“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, friends, and well-wishers of Lyndon Astil Brown, Beersheba Primary School and Cornwall College Alumnus, Linguist and Former Teacher and Vice Principal at Cornwall College his alma mater, and others who are grieving and mourning the loss of their love ones who have passed away since our last newsletter was published in July 2023. May the memories of these Beersheba Elementary/Primary School Alumni love 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 NASHANA DOBBS, DUVANNE BROWN, SAMEIKA MAITLAND, DEVONNETTE SMITH, TANASHAY JONES, BRIANNA DOBBS, AYANNA KELLY, TIANA SPENCE, KENUDEEN JONES, JAEDEN GAYLE, RYAN ROBINSON, STEPHEN STEWART AND GARETT FAIRCLOUG
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.
DUVANNE BROWN
It is understood that Duvanne who attends Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) sat subjects in CSCE Examination in June 2023. Duvanne has informed BOSA that he has obtained one grade 2 and 6 grade 3 passes.
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.
Sameika is never late in forwarding a complimentary copy of her school report to BOSA, her safety net and monitor for information and perusal. Information gleaned from Sameika’s reportfor Christmas Term 2023 has revealed that as she looks forward to her graduation in 2024, Sameika who pursued studies in 35 subjects between 2020-2023, earned the following grades:
A 14
B+ 7
B 11
C+ 3
Notwithstanding Sameika being able to negotiate and access funding from Government of Jamaica Student Loan Bureau (SLB) to defray the cost of her tuition, she inevitably has to board on campus and she is experiencing financial challenges to defray her boarding expenses.
If there is any Beersheba Primary School Alumna/Alumnus, friends and well-wishers, and readers of our quarterly newsletter 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 to 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
Cellular/Mobile/WhatsApp Phone Number: 876-427-6993
DEVONNETTE SMITH
Devonnette who is an avid reader from Beersheba, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, granddaughter of the late Victor Smith, 1st Vice President Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), is a model student who always acknowledge and express her gratitude for newspaper articles of topical interest that BOSA WhatsApp to her periodically. Devonnette will move on to grade 10 at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in 2023/2024 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 from Flint Valley District, New Market, Saint Elizabeth who is first cousin of Shanisa Jones, BA (UTECH), will move on to Form 5 at Hampton School in 2023/2024 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 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 9 in 2023/2024 school year which began on September 4, 2023. School report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
AYANNA KELLY
Ayanna 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 9 in 2023/2024 school year. School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
TIANA SPENCE
Tiana, 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 9 in 2023/2024 school year. School Report for Christmas Term 2022 has not been received.
KENUDEEN JONES
Kenudeen , 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 9 in 2023/2024 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, a native of Long Ground, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, will move on to Form 3 in 2023/2024 school year at Munro College where he is expected to maintain a grade of 89. Jaeden whose desire is to become a Neurosurgeon, is doing well academically.
RYAN ROBINSON
Ryan will move on to Form 3 student at Munro College in 2023/2024 school year. Ryan who is striving to do well academically, is expected to maintain good academic performance.
STEPHEN STEWART
Stephen a native of Carr District with biological roots in Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth; will move on to Form 3 at Munro College. Although efforts to contact Stephen’s mother to ascertain how he is doing academically has been to no avail; BOSA wish Stephen all the best for 2023/2024 school year.
GARETT FAIRCLOUGH
Garett, a native of Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, will move on to Form 3 at Maggotty High School where he maintains a grade of 81. Garett is striving to do well academically. BOSA wish Garett all the best for 2023/2024 school year.
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 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 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.seh@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; US District Judge Tanya Sue Chutkan who stands out as an Achiever and Trailblazer.
Tanya Sue Chutkan, was born in Kingston, Jamaica West Indies on July 5, 1982. She attended Saint Andrew High School from which she graduated and became a trained professional dancer. Like most Jamaicans, Tanya migrated from Jamaica to the USA in pursuit of opportunities and to enlarge her scholastic career in academia.
CRRICULUM VITAE
- Received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in !983 from George Washington University.
- Attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School where she was an Associate Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. She graduated from the University in 1987 with a Juris Doctor Degree.
- In private practice at the Law Firm Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lowells) 1987-1990.
- Worked at the Law Firm of Donovan, Leisure, Bogovin, Huge & Schiller, 1990-1991.
- Trial Attorney and Supervisor at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia 1991-2002.
- Joined the Law Firm of Boies, Schiller & Flexner 2002 where she became a partner in 2007. Her practice at the Law Firm focused on complex civil litigation and specifically Antitrust Class Action Cases.
- On December 19, 2013, President Barak Obama nominated Mrs. Chutkan as a Judge of the United Sates District Court for the District of Columbia. Her nomination was confirmed by the Senate on June 4, 2014 by 95 to 0 vote. Mrs. Chutkan received her Judicial Commission on June 5, 2014.
- Judge Tanya Chutkan has overseen and tried numerous cases many of them high profile in which she has become known as the toughest sentencing Judge in the DC Federal Court for January 6 defendant insurrectionists. Quotes from Judge Chutkan sentencing are as follows (a) “It has to be made clear that traying to violently overthrow the government, trying to stop the peaceful transition power and assaulting law enforcement officers in that effort is going to be met with absolutely certain punishment.” (b) “The country is watching to see what the consequences are for something that has not even happened in this country before.”
- On August 1, 2023, Judge Chutkan was randomly selected and assigned as the Judge overseeing the criminal trial of former US President Donald J Trump over his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential Election culminating in the events leading up to January 6, 2021 mob attack on the Capital.
WHAT IS IT THAT MOTIVATES AND INSPIRES JUDGE TANYA CHUTKAN?
In her address as Keynote Speaker at an African American History month Event hosted by the Judiciary’s Defender Service Office , Judge Chutkan cited “the dignity and brilliance” of former Federal Judge and National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense Fund Litigator Constance Baker Motley and her predecessors as a model. “They put their lives on the line everytime they did their job and had to put up with more than I have,” Judge Chutkan said. Judge Chutkan also said she draw inspiration from young people. “Young people inspire me in their openness, in their tolerance, and in their desire to fight injustice. I can’t let them down. I have to be an example to them,”
CONJUGAL RELATIONSHIP
Judge Chutkan is married to Peter Arno Krauthamer who was born on September 6, 1957. He completed his Bachelor of arts Degree from Brandeis University in 1979 and a Juris Doctor Degree from Boston University School of Law in 1982. After his graduation from Law School, Krauthamer began his work as a Staff Attorney in the Public Defender Service in the District of Columbia. Judge Chutkan’s marriage has realized two (2) children.
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 Entertainment Limited 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.
Editor’s Note: By way of correction, valued readers of BOSA quarterly newsletter are asked to note that Home Time Entertainment Limited has given its commitment to erect a Welcome Sign in memory of James “Dick” Richards. In the interim, the Story Board is still outstanding and unresolved with Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Black River. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has approached Mrs. Georgia Rookwood, from the Research Department at Jamaica National Heritage Trust to see if this entity could liaise with Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation to provide and erect the Story Board in memory of James “Dick” Richards whom the Corporation honoured posthumously for philanthropic contribution that he has made to the impoverished peasant farming Beersheba Primary School Community, the Parish of Saint Elizabeth and Bermuda. BOSA valued readers are reminded that it us n recognition of the invaluable philanthropic contribution that James “Dick” Richards has made to Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies that the Municipal Corporation in Hamilton, Bermuda held an official ceremony in which the City of Hamilton, Bermuda and the Town of Black River were officially Twinned. The official Twinning Ceremony was attended by a delegation that was led by former Mayor of Black River and Chairman Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Councillor Everton Fisherand then Minority Leader of the Corporation Councillor Jeremy Palmer.
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
SCIENTISTS HAVE DISCOVERED WHY WE WAKE UP EARLY AS WE GET OLDER
Are your grandparents up very early in the morning, without fail? Well, it turns out there are scientific reasons why older people wake up earlier as they get older. It’s been revealed that in later life, the natural process of ageing leads to changes in the times the body approaches sleep.
Cindy Lustig, who is a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, said: “Like most of the things that change with age, there’s not just one reason, and they are all interconnected.” “The wiring of the brain is likely not sensing….and responding to the inputs as well as it should because its an ageing brain,” Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, the Director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Arizonia Health Sciences, also told the publication. “These are all what we call time givers, or they give time to the brain,” he said. In other words, they help the brain sense where it is in the 24-hourcircadian cycle.
Younger people can more easily connect indicators like eating dinner with the idea of sleeping in the next few hours. However, that’s not as easy for older people to register naturally especially as their vision tends to suffer in later life.
“Interestingly, one of [the reasons] seems to be that the vision changes that come with age reduce the intensity of the degree of light stimulation that our brain receives, which plays an important role in setting our circadian clock and keeping it on track” said Lustig.
Editor’s Note: The foregoing article is written by Harry Fletcher, Contributor to Newsbreak.
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
“I’ve learned from a young age, it’s not what they call you, it’s what you answer to.”
Fani Willis, District Attorney, Fulton County, Georgia, Atlanta, USA.
Often times, what seems to be an obstacle is really a gift that take us in a different direction.
Anonymous
Tradition is anything that we hold close to our hearts and follow religiously.
Anonymous
“When you sign up for Public Service, you do not get to pick and choose good days over bad days.”
Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia and Judge who was mistaken for Fani Willis, District Attorney, Fulton County, Georgia and heckled by Supporters of former President Donald J Trump who surrendered himself to the Sheriff at Fulton County Jail where he was booked on 13 charges along with his 18 co-defendants.
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.
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
WHEN CHURCH PEOPLE HURT YOU, ASK GOD FOR A SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS
Don’t wait for church people to apologize, but actually forgive them. If they are led by His Spirit, He will convict them and they will seek revelation. But not everyone at church is led by the Spirit. Some are not even true followers of Christ. So don’t count on everyone at church to act in a Christ-like manner. Even though they are supposed to.
Also, remember that forgiveness is not so much for the offender as it is for you. Yes, you may be an innocent victim of unfair treatment. But after a while, your pain turns into anger followed by a spirit of bitterness that takes root and grows. And that bitterness becomes your sin.
That’s why Jesus commands us to forgive. Because otherwise, the pain and hurt we carry eventually becomes a heavy chain of anger and bitterness that binds us. Forgiveness is the key that sets us free.
Even in the midst of a torturous (characterized by, involving, or causing pain or suffering) death of crucifixion, Jesus forgave those who perpetuated evil against him. And he intervened for them to His Father.
TRUST GOD AND MOVE FORWARD BY FAITH
Church people can inflict deep, serious wounds that may take a long time to heal. But God is the great physician. While those injuries may slow you down, keep moving forward. And don’t let your feelings guide you because they are unreliable. Especially, when they are bruised and bleeding.
Instead, let God’s Word be tour trusted guide and faith the engine that moves you forward. God will lead the way, makeyou stronger and equip you.
Editor’s Note: Taken from article written by Chip Tudor, Dayton, Ohio, USA, Author, Blogger, Professional Writer and Contributor to Newsbreak.
COVID-19 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.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) IN USA SAYS NEW COVID VARIANT IS DOMINANT, INCLUDING STRAIN SAME CALL “ERIS”
Overall, says the CDC, 17.3% of COVID-19 cases nationwide are projected to be caused by EG.5, more than any other group up from 7.5% through the first week of July 2023.
The next most common variants after EG.5 are now XBB.1.16 at 15%, XBB.2.23 at 11.2% and XBB.1.5 at 10.3%. Some other new XBB spinoffs are now being ungrouped from their parents by the CDC including FL.1.5.1, which now accounts for 8% of new cases.
EG.5 includes a strain with a subgroup of variants designated as EG.5.1, which a biology professor, T. Ryan Gregory, nicknamed “Eris” – an unofficial name that began trending on social media.
Experts say EG.5 is one of the fastest growing lineages worldwide, thanks to what might bea “slightly beneficial mutation” that is helping it out complete some of its siblings.
It is one of several closely-related Omicron subvariants that have been competing for dominance in recent months. All of these variants are descendants of the XBB strain, which this fall’s COVID-19 vaccines will be redesignated to guard against.
Editor’s Note: taken from article written by Alexander Tin, CBS News which appeared on Newsbreak.
DIGITAL 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.
PASSPORT IMMIGRATION & CITIZENSHIP AGENCY (PICA) ANNOUNCES NEWTRAVEL REQUIREMENT TO JAMAICA EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
All travelers returning to Jamaica are required to complete the Immigration and Customs Form C5 online effective September 1, 2023.
According to Kauna McKenzie, Director for Business & Communication at Passport Immigration & Citizenship agency (PICA), implementation of online submission of Immigration Customs Form C5, willhelp to reduce wait time at Norman Manley and Sangster International Airports.
Travelers returning to Jamaica can complete and submit Immigration Customs Form C5 up to thirty (30) days before they arrive at airports in Jamaica.
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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