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

KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS): 

Jamaica’s visitor arrivals have not been negatively affected by travel advisories, says Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

Addressing Wednesday’s (May 1) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, he said travel advisories are the “purview” of Jamaica’s international partners.

“In evaluating what they regard as the state of our three Ss – safety, security and seamlessness – they do gradings. It is our job to ensure that at all times when the grades are done, that we are at the highest level of their evaluation,” Mr. Bartlett said.

He further shared that Jamaica is working feverishly at removing those elements that are considered to foster a negative evaluation.

“We are working also with our diplomatic partners to enable a better understanding of the Jamaican situation, and also we are relying heavily now on Jamaica’s history of strong, safe and secure experiences,” Mr. Bartlett said.

He pointed out that Jamaica has a 42 per cent repeat business, which is the highest in the region and the incidents that occur are limited in relation to the visitor population.

Stopover arrivals for the 2023/24 fiscal year are estimated at 2.96 million, reflecting a 9.4 per cent increase, while cruise arrivals are estimated at 1.34 million, up by nine per cent from the previous period in 2022/23.

“I’m happy that the market does not share the views of much of the advisories that come to us; that’s why we’re able to give you the numbers that we gave,” the Minister said.

CONTACT: JUDANA MURPHY

MONTEGO BAY, April 22 (JIS):

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, on Friday (April 19), commissioned into service a new 5,000-gallon water truck to benefit farmers in St. Ann.

The $15-million unit was procured by the Jamaica Bauxite Mining (JBM) Limited and will be managed by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

Minister Green, in his remarks at the commissioning held at the Lydford Industrial Park, said that the truck will provide much-needed relief to farmers amidst the ongoing drought conditions.

He noted that the unit will serve areas such as St. Ann’s Bay, Claremont, Moneague, Irons Mountain, Beecher Town, Orange Park, Hinds Town, Epworth, Golden Grove, Clapham, and other farming communities in the parish.

With their own dedicated water supply, farmers can be assured of consistent access to water for agricultural purposes, he noted.

“Our farmers are facing drier conditions. The reality is that we have already gone into drought and we are still just in the month of April. We have not gotten into the most difficult months of June, July, and August,” the Minister pointed out.

“As such, the reality is that we need to be able to help our farmers navigate these times. We have to get more assets that we can provide to support the people we serve,” he added.

In addition to water trucks, these assets include tractors and drones to boost agricultural productivity in St. Ann.

The Minister noted that efforts are under way to explore the utilisation of old bauxite wells for irrigation, further enhancing water access for farmers.

“Again, while the trucks are immediate responses, what we’re looking for is a long-term solution to ensure that each year, as the drought gets worse, we’re better able to maneuvre and navigate the drought,” the Minister said.

For his part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter implored the farmers to take care of the unit, “so that it will continue to give you the service that it was intended for”.

Farmer Megan White from Alderton, who plants hot pepper and other crops, expressed gratitude for the water truck.

“Now that there is a truck, I could set up one of those black water tanks and use the water from there for the time being. So, it is indeed a very good initiative,” she said.

JBM Managing Director, Donna Marie Howe, in her remarks, noted that the provision of the water truck is in keeping with the entity’s long-standing support for farmers.

She commended the farmers for their resilience and expressed the hope that “the water that is in that truck helps to flourish, cultivate, harvest, and let your businesses and crops have prosperity”.

JBM is a Government-owned company (a Public Body) with a business enterprise mandate. The entity is custodian of more than 4,000 acres of government properties in St. Ann and monitors the operations of Discovery Bauxite Partners, a bauxite mining operation based in Discovery Bay.

CONTACT: OKOYE HENRY

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY