BOSA Newsletter

VOLUME 54, JULY 2023

“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/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 VINCENT 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

No further information on Nasheena whereabout is available. Consequently, no further comment will be made on this student in future quarterly newsletters.

NASHANA DOBBS

Attempts to obtain school report for Nashana for Christmas Term 2022 with respect to her attendance at Hampton School has been to no avail.

DURVANNE BROWN

Attempts to obtain school report for Durvanne for Christmas Term 2022 with respect to his attendance at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) 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, 1^st 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 Judeen 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 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, 1^st 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 student 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 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

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. Orelia E Merchant who stands out as an Achiever and Trailblazer.

United States Senate Majority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, announced the confirmation of Jamaican-American Orelia E Merchant to serve as a District Judge on the Prestigious United States District Court for Eastern District of New York (EDNY), USA.

In making the announcement, Senate Majority Leader Schumer said he forwarded the name of Bronx-born and Brooklyn resident Orelia Merchant to the Biden Administration to be appointed as a District Judge on United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), USA.

Orelia E Merchant who is on one of the most diverse rosters of judicial picks, was confirmed by the Senate on a vote of 51-48 with US Senator Lindsay Graham, top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee being the sole member of the Republican Party to vote for Merchant.

Speaking to Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Senator Schumer said “Orelia E Merchant, my fellow Brooklynite, brings extensive judicial and leadership experience to the table.” Continuing his remark to CMC, Senator Schumer said “as Chief Deputy Attorney General in New York, she is responsible for managing 8,000 active cases and 250 attorneys in persecution and defense of actions and complex cases in State and Federal Court. She brings professionalism and integrity with her every day in her work and I am proud to have championed her nomination to Eastern District of New York (EDNY) bench. Mrs. Merchant is a brilliant legal mind and her confirmation helps ensure that the bench of the Eastern District better reflects the diversity of the people it serves.”

Honourable Orelia E Merchant oversees 8,000 active cases and manages 450 employees including 250 attorneys. Prior to her appointment to EDNY, Mrs. Merchant served as:

• Assistant Regional Counsel in the US Attorney’s Office for the EDNY of the United States Protection Agency, Region 5, Chicago, Illinois.
• Special Assistant to United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Louisiana in both Civil and Criminal Divisions.
• Chief Deputy Attorney General for State Counsel and a member of New York State Attorney General’s Executive Leadership Team.

CRRICULUM VITAE

• Graduate of Dillard, a prestigious historically Black University in Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Mathematics.
• Master’s Degree in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary, a public research University in Williamsburg,Virginia.
• Juris Doctorate (Law Degree) from Tulane University Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Commenting on her appointment as District Judge to EDNY, Tulane University said on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, that Mrs. Orelia Merchant had worked in Tulane Environmental Law Clinic and was among a group of students who took on the case of Black Residents in Convent Louisiana who suffered health impacts from chemical plants in their community.

CONJUGAL RELATIONSHIP

Orelia Merchant is the wife of Karim Camara, former New York State Assemblyman and Pastor at Abundant  Life Church in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

 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 HomeTime Cable, Inc., Black River, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, with its innovation and tenacity to provide Broad Band Internet and Wi-Fi 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 Luana 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.

BOSA SCIENCE AND HEALTH CORNER

DEMENTIA

Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Although dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.

WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA?

Early signs of dementia can be subtle and may not be immediately noticeable. The following ia comprehensive overview of early signs of dementia:

1. Memory Loss. One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory loss. This can include forgetting recent events, having trouble remembering familiar names or losing things frequently.
2. Difficulty with Planning and Problem Solving: People with early dementia may have trouble planning and organizing day-to-day activities.
3. Difficulty communicating or finding words.
4. Disorientation: People with early dementia may become disoriented and lose their sense of time and place. They may forget where they are, how they got there, or what day it is.
5. Mood and Personality Changes: People with early dementia may experience changes in their mood, such as becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also experience changes in their personality, such as becoming apathetic (having or showing little or no interest, concern, or emotion) or aggressive.
6. Difficulty with daily activities: People with early dementia may have trouble performing everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or cooking. They may also have trouble driving, shopping, or managing money.
7. Poor Judgment: People with early dementia may make poor decisions, such as giving away large sums of money or neglecting their personal hygiene. They may also have trouble recognizing dangerous situations such as leaving the stove on or wandering away from home.
8. Changes in Vision: People with early dementia may experience changes in their vision, such as losing their peripheral vision (of or relating to, or being the outer part of the field of vision) or having trouble reading.
9. Wandering: People with early dementia may wonder away from home, become lost, and have trouble finding their way back.
10. Delusions and Hallucinations: People with early dementia may experience delusions, such as believing someone is stealing from them, and hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there.

If you or a love one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. A doctor can perform a complete evaluation, including a physical examination, memory tests, and imaging studies to determine the cause of the symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.

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.”

                                                                               

Editor’s Note: Extracted from News Break the nation’s # 1 Intelligent Local News Online Platform in Mountain View, CA, USA. News Break which was founded and established in 2015 by Computer Scientist and former Yahoo Executive Dr. Jeff Zheng, now has more than 40 million monthly unique visitors and 12 million daily active users.

GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS

President Jimmy Carter, age 98 years, the longest living President in the USA; recently elected to undergo hospice treatment in his own home in Atlanta, Georgia, USA with his aging wife, America First Lady Roslyn Carter, age 95 and 77 years in marriage by his side.

Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is pleased to feature in this quarterly newsletter, ten (10) of President Jimmy Carter’s most famous quotes for information and reflection of our valued readers:

1. We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different, beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.
2. Aggression unopposed becomes a contagious disease.
3. You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it even better than you think you can.
4. I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.
5. We must adjust to changing times and still hold on to unchanging principles.
6. Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.
7. Globalization, as defined by rich people like us, is a very nice thing …. you are talking about the Internet, you are talking about cell phones, you are talking about computers. This doesn’t affect two-thirds of the people of the world.
8. I’ll never tell a lie. I’ll never make a misleading statement. I’ll never betray the confidence that any of you had in me. And I’ll never avoid a controversial issue.
9. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.
10. Whatever starts in California unfortunately has an inclination to spread.

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.

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ANSWERS TO BOSA  BRAIN TEASERS

1. Front door and back door.
2. Water
3. The Church is in Sellington, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies. It has 51 windows and 14 doors.
4. Computer keyboard.
5. Shadow.
6. See O Double.
7. Conversation.
8. Sponge.
9. Matches
10. You can’t bury a survivor.
11. A concrete floor is already cracked.
12. 9 years old.
13. Spare tire.

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.

BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY GET BROAD BAND INTERNET WI-FI 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 Broadband Internet Wi-Fi 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

REFLECTION ON PERSONAL QUOTES MADE BY KYRZADA RODRIQUES, 40 YEAR OLD NATIVE OF DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND WORLD FAMOUS FASHION DESIGNER WHO DIED FROM STOMACH CANCER ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2018.

• I had the world’s most expensive car brand in my garage but now I’m travelling in wheelchair.
• My house is full of all kinds of designer clothing, shoes and valuables but my body is wrapped in a small sheet of cloth provided by the hospital.
• There is enough money in the bank but now I’m not benefiting from that money.
• Ny house is like palace but I’m lying in a double size bed in a hospital.
• I can go from five-star hotel to another five-star hotel but now I’m spending time moving from lab to lab in hospital.
• I had seven types of jewelry to decorate my hair but now I do not have hair on my head.
• With a private jet, I can fly wherever I want but now I need the help of two people to get to the hospital patio.
• Although there are many foods, my present diet consist of two tablets per day and a few drops of salt at night.

This house, this car, this jet, this furniture, so many Bank accounts, so much reputation and fame, none of them are useful to me anymore. None of all my valuables can give me relief I need.

The real meaning of life us about knowing our Saviour Jesus Christ. Serving Him is the best thing that we can do. Jesus is the answer for everything!! He alone can satisfy our lives.

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”