Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Wards of the State rescued from burning building – Hero to receive award
#Kingston, October 15, 2018 – Jamaica – Kingston resident, Kimani Ramon Anderson, who singlehandedly and heroically rescued three young girls, all wards of the State, from a burning building at the Walker’s Place of Safety in January, will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry from the Government.
He is one of nine persons shortlisted for the award, and is among more than 200 persons being recognised for outstanding service to Jamaica during this year’s Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 15.
Mr. Anderson tells JIS News that he is honoured by the recognition being accorded him for braving the raging flames to extract the three girls who were trapped in their dormitory on the night of January 16. The 32-year-old security officer recounts bolting from his house to the Home after being awakened by screams and the sound of breaking glass emanating from the facility, which is situated beside his residence on Lyndhurst Crescent in Kingston.
Mr. Anderson says he instinctively kicked in the door to the dormitory, sections of which were already on fire and filled with smoke, and extracted the girls. He tells JIS News that after doing so, he discovered that a fourth ward, who was physically challenged, was still in the dorm after seeing her by the room’s window screaming and crying.
Mr. Anderson, who remarkably sustained no injuries, says he was unaware of the fourth occupant as the smoke obscured his view of the entire room. This, he adds, was compounded by the panicky state of the other girls and the urgent need to exit the building, occasioned by the rapidly raging inferno.
He recounts being restrained by neighbours who converged on the premises, in his attempts to find a way back inside to retrieve the trapped girl.
Mr. Anderson points out, however, that the heightened intensity of the fire, which by then had almost engulfed the entire building, put paid to this effort, resulting in the young girl’s untimely death. She was one of the two youngsters who perished in the fire.
Mr. Anderson says the image has remained vividly etched in his mind and weighs heavily on his heart because “if I had known she was in the room, I would go to her first and get her out, seeing that she was physically challenged”.
“So, while I am thankful for and humbled by the award that I am getting… it will be a bitter-sweet moment for me. What I did was done out of the 
love I have for the youth,” he says.
Mr. Anderson, who continues to bask in the adoration and commendations from family, including his mother, Eileen Maxie; colleagues; friends and residents of his neighbourhood, encourages persons to show kindness to each other by extending a helping hand to persons in need.
“If you see a person who really needs help, don’t turn a blind eye. Try and see if you can assist in any way… no matter how small, because sometimes, a little assistance is all they need to get back on their feet,” he tells JIS News.
“Though we have diverse backgrounds, we are all one family… and we must remember that when members of our own biological families need assistance, we seek to help them. So, why not try and do the same for others,” Mr. Anderson adds.
Mr. Anderson, who is the proud father of a five-year-old son named Javoni, says he will share this memorable moment with him when he is older and better able to understand its significance.
By: Douglas McIntosh
Release: JIS
Photo Caption: Kimani Ramon Anderson, who will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry on Heroes Day (October 15).
Michael Sloley Photos
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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