“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/Editor
Ann Hamilton, Assistant Secretary
OBJECTIVE
The objective of BOSA Newsletter is to inform and educate the people in Beersheba Primary School Community and all Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora by means of clean and wholesome news. In doing so, the Newsletter will continue to highlight and celebrate their achievements, mourn their losses, defend their rights and articulate their needs. With meticulous calculated professional news reporting, the Newsletter will ceaselessly expose the entrenched culture of silence, secrecy, non-response and pussy-footing that has characterized the unscrupulous tyrannical oligarchy rule that is tarnished with nepotism that is designed to frustrate Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) as it continues to work assiduously as the safety net and mentor for voiceless and vulnerable students who reside in the impoverished peasant farming Beersheba Primary School Community from falling through the cracks cognizant of the fact, that had it not been for intervention of the Association, these students would be left alone to fend for themselves contrary to the vision of James “Dick” Richards, (1872-1965), Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Philanthropist and Icon.
REFLECTION ON BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL ALUMNI THAT HAVE PASSED ON
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) joins with family members, friends, and well-wishers of to remember the passing of Mr. Noel Hamilton, resident of Kilmarnock, Saint Elizabeth, father of Dr. Trevor Hamilton and his siblings, Beersheba Primary School Alumni, Perlyn Esmeralda Gayle, from Happy Hall. New Market, Saint Elizabeth and USA, Anthony Glenmore “Gary” Atkinson, Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Bachelors Diploma, Munro College, MSC., UWI, Mona Campus, Kingston, other Beersheba Elementary/Primary School Alumni who are grieving and mourning the loss of their loved ones who have passed away since and before Volume 56 January 2024 of our last newsletter was published. May the memories of these Beersheba Elementary/Primary School Alumni 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 DUVANNE BROWN, SAMEIKA MAITLAND, DEVONNETTE SMITH, TANASHAY JONES, BRIANNA DOBBS, AYANNA KELLY, TIANA SPENCE, KENUDEEN JONES, JAEDEN GAYLE, RYAN ROBINSON, STEPHEN STEWART AND GARETT FAIRCLOUGH
DUVANNE BROWN
It is understood that Duvanne who has graduated from Saint Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) has been admitted to HEART/NSTA where he will be pursuing studies in technical subjects.
SAMEIKA MAITLAND
Sameika who is in her final years at University of Technology (UTECH) Kingston Campus, will complete her internship in another two months after which she will graduate sometime in November 2024 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) that has been the safety net and monitor throughout Sameika’s high school years at Hampton School and her tertiary education at UTECH, wish to congratulate Sameika for her excellent academic performance in achieving A’s for Christmas Term 2023.
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.
Notwithstanding Ayanna’s periodic illness that has affected her school attendance, Ayanna made it to the Students Honour Roll for her average performance of 73 in grade 8.
Ayanna’s mother and her significant other, have made the sacrifice to acquire a Lenovo Laptop Computer her that will enable her to do her school work and assignments in a timely manner. Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has assumed the responsibility to get the Lenovo Laptop professionally set with Windows Operating System. The Secretary/Treasurer of the cash strapped insolvent Association, has used his own money to defray the cost of setting up the Lenovo Laptop and install Microsoft Office which he has purchased with his own money. The Secretary/Treasurer has also purchased a Canon All In One Inkjet Printer and one ream containing 500 copy paper that will enable Ayanna to do her school work assignments efficiently and effectively.
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.
Although Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) is insolvent, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Association, used his own money as a Pensioner, to purchase text books amounting to J$25,000.00 so as to enable Kenudeen to continue to maintain academic excellence at Bishop Gibson High School For Girls.
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. Ryan has won two awards for outstanding performance at school during Christmas Term 2023.
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.
EMAIL CONTACT FOR BEERSHEBA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Beersheba Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora who would like to contact the Administration at 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 posthumously to its all Beersheba Elementary/Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora, its other valued readers and well-wishers of its quarterly newsletter; Anthony Glenmore “Gary” Atkinson, (1966-2024) as an Achiever and Trailblazer.
HUMBLE BEGINNING AND LINEAGE
Anthony Glenmore Atkinson (fondly known and referred to as Gary), was born on June 6, 1966 to his beloved mother Gloria Samuels and his father Cecil “Roy” Atkinson. Anthony was raised and nurtured in the family house at Mount Ease”, Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies by his grandmother Margaret Dennis-Samuels (Miss Meggy)
ACADEMIC EXCELLENT
Anthony is an Alumnus of the renowned Beersheba Primary School where he sat and passed his Common Entrance Examination that gained him a place at the prestigious ivy league Munro College, Malvern, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies.
During his tenure at Munro College, Anthony’s academic excellence enabled him to become a notable member of the illustrious Munro Brotherhood (Class of 1983).
Anthony obtained a Bachelor Diploma from Munro College and a Master of Science Degree from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies.
Antony assumed the role in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Jamaica West Indies Cabinet with responsibility for Housing. Anthony eventually migrated to the USA where he became a successful Entrepreneur, Litterateur and Leading Manager.
CONJUGAL RELATIONSHIP AND FAMILY TIE
Anthony a man of Christian Faith, married the love of his life, Lynette who is also a Christian. The union produced eight (8) children whom Munro College Brotherhood (Class of 1983) referred to as Anthony’s Little Army:
- Mark Anthony who predeceased his father
- Antionette Chrisana
- Romae Marie
- Jude Anthony
- Joseph Glenmore
- Leah Lynette
- Erika Nadine
- Gloria Makeda
A FULL LIFE
In addition to being the best father a child could ever desire; Anthony was a master orator – a hereditary art he may have received from his great-great grandfather William Dennis, a native from Long Ground, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies.
Anthony, like his great-great grandfather William Dennis, was a natural born leader and gifted prolific writer. Anthony was outgoing, kind, philanthropic and ambitious. He believed in the concept of family and took pride in nurturing and caring for his wife Lynette, eight (8) children and his mother Gloria Samuels-Muir.
Anthony was a man of faith and a sound interpreter of God’s Word and Promise to believers. To Victor A Simpson and the Munro College Brotherhood (Class of 1983), Anthony was to them a Statesman and Wise Man from whom they obtained sound advice and Christian Encouragement.
Anthony who passed away on February 2, 2024 in Columbia, SC, USA, is predeceased by his wife Lynette and his son Mark Anthony.
REST FROM HIS LABOUR
Following Home Going Celebration in memory of Anthony Glenmore “Gary” Atkinson that was held at Leevy’s Funeral Home Chapel, 1831 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC, USA, on Saturday, February 17, 2024 with members of the illustrious Munro College Brotherhood (Class of 1983) in attendance along with several family members, friends, well-wishers, his seven (7) children and their significant others and his mother Gloria Samuels-Muir; Anthony was laid to rest at Green Haven Memorial Gardens, 10020 Two Notch Road, Elgin, SC, 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.
WELCOME SIGN 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 Elementary/Primary School Alumni in Jamaica and the Diaspora and our other invaluable readers and well-wishers, that after months of the Association haggling with the Management at Home Time Entertainment Limited on the above subject matter has become an exercise in futility, the Association has successfully obtain a firm commitment from Mr. Victor A Simpson, a member of Munro College Brotherhood (Class of 1983), Owner/CEO of New Impact Media Solutions Group Limited to donate the WELCOME SIGN. Specifications and lettering for the Sign have been forwarded to the donor.
Update regarding progress of this donation will be made available to everyone as soon as information become available.
On going dialogue and exchange of correspondence between Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA), Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Jamaica National Heritage Trust and New market Community Development Committee (NMCDC) regarding the STORY BOARD continue.
Update regarding any progress that has been made with the STORY BOARD will be made available to everyone as soon as information becomes available.
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.
GOLDEN THOUGHTS AND NUGGETS
In life you will realize that there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you, and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the one who bring out the best in you.
Anonymous
“Sowing and reaping has never been repealed.”
Ralston McKenzie, Host RJR Sunday Contact, February 25, 2024
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 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.
DENGUE FEVER OUTBREAK IN JAMAICA HAS PASSED THE 1,000 MARK
The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica, West Indies, has announced that Dengue Fever Outbreak in Jamaica has passed the 1,000 mark and that as of Thursday, December 30, 2023, the country has recorded 1,301 infections with the highest number of cases being observed in the 5-14 year old at a rate of 623.1 cases per 100,000 population.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has asked the public to heed the following advice that is given by the Ministry:
- Dengue fever is a mosquito borne disease that is usually a mild illness in which an individual may get a fever, headache, joint and muscle pain.
- Rest and adequate hydration are usually enough to enable the affected person to cope through the period of illness.
- Members of the public are asked not to use aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or any of the medications/pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs when used to treat the fever in dengue, have been known to increase the severity of the disease.
- There have been occasions that the illness can progress to severe dengue, which can result in organ failure as well as bleeding (haemorrhage), and severe fluid depletion that can lead to shock and death.
- Persons experiencing fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin (petechial rash), feeling very weak, or getting confused are to seek immediate medical attention.
- Members of the public are asked to play their part by ensuring that dengue cases are minimized by monitoring water storage containers for mosquito breeding; keeping surroundings free of debris, destroying or treating potential breeding sites; wearing protective clothing and using DEET-containing mosquito repellant.
HIV/AIDS ON THE RISE IN WESTERN JAMAICA
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has expressed concern regarding the rise in the number of HIV/AIDS in Parishes in Western Jamaica. Data has revealed that out of a population of 2.7 million people residing in Jamaica, 32,000 individuals are living with HIV/AIDS. Data has also revealed that HIV/AIDS is trending upwards in the Parishes of Westmoreland, Hanover, Saint James and Trelawny.
WHAT IS HIV/AIDS?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the disease.
HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system and makes it easier for an individual to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infection and some cancers.
HIV is spread from the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. Its not spread by kisses, hugs or sharing foods. It can also be spread from a mother to her baby.
HIV can be treated and prevented with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS but medications can control the infection and prevent progression of the disease. Antiviral treatments for HIV have reduced AIDS deaths around the world and the Ministry of Health and Wellness is working with International Organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to increase the availability of prevention measures and treatment in Third World Countries that have limited resources to cope with the disease.
SYMPTOMS OF HIV/AIDS
The symptoms of HIV/AIDS vary depending on the phase of the infection.
Primary Infection (Acute HIV)
Some people who are infected by HIV, develop a flu-like illness within 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body. The illness, known as Primary (Acute) HIV infection, may last for a few weeks. Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Rash
- Sore Throat and painful mouth sores
- Swollen lymph gland, mainly on the neck
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Night Sweats
These symptoms can be so mild that an affected person might not even notice them. However, the amount of virus in the bloodstream (viral load) of the infected person is quite high at this time. As a result, the infection spreads more easily during primary infection than during the next stage.
Clinical Latent Infection (Chronic HIV)
In this stage of infection, HIV is still present in the body and in white blood cells. However, many people may not have any symptoms during this time.
This stage can last for many years if the affected person is receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Some people develop more severe disease much sooner.
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.
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, will help 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.
ABRUPT ENDING OF BEERSHEBA/FLINT VALLEY PAROCHIAL ROAD, FLINT VALLEY, NEW MARKET, SAINT ELIZABETH
By memorandum dated November 16, 2023 addressed to The Honourable William James Charles Hutchinson, CD., MP., Member of Parliament N W Saint Elizabeth, State Minister in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has sent this memorandum as an email attachment to Honourable Minister Hutchinson, bringing to his attention the abrupt ending of Beersheba/Flint Valley Poarochial Road at the cul-de-sac at Noel Walker, deceased, property at Flint Valley, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, contrary to the vision and expressed intention of the late Hon. Neville C Lewis, former Member of Parliament NW Saint Elizabeth had for this important arterial road that would pass through arable prime agricultural lands on nits way to Tatewood where the road would intersect with the Parochial Road in that area.
Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) has asked Honourable Minister Hutchinson to take appropriate action to have Beersheba/Fint Valley Parochial Road placed on the Government of Jamaica Capital Works Programme so that the vision and expressed intention of the late Hon. Neville C Lewis can be realized to benefit peasant farmers who currently transport their farm products as head loads from their farms to the cul-de-sac at Flint Valley where they obtain vehicular transport to take their farm products to the market at Lewisville which is one of busiest markets in the island of Jamaica.
Copies of the memorandum that was sent to Honourable Minister Hutchinson at the Office of Prime Minister of Jamaica was also sent to his Constituency Office at Lacovia as well as an email attachment to the following:
CEO/Executive Secretary of RADA
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6
Mr. Lenworth Fulton, President Jamaica Agricultural Society
67 Church Street, Kingston CSO
Councillor Richard Solomon, Member Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation
New Market Parochial Division
The Honourable Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
Mr. Errol Lebert, CEO Saint Elizabeth Municipal Corporation
58 High Street, Black River
Mrs. Jacqueline Brown, President
New Market Community Development Committee (NMCDC)
Mrs. Carmen “Mitsy” Jones-Robinson, Vice President
New Market Community Development Committee (NMCDC
“A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self”
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