Wednesday 27 February 2013

FOOD FOR THE POOR RESCUES GRAVEL HEIGHTS COPS



Food for the Poor yesterday gave an undertaking to finish the construction of the incomplete building in Gravel Heights, St Catherine to be used as a police post in the once volatile community.
Rev Ron Burgess, a director of the charity, said the facility should be completed in a matter of weeks, as he cited the need for a proper structure to serve as a police post.
"I met with Superintendent (Everald) Linton and we have sent somebody to look at the needs and we will definitely be fixing it. It should be completed by the end of March," Burgess told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.
The police have occupied a partially finished building on a hill in Gravel Heights that used to be the domain of gangsters who ran amok in the impoverished community and had law-abiding residents living in constant fear. Since the police occupation, gangsters have fled the community, allowing law-abiding residents to return to their normal lifestyle.
However, the building is in need of repairs and proper sanitary convenience for the officers posted there, despite officers using resources they can get to help with its improvement.
"I am thankful for the help and we want to reaffirm that our commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of this community," head of the St Catherine North Police Division Superintendent Anthony Castelle said.
Rev Burgess, meanwhile, said the police had the full support of his organisation. "We support the initiative and we will be sending in our technical team to put costing together," Burgess said.
Before the cops arrived, the owners of the building in question were chased from their home by the gangsters who saw it as the perfect vantage point to scope out when the police were coming into Gravel Heights and as such allowed them to escape easily.
Those land owners are yet to be fully relocated, but Castelle gave the assurance that they would be adequately resettled soon.
He said, too, that the police were planning to establish a homework centre with Internet and a park so the children of Gravel Heights could grow up without the stress and worry of constant criminal activity. "This initiative is more than a fight against crime, but also to ensure that the lives of the children and all law-abiding citizens of Gravel Heights improve greatly," said Castelle.

Read more: Jamaica Observer - February 27, 2013

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Food-for-the-Poor-rescues-Gravel-Heights-cops_13734318#ixzz2M893tGa3

Friday 22 February 2013

FOOD FOR THE POOR JAMAICA BOOSTS HEALTHCARE SUPPLIES IN HOSPITALS


MEDIA RELEASE

Spanish Town, St. Catherine - February 12, 2013: Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica this afternoon handed over well-need healthcare supplies to the Ministry of Health at a special presentation ceremony at the Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town office of the charity. On hand to receive the donations was Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of Health.

Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Health Minister, happily tries out one of 200 wheel chairs donated to hospitals islandwide by Food For The Poor (FFP). He is cheered on by (from right) Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, Food For The Poor Jamaica; Hurley Taylor, Consultant/ Advisor to the Minister of Health; and Deacon Ron Burgess, Senior Director - Recipient Services, FFP. They were participating in a special hand-over ceremony at the Spanish Town office of the charity on Tuesday, February 12. The total donation on Tuesday was valued in excess of J$ 16.6 Million.


The gifts included 200 wheelchairs, 40 hospital beds, 4 operating theatre lights and 2 stretchers. FFP also provided 51 sofas, for use in the reception areas, grief counselling facilities, and consultation units at hospitals. The lounge area for medical personnel at hospitals will also benefit from the sofas.

Addressing the hand-over ceremony, Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP Jamaica, stated that the donation is another signal of the charity’s commitment to assist the Ministry with its mandate of ensuring the provision of quality health services and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and environmental practices. “We know it will be a significant boost to the resources in hospitals across the island,” asserted Mrs. Johnson. “These items donated through the goodwill of many altruistic supporters of Food For The Poor, will assist the Ministry of Health, its Regional Health Authorities, and related organizations as you work to deliver quality health care islandwide.”

Mrs. Johnson pointed out that since its inception in 1983, FFP has been enhancing public health and improving patient care, especially to the poor. She reported that during 2012, FFP distributed health care supplies valued at J$3.1 billion to health centres and hospitals, non-governmental organizations, infirmaries and schools. “This is an increase from J$2.9 billion in 2011,” stated Mrs. Johnson. Items distributed include pharmaceuticals (chronic disease medicines, antibiotics, pain medicines), health care equipment (hospital beds, ventilators, dental chairs, wheelchairs, suction machines, etc) and medical supplies (gloves, masks, gowns, syringes, cotton, gauze).

At its Annual Health Fair in March of last year, FFP provided some 2000 individuals with various medical services including dental and medical examinations.

Expressing appreciation for today’s donation, Dr. Ferguson commended FFP and cited the charity as one of the Ministry’s longstanding partners in healthcare, which has never neglected to lend assistance in any way it can. He said the FFP contribution of healthcare items is an example of what it means to work together to meet the obligations to the people of this country, “as we continue the fine tradition of partnership and cooperation in the provision of health services to the people of Jamaica.”

The Health Minister continued, “This donation exemplifies the true spirit of philanthropy and a sincere commitment to work in tandem with the government to help develop the country. It also signifies recognition that putting the nation’s interest at heart is not a job for the government alone. I hope that other organizations will use this as an inspiration to get involved and follow suit.”

Underscoring the need to build strong partnerships in addressing the urgent issues facing Jamaica, Dr. Ferguson challenged every organization to “adopt a particular area” in which it can make significant headway in improving the lives of needy Jamaicans.

He says the FFP donation comes at a time when the government has been working towards improving the healthcare system by providing additional equipment and supplies to those facilities. The Equipment Performance Task Force which was established by Dr. Ferguson in January last year, was charged with the development of a framework for the optimal use of medical equipment and to help to standardize equipment for use in the health sector. The Health Minister reports that the first set of recommendations for standardization of equipment supported the Ministry’s application to the National Contracts Commission (NCC).

“The NCC has given its approval for X-ray units, patient monitors and autoclaves. We are pleased with that achievement and look forward to other similar approvals as it relates to standards for other equipment used in our facilities,” remarked the Health Minister.

Among persons participating in today’s hand-over ceremony were: Hurley Taylor, Consultant / Advisor to the Minister of Health; Ambassador Marjorie Taylor of the Health Ministry; Jennifer Tomlinson, Director of Finance, FFP; Deacon Ron Burgess, Senior Director- Recipient Services, FFP; and Susan Moore, Director of Recipient Services, FFP.


Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
______________________________________________________________________
Contacts:

Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277

Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886

Friday 8 February 2013

FOOD FOR THE POOR OFFICIALLY OPENS SEVENTH BASIC SCHOOL IN SEVEN MONTHS UNDER ITS JAMAICA 50 CAMPAIGN


HIGH HOUSE BASIC TINY TOTS ENTERTAIN AUDIENCE: Some students of High House Basic School do a dramatic rendition of a poem at the official opening of their institution on Thursday, February 7, 2013.  Among those enjoying the performance of the tiny tots are (from right seated at the head table):  Susan Moore, Director – Recipient Services, Food For The Poor; Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, Food For The Poor; Kevin Carges, Founder Eight 4 World Hope; Mayor of Spanish Town Councillor Norman Scott; Yvet Dennis, Senior Education Officer and Rosalyn Gayle, Principal, High House Basic School. 

Spanish Town, St. Catherine - February 7, 2013: Food For The Poor (FFP) today officially opened the High House Basic School in St. Catherine, which is the seventh early childhood institution to be built by the charity, since the launch of its Jamaica 50 Campaign seven months ago. The Campaign is aimed at building / upgrading 50 basic schools in 50 months, in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.

The new High House Basic School has three classrooms, a sickbay, an office for the teachers, kitchen and bathrooms. It was built on lands donated by the Sugar Transformation Unit. Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, Food For The Poor (FFP), announced at the opening ceremony that the institution, which has a population of just over 40 students, can now accommodate up to 60.

It is a far cry from the former High House Basic School building, which was a derelict makeshift structure, had inadequate ventilation, was overcrowded, deficient in classroom space, and lacking in adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities.

HIGH HOUSE BASIC TINY TOTS ENTERTAIN AUDIENCE: Some students of High House Basic School do a dramatic rendition of a poem at the official opening of their institution on Thursday, February 7, 2013.  Among those enjoying the performance of the tiny tots are (from right seated at the head table):  Susan Moore, Director – Recipient Services, Food For The Poor; Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, Food For The Poor; Kevin Carges, Founder Eight 4 World Hope; Mayor of Spanish Town Councillor Norman Scott; Yvet Dennis, Senior Education Officer and Rosalyn Gayle, Principal, High House Basic School. 

Mr. Mahfood expressed the hope that the new facility will increase access to early childhood education, for the youth of High House, McCook’s Pen, Innswood and as far as Old Harbour. Pointing out that the children now had a wonderful and safe place to learn and play, he encouraged the community to take care of the school.  The FFP Chairman urged parents and other adults of the community, to see the school as a stepping-stone to improving their lives: “Our wish is that the facility will also be a hub for training in parental skills, vocational training, and community meetings.”

Mr. Mahfood expressed appreciation and commendation to the donors, Eight 4 World Hope, for their substantial contribution and generosity of spirit.   He also challenged corporate businesses and individual Jamaicans to lend their support to the FFP Jamaica 50 Campaign: “I want to extend an open invitation to corporate Jamaica. You can donate to the construction of a school of your choice or a school in your area.”

Keynote Speaker at the event, Kevin Carges, Founder of the North-America-based voluntary organization Eight 4 World Hope, which financed the project, described the new basic school as “a dream come true.” Mr. Carges reported that some years ago he had recognised the need for an improved basic school in High House while on a visit to the island. At that time, he took a decision that his organization would assist Food For The Poor in making the new school a reality. He commended the High House community for its desire to improve the early childhood experience for their children.

An emotional Kevin Carges told the gathering at today’s function, that he was delighted to help in making a change in High House: “Thank you for sharing with me your commitment. Thank you for welcoming me into your country and thank you for allowing me to assist.” He assured the community that they were in the “hearts and prayers” of members of his organization.

Rosalyn Gayle, Principal, High House Basic School expressed appreciation on behalf of the school community for the new facilities, provided by FFP. She also presented the Sugar Transformation Unit and Eight 4 World Hope with tokens of appreciation on behalf of her school. In an interview, Denise Collins, mother of two boys at the school – a five year old and a three year old, could not contain her joy with the new facilities and furniture for the children. “The place is so nice, clean and wonderful,” she declared. “I know many parents who did not want to send their children to the school because it was overcrowded and in a bad condition, will now send them to the new school.”

Endorsements for the multi-partnership approach in building High House Basic School have also come from Mayor of Spanish Town Councillor Norman Scott and Yvet Dennis, Senior Education Officer. Reiterating the need to “start them right, make them bright”, Mayor Scott opined that the improved school facility would mold and guide the children in a positive direction. The Senior Education Officer cautioned parents to be involved in all levels of their children’s education, if they wanted them to excel academically.

Among participants in the ceremony were Susan James–Casserly, Project Manager to Jamaica – FFP Inc; Clayton Hall, President, Jamaica Teachers Association; Tracey-Ann Morgan-Smith, Regional Supervisor, Early Childhood Commission; Charleen Higgins, Bernard Lodge Sugar Dependent Area, Delroy Umrough, Monitoring Officer, Monymusk Sugar Region and Michael Ulett of the Social Development Commission. Several representatives of the High House Basic School Parent Teachers Association and Eight 4 World Hope also participated in the opening ceremony.

Ground was broken for the High House Basic School on June 13 last year, marking the launch of the FFP Jamaica 50 Campaign. The 50 basic schools are being built/ upgraded in communities where the Early Childhood Commission, in consultation with Food For The Poor, has identified the most dire needs for pre-primary facilities. The Jamaica 50 initiative is one of the ongoing solutions by Food For The Poor, to the socio-economic challenges facing our nation. The charity also provides financial grants to students, as well as furniture and school supplies to educational institutions.
 

Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country.  Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com

_________________________________________________________________________

Contacts:

Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277

Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T:  984-5005 or 564-2886