often contain harmful chemicals. Make your own hard-working natural Epsom salt tile scrub. Mix equal parts liquid dish soap with Epsom salt. Scrub onto tiles with a sponge and rinse clean with water.
  9. Insect killer. Mix ¼ cup Epsom salt with 2 cups of water and place in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around your home and garden to safely deter insects without the use of chemical insecticides.
  10. Remove constipation. Epson salt is a great way to relieve constipation. Mix 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in a glass of water. Drink entire cup for best results. If the taste is not appealing to you, try mixing with fresh juice instead.
  11. Fertilize your lawn and plants. Epsom salt is a wonderful fertilizer for your lawn and potted plants. For greener grass, mix 1 cup of Epsom salt for every gallon of water and spray over lawn area. To fertilize potted plants, simply sprinkle Epsom salt around the base of the plants once every week. This method of fertilizing also works great tomatoes and other vegetables.
  1. Draw out toxins. An Epsom salt bath is a wonderful way to draw toxins out of your body. Soaking in a bath for 10-15 minutes is also a great way to reduce swelling. Mix 1-2 cups Epsom salt in a warm bath and mix to dissolve in water.
  2. Boost your laundry. Epsom salt combined with a little essential oil makes a perfect fabric softner for your laundry. In addition, the salt will help remove detergent buildup from your washer. Mix 4 cups Epsom salt with 20 drops of your favourite essential oil. Add ¼ cup to each load of laundry/
  3. Kill foot fungus and remove odor. Soaking your feet in Epsom salt not only reduces swelling and draws out toxins, but also zaps odors and foot fungus. Add ¼ cup Epsom salt to a large container of warm water. Soak for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Sunburn treatment. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a great way to soothe skin irritated by sunburn. Mix 1 cup Epsom salt in warm water =. Mix to combine and soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Hair conditioner. Epsom salt make a great deep conditioner to adds volume and remove grease from your hair. Combine equal parts of organic hair conditioner and Epsom salt and apply liberally to hair. Let sit for 20 minutes.
  6. Soften your hands. You know that soaking your feet in Epsom salt is healthy, but what about your hands? Soaking your hands is a great way to soothe rough skin, calm aching finger joints, remove nail polish and remove any dirt from under your nails. Add ¼ cup of Epsom salt to a large bowl of water. Soak hands in mixture for 5-10 minutes.

Editors Note: Information in the forgoing article is obtained The Nutrition Watchdog.

.GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go . My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day .”

                                              Abraham Lincoln who was entrusted with the task to lead a fractured nation when he was elected the 16th President of the USA on November 6, 1860.

“Life is like riding a bike. You only fall off if you stop pedaling.”.

                                             Ralston McKenzie, Host on RJR 94 FM Radio, Jamaica Sunday Contact April 10, 2022.

BRAIN TEASERS

  1. What has at least 6 inches long, goes in your mouth and is fun when it vibrate?
  2. I have a neck but no head, no arms and no hands. What am I?
  3. How can you stand behind your father or mother if he or she is standing behind you?
  4. Which wheel on a car never touch the ground?
  5. Arrange the following numerals in hundreds, tens and units to arrive at the sum total of 1,000. 88888888.
  6. What part of your body no matter how many times you wash it, it still smells?
  7. Who makes it has no use for it; but who buys it never use it and who use it never see it. What is it?
  8. What is very easy to get into, but hard to get out of it?
  9. What can take you from where you are to Kingston and it does not move?
  10. If bone is bone and tone is tone, how do you spell phone?
  11. If you dig a 6 feet hole, how deep is that hole?
  12. What claps without hands?

Editor’s Note: Answers to the foregoing quizzes will appear under this heading in Volume 51 October 2022 of BOSA Newsletter.

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.

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

Image result for picture of open bible

OVERCOMING ENVY

After David’s victory over Goliath, the Israelites women came out from all towns in Israel to meet David with singing and dancing, The women sang heartily with timbrels and lyres “Saul has slain his thousand but David has slain tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 11:7) The comparison did not go down well with King Saul. Enemy of David’s success and afraid of losing his throne (v 8 and 9), Saul began a prolonged pursuit bof David  and tried to kill him.

Like Saul with power and he is tempted to envy others with similar but greater gifts they possess; whether it’s finding fault with the work done by others or belittling their success, we too can seek unknowingly and unwittingly to damage our rivals.

Saul had been divinely chosen for his task (1 Samuel 10:6-7; 24) a status that should have assured him security rather than envy. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that each of us in life has unique calling and gifts. In view of this timely scriptural reminder, maybe the best way to overcome envy is for us to cease comparing ourselves with others and celebrate each other’s success instead.

The soldiers and officers were “pleased” when David’s success with promotion. (1Samuel 18:6). Howbeit, the emotional atmosphere soon shifted because the song celebrated David’s greatness above Saul. (1 Samuel 18:7). Internal envy gave way to anger and displeasure. (1 Samuel 18:8). Proverbs 14:30 says “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

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 centres 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

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.

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.

WORLD ON HIGH ALERT OVER MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK

Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs mostly in central and western Africa. It is called monkeypox because it was first identified in laboratory monkeys.

An ongoing outbreak of monkeypox was confirmed in May 2022 beginning with a cluster of cases found in the United Kingdom. The first recognized case was confirmed on May 6, 2022 in an individual with travel links to Nigeria but it has been suggested that cases were already spreading in Europe the previous month. Cases of monkeypox disease has since turned up in Canada, USA and the Caribbean.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backaches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The process can take several weeks.

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.

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

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