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, W.I
E-mail: beershebaoldstudentsassn@gmail.com
Officers: Glenis Daley, President
Vincent Samuels, ASC, BBA, Secretary/Treasurer/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.
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 NASHEENA DOBBS, NASHANA DOBBS, DURVANE BROWN SAMEIKA MAITLAND, DEVONNETTE SMITH AND TANASHAY JONES, BRIANNA DOBBS, AYANNA KELLY, TIANA SPENCE, KENUDEEN JONES, JAEDEN GAYLE RYAN ROBINSON, STEPHEN STEWART AND GARETT FAIRCLOUGH
NASHEENA DOBBS
Attempts to obtain school report for Christmas Term 2022 has been to no avail. Credible information received is that Nasheena did not continue her studies to Six form at Mount Alvernia High School, Montego Bay, Saint James. No further information on Nasheena’s whereabout is available.
NASHANA DOBBS
Attempts to obtain school report for Christmas Term 2022 has been to no avail.
DURVANNE BROWN
Attempts to obtain school report for Christmas Term 2022 has been to no avail.
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.
With termination of Disaster Risk Management Act, Sameika has been attending face to face classes. Her dedication and discipline to face to face and online classes, has rewarded her with A’s and B+’s for Christmas Term 2022..
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 an avid reader from Beersheba, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, granddaughter of the late Victor Smith, 1st Vice President Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), has moved on to grade 9 at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in 2022/2023 school year, Devonnette is expected to continue her academic excellence in the new school year. School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
TANASHAY JONES
Tanashay Jones from Flint Valley District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth who is first cousin of Shanisa Jones, BA (UTECH), has moved on to Form 4 at Hampton School in 2022/2023 school year. Tanashay is expected to continue her academic excellence of 86% which is reflected in her school report for Christmas Term 2021. School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
BRIANNA DOBBS
Brianna Dobbs who is from Long Ground, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, is a grade 7 student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). Attempts to obtain Brianna’s school report for Christmas Term 2021 has been to no avail. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wish Briana all the best as she moves on to grade 8 in 2022/2023 school year which began on September 5, 2022. School report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
AYANNA KELLY
Ayanna Kelly who is from Long Ground, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, was affected by ill health during 2021/2022 school year as a student at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) where she ended Christmas Term 2021 with 66.9% average.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wish Ayanna best of health and improved academic performance as she moves on to grade 8 in 2022/2023 school year. School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
TIANA SPENCE
Tiana Spence, a native of Ruinit District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth who is a student at Lacovia High School earned 44.1% average in her school report for Christmas Term 2021. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wish Tiana all the best and hope she will settle down and perform better in her school work as she moves on to grade 8 in 2022/2023 school year. School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
KENUDEEN JONES
Kenudeen Jones, native of Carr District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, first cousin to Shanisa Jones, BA (UTECH), with her roots through the lineage of her father Kenneth Jones son of the late Beresford Jones (Guptie) from Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth; has performed satisfactorily as a grade 7 student at Bishop Gibson High School For Girls, Mandeville, Manchester; despite her mother Judean being smitten by a severe stroke.
Kenudeen’s school report for Christmas Term 2021 has revealed that she was awarded 68.5% class average. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) wish Kenudeen’s mother improved health and also wish for Kenudeen continued satisfactory academic performance as she moves on to grade 8 in 2022/2023 school year. Kenudeen’s School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has disclosed her grade as 77.5. She earned her place in the coveted top 10 spot out of 40 students and is 9th in her class.
JAEDEN GAYLE
Jaeden Gayle, a native of Long Ground, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, is a Form 2 student at Munro College where he maintains a grade of 89. Jaeden whose desire is to become a Neurosurgeon, is doing well academically. Jaeden was awarded a gold medal for his excellent academic performance at an award ceremony which was held at Munro College.
RYAN ROBINSON
Ryan Robinson who reside with his mother at Jack’s Gate, New market, Saint Elizabeth when he attended Beersheba Primary School, currently resides with his mother at Middle Quarters, Saint Elizabeth. Ryan is a Form 2 student at Munro College. Ryan is striving to do well academically. He was awarded a bronze medal for his academic performance at an award ceremony that was held at the school.
STEPHEN STEWART
Stephen Stewart a native of Carr District with biological roots in Flint Valley, New Market, saint Elizabeth; is a Form 2 student at Munro College. Efforts to contact Stephen’s mother to ascertain how he is doing academically has been to no avail.
GARETT FAIRCLOUGH
Garett Fairclough, a native of Flint Valley, New Market, saint Elizabeth, is a Form 2 student at Maggotty High School where he maintains a grade of 81. Garett is striving to do well academically.
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 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, Patrick Williams 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
Now that restrictions under Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) has been lifted by the government of Jamaica, in addition to virtual online meetings; BOSA will take appropriate action to ensure that face to face contact of its members at bi-monthly meetings of the Association is restored.
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 they are involved, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) with its belief and commitment to zero tolerance for mediocrity, wish to focus its attention and present to its all Beersheba Elementary/Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora, its other valued readers and well-wishers of its quarterly newsletter; Honourable. Michael H Tulloch who stands out as an Achiever and Trailblazer.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, December 19, 2022, announced the appointment of the Honourable Michael H Tulloch, a Judge of the Court of appeal for Ontario, as the new chief Justice of Ontario and president of the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Chief Justice Tulloch who was born in Jamaica west Indies, takes over from the Honourable George R Strathy who retired on August 31, 2022. In announcing the appointment of Honourable Michael Tulloch to the high office in the Judiciary of Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau said “The Honourable Michael H Tulloch is a highly respected member of Ontario and Canada’s legal community. As he takes on his new role as Chief Justice and president of the Court of appeal for Ontario, I wish him continued success. I know he brings a wealth of experience to the position and he will continue to serve Ontario well.”
CRRICULUM VITAE
- Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University.
- L L.B Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School.
- Admitted to the Bar in Ontario in 1991.
- Received Honorary doctor of Laws Degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Guelph and Law Society of Ontario.
- Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Tyndale University and Seminary.
- Appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Justice for Ontario in 2003.
- Promoted to the Court of appeal for Ontario in 2012 becoming the first black Canadian to sit on an Appelate Court in Canada.
- Served as an Assistant crown Attorney in Peel and Toronto 1991-1995 before entering private practice where he specialized in criminal law.
- Appointed by Ontario Government in 2016 and 2017 to conduct important reviews which resulted in two extensive reports (a) Report of the Independent Police Oversight Review. (b) Report of the Independent Street Checks Review in 2018.
- Served on Government Response Team for the Commission on systemic Racism while working as a Crown attorney.
- Chair of a review panel on Osgoode Hall Law School’s admissions Policy in 2006.
- Served as a member of the Ontario Superior court education Committee, national Judicial Institute and the Commission’s Judicial Advisory Committee on International Engagement.
- Distinguished Fellow at Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at University of Toronto.
- Distinguished research Fellow in the Centre of Law and Policy at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University).
Editor’s Note: If Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora would like to see themselves being featured under this heading, Alumni who 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.
Editor’s Note: It is mind boggling and perplexing to think of the ease with which John Rollins Success Primary School, Saint James was named after Philanthropist John Rollins, that despite acquiescence and support and all written criteria stipulated by the Ministry of Education being fully met and satisfied by Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), other Stakeholders in Beersheba Primary School Community and Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation; that Beersheba Primary School should be renamed James Richards Beersheba Primary School; because of the entrenched culture of silence, secrecy, non response and pussyfooting that continue characterize the School Board at Beersheba Primary School and the Ministry of Education; this important subject matter remains unresolved.
What more can the School Board at Beersheba Primary School and the Ministry of Education require so as to enable the Ministry to submit the proposal along with supporting documents to Cabinet of the Government of Jamaica to give its approval to rename Beersheba Primary School James Richards Beersheba Primary School for which James “Dick” Richards (1872 – 1965), Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Philanthropist and Icon has done the following and more that is not listed in this newsletter:
- Bequeathed money in his Last Will And Testament to provide scholarships for students from Beersheba Primary School whom the Ministry of Education has awarded places in high schools. The balance of US$79,941.49 (J$6,856,029.84) which HSBC Bermuda Bank Limited was by Deed Of Appointment And Termination James Richards Educational Trust Fund dated October 24, 2011 that made Beersheba Primary School the New Trustee of money bequeathed by the Trustor; the amount was wire transferred by HSBC Bermuda Bank Limited into Chequeing Account Number 3002-82 in the name of James Richards Educational Trust Fund at The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited, Black River Branch on November 3, 2011.
- Used his own money to purchase the land on which Beersheba Primary School was built.
- Used his own money to transport skilled workmen from Bermuda to build a large rain water tank at “Dell Cottage”– one of the largest rain water tank that was ever built in Beersheba Primary School Community – where residents from Flint Valley, Long Ground, Happy Hall, Beersheba and Carr Districts could get water to use in their households free of cost.
- Used his own money to purchase land and erect a wooden structure with galvanized zinc sheets that housed The Salvation Army Carr Corp which was the sole place of worship in Beersheba Primary School Community for decades.
- Used his own money to purchase several hymnals which he donated to Carmel Moravian Church so as to enable congregants attending church services to use one hymnal each instead of the undesirable practice that was in place when he attended service at the church and observed two congregants holding unto and using the same hymnal.
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 Home Time 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 Owner 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.
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
WHEN YOU EAT CAN BE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU EAT
When you think about eating better, what comes to mind? Adding servings of fruits and vegetables to your lunches and dinners? Cutting down on processed foods? Consuming more locally grown produce?
Chronobiologist Emily Manoogian has found that adjusting one specific factor – when we eat – could improve our lives just as much as changing what we eat. She says, “Much the same way that you should eat a healthy meal every day, you should also eat it when your body expects it.”
Our bodies run a 24-hour clock – right down to our cells. “Pretty much anything that you would get tested at the doctor’s office has a circadian rhythm. For instance, your heart rate and blood pressure naturally rise in the afternoon and are lowest while you sleep,” says Manoogian, researcher at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. The rhythm “helps us be alert when we wake up, it has our digestive system ready to process food when we eat, and it helps our organs rest and repair while we sleep.” In her research, Manoogian monitors the timing of daily habits in thousands of people around the world to gain insight on how these affect their health.
In our busy and highly stimulating world, our circadian rhythm could use some assistance. “The two biggest cues you can give your body to tell it the time of day (are) light and food,” says Manoogian. “Evolutionarily, those were very reliable cues to know the time of day. But in modern society, light and food are available around the clock. This can lead to circadian disruption.”
Such disruption is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. The World Health Organization has listed it as a probable carcinogen when it becomes a regular feature of life due to shiftwork patterns. Even our treasured weekends and holidays can throw off our body’s schedule in a phenomenon known as “social jetlag,” simulating the feeling of having crossed several time zones as a result of staying up or sleeping later, or eating and drinking at odd hours.
“You need to keep your body on its schedule so it can prepare itself for what it needs to do,” says Manoogian. “this means using those external cues to support your biological clock: tell it when it’s morning and when it should be awake, and decrease simulation at night so it can get a proper rest.”
One way to help our bodies is by practicing “time-restricted eating.” What that means is this: eat within the same 10 hour window every day. That’s it. So, if the first thing that you consume is at 8 AM, your last meal should be at 6 PM.
The end of your 10-hour window should not coincide with your bedtime. (Water is fine, however.) “Leave at least three hours before you go to bed…so your body can get that proper rest,” says Manoogian. “[Your body] needs at least 12 hours of fasting every day to function properly.”
If you decide to try time-restricted eating, this does not mean you can never go to a party again or have a midnight snack. When you do exceed your 10-hour window, just get on track the next day. But you may find the benefits of this practice outweigh the inconvenience. “Time-restricted eating…can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, can lead to about a 5 percent weight loss, improves endurance and decreases blood pressure,” says Manoogian.
Editor’s Note: Written by Mary Halton, Science Journalist based in the Pacific Northwest, USA.
.GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
“Accept people the way they are but place them where they belong. You are the CEO of your life. Hire, fire and promote accordingly.”
Anonymous
It’s not impossible until it’s done.”
Ralston McKenzie, host Sunday Contact RJR 94 FM Radio January 15, 2023.
“Be thankful for everybody in your life. Although you may perceive them as good or bad, they all made you the person that you are in our world today.”
Anonymous
“One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time.”
Ralston McKenzie, host Sunday Contact RJR 94 FM Radio February 5, 2023.
“adversity cause some people to break while it cause others to grow.”
Anonymous
“Lord, teach me to accept things around me that I cannot change and grant me wisdom to know the difference.”
Anonymous
GOOD TRAVEL NEWS FOR JAMAICANS RESIDING IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, USA
Effective December 2022, Jamaicans and other travelers residing in Hartford, Connecticut (The Nutmeg State), USA, will no longer have to travel to John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York to board airline flights to travel to Sangster’s International Airport (MBJ), Montego Bay, Jamaica.
As a result of intensive consistent lobbying by several organizations in the Diaspora, Jamaicans and other travelers who reside in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, are now able to book airfares to travel nonstop on Spirit Airlines from Bradley International Airport, Hartford, Connecticut, USA to Sangster’s International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica on any of the four (4) weekly flights that are currently offered by the Airline.
BOSA BRAIN TEASERS
- Which two doors do people walk through most in a house?
- What is it that run around your house and it does not use a fence?
- Which church building in Jamaica has the most windows and doors?
- I have keys but no lock; space but no room; you can enter but you can’t go inside. What am I?
- I can only live where there is light, but I die when light shines on me. What am I?.
- Can you use 10 letters to spell the word cow?
- What can you hold without touching it?
- What is full of holes but it still hold water?
- If you enter a dark room and in this room there’s a table on which there’s a lamp, a candle, a newspaper and a box of matches. Which one of these articles would you use to ensure that you get light in the room?
- If an airplane crash between the border of Kingston and saint Thomas; where would bury survivors?
- How can you drop an egg on a concrete floor without cracking it?
- When I was 6, my neighbour was half my age. Now that I am 12, how old is my neighbour?
- Which tire doesn’t move when the care make a right turn?
Editor’s Note: Answers to foregoing quizzes will be published in Volume 54 July 2023. Of BOSA Quarterly 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.
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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.
BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY GET CABLE TV AND INTERNET SERVICE
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to announce that through the vision and innovation of HomeTime Cable, Inc., the districts of Carr, Beersheba, Long Ground, Happy Hall and Flint Valley that make up Beersheba Primary School Community, have been provided with Cable TV and Broadband Internet Service.
For additional information on this subject matter, all Beersheba Elementary/Primary School Alumni, our Well-wishers and our other Valued Readers of our quarterly newsletter are invited to read and peruse the recent email message that was sent to you all.
BOSA DEVOTIONAL
LIFE LONG FRIENDS
English Poet William Cowper (1731-1800) who suffered from depression and anxiety, attempted to commit suicide more than once.
In his state of depression and anxiety, Cowper, writer of the hymn God Moves In a Mysterious Way and several others; found a life long friend in his pastor John Newton (1725-1807), former Slave Trader who was miraculously converted to Christianity by putting his trust in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ and became the author in 1772 of the hymn Amazing Grace.
When Newton visited Cowper, they would go on long walks together and reasoned about God. Not only did Newton reason with Cowper about God during their long walks together, but he suggested to Cowper that he should write hymns which he would include in the hymnal which he would later compile.
There are parallels between the strong, meaningful and caring friendship of William Cowper and John Newton and David and Johnathan in the Bible Old Testament.
We read in 1 Samuel 18:16 that Johnathan became one in spirit with David; loving him as he loved himself. Notwithstanding Johnathan being the son of King Saul who hated David with a passion and tried to kill him many times; Johnathan defended David repeatedly against his father’s jealousy and anger doing so at hos own peril to the extent when he asked his father on one occasion why David should be put to death and King Saul his father hurled his spear at Johnathan his son.
In the friendship of William Cowper and John Newton, both friends were characterized by their bond that was life-giving and encourage each other to serve and love God. May we in our friendship with others, emulate genuine caring friendship found in the lives of William Cowper and John Newton and David and Johnathan.
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.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) IN USA IS TRACKING NEW COVID VARIANT
On November 28, 2022, a new coronavirus variant called XBB appeared on CDC website and it has been given the label “variant of concern.”
Currently, according to CDC, XBB.1.5 variant accounts for 3% of COVID-19 cases nationwide in the USA and it is more prevalent in the Northeast where it accounts for 5% of all cases. XBB.1.5 which is a combination of two Omicron subvariants (BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75) has been on CDC radar since November 2022 when it began doubling its case counts every 12 days.
It has been argued that XBB.1.5 is among a growing group that could render some antibody treatments ineffective. Singapore was among Asian countries reporting high case count of XBB. Although Singapore had increased in cases, it did not have any accompanying major increase in hospitalizations.
ADVERSE EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PRIMARY, HIGH SCHOOL AND TERTIARARY EDUCATION
WHO and PAHO has acquiesced that COVID-19 is something that we have to learn to live with. Consequently, Ministry of Health and Wellness and Ministry of Education Jamaica, have decided that with established protocols in place; face to face teaching will begin when students return to schools in the first week of September 2022 to commence 2022/2023 school year.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) HAS CHANGED THE NAME MONKEYPOX TO MPOX
World Health Organization (WHO) has changed the name monkeypox to mpox because of racial stigma that the disease is having on countries worldwide. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while monkeypox will be phased out.
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. Over 81,000 cases of mpox and 35 deaths have been reported across 110 countries so far in 2022 according to WHO.
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 as well as logging on to myjps.myjps.net through which electricity bills can be paid.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HAS ANNOUNCED THE ADDITION OF CIVICS TO TEACHING CURRICULUM IN SCHOOLS IN JAMAICA
Hon. Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth, has announced that with effect from Easter Term which began on January 9, 2023, Civics is added to school curriculum and will be taught in all schools in Jamaica.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) welcome the policy decision made by the Ministry of Education and Youth. The Association is of the view that teaching of civics in schools throughout Jamaica can rekindle the spirit of Patriotism and National Pride that has been on declension ever since the subject was discontinued school curriculum in Jamaica.
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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