Friday, October 12, 2007

NCB 'Answers the Call'

NCB FOUNDATION Supports Association for the Deaf


The work of the Jamaica Association of the Deaf is receiving a significant boost, thanks to the responsiveness of the National Commercial Bank Foundation, which is donating a total of J$ 2.9 m over the next two years.

The JAD programme focuses on the development of Language and Literacy among deaf children through promotion of reading and capacity development of teaching staff in utilization of specialized deaf education methodology. Social support is also sought in encouraging the sponsorship of five (5) needy students.

The official presentation of the first tranche of funds took place in the NCB boardroom at the Atrium on Trafalgar Road on September 27. NCB Foundation Director Thalia Lyn, who represented the Foundation in the presentation, said the organization was especially pleased to be collaborating with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, as the project focus “aligns perfectly with our thrust in education through the Jamaica Education Initiative and through the Foundation generally,” said Lyn.

In receiving the Ms Iris Soutar from the JAD said she was “overjoyed” at the support being provided to the Association, particularly as the Association is targeting the early childhood segment “The early childhood segment is our major focus this year and these funds will assist us in implementing a variety of relevant and structured programmes to meet the special needs of this sector.”


Approximately one-third of the school population experience financial challenges that impede regular attendance. This stems from the fact that there are 13 schools for the Deaf spread across 6 parishes in Jamaica with only one High School in the complement. This denies most deaf children the ability to attend school within their community. There is therefore a need for financial assistance to ensure access by these students to appropriate education.

The project targets three groups intimately involved in the Jamaican Deaf Community: Teachers of the deaf, hearing parents of the deaf and deaf children. It forms a critical part of the multifaceted approach the JAD will be taking over the next five years to improve the language and literacy levels among the deaf children in Jamaica .

Founded in 1938, the JAD is a not-for-profit company legally incorporated in 1965. It is committed to the advancement of persons with hearing impairment and to providing resources and quality services for hearing enhancement and conservation.

Digicel 'tops up' Jose Marti IT dept

DIGICEL FOUNDATION HELPS JOSÉ MARTI HIT ‘FULL HUNDRED’ IN CXC IT



Wednesday, August 29, 2007: Its blue-and-white buildings are almost iconic of a bygone era in modern Jamaican history and the José Marti Technical High School in St. Catherine recently made a quantum lap – from the analog to the digital age, thanks in large part to the Digicel Foundation.



When the CXC typewriting examination was made obsolete last year, the school was left with a defunct typing room. HEART Trust/ NTA and the Digicel Foundation stepped forward to meet this challenge in fine form. Donating approximately JMD$1 million, the Digicel Foundation was responsible for equipping both the modernized computer lab and the administrative rooms with chairs, desks and freshly re-tiled floors.

Hazel Laing, then teacher at the institute and Project Manager of the renovation, and currently the vice principal, cannot conceal her joy. “I am extremely happy and so grateful to the Digicel Foundation. They have been tremendous. These children are so much better off, thanks to their contribution. I thank God they heeded the call.”

Indeed, Laing and all concerned have even greater cause for rejoicing. The school now boasts a 100% pass rate in this year’s CXC Information Technology (IT) exams, thanks in large part to the upgrading of the facility enabled by the Digicel Foundation. Further, over 60% of the IT students earned distinctions (Grade 1) in the CXC examinations

Ms Laing enthusiastically praised the IT teacher, Nadia Tulloch, and the students for their combined efforts which led to this pass rate.

Eleen Rankine, Administrator of Digicel Foundation who was on hand to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the centre last year also expresses her delight, stating, “I think it’s excellent. The teacher and students of the IT class were all new to the subject. Doing as well as they did will serve to inspire others and prove that once you decide to do something and follow through, excellence will follow.” She affirms that the Digicel Foundation, dedicated to assisting communities with projects about which they are truly passionate, is proud of the school’s achievements and are confident of future success.

OD for Shaggy

No, it doesn't refer to drugs, but to the upcoming national honour roll. Check it out.

SHAGGY RECEIVES ORDER OF DISTINCTION COMMANDER CLASS
Kingston, Jamaica: - Music icon Shaggy receives the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander for outstanding service to Jamaica on Monday October 15 at Kings House. The Order of Distinction is the fifth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honour in Jamaica; Commanders take place and precedence immediately after Members and Honorary Members of the Order of Jamaica.

Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell, in Kingston, Jamaica, relocated to his mother's home in Brooklyn, New York at age 18. After leaving the US marines in the early nineties he launched his music career to great success. Oh Carolina, a cover of The Folkes Brothers (1960) hit became his first major success when it roared into the Number One spot in the U.K. and nine other countries, in 1993 the song also appeared on the Pure Pleasure album. Shaggy quickly followed in 1995 with the Boombastic album for which he won a won Grammy in 1996 for Best Reggae Album. In the last 12 years Shaggy has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.

Shaggy is not only an entertainer but also has a soft heart, over the years Shaggy has consistently demonstrated his philanthropy by giving significant funds to charities all over the world from Jamaica to Africa.

Shaggy has been a consistent staple on the music scene both internationally and locally. He has made and indelible mark on Jamaica and is a great example for all.

"I feel honoured to receive this award and overwhelmed that the Jamaican government saw it fit to bestow upon me such recognition"- Shaggy

Shaggy will receive his Order of Distinction at a public awards ceremony this National Heroes Day, Monday October 15 th at Kings House at 9AM.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Another 'Pot of Gold' for Westmoreland Football

Entertainer and Westmoreland native Richie Stephens today
laucnhed the 2007 edition of his Pot of Gold Westmoreland
community football league at the Hilton Kingston.
Stephens, along with primary sponsoring partner Ocean Spray,
also used the opportunity to present a gift cetificate from the proceeds
of his annual Take Me Away concert to Lorna Reid, representing the Denham
Town golden age Home. The gift encompasses an industral stove, a deep freeze
and other appliances which the home was badly in need of.
Spekaing at the event JFF President-elect Capt Horace Burrell repeated his
charge that the national football programme had been derialed nad made a promise
of a major renewal beginning November 4
Burell also told the gathering that he was actively pursuing Jamaican
participation in the 2006 S Africa World Cup in he form of entertianment, news
that was well received by the fraternity present, including Tony Rebel, Degree,
Tarrus Riley, Di Mario McDowell and others

Fair Play taps Nationwide

Nationwide News Network came away with the main award at the 2007
Fair Play Journalism Awards at the Hilton Kingston on Tuesday.
The station won for its coverage of the Solutrea Affair, the
telecoms licence debacle that was among the final straws against the
former PNP administraton before the elections.
The stattion picked up an additional first place award for radio for its coverage
of a the case against a police officer accused of murder.
The Judging panel headed by Alma Mock Yen, received a total 21 entries, and their
overall impressions of these spoke to significant improvement, particularly in the
print category.
In 2008, the 50th Annivesary of sponsor Jamaica Broilers, the awards will feature
the input of noted US journalist Leon Dash

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