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JAMAICA: Ardenne High School Wins Another Marcus Garvey Award For Excellence

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#Kingston, September 21, 2021 – Ardenne High School has again copped the Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) performing arts competition.

The St Andrew-based institution topped the 2021 edition after picking up awards and trophies in the parish and national competitions which generated enough points to propel them ahead of the only other contender, Painite Theatrical Academy.

Ardenne, which has lifted the award for the past 11 years, was crowned during the JCDC’s recent National Performing Arts Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Little Theatre in Kingston.

The Marcus Garvey Award is presented to the most outstanding group or school in the annual JCDC performing arts competition.  The winner is determined by their participation in at least three of the five categories of events, and points accumulated from medals and other awards won.

This year, candidates were allowed to participate in only four categories – dance, drama, speech, and music.   Group performances, such as the traditional folk forms, were suspended in keeping with coronavirus (CoVID-19) physical distancing protocols on gatherings, to contain transmission.

Ardenne’s Principal, Nadine Molloy, tells JIS News that she is proud of the students’ and teachers’ accomplishments this year.

“I’m absolutely excited. It [was] a challenge; but [one wherein] we saw an opportunity and took great advantage of [it]. Everybody rose to the occasion, and we were able to make it happen,” she declares.

Ms. Molloy also praises former students, among other persons, whom she says were instrumental in aiding the school during the competition, while they navigated the pandemic.

“I thank everyone for helping us. I commend the JCDC and thank them for pivoting the way they have, in the virtual space,” she says.

The Principal points out that the JCDC provided a safe medium that enabled the youngsters to participate in the competitions.  The participants were able to upload their entries and videos on the Commission’s website – www.jcdc.gov.jm.

“It [gave] our creative students the opportunity to do something else when the world went into sleep mode. They [rose] to the occasion [and] they [took] advantage of the digital space. I thank the JCDC and encourage them to continue [doing this] so young people can have the [opportunity for] self-expression and growth,” Ms. Molloy says.

She emphasises that the school is dedicated to developing students who are “well rounded and self-actualizing in areas other than academics”.

“Students are encouraged to pursue their interests in other areas, [and] they are supported in a very significant way,” the Principal further informs.

She tells JIS News that students are offered the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities in the performing arts, visual arts, sports, and clubs.

Ms. Molloy says these engagements are managed by co-curriculum coordinators, who are responsible for providing guidance and ensuring they are “up and running”.

The Principal indicates that students are permitted to take part in at least one activity each year.

“Students are very interested in that, because they are interested in building their portfolios for when they move on to tertiary level studies or just to compete in entry level jobs,” she says.

“Over the years, we have found that in addition to many other things, the students really embrace that creative side. So, you find [you have] a lot of students who do very well in the performing arts,” Ms. Molloy explains.

Co-curricular Coordinator, Rev. Marsha Lawrence-Davids, tells JIS News that Ardenne submitted more than 60 entries digitally for the JCDC’s competitions.  She says an audit was conducted at the start of the year to determine the talent available, and the level of training and staff inputs required to prepare the students.

Rev. Lawrence-Davids says members of clubs and societies in the performing arts were involved in the speech writing and public speaking competitions.  She points out that many of the rehearsals and workshops were conducted online to ensure the safety of students and teachers during the pandemic.

Rev. Lawrence-Davids notes, however, that virtual rehearsals had limitations. She explains that while the physical engagement requires two to three rehearsals for a drama piece, for example, up to eight are needed to do so online.   She says, however, that in cases where students had to engage in face-to-face rehearsals, they complied with COVID-19 protocols at the school.

“I believe that as the parents saw the expectations clearly written down, they got a good picture of what the environment would be like. I think that is what allowed a lot of [them] to be at ease with sending their children to school for rehearsals,” Rev. Lawrence-Davids adds.

She indicates that parents and students were happy that the school was able to identify an avenue that allowed them to enjoy the performing arts experience, despite the pandemic.

 

By: Elaine Hartman Reckord

 

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Caribbean News

CAAP Works on Major Boycott Movement to Help Palestine

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Israel#Palestine#CAAP – The Caribbean Against  Apartheid in Palestine  (CAAP) is working on a Boycott Divestment Sanctions or BDS movement in Barbados for Israeli companies, to help suffocate financial backing  to the Israeli army that’s attacking Palestine. Member of CAAP Dr Saudah Muhammad, speaking at a CAAP Press Conference on Friday March 17, goes into detail, mentioning an Israeli company called Sabra Hummus as the first target to boycott, using the buying power of consumers to decrease their financial gains. She points out that Sabra Hummus was chosen because of its connection to the Israeli army.

“Sabra Hummus is co-owned by PepsiCo and Strauss group, which is an Israeli food company and they provide financial support to the Israeli army, so using our purchasing power to cut their funding, then directly supports a cut in funding to the genocide and to arms,” she said.

 

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Caribbean News

Haiti Chaos Update

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Haiti, March 18th. 2024 – The situation in Haiti is worsening at an alarmingly fast rate, the suffering of Haitians especially women and children, now increased. On Saturday, March 16,  reports say a UNICEF container, one of 17, with maternal, neonatal and child survival essentials was robbed in the capital Port au Prince,  depriving vulnerable women and children of vital health supplies. Hospitals across Haiti are forced to close, leaving only 4 out of 10 hospitals functional and two surgical operating facilities. Also, the main Airport in Port-au-Prince, reports say, remains closed after a recent gang attack. Now, despite the recent developments by CARICOM officials towards political stability, there is push back from gangs as leader Jimmy Cherizier is reported saying they will not recognize decisions made by CARICOM.

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Bahamas News

RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

#GuardOurHeritage

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