Contents

Contents..................................................................................................................... 1 Contents..................................................................................................................... 6 Introduction........................................................................................................... 11 JFS ~ jamaicanfamilysearch.com ......................................................................15 PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN AT MILE GULLY MANCHESTER, JAMAICA, 2005............................................................................... 15 TOMB OF JAMES GLANVILLE In the Churchyard of St. George's Anglican Church, Mile Gully, Manchester....................................................................................... 15 THOMAS GLANVILLE - MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTION............................................16 RUINED REMAINS OF ST. GEORGE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, MILE GULLY, MANCHESTER.................................................................................... 16 HEAVITREE, WEAR AND TOPSHAM.....................................................................17 Visit to Heavitree, Jamaica.................................................................................17 November 2010 report....................................................................................... 22 Heavitree, Jamaica............................................................................................. 22 Martin Weiler...................................................................................................... 25 ______________________________............................................................................25 Jamaica links under new spotlight......................................................................26 Mile Gully, General Information................................................................................27 Manchester-History............................................................................................ 27 Cities & Urban Centers.......................................................................................... 29 detailed map of Mile Gully and near places........................................................32 'Duppy Church' spooks Mile Gully residents.......................................................35 Mile Gully honours retired principal....................................................................37 Mile Gully's pride................................................................................................ 41 Not-so-magnificent tunnel in Mile Gully..............................................................42 1

lythe's strikes give Mile Gully title......................................................................50 Downs upstage fancied Mile Gully in title-decider..............................................51 Mile Gully honours Nash..................................................................................... 53 Mile Gully is school of excellence!......................................................................57 Mile Gully High gets new attitude.......................................................................59 Vincent Clarke's hard work pays off...................................................................61 Mile Gully triple-header highlights Claro/INSPORTS football...............................63 Whispering trees of Skull Point...........................................................................66 Mile Gully honours retired principal....................................................................69 Shemar's cancer crisis........................................................................................ 71 The fight is on.................................................................................................... 72 Remembering Mile Gully ................................................................................... 74 The fight is on.................................................................................................... 75 Rural schools boosting performance with ICT....................................................77 Private capital to help fund education Phillips.................................................80 'Aim is development for kids' - Virtue underlines focus of Digicel Grassroots programme at Manchester leg...........................................................................87 Clean Mile Gully rubbish..................................................................................... 89 'Make centres of excellence a priority'...............................................................89 Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), says the transformation of the country's educational system needs urgent attention. ........................................................................................................................... 90 Olive Johnson reaps lots of joy from her farm....................................................91 Early entrepreneurship initiation linked to improved academic performance....96 The haunted church of Skull Point......................................................................97 Jamaican man shapes London Underground history........................................101 Lymphoma changes six-year-old's life.............................................................104 2

In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 106 BH football leaguekicks off tomorrow...............................................................108 Wray & Nephew Bar domino tourney...............................................................108 Santos are Golden League football champions................................................109 Uphill task for MOB........................................................................................... 110 St Elizabeth Major League semi-finals..............................................................111 Pat Anderson Manchester U17 final..................................................................111 Manchester netball round-up...........................................................................112 IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD.............................................................................. 113 Manchester road repair to begin soon .............................................................120 Manchester - what prospects now, and after bauxite?.....................................121 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 141 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 148 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 158 Ananda Alert: Damion Whyte, 15, missing ......................................................168 Manchester basic schools to be improved .......................................................170 Change of Shelter location in Manchester - ODPEM ........................................171 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 172 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 179 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 186 Arnett, Tivoli face off tonight ...........................................................................191 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 192 3

In your neighbourhood..................................................................................... 200 Bauxite trucking to bring new jobs...................................................................211 'Teach one boy at a time'.................................................................................... 215 Water - providing more access and improving reliability.......................................220 Food For The Poor, donors improving sanitary facilities...................................227 Manchester wins big at Denbigh......................................................................228 In Your Neighbourhood........................................................................................ 231 Principals: CEOs of educational firms..................................................................280 Morrison backs out of North West Manchester race.........................................319 Three for Manchester matchup........................................................................320 Not adding up -Experts call for more training to boost teaching standards for mathematics....................................................................................................... 322 A family man, a mentor, a stalwart..................................................................338 Extracts From The Jamaica Observer Starts Here............................................349 NCU scientists name areas with poisoned soil......................................................357 ANANDA ALERT! Arianna Knight missing................................................................364 Electricity finally reaches Adams Valley.................................................................365 Encourage students to innovate, educator urges...................................................374 No significant damage in Manchester.....................................................................379 'Chester' aim to tame Jarrett Park..........................................................................379 Welcome to Maidstone........................................................................................... 386 Accept GSAT placements, Thwaites tells parents...................................................407 4

DQuan looking to make inroads............................................................................. 410 Schools struggling - Inspectorate reports dismal performances.............................419 Brenda Ramsay returned as Mandeville mayor......................................................425 Discourse-driven math teaching needed educators...........................................425 Shanna Campbell ready to get on with life.............................................................433 Champions win as Busta second round kicks off....................................................456 JIIC sponsors JIS heritage essay competition..........................................................458 Many primary-level students lack parental support at school................................486 Rusea's blank Frome in D'Cup feature....................................................................503 Manchester, a heritage gold mine?........................................................................510 Men accused of murdering teenager remanded.....................................................514 The EARNERS CAMP................................................................................................ 522 Entrepreneurial training critical for students Reid..............................................525 Downs steal KO title with shoot-out victory............................................................548 Mile Gully, Kendal seal KO quarter-final berths......................................................553 Earthquake Unit confirms 3.8 Manchester tremor .................................................553

Porus, Mike Town clash in Manchester KO..............................................................554 Wint wants Manchester clubs to soar again...........................................................555 'Do better,' Bartlett tells parents............................................................................ 557

Contents
Contents..................................................................................................................... 1 Contents..................................................................................................................... 6 Introduction........................................................................................................... 11 JFS ~ jamaicanfamilysearch.com ......................................................................15 PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN AT MILE GULLY MANCHESTER, JAMAICA, 2005............................................................................... 15 TOMB OF JAMES GLANVILLE In the Churchyard of St. George's Anglican Church, Mile Gully, Manchester....................................................................................... 15 THOMAS GLANVILLE - MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTION............................................16 RUINED REMAINS OF ST. GEORGE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, MILE GULLY, MANCHESTER.................................................................................... 16 HEAVITREE, WEAR AND TOPSHAM.....................................................................17 Visit to Heavitree, Jamaica.................................................................................17 November 2010 report....................................................................................... 22 Heavitree, Jamaica............................................................................................. 22 Martin Weiler...................................................................................................... 25 ______________________________............................................................................25 Jamaica links under new spotlight......................................................................26 Mile Gully, General Information................................................................................27 Manchester-History............................................................................................ 27 Cities & Urban Centers.......................................................................................... 29 6

detailed map of Mile Gully and near places........................................................32 'Duppy Church' spooks Mile Gully residents.......................................................35 Mile Gully honours retired principal....................................................................37 Mile Gully's pride................................................................................................ 41 Not-so-magnificent tunnel in Mile Gully..............................................................42 lythe's strikes give Mile Gully title......................................................................50 Downs upstage fancied Mile Gully in title-decider..............................................51 Mile Gully honours Nash..................................................................................... 53 Mile Gully is school of excellence!......................................................................57 Mile Gully High gets new attitude.......................................................................59 Vincent Clarke's hard work pays off...................................................................61 Mile Gully triple-header highlights Claro/INSPORTS football...............................63 Whispering trees of Skull Point...........................................................................66 Mile Gully honours retired principal....................................................................69 Shemar's cancer crisis........................................................................................ 71 The fight is on.................................................................................................... 72 Remembering Mile Gully ................................................................................... 74 The fight is on.................................................................................................... 75 Rural schools boosting performance with ICT....................................................77 Private capital to help fund education Phillips.................................................80 'Aim is development for kids' - Virtue underlines focus of Digicel Grassroots programme at Manchester leg...........................................................................87 Clean Mile Gully rubbish..................................................................................... 89 'Make centres of excellence a priority'...............................................................89 Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), says the transformation of the country's educational system needs urgent attention. ........................................................................................................................... 90 7

Olive Johnson reaps lots of joy from her farm....................................................91 Early entrepreneurship initiation linked to improved academic performance....96 The haunted church of Skull Point......................................................................97 Jamaican man shapes London Underground history........................................101 Lymphoma changes six-year-old's life.............................................................104 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 106 BH football leaguekicks off tomorrow...............................................................108 Wray & Nephew Bar domino tourney...............................................................108 Santos are Golden League football champions................................................109 Uphill task for MOB........................................................................................... 110 St Elizabeth Major League semi-finals..............................................................111 Pat Anderson Manchester U17 final..................................................................111 Manchester netball round-up...........................................................................112 IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD.............................................................................. 113 Manchester road repair to begin soon .............................................................120 Manchester - what prospects now, and after bauxite?.....................................121 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 141 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 148 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 158 Ananda Alert: Damion Whyte, 15, missing ......................................................168 Manchester basic schools to be improved .......................................................170 Change of Shelter location in Manchester - ODPEM ........................................171 8

In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 172 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 179 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 186 Arnett, Tivoli face off tonight ...........................................................................191 In Your Neighbourhood..................................................................................... 192 In your neighbourhood..................................................................................... 200 Bauxite trucking to bring new jobs...................................................................211 'Teach one boy at a time'.................................................................................... 215 Water - providing more access and improving reliability.......................................220 Food For The Poor, donors improving sanitary facilities...................................227 Manchester wins big at Denbigh......................................................................228 In Your Neighbourhood........................................................................................ 231 Principals: CEOs of educational firms..................................................................280 Morrison backs out of North West Manchester race.........................................319 Three for Manchester matchup........................................................................320 Not adding up -Experts call for more training to boost teaching standards for mathematics....................................................................................................... 322 A family man, a mentor, a stalwart..................................................................338 Extracts From The Jamaica Observer Starts Here............................................349 NCU scientists name areas with poisoned soil......................................................357 ANANDA ALERT! Arianna Knight missing................................................................364 Electricity finally reaches Adams Valley.................................................................365 Encourage students to innovate, educator urges...................................................374 No significant damage in Manchester.....................................................................379 9

'Chester' aim to tame Jarrett Park..........................................................................379 Welcome to Maidstone........................................................................................... 386 Accept GSAT placements, Thwaites tells parents...................................................407 DQuan looking to make inroads............................................................................. 410 Schools struggling - Inspectorate reports dismal performances.............................419 Brenda Ramsay returned as Mandeville mayor......................................................425 Discourse-driven math teaching needed educators...........................................425 Shanna Campbell ready to get on with life.............................................................433 Champions win as Busta second round kicks off....................................................456 JIIC sponsors JIS heritage essay competition..........................................................458 Many primary-level students lack parental support at school................................486 Rusea's blank Frome in D'Cup feature....................................................................503 Manchester, a heritage gold mine?........................................................................510 Men accused of murdering teenager remanded.....................................................514 The EARNERS CAMP................................................................................................ 522 Entrepreneurial training critical for students Reid..............................................525

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Downs steal KO title with shoot-out victory............................................................548 Mile Gully, Kendal seal KO quarter-final berths......................................................553 Earthquake Unit confirms 3.8 Manchester tremor .................................................553 Porus, Mike Town clash in Manchester KO..............................................................554 Wint wants Manchester clubs to soar again...........................................................555 'Do better,' Bartlett tells parents............................................................................ 557

Introduction This document is a compilation of material taken in the main from the Daily Gleaner and the Jamaica Observer about the Bethany Mile Gully region in Manchester, in addition to other pieces taken from internet sources. The primary purpose of putting together this compilation is to gain a resource that is able to contribute to the process of developing a development plan for this region. A development plan in its compilation, not only seeks to identify on the basis of interviews and observational studies the needs of a given population given a set of natural and cultural resources, within a given socio-cultural environment, but also utilize an archival approach, which allows planners to, on the basis of historical documentation and articles in the media, identify those long term concerns and challenges which might not come out in the interview process, the historical development of the region in question along with solutions tried in the past to correct identified problems. Archival studies also allows for indebt stakeholder analysis which could include the study of the socio-economic development of given stakeholders over a given period of time, it allows for leadership studies, the studies of socio-economic conflicts which might not come out in the interview process, it allows for the study of the origin and development of given problems and also allows for the carrying out of detailed SWOT analysis.

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It is against this background, this compilation was carried out, with the hope that stakeholders such as the Bethany Moravian Church, the Mile Gully Church of God of Prophecy, the local business and farming communities, the Mile Gully Police, the local taxi association, the Rastafarian community, the Glanvilles and Morgans families, the Parent Teachers Associations among others, will be better able to come together as a group to further contribute to the process of bringing into being the Bethany Mile Gully Development Plan. This compilation would be of value, to those who have interests in or are curious about the Bethany-Mile Gully region. Here it is important to point out that the Bethany-Mile Gully region is but one small region in Manchester and one should not try to see the region as a separate entity. The social and Economic development of Christiana and Mandeville either positively or negatively impact the region because of its small size and relative closeness to these larger population centers. This compilation of articles from the two major print media houses in Jamaica, can also be utilized by the community as a system of control which enables any member of the community, rich or poor to look back at what was promised by the political leaders, were they elected or unelected, and other leaders, and demand that promises made are kept. In this way the power of control and ability to set standards of accountability are in the hands of the Parent Teachers Associations, The Church, the Sports Club, the Business Community and the ordinary farmer in Bethany or around Mile Gully. Yours truly Basil Fletcher

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JFS ~ jamaicanfamilysearch.com Jamaican Family Search Genealogy Research Library PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN AT MILE GULLY MANCHESTER, JAMAICA, 2005 TOMB OF JAMES GLANVILLE In the Churchyard of St. George's Anglican Church, Mile Gully, Manchester "Sacred to the memory of James Glanville of Exeter in this parish" who died in November, 1872.

(For the genealogy of this family, see Glanville)

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THOMAS GLANVILLE - MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTION "Sacred to the Memory of Thomas Glanville, J.P.. Richmond Hill, Manchester" who died June, 1910.

RUINED REMAINS OF ST. GEORGE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, MILE GULLY, MANCHESTER Mile Gully is not far from Mandeville. The church has been allowed to go to ruin. It is reputedly haunted.

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 2008. Jamaican Family Search hereby grants you a limited license to copy and use the materials provided on this site solely for your personal, non-commercial use. No other use of the site or materials is authorized. You agree that any copy of the materials (or any portion of the materials) that you make shall retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained therein. Posting of materials on other Web Sites is strictly prohibited.

HEAVITREE, WEAR AND TOPSHAM (To read the first two sets of articles on this topic, please go to Samples/heavitre.htm) Visit to Heavitree, Jamaica I was fortunate to have a holiday in Jamaica this summer and I decided to try to locate the Heavitree I had heard about through Martin Weiler. I used to live in Jamaica, not very far from Heavitree, but I had never heard of it, nor of its sister estates, Wear Pen and Topsham.

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These are all situated in the northern part of the parish of Manchester, in the centre of the island, over 2000 feet above sea level. Heavitree, Jamaica, was established by the Davy family, who had lived in Heavitree, Devon. James Davy, the original settler in Jamaica, was a son of another James Davy, a farmer of Mare Farm, Heavitree, and later of Wear Barton, Glasshouse Lane, (Countess) Wear. In the 1790s, James had set up a cattle ranch in Jamaica and named it Wear Pen, clearly after his home village in Devon. The Jamaica Almanacs, available on the Jamaican Family Search website, tell us that, at the time of his death in 1825, James Davy owned 96 slaves and 359 cattle. His younger son, John, inherited Wear Pen and continued to run it as a cattle ranch through the period 1834 to 1838 when the slaves were emancipated in stages, through Apprenticeship to 'Full Free'. John Davy then acquired a new estate, about three miles north of Wear Pen, which he named Heavitree. It first appears in the Almanacs in 1840, where it is listed along with Wear Pen, between them occupying 1724 acres. It seems, then, that Heavitree was established just after the days of slavery. Or had it been there for some time and only just declared to the authorities? It seems a very strange time to be going in for agricultural expansion just as the planters' source of free labour, their slave force, was about to be lost to them. Heavitree was most likely a coffee plantation. This again was strange, given that at this time coffee plantations were being abandoned in droves, and by 1845 it was in receivership. It survived in some form, however, as it is listed in the 1910 Almanac as being a coffee estate owned by a Mrs French.

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View of Heavy Tree district, Jamaica I drove with James Glanville, a descendant of another Devon family, from Wear Pen, in what is now the Mile Gully district, northwards into the hills. The landscape became steeper and more wooded than the lush green fields at Wear Pen. A hand painted sign on a store front church alerted us to the fact that we had reached 'Heavytree'. We enquired of a local man who explained that the village is called 'Heavy Tree' because of the large cotton tree at its centre! There was, indeed, a most impressive cotton tree with a tall, bulbous trunk a bit further down the road! We certainly gave him something to think about when we told him that the true origin of the name was in Heavitree, Exeter, England! Turning up a steep side road, past the bar (which had no cold drinks!), we were shown the first sign of the house: its coffee barbeques. These cemented areas were used for spreading out the coffee berries to dry in the sun. They were built with a slight slope leading down to a tank, so they could double as water catchments, a necessary feature in this limestone region where rain water soaks into the ground and does not collect in ponds or streams. The barbeques had been fenced off to ensure a supply of clean water. Just to the side of the catchment, at the top of the slight hill, we at last found what had been searching for, the remains of Heavitree property house. A length of stone wall, a

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couple of meters high, is all that is left. A young man had his donkey tied here and was just loading it up with produce when we arrived.

The area is now sparsely populated and the inhabitants are poor. There are houses dotted about with small cultivations around them, growing some coffee still but mainly foodstuffs such as yams and bananas. Most of the younger generation have left, for 'greener pastures' in Kingston or North America, though it is difficult to imagine a 'greener' spot than this one! Our ancestors brought the present Heavitree residents' ancestors from Africa as slaves. As we have seen, it is no mere co-incidence that the two places share the same name! Perhaps we could do something to acknowledge our shared history, by a twinning arrangement, or some sort of partnership scheme to help local projects? In these days of the mobile phone and the internet, it cannot be too difficult to establish

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links across the Atlantic - after all, the Davy family managed it in the days when the journey took six weeks by sea! If anyone is interested in contacting the Jamaican Heavitree, I will do my best to help you get in touch. Gillian Allen g.m.allen@ex.ac.uk 21/10/2007

Other October 2007 updates received from Martin Weiler: Wear Pen House - a worrying development. The roof of the house had been removed and there is a fear that it is being dismantled.. Topsham - only foundations and drying areas remaining at the old Topsham House. One other building in the area with Davy connections is still standing and in use. The local courthouse is still there - this is where the Davys were magistrates etc. _______________________ The will of Edward Davy was found in the Island Records Office: We had always assumed that it was James Davy (1765-1825) who had been the key link with Wear. It may still be that he was the initiator but Gillian found a will of an Edward Davy younger brother of James. Edward was born in Topsham in 1776 but his Jamaican Will (3 Oct 1804 after his death) has him living at Wear Pen. This is the earliest record we have of a Davy at the property. Edward's 'partner' was an Elizabeth Morgan, 'a free mulatto woman whom I know'. Mulatto is mixed race, half black, half white. He left Elizabeth 'three negro women, cash and 50 and 25 acres of wood'. Edward and Elizabeth had a daughter, Jane, and he leaves her 1000 so that she can be sent to school in England at the age of 8 'to have a decent education'.

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He also leaves the 'remainder of his property' to his brother Thomas and sister Rebecca, both residing in the UK. They, we know, owned Topsham at one stage.

November 2010 report The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 included the right of compensation for slave owners losing their 'property'. The government set aside 20 million (the equivalent of 40% of its total annual expenditure) for these payments. In all 40,000 separate awards were made. University College London research has shown that one of these for 2156 11s 1d went to John and James Lewis Davy for the 106 slaves freed from their estates at Wear and Heavitree. John and James Lewis were sons of James Davy who left Devon for Jamaica at the turn of the nineteenth century. Their grandfather, also James, lived and married in Heavitree before moving to Wear, Topsham. The Davys named their plantations in Jamaica after their Devon homes. Martin Weiler

2010. Jamaican Family Search hereby grants you a limited license to copy and use the materials provided on this site solely for your personal, non-commercial use. No other use of the site or materials is authorized. You agree that any copy of the materials (or any portion of the materials) that you make shall retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained therein. Posting of materials on other Web Sites is strictly prohibited.

Heavitree, Jamaica [an updated and edited version of an article originally published in the Heavitree (Devon, England) Local History Society newsletter no. 6 August 2001] And now there are three! Recent studies have uncovered a Heavitree in Jamaica to add to Heavitree Gap in Australia and our own Heavitree, Devon. It had long been assumed (1) that the Heavitree down-under was the only other place in the world with the same name as the English one.

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Now it can be shown that not only is there a Jamaican Heavitree but that it has strong local links and predates the Australian one (1871) by over 30 years. Research is still on-going but this note outlines what has been uncovered so far. The Society would love to hear from anyone with further information (see contact details at end of article). A chance remark kick-started the trail to the Caribbean. A society member mentioned hearing that a Heavitree, Jamaica could be found on the internet. Intrigued I agreed to investigate. The obvious place to start was on the web and sure enough a search for Heavitree threw up a Jamaican reference. This confirmed with a map that Heavitree was positioned at an altitude of 2480 feet in a mountainous area roughly in the middle of the island. Another Jamaican site records Heavitree as being in the political constituency of North West Manchester. So far so good but what were the origins of Heavitree, Jamaica and did it have links with Heavitree, Devon? Encouraged by the plethora of information on the internet I searched for more Jamaican sites and came across a real gem a local historian's dream ! The site in question (2) holds a whole series of C19th archives including the names of properties and their owners. And there amid all the lists in an 1840 almanac was Heavitree: Proprietor John Davy. I e-mailed the archivist, Patricia Jackson, and asked if she knew about its origins. She replied saying she didn't but that "in general landowners in Jamaica often named their properties after their homes, properties or home towns back in Britain". So was there a Davy link with Heavitree? Our secretary, Den Perrin, checked the Parish records and found a number of Davys baptised and married in Heavitree Church in the C17th and C18th. But no obvious tie-ups. Then by luck, Den, while looking for something else in the Devon and Cornwall Record Society files, found the potential missing link. A document referred to the will of a James

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Davy (1729-1813) and a bequest to his son, also James Davy "late of Heavitree, merchant, but now on his passage to Jamaica". By going back to the Jamaican almanacs details of James' time there can be pieced together. In the 1808 edition he is recorded as a captain in the St. Elizabeth's Regiment of the Jamaican militia. In 1810 James is down as owning the property of "Wear" with 75 slaves and 256 livestock (for photographs, please see Wear Pen 1984 and Wear pen house (a later photograph)). A Thomas Davy is also mentioned as owner of "Topsham". The names Wear and Topsham are particularly helpful as they provide a big clue to the Heavitree connection. Records held locally in Exeter explain why. James Davy (born 1729) married Mary Carter in Heavitree Church on 6 February 1758. They lived at Mere Farm, Heavitree but (and here is the link) moved to Wear in the parish of Topsham in around 1765. James was a farmer and ran a lime and coal business. He passed this on to Robert, one of his sons (born in Heavitree), who branched out to become a major Topsham shipbuilder (a fascinating but separate story although it should be noted that some of his ships sailed to Jamaica). There were several other children including Thomas, Rebecca, Mary (who married a Thomas Salter, Yeoman of Heavitree) and James. It would therefore appear that James junior named his property after the family home of Wear. The other Davy holding (owned by Thomas brother of James) was named after Topsham. This also still exists today. The Jamaican almanacs give a year by year record of ownership and Wear continues to belong to James Davy until 1825. The family burial vaults at Clyst St Mary confirm the situation. James died on 19 Oct 1825 aged 60. The inscription adds "late of the island of Jamaica". Heavitree does not appear in the almanacs until 1840 when it is added to Wear under the ownership of John Davy. Wear had been briefly owned by James Lewis Davy (son of

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James) but John, another son, is down as proprietor from around 1830. James Lewis died in 1840. It seems pretty clear that John was reflecting his father's Heavitree roots by naming the new property in this way. Interestingly by 1845 both Wear and Heavitree (a combined total of 2,167 acres) were in receivership. Apparently this was a time of economic crisis and many owners defaulted on their mortgages or abandoned their properties. Heavitree survived however and appears on an 1888 map of Jamaica about five miles north of the railway line and road from St. Elizabeth and Trelawny. Wear is about two and a half miles away, south of the road and railway. That's about where I've got to so far but I'm hoping to find out more about both historic and present day Heavitree, Jamaica. Thanks to the internet I'm already in touch with Davy family members around the world. One lady, in Australia, is descended from the Heavitree Davys and is related to Davys who owned property and lived in Jamaica. She confirms that "the Davy family named their Jamaican properties after their home area in Devon". So it is good to know of another Heavitree and with this open up a new international relationship. Fitting perhaps that the Manager of Exeter City Football Club, Noel Blake, who was born in Jamaica, lived for several years on Fore Street, Heavitree, Devon. Let's hope for more links in the future. Martin Weiler ______________________________ Notes: 1) Heavitree, Australia. Note by David Morrish published in April 1968 2) http://jamaicanfamilysearch.com

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Jamaica links under new spotlight New interesting details have come to light after our Society was asked to help provide information for a major anniversary in 2007. In March it will be 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. The Devon Black History Group (DBHG) is intending to mark the occasion with various activities. They made contact with us because of our research into the links between Heavitree, Devon and Heavitree, Jamaica. Now a member of the DBHG has used information provided by us to track down further knowledge of historic links using a good contact in Jamaica. As a result we now know of a connection between families who owned land in Jamaica. Past newsletters have described how the Davy family, who came from Heavitree, founded several places in Jamaica including Wear, Topsham and Heavitree. Nearby in Jamaica the Glanville family owned other landholdings including Exeter and Devon. It is a descendant of the Glanvilles, still living in Jamaica, who is now helping with on the ground research. The property called Devon was, for a number of years, owned jointly by Samuel Glanville and a William Abell. There are two links here. Firstly a good bit of delving has revealed that Abell was married to a Margaretta Neyle. After his death Margaretta married James Lewis Davy, a doctor in Jamaica and son of James Davy, our original Heavitree link. He died in 1840 and she was living at 44 Magdalen Street in Exeter when she died in 1873. So we can imagine people locally in Devon being regaled by stories of namesake places all that distance away in Jamaica. Secondly the Glanvilles came from Ottery St Mary where Samuel's father Thomas was the local solicitor. The Davys also had an Ottery connection as Thomas, brother of James above, was the local doctor there. He too owned property in Jamaica - Topsham; although he is not thought to have ever lived there. All this and other information discovered previously points to quite a tight knit group with Devon and Jamaica connections.

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One final bit of information has come to our attention through this new link and it is not a happy one. Apparently Alcoa, the mining company, have bought many of the properties in our area of interest and the land is due to be mined for Bauxite, including Wear. This was James Davy's original property there. We don't yet know the fate of Heavitree but are trying to find out. Martin Weiler

The author of this article, Martin Weiler, would be delighted to hear from anyone who can provide more information (historic or present day) on Heavitree, Jamaica. He can be contacted at aekw16@hotmail.com Heavitree Local History Society can be contacted at pern@supanet.com

Mile Gully, General Information Manchester-History

An unfrequented wilderness is how historian James Bridges described Manchester in the 1700s. Bridges would hardly recognise the quiet rural parish now. It is the hub of central Jamaica and many of its towns are thriving commercial and social centres. Location Located in south-central Jamaica, Manchester covers a total area of 320.5 square miles or 830.1 kilometres, making it the sixth largest parish in the island. To its east is the parish of Clarendon and St. Elizabeth lies to its west and Trelawny to its north. Kingston, Jamaicas capital is only 61 miles or 98 km away and Montego Bay, the islands second city is 70 miles or 113km northwest.

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History At the beginning of the 19th Century, coffee farmers in the hill districts of Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and the then parish of Vere, began a campaign to have a separate parish established. The main reason for this action was the vast distance between the hill districts and the commercial and administrative centres of all three parishes. The nearest public building was 40 miles/64 kilometres from the hillside communities of Mile Gully, May Day and Carpenters Mountain and none of these towns had a church. On November 29, 1814 residents from all three communities made a petition to the assembly. They asked for a new parish, with a capital which would meet their religious, civic, judicial and administrative needs. On December 13, 1814 the new parish was formed and named after the Duke of Manchester who was then serving as the Governor of the island. The capital was named Mandeville, after his son and heir. Two years later, the vestry was established and it served as the municipal authority. The new governing body moved quickly to have public buildings erected in the capital, including a court house, a parsonage, a workhouse and a church. By 1926 churches had also been built in Mile Gully, May Day and the Carpenters Mountains. In the days prior to the abolition of slavery, Manchesters population was never as large as that of the surrounding parishes because the hill terrain was not suited for the cultivation of sugar which was then the islands most lucrative crop. However, after emancipation many of the newly-freed slaves moved into the area to grow coffee and other crops on hillside farms. This was the beginning of what is now a thriving agricultural industry and major money earner and employer for the parish. In the old colonial regime, Manchester had the prestigious distinction of being the most English of Jamaicas parishes and it was known as the playground for the landed European gentry. In 1942 it was discovered that Manchester was the site of one of the largest deposits of bauxite in the country. Bauxite is a red ore which is processed to produce alumina and eventually aluminium. This discovery led to the growth and development of Manchesters

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bauxite and alumina industries which facilitated the speedy development of the parish and Mandeville in particular. Today, the economy of Manchester is still deeply rooted in both bauxite and agriculture. About 60% of the lands in the parish are occupied by farmers. (Source:-The Jamaica information Service)

Cities & Urban Centers Pop Name A dm. ulation UA C 07 i Annotto Bay M AR 5 E LI T HO E LI 1 C AT A NN 4 P OR 5 C LA 1 M AN A ... ... 1,28 3,28 ... 5,47 1 ... ... 4,35 Pop ulation UA C 08 ... Pop ulation UA C 07 5,53 3 ... Popu lation UA C 2001-0910 r 5,423 Popu lation UA C 2011-0504 r 6,017 0 rea A

1970-04- 1982-06- 1991-04-

Balaclava

...

2,703

2,770

Bath

... 2,70 1

... 3,60 0 ... 6,35 4

... 3,61

2,144

2,115

Black River

4,095 11,24 1

5,352

Bog Walk

9,09 6 6,87

9,431

Brown's Town i {Browns Town} i Buff Bay

8,054

9,031

2,59 6 3,93 0 7,36 8 ...

4,210

4,678

Chapelton

...

4,556

4,363

i i

Christiana Claremont

... ...

8,276 1,970

8,430 1,773

0 0

29

NN Clark's Town i {Clarks Town} i Darliston T RE 2 W ML A NN 4 T RE C AT 7 T RE 5 C LA 8 M AR W ML 6 C LA 8 M AR 6 E LI K SA 700 C AT 6 C LA 2 H 3,57 3,26 5,99 4 ... 5,65 ... 473, 638 9,20 30 4,66 4 5,47 5,63 5 ... 524, 876 14,6 0 3,568 6,245 4,25 7 5,97 2 ... 565, 37 15,66 1 3,609 7,131 ... 2,40 0 6,45 7 5,48 2,95 3,85 3 ... ... 4,24 8 6,71 9 3,37 3 ... 6,53 0 8,44 8 6,051 ... 1,81 1,95 ... 3,13 9 ... 2,23 0 ... 8,74 2 8,03 7 8,188 3,953 3,003 0

...

2,529

2,328

Discovery Bay

...

2,518

2,446

Duncans

... 8,75

2,132 10,80

2,686

Ewarton

9,753

Falmouth

8,686

Frankfield

3,625

3,507

Gayle/Lucky Hill

... 6,15

4,148

3,260

Grange Hill

7,591 10,09 9

6,922 10,63

Hayes

Highgate

6,375

Junction

3,524 579,1 27

4,034 584,6

Kingston

Linstead

15,23

i i

Lionel Town Lucea

0 0

30

AN i Mandeville

9 M 13,6

2 34,5 02 25,4 62 43,2 65 3,48 8 1,16 ... 7,77 7 5,09 07 ... 2,21 ... 15,4 8,82 70,2 40,9

9 40,6 80 48,2 62 85,0 97 9,71 1 4,04 0 8,32 5 17,7 78 ... 4,06 6 13,2 61 7,50 7,17 1 ... 73,4 ... 97,0 24 4,92 5,18 9 2,83 5,74 9 5,97 8,18 69 5,924 8 7,439 3 6,344 9 23,82 2 5,872 2 5,854 15,76 1 28,91 7 10,78 2 7,832 16,67 4 96,47 15 11,05 7 57,33 8 110,1 47,46 5 61,54 49,69 0

AN

81 C

May Pen

LA

25 J

Montego Bay

AM 51 T HO 2 W ML 6 A NN 1 C AT 7 C AT M AR 6 P OR 26 M AR 1 T HO C AT 0 M AN 1 A NN 6 E 2,05 1,11 3,82 ... 5,10 5,44 10,4 5,85

Morant Bay

Negril [small i parts in Hanover] i Ocho Rios

Old Harbour

Old Harbour Bay

Oracabessa

... 12,2 85

4,230 14,56 6

4,398 14,81

Port Antonio

Port Maria

7,463

Port Morant

3,007 156,4 53

2,905 182,1

Portmore

26

Porus

6,009

i i

Runaway Bay Santa Cruz

5,840 10,78

8,640 10,42

0 0

31

LI i Savanna-la-Mar Spaldings [parts iin Clarendon and Manchester] i Spanish Town

0 W 11,6

9 14,9 12

9 16,6 29

5 19,89 3

3 22,63 3 0

ML

04

...

...

...

3,225

4,373

C AT 04 A NN 1 T HO 6

39,2 97 7,10 8 4,39 5

89,0 175 9,05 43 6,83 2

114, 15 11,1 1 6,90

131,5 52 10,44 3 9,888

147,1

St. Ann's Bay i {St. Anns Bay} i Yallahs

11,17

10,84 9

(1970) Minister of Local Government, Youth & Community

Development (web). (1982) Statistical Institute of Jamaica: Population Census 1982. Volume 1. (1991) CARICOM: National Census Report Jamaica 2001 plus (in italics) data from the Minister of Local Government, Youth & Community Development (web). (2001) (2011) Statistical Institute of Jamaica: Population and Housing Census 2011, General Report Volume I, 2012. detailed map of Mile Gully and near places Welcome to the Mile Gully google satellite map! This place is situated in Manchester, Jamaica, its geographical coordinates are 18 8' 0" North, 77 33' 0" West and its original name (with diacritics) is Mile Gully. See Mile Gully photos and images from satellite below, explore the aerial photographs of Mile Gully in Jamaica.

Manchester

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Area 830 Km Population 191,378 Name Origin Established in 1814 and named for the Duke of Manchester who was then Governor of Jamaica

Manchester is a mountainous parish. Over 90% of the parish's surface is limestone so there is an abundance of cockpits, sinkholes, caves and underground passages. The Oxford Cave in upper Manchester is the largest of the known caves in the parish. Because of the limestone, most of the rivers flow underground like the Alligator Hole River, Alligator Pond River, Crambie River, Gut River, Hector's River, Two Rivers and Swift River. Hector's River flows along the borders of Manchester and Trelawny, disappears underground at Troy and rises below Oxford Cave as the One Eye River.

Almost all of the parish is between 2000 and 300 feet above sea level. The main mountain ranges are the Carpenters, May Day and Don Figuerero Mountains. The high elevation and cool climate of Manchester make it favoured place for Jamaican returning home after living abroad.

Agriculture, bauxite mining and processing, small scale manufacturing and livestock rearing are the main economic activities in Manchester. The major towns are the capital, Mandeville, Christiana, Devon, Mile Gully, Newport, Porus, Williamsfield. (Source:-The Daily Gleaner)

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The Manchester Court House around 1962 Mile Gully Mountain is a 2,934 ft / 895 m mountain peak near Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 1st highest mountain in Manchester and the 17th highest mountain in Jamaica. - See more at: http://peakery.com/mile-gully-

mountain/#sthash.KbxLWnED.dpuf

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'Duppy Church' spooks Mile Gully residents Published: Saturday | March 31, 2012 27 Comments

St George's Anglican Church. - PHOTO BY DAVE LINDO Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester: WHEN ONE visits Mile Gully and engages residents in a discussion about their town, a topic that is bound to come up is the reputed 'Duppy Church' which is said to be haunted. The church in question is the abandoned St George's Anglican Church, about five minutes' drive from the town centre. It is said to have been abandoned because the so called 'duppies' were creating havoc on the congregation. Most of the members moved to the nearby St Simon's Anglican Church in Mile Gully. After getting a 'bag of duppy stories' from residents, our news team was given a 'tour guide' - Paul - to accompany us to the abandoned church.

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The church is situated on the right, on the way to the nearby district of Comfort Hall. It is isolated, as there are no other buildings near it. There were no doors and the windows were broken. It had this eerie look and, without a doubt, its spooky looks could fit easily into one of those horror movies. graves Braving to enter the compound after some encouragement from Paul who told The Gleaner: "It's day time man, suh yu safe. If it was night now, a different thing, the duppy dem bad a night." There were graves around the churchyard, as well as tombstones, some dating back to the latter part of the 19th century. Inside the church was even more creepy, with all furniture long gone and a chilling wind. Paul proceeded to tell stories he heard of the haunted church. One was of a young woman who stopped a taxi, which was on its way to Mile Gully. He stopped for her and she sat in the back of the car. However, on reaching Mile Gully, he realised he was alone in the car as the woman was nowhere to be seen. "The taxi men fraid to stop anywhere here at nights," Paul said. They even pick up speed when they are passing. People say, sometimes when they are passing, they hear like organ playing inside the church." Paul added: "People hardly walk here alone even in the day, much less night. The greatest fear of drivers passing here who used to the area is for their vehicle to break down at this spot (St George's Anglican Church). rural@gleanerjm.com

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Mile Gully honours retired principal

Published: Saturday | April 20, 2013 0 Comments

Ulit Brackett and his wife pose with a plaque he received at a function to honour him. 12> Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester:MANY PERSONS are remembered, or their names written in history books, because of their popularity or political posture during their lifetime. However, for one of Jamaica's educators, Ulit Bracket, his name will certainly be etched in the history

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books of the parish, if nowhere else, as a dedicated and true member of the teaching profession. With one agenda - that of affording the students in his charge the best possible educational opportunities - Ulit Brackett spent 38 years of his life imparting knowledge to students from all walks of life. After spending 24 years as the principal of Mile Gully High School, he retired in late 2012, not to sit on his balcony and admire the birds and enjoy his modest pension, but to become an activist in the pursuit of justice for all as a lay magistrate. After its establishment in 1994, Brackett, became the first principal of Mile Gully High, a position he held until retirement. Hardly taller than the students he commanded, Brackett told The Gleaner in an earlier interview that his tenure was one filled with challenges and many gratifying rewards. "My reward comes from seeing a boy or girl leaving this school a better person and able to move to higher heights," he said. Resources have always been and will be a problem for a long time he proclaimed, but "as educators, we cannot just fold our hands and do nothing". That philosophy has manifested itself throughout his 24 years at the helm of the institution in the construction of a tuck shop, expanding classroom capacity, and constructing a library and toilets with the help of the community. Head of the English Department, Melecia Dougherty, commended the retired principal as "a leader by example", which made it easy for all to participate in the development and exercise of the educational process at the school. SUCCESS HIS MISSION Guidance counsellor Nicole Evans hailed the former principal as a man whose mission was success for his students and staff, and by extension, the Mile Gully community. Under Brackett's leadership, the school, located five miles outside of Mandeville, has been recognised as a centre of excellence by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation and serves over 700 students.

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Earlier this year, the school's board of management, represented by Hawthorne Foster and Vincent Morrison, held a function at the Mandeville Hotel where they honoured Brackett for his contribution to the school. Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, who was the guest speaker, lauded the retired principal for his leadership style and accomplishments in the field. rural@gleanerjm.com

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Mile Gully's pride

Published: Monday | June 18, 2012 2 Comments

Ashley Porter, vice-president of the Mile Gully High Business Club. 123> Entrepreneurship blooms at Manchester-based high school

Drive though the gates of the Mile Gully High School in North West Manchester and it is apparent that this school is serious about business. Since January, the students have been managing their very own operation, Mile Gully's Pride: Fruits and Accessories, which they started through their participation in the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' initiative, a component of the Centres of Excellence programme managed by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). The MBSF implemented the business project in partnership with Digicel Foundation and engaged The Business Lab to manage the project. The type of business established by the youngsters is simple; but, nevertheless, innovative. They operate from a roving stall, providing properly packaged fruit plates to

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members of the school community each morning; and at lunchtime, sandwiches and hot dogs are added to the offerings. "We did our market research at the beginning of the school year, and we discovered that there was a low supply of fruits at school; and close to half of the school population was not consuming breakfast at home, on a consistent basis," explained Ashley Porter, the club's vice-president of marketing and sales, indicating how the business idea emerged. "Knowing that fruits form a healthy part of a diet, we decided to pursue a business that supplies fruits to the school population." Accessories, such as hair clips and armbands, were added to the product line, when they recognised a demand for accessories that could be worn without violating school regulations. The school is situated in a large rural farming community, and the business has developed positive relationships with farmers in the area and traders in the parish capital, Mandeville. Teachers and other school employees, who engage in farming, also supply the business with products. The MBSF was formed by Jamaica National Building Society and The Victoria Mutual Building Society in 2008 to develop the school-improvement programme, Centres of Excellence, in six rural high schools across the island, including Mile Gully High. The 'I am the Change' project is a component of the Centres of Excellence. The journey over the past 14 months in the 'I am the Change' Young Entrepreneurs programme has been a road to self-realisation for members of the Mile Gully Business Club, especially its leadership.

Not-so-magnificent tunnel in Mile Gully

Published: Tuesday | March 15, 2011 19 Comments

42

The tunnel in Mile Gully, Manchester. - photo by Robert Lalah 12> Screech! The sudden stop caused me to rock forward rather violently, but I didn't mind much, since it appeared I had finally found what I was looking for. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting though. In fact, I was downright confused. You see, about a week earlier, while I was standing inside a shop owned by a talkative shoemaker in Port Maria, St Mary, a woman walked in. She had a pointy nose and wore a red and black scarf on her head. We started talking about shoes but somehow ended up discussing what she said was a magnificent old tunnel in Mile Gully, Manchester. "It pretty, man. Nice, nice. Yuh never see nothing like dat inna yuh life. Mi know dat. Is down there mi come from, so mi know," she said. "It deh deh from inna di slavery times. Foreigner shoulda come look pon it more time, but is true dem nuh know bout it." Now I had never seen the tunnel she was talking about, but she did make it sound quite special. That's why I decided to take a drive out to Mile Gully to find it and have a look for myself.

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By the woman's account, I expected something spectacular. What I was looking at though, wasn't all that impressive. I hopped out of the car to get a better look. There was a railway track that ran directly through it but the tunnel was so small, I wondered what kind of train would fit. I paused a moment, wondering if I was in fact in the right place. By the directions the woman in St Mary gave me, I was. I looked around. There was a whole lot of green grass and bushes around. No houses or any other buildings though. It was so silent, the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement as I walked seemed extremely loud. Did I really drive all the way for this? I had to have been missing something, so I decided to go right up to the tunnel. I was walking on the railway tracks when suddenly someone yelled out. "Mi seh mine di sinting drop pon mi head!" It was a man's voice, coarse and angry. Another voice responded, this one from a man with a stutter. "Deh-den yuh tink tink mi ah foo-foo, yuh tink mi ah idiot?" No one in sight I looked behind me where the voices seemed to have been coming from, but saw no one. Then came a steady, humming sound, like a chainsaw. With all the bush and overgrown grass and trees, I couldn't see beyond a few feet in any direction. So for all I knew, the men, who were apparently working to cut something or the other with a chainsaw, could have been anywhere. "Mine mi foot!" the coarse voice yelled again. "Mi-mi-nah-nah go talk to to yuh again," the other man responded. I continued on my way to the tunnel and when I got there, gave it a good look-over. I mean, it was nice enough, I suppose, but certainly no example of architectural mastery, if you ask me. Then again, it may have suffered only from oversell on the part of the St Mary woman.

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After a few minutes, the sound of the chainsaw started getting to me, so I decided to go. Back on the road and about five steps from my car, I heard someone behind me. "Eem ... ." the person said. I turned around. It was a fellow with freckles on his nose and forehead. He was about five feet tall and had very narrow eyebrows. "Eeem, is yuh-yuh come fi fix di-di machine?" he said. I told him he had it wrong and, without saying another word, he turned his back to me and started walking off. "Wait!" I shouted. He stopped and turned around. I told the man with the freckles that I was in the area to see the tunnel and asked if he knew anything about it. "Tunnel?" he said. "Yeah," I replied and pointed to it. "Oh. Den yuh left town fi look pon dat?" he asked. Sheepishly, I admitted that was indeed the case. The man chuckled. "It nuh look too bad still. It it deh deh from long time. Yuh can teck pitchka," he said. I asked him if anyone else had ever come to Mile Gully just to look at the tunnel. "No sah!" he responded, all too too eagerly. "Wid dem yah gas price, man woulda haffi have more reason fi drive so far dan fi look pon tunnel," he laughed. I had no comeback. Where should Robert go next? Let him know at robert.lalah@gleanerjm.com

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The Mile Gully martyr published: Tuesday | September 23, 2003 By Lloyd A. Cooke, Contributor

DRIVING THROUGH the town of Mile Gully, Manchester, at the police station and courthouse you will see on the sign post, 'Skull Point'. Beside it is more recent display board saluting, 'Three Famous Slaves'. The names mentioned are 'George Lewis - our first Evangelist; Damon - Freedom Fighter, and James Knight - Christian Martyr'. Wanting to know more, I stopped in at the police station, but the officer on duty could offer no information. Together, we decided that the library in town would be a good place to check, and I was directed to Miss Swaby, the librarian. George Lewis, the evangelist I had recently come to know a bit about in the course of research on the Moravian Church. His exploits on behalf of the gospel and the Moravian missionary work are recounted in Seed Time and Harvest by S.U. Hastings and B.L. MacLeavy. More of him anon. But I wanted to know more about this 'Christian Martyr', James Knight. At the library a few days later, I was helped by Mr. Anthony Reid, assistant to Ms. Swaby, who was on leave, he knew exactly what I was seeking. Going to a file cabinet, he came up with a bulky and dishevelled file jacket titled 'Mile Gully', filled with Gleaner

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clippings, church, school, and cultural programmes, and a number of brochures and unpublished manuscripts by Hugh E. Nash, a resident of the area. Nash is a former Chief Executive of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission; of 'Things Jamaican', and for five years, Director of the National Heritage Trust. He has led tours to various historical and cultural sites, Hugh Nash tells the story of this James Knight, Christian Martyr. A SLAVE ON THE LYNDHURST ESTATE James Knight was a slave on the Lyndhurst estate, which adjoins Mile Gully on the east, and Grove Place on the west. He got converted and began to preach to the other slaves about Christ somewhere between 1801-1830, Nash estimates. There is no mention as to how Knight came to his knowledge of Christianity. Nash thinks that he may have been a house slave who somehow learnt to read, and read the Bible. My guess is that he was one of the numerous slave converts of George Lewis. For it was in this area, and around the year 1812, that we read of Lewis through the records of the Moravian missionary John Lang of Carmel, near Santa Cruz. To put the story of Knight into historical perspective, we need to say more about the Moravians. They had arrived about fifty years earlier (December 9, 1754) to the Lancaster, Elim, New Eden, and Bogue area of north eastern St. Elizabeth, having been invited by the owners of these estates to teach their slaves the gospel. But their success in making slave converts had been limited, due to the opposition of the planters' overseers and attorneys, as well as the inhospitable climate which took a tremendous toll in lives on these early German missionaries. Though they had visited various estates in the area of Balaclava and Siloah as well, very few had received their message. It was a time of much discouragement, as they recorded frequently in their letters and diaries. Real growth in their work didn't begin until about 1812, when they were introduced to a peddler named George Lewis, by one of their slave members, Robert Peart. Lewis, having been allowed by his mistress, one Miss Valentine, to preach as he peddled, sharing a percentage of the profits with her. The latter was not an uncommon practice at the time. Lewis operated in the Mile Gully area of the parish. (Much of today's Manchester, was then still a part of St. Elizabeth, as Manchester was not designated a parish until 1814). As Lewis peddled and preached many slaves were turning to Christ.

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Missionary Lang came to hear of him from those of his slave members coming off the Manchester hills to Carmel. The missionary queried Lewis as to his teachings, found them orthodox, and encouraged his members to contribute 100 pounds to buy Lewis's freedom so he could freely preach the gospel. "Lewis sparked off a revival in the neighbourhood, and at long last the Moravian Churches began to grow. The ripple effect from Lewis' preaching spread from around the Moravian estates up into the Mile Gully district, and by 1813 the number of baptised Christians were up to 2,282 from 900 odd in 1800. In the same year the number of stations began to rise," says Osbourne and Johnson, in Coastlands and Islands. (UTCWI, 1972, pg. 50). But back to the story of James Knight. Nash depends, for some of his information, on a report in The Gleaner of January 31, 1963 entitled The slave who died for Christianity. The Mile Gully correspondent at that time, Hugh Nash tells me, was a Mr. S.L. Blake. Blake shares with The Gleaner's readers, what seems to be fairly well known oral narrative among the older folk in the area. He says that Knight was a Christian, but doesn't tell us how he became one. He says: "Preaching the gospel was at that time forbidden by the slave owners... and it was never thought that a slave would dare to preach the gospel to his fellow slaves... James Knight knew that he would be preaching in peril of his life, and so it proved. When work was over in the field for the day, James Knight would gather his fellow slaves... and relate to them the stories of Jesus... There came one sad night when they were discovered and the fury of their masters was terrible. James Knight was held as being the ring-leader, and he was so bitterly persecuted that at last he fled from Lyndhurst," says The Gleaner correspondent. Knight fled to Comfort Hall. FEARLESSLY PREACHED The place where he was hidden is now the site of St. Simon's Anglican Church. There he again fearlessly preached the gospel. It wasn't long until he was found out. Knight fled to Raheen, in St. Elizabeth. There he preached for a time. But tracked by his masters from Lyndhurst he again fled, this time to 'Y/S', then later to Middle-Quarters, each place preaching to the slaves the wonderful good news of salvation as he went. But even at Middle Quarters he was not safe. Chased again, he went to Black River. It is thought that he was hoping to stow away on a ship from that port to escape the persecution of his master. Yet he did not cease his preaching.

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"There in Black River, probably in the presence of a motley crowd of people, James Knight was killed." Hugh Nash noted, at a civic ceremony to honour James Knight on August 1, 1998 at Skull Point, "...it is reported, through oral history in his family, that his last words were '...oonu se dah same gospel weh oonu a kill me yah fah, it gwine run inna dis country like wata.' And Nash adds rhetorically, "What a prophecy! What a prophecy!" Knight's head having been severed from his body, his murderers "Leaving his body in Black River... brought back his head with them, and on the way back to Manchester, they visited a number of sugar estates. At each place they marched in carrying the dead slave's head on a pole, and with the ready permission of the slave owners of each estate, they gathered crowds of slaves together, pointing in scorn to the lifeless head of the man they had killed." Back they came towards Lyndhurst until they reached the spot now occupied by the Mile Gully Police Station - this being a highway to several important towns. Here in great derision, they finally set up the brave martyr's head to be a perpetual warning to all slaves in the country... of what would happen to them should they venture to keep any more meetings... 'Man Head' was the name given to this gruesome spot... The skull of our hero was never buried, but was ultimately kicked to pieces in contempt and dishonour. Yet, the memorial of this whole- hearted follower of Jesus Christ remains today in these two words 'Skull Point'... outside the Mile Gully Police Station." writes S.L. Blake, The Gleaner's Mile Gully correspondent, in 1963. At the August 1, 1998 civic ceremony to honour these "Mile Gully Famous Slaves", Nash remarked "And here we pause to recognise Knight's large family in this community and beyond. Bishop Alfred Reid (the current Lord Bishop of the Anglican Church in Jamaica) is proud to be among Knight's descendants, and so is 83-year-old Elder Howard Knight of Mile Gully, a great grandson of the martyr." I talked with Bishop Reid, who acknowledged the family connection, but had little more to add. He himself desires to know more of this story. Now for me, at least, the mystery of Skull Point has been revealed. Today I parked my car along the Mile Gully main road and walked for half an hour onto the Lyndhurst property, looking for the ruins of the old estate buildings. I found them overgrown by bushes, the owners long forgotten and their names unrecorded for us. Only the cattle now keep them company.

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But may the name of this brave son of the Gospel be made known far and wide to us the beneficiaries of his bravery. May he and George Lewis, and other slave pioneers who left us such a legacy of gospel knowledge be long spoken of. Indeed, Knight's dying prophecy has come to pass. The gospel for which he died is indeed running "... inna dis country like wata".

lythe's strikes give Mile Gully title

Published: Saturday | May 11, 2013 0 Comments Two goals from Cavaughn Blythe on either side of the break enabled Mile Gully to lift the LIME/INSPORTS Primary League Manchester title for the first time. The striker scored in the 10th and 40th minutes as his team eased to a 2-0 win over first-time finalist Mandeville at the Mile Gully Community Centre on May 10. Mile Gully join Tavares Gardens (Kingston), Pembroke Hall (St Andrew), St John's (St Catherine), Portsmouth (Portmore), Corinaldi (St James), Bethel (Hanover) and Fullerswood (St Elizabeth) as teams that have booked a spot in the national round. All four teams for the St Ann semi-finals on May 14 were decided following quarterfinal action at Addison Park and Drax Hall. Impressive win Discovery Bay marched into the last four with an impressive 5-1 win over Moneague at Drax Hall. But it took a goal in extra-time for Exchange who defeated Brown's Town 1-0 in the feature game at the venue. Both matches at Addison Park came to nail-biting conclusions. Ocho Rios eventually dispatched Mount Mariah 3-1 in extra-time after playing to a 1-1 draw in full-time. It took more than 20 penalty kicks as Servite outscored Lime Hall 11-10 after both teams played to a 0-0 tie in full and extra-time.

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At Bounty Hall, Trelawny, Hastings thrashed Hampden 5-1 before Bounty Hall hammered Wakefield 4-0. At the Elleston Wakeland Sport Complex, Duansvale clipped Falmouth 1-0, while Duncans defeated Salt Marsh 3-1. May Pen are through to the LIPL Clarendon final after beating Alley 3-1 on penalties. Both teams were goalless after extra-time. Joining May Pen in the May 13 final is Effortville who defeated Hazard 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Romain Bartley (21st) and Kevaughn Ricketts (44th).

Downs upstage fancied Mile Gully in title-decider

Published: Saturday | January 1, 2011 1 Comment

Downs' captain Gary McDonald (left) accepts the Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester KO Trophy from Dalton Wint, president of the Manchester FA. - Photo by Richard Bryan Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

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Downs have won the right to represent the parish of Manchester in the upcoming national Flow All-Island Knockout Championship, this after they endured a battle of nerves to win a sudden-death penalty shoot-out against highly fancied Mile Gully, to land the Brumalia House/Locker Rooms Sports Manchester Knockout Cup, in the final at Brooks Park on Thursday. The two had earlier produced a 2-2 result after regulation and extra-time and were also locked at 4-4 after the first set of penalties. The script had barely resembled a triumph for the south Manchester team when Jason Johnson, who earlier this year wore the senior Reggae Boyz shirt, and one of three players on scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University, scored twice for Mile Gully. Among Johnson's goals was a 78th-minute free-kick cracker from 25 yards. However, Downs found two well-crafted goals at crucial moments from the two other main architects of their win, substitute Danville Cornwall and their overseas star, Deshaun Brown, the former daCosta Cup golden boot winner from St Elizabeth Technical High School. Attendance at the game had been boosted from the turn-out of grieving patrons, who had earlier gone to pay final respects to the competition's sponsor, Howie Chin, whose death the previous week had shocked the sporting and business fraternity. Special guests In fact, among the special guests were national assistant senior team coach Bradley Stewart, and KSAFA icon Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis. However, the game initially did not live up to expectations, with the lone spark of the first hour being a goal scored by Johnson, as early as the seventh minute. Mile Gully stayed in control of the game and seemed to be cruising until Downs' coach, Sean Mulgrave, produced the substitution of Danville Cornwall at the hour mark. Cornwall, who impressed Stewart, immediately changed the momentum from Mile Gully, tormenting their left side and producing crosses for Brown, who had been kept quiet by the double-teaming work of Shenaldo Parkes and Andre Smith.

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Mulgrave later reasoned to The Gleaner that Cornwall's good work changed the focus of Mile Gully's marking on Brown, freeing up space in the attacking third. The combination proved effective as Cornwall levelled the score in the 61st minute, before Brown expertly wielded his way to get the go-ahead goal in the 68th. The early signs of upset were averted by Johnson's long-range beauty, the left-footer swerving with pace to beat the outstretched arms of Downs keeper Bismark Green for a 2-2 scoreline. Johnson would again come close in the final minutes, his 20-yard curler just shaving the crossbar with Green beaten. He scored his penalty, but Mile Gully came up short.

Mile Gully honours Nash

Published: Wednesday | June 1, 2011 4 Comments

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Members of Mile Gully High School band perform for former school-board chairman, Hugh Nash, in Mandeville, last week. - CONTRIBUTED MANDEVILLE, Manchester: THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS and good deeds of most men are often not highlighted or appreciated until long after their transition to another life. However, in the case of Hugh Nash, he was given the chance to hear the sweet music played in his honour by the Mile Gully High School band and listened to the many tributes of appreciation for his contribution to nation building. Nash, who is the chairman of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, was honoured during a function put on by the board of management of the Mile Gully High School at International Chinese Restaurant recently. Often called Manchester's historian, Nash was commended for his outstanding service to the parish and, in particular, the Mile Gully area. Accredited with laying the foundation for the original school, now known as Mile Gully High, several persons expressed gratitude for his building of the district library out of his own pocket many years ago. Principal of Mile Gully High School, Ulit Brackett, said Nash remained a "gracious and respectful person", even in moments of disagreements. - Angelo Laurence

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Mile Gully - a model rural division

published: Friday | June 13, 2003 By Andrew Smith, Staff Reporter WHAT IS THE AIM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT? ACCORDING TO a 1998 Organisation of American States (OAS) workshop held in Kingston on Local Government, Communitarianism and the Citizen: Opportunities and Challenges, "Local governance structures should have a special mandate to help eradicate poverty, food insecurity and joblessness. The aim should be to provide local work for local people in local areas and communities." If Local Government parish council divisions are able to achieve this, then they are on the path to sustainable development. Such a division would be worth emulating, an example of which is the Mile Gully division of north-west Manchester. Located on the outskirts of the Cockpit Country, this farming region does not exhibit evidence of the overt political activity which is normally associated with governance in Jamaica. The divisional office does not even have a PNP sign. Instead, for the last 17 years, Councillor Anthony Watson has maintained his visibility in the division while allowing the communities to take charge of various development projects. He has done such a good job that it is a forgone conclusion that the new councillor will be from the PNP, as Mr. Watson is not seeking re-election. Evidence shows that whoever is elected councillor will have a hard act to follow. 'LOCAL WORK FOR LOCAL PEOPLE IN LOCAL AREAS' Councillor Watson exemplifies a tradition of self-reliance which is present in the region. Born and bred in Mile Gully, he ran as councillor after noting the lack of facilities in his community. He has been able to spread what he has learned about community involvement to the villages of Evergreen, Comfort Hall, Inglewood, Bethany, Litchfield, Free Town and Epping Forest. In Comfort Hall and Epping Forest youth clubs, schools and citizen

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associations are key partners in community development. In Litchfield, when the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) invested $2m on road construction, the responsibility of managing it was given to the community's youth club. Another example of community involvement is the Antioch Basic School in Glasgow. Currently housed in a one-room concrete building, it started over 50 years ago inside the Antioch Church of the Nazarene by its founder, Birdie Record. When she passed on, Miss Lorna Witter volunteered to succeed her. She and Mrs. Claudette Fearon teach 25 ebullient students basic reading and arithmetic. The community has always recognised the importance of this school and has supported it while ensuring that the teachers are paid. 'ERADICATING POVERTY, FOOD INSECURITY AND JOBLESSNESS' "T'ings hard, but dem coulda worse." These words of a young farmer from Oxford exemplify the feelings of the residents of the Mile Gully division. Most of the villages in the division were established in the 19th century by newly freed slaves. Farming was the mainstay then and it remains so today, with crops such as yam, dasheen, cocoa and banana being the main sources of income and nutrition. This is supplemented by chicken, which are normally reared by the women in the community. The crops and livestock which citizens of the Mile Gully division raise provides both employment and nutrition to the residents. As such, poverty is not evident in the division. A network of main and parochial roads were established to allow crops to reach the markets in Balaclava, Christiana and Mandeville. Today's transport network is based on these narrow, winding roads which traverse the fertile cockpits and in the steep northwestern corner of the division, these roads are well asphalted. Some roads have been widened, such as the Oxford to Spring Hill road which was completely refurbished in 2002. The original houses were simple wooden structures. Many still exist today, although they are being replaced by multi-room concrete houses. In order to facilitate this, three young men have gone into business in Auchtembeddie making concrete blocks with marl, stones and cement obtained from Mandeville. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT The lack of piped water in houses is a major hindrance in the entire division due to most of the rivers being subterranean. The villages surrounding Mile Gully are located where these rivers emerge as underground springs. This is seen at Oxford where water from the nearby Noisy River is piped to the standpipe in the town square. Cowick Park, Glasgow and

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Auchtembeddie are located in the highlands and their sole source of piped water is a tank, which pumps water from these springs to standpipes. For the past two months, this tank's engine has not been working, resulting in no water being available to the communities. This has affected everyone. The Antioch Basic School has to obtain water from its neighbours and the church, who have their own tanks. William and Warren, the block makers from Auchtembeddie have to walk five miles to the nearest spring to obtain water for their business. Residents have brought the broken engine to the attention of member of Parliament Dean Peart, but so far it has not been repaired. Jamaica needs leaders with vision, integrity and sound management skills. After June 19, the Mile Gully division will have a new councillor. He will have to hit the ground running, and the supplying of water to residents' homes must be a priority. Residents have no home phones and are reliant on cellular phones. Many other challenges will arise. Hopefully the foundation which has been laid will be built on by the new councillor and the citizens of the Mile Gully division.

Mile Gully is school of excellence! Published: Tuesday | March 24, 2009

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Vincent Guthrie (left), regional director, Ministry of Education, Dr Grace-Camille Munroe (centre), programme manager, Centres of Excellence Project, and Mr Billy Heaven, CEO, CHASE Fund, at the handing over ceremony of computers from Food For the Poor. The computers were donated to the school's library. Mile Gully High School is one of the schools selected for the Centres of Excellence Project by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation, a Jamaica National and Victoria Mutual Building Societies collaboration. Mile Gully High School is part of a schools of excellence project being supported by building societies. Today we share highlights from activities at the school.

The assembly at the Mile Gully High School was in awe watching the number one scout troupe in Manchester - The Mile Gully High School Scouts. The troupe was on parade at the ceremonial raising of the Jamaican flag at the Jamaica day celebration. Mile Gully High School is one of the schools selected as a centre of excellence by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation, a collaboration between Jamaica National and Victoria Mutual Building Societies.

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Friends of the Mile Gully High School (from left):Maudine Cooper, Nicole Facey, Billy Heaven, Dr Grace-Camille Munroe, and Marcia Hall Walker, interact with students who are acquainting themselves with computers, which were given to the school's library by Food For the Poor. A total of eight computers were donated to the institution.

Mile Gully High gets new attitude

Published: Friday | May 11, 2012 0 Comments

Dr Rene Rattray, programmes director of Centres of Excellence, speaking at the town-hall meeting in Mile Gully. - Dave Lindo Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer Mile Gully High School is undergoing a major transformation with significant improvements seen among students, members of staff and its administrators.

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This positive change is said to have come about through the institution's participation in the Centres of Excellence (CoE) programme which was introduced by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). This revelation was disclosed at a town-hall meeting which was held at Mile Gully High, in Mile Gully, Manchester, on Monday, which had members of staff, parents, students and administrators of the CoE interacting. It also had in attendance Mikael Phillips, member of parliament for North West Manchester, and other residents of Mile Gully. High-Quality Education The MBSF is a non-profit organisation established in 2008 which came about as a joining of forces of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS). Its impetus is to provide high-quality education to students in rural Jamaica, focusing on the enhancement of administrative, academic and student performance in a five-year plan. The CoE was implemented in high schools across rural Jamaica - McGrath, St Catherine; Godfrey Stewart, Westmoreland; Green Pond, St James; Seaforth, St Thomas; Porus and Mile Gully in Manchester . The schools through the CoE programme are said to have benefited from J$100 million in technical assistance and equipment to improve organisational efficiency, teacher quality and student achievement. Programmes Director Dr Rene Rattray was pleased with the positive transformation at Mile Gully. "There has been tremendous progress at Mile Gully and at all our schools in the Centres of Excellence (programme)," Rattray said. "For one, the expectations have increased tremendously, students are feeling great among themselves. Students (sitting Grade Six Achievement Test) are choosing Mile Gully as one of their first schools of choice. That never used to happen." Rattray added: "Generally, there is a different energy and zeal about the people concerned, the community has come on board and parents play an active part. We also want to get the alumni going again."

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Mikael Philips, commenting on the project, said: "No matter how we can fix the macroeconomic side of our country, if we don't fix our education and education structures then we will be perpetually going around in circles in trying to fix our country."Phillips commended JNBS and VMBS for their effort in improving education in Jamaica. An enthused Ulit Bracket, principal of Mile Gully High, said: "Mile Gully is going to be one of the best schools in the island. We are committed to the vision. In another two to three years, we will be way up the ladder because we have set the foundation for this little school to be one of the greatest schools in this parish."

Vincent Clarke's hard work pays off

Published: Saturday | February 4, 2012 4 Comments

Vincent Clarke - Photo by Dave Lindo 12> Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester:

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MILE GULLY businessman Vincent Clarke's life is a living testament that through hard work and proper planning, you can achieve your goals in life. Clarke operates the Petcom gas station in Mile Gully, which is the popular stop for motorists in that section of Manchester. Clarke was born and grew up in the farming community of Bethany in Manchester. There, he attended the Bethany Elementary School. After leaving elementary school, his parents couldn't afford to send him to high school, so he started early trying to make a living on his own. "After leaving school, I got a job with a man who I worked with for 10 months. After that, I got my driver's licence and bought a car," Clarke related. "I was able to buy the car from my savings. I had developed the principle of saving from school days, and that has helped me throughout my life." Clarke used the car to operate a taxi service as well as to do odd jobs. He also ventured into farming, which was the main livelihood of the people in his community. "I always had the ambition to own things, to have my own business. First property "At age 22, I bought my first property in Devon - a house on a five-acre property. That was again from my savings," Clarke disclosed. Again, through disciplined saving, he was able to buy another property in Kingston at the age of 25. In the early 1960s, he worked as a contractor with The Gleaner Company and serviced areas in Manchester, Trelawny, and St Elizabeth. He later bought a truck and switched to the trucking business. "I transported goods for market people from Devon as well as groceries for wholesales and supermarkets." Twelve years ago, Clarke saw an opportunity - which he grabbed with both hands - to buy the gas station in Mile Gully. "It was owned by a friend of mine. I rented it for a while and then I had the option of buying it, which I eventually did," Clarke explained. He has reaped signifcant success with the gas station as it consistently enjoys good business. Clarke is also well loved in the Mile Gully community and enjoys a good relationship with both the young and old.

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"Mr Clarke is a good man. I am raising some goats for him. We started off with two and now the herd has grown big time," disclosed a young man named Allan. "Right now, I have some rice and I am here to check him for a money to buy something to go with it. Him not going to tell me no. He is that type of person - always giving." Clarke's advice to young people is: "Work hard for what you want in life. No matter what setbacks you have, you can overcome and be a success. Also, it is very important for you to save, because it is not how much you earn, but most important, how much you put aside." rural@gleanerjm.com

Mile Gully triple-header highlights Claro/INSPORTS football

Published: Sunday | January 2, 2011 0 Comments The Manchester community of Mile Gully will be thrown into sharp focus today as action from the Claro/INSPORTS All-Island Community Football Championship picks up steam. The Mile Gully Community Centre will host the new year activities with an exciting triple-header. In the first match, which starts at midday, Border take on Lynhurst Luminers before defending parish champions New Green tackle Greenvale at 1:30 p.m. The main event will see community side Hasty Good tackling Masters beginning at 3:30 p.m. with bragging rights at stake. Elsewhere, a full slate of matches is on in St Catherine with triple-headers on at Bog Walk, Johnson Pen, St Catherine High School and Central Village playing fields. Action will also be at Westchester and Naggo Head in Portmore, while a triple-header is at Golden Spring in St Andrew where Donmair Common PYC and Young Star will clash in the feature game. In Kingston, Strikers FC take aim at Special Unit at Breezy Castle, while Spoilers look to derail McGregor United at Campion College.

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The Drama United/New Creation clash which will get under way at Tinson Pen is expected to be an exciting affair as the competition hits high gear. FIXTURES Kingston:

1:00 p.m: Strikers F. C. vs Special Unit F. C. - Breezy Castle 3:00 p.m: Amy Jaques Youth Club vs Delacree Park Y. C. - Breezy Castle 1:00 p.m: Spoilers Football Club vs McGregor United @ Campion College 3:00 p.m: Duncaster United F. C. vs Boys Town Youth Dev - Campion College 1:00 p.m: New Creation Strikers vs Drama United - Tinson Pen 3:00 p.m: St. Patricks Rangers vs Hagley Park All Star - Tinson Pen St Andrew

11:00 a.m: Mannings Hill F. C. vs Queensborough - Golden Spring 1:00 p.m: Ranch Twelve vs Bridge Side Sports Club - Golden Spring 3:00 p.m: Donmair Common P.Y.C. vs Young Star - Golden Spring Portmore

11:00 a.m: Little Lion vs Gregory Park - Westchester 1:00 p.m: Portmore Gardens vs Greater Portmore All Star - Westchester 3:00 p.m: Westchester vs Silverstone F. C. - Westchester 11:00 a.m: Dunbeholden vs Full Hundred - Naggo Head 1:00 p.m: Reids Pen vs Garvey Mead - Naggo Head 3:00 p.m: Naggo Head vs Tirril United - Naggo Head

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St Catherine

12:30 p.m: Linstead vs Harker's Hall - Cheese Field 2:45 p.m: Time And Patience Striker vs Gully Warriors - Cheese Field 11:00 a.m: Allman Hill vs Glengoffe - Bog Walk 1:00 p.m: Pond Gully vs Travellers United - Bog Walk 3:00 p.m: Content F. C. vs Above Rocks - Bog Walk 11:00 a.m: Job's Lane Strikers vs Wynters Pen - St. Catherine High 1:00 p.m: Ackee Tree vs Brunswick - St. Catherine High 3:00 p.m: Thirty One Kickers vs Homestead - St. Catherine High 1:00 p.m: Visionary vs Homestead United - White Water Meadows 3:00 p.m: White Water Meadows vs Formula F. C. - White Water Meadows 1:00 p.m: Burke Road Heights vs Marlie Mount - Soya Oval 3:00 p.m: Acres United vs Windsor Lion - Eltham High 11:00 a.m: Naseberry vs Point Hill - Johnson Pen 1:00 p.m: Johnson Pen vs Old Road Striker - Johnson Pen 3:00 p.m: Royale Strikers vs Kitson Town - Johnson Pen 11:00 a.m: Frazer's Content vs Striker " D " - Eltham High 11:00 a.m: Youth Links United vs Cayman's Bay - Central Village 1:00 p.m: Rock Star vs Tredegar Park - Central Village 3:00 p.m: Central Village vs Cooton United - Central Village Manchester

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12:00 p.m: Border vs Lynhurst Luminers - Mile Gully Community Centre 1:30 p.m: Greenvale vs New Green - Mile Gully Community Centre 3:30 p.m: Hasty Good vs Masters - Mile Gully Community Centre

Whispering trees of Skull Point

Published: Tuesday | February 15, 2011 19 Comments

Some of the trees in Skull Point, Manchester. - photo by Robert Lalah 12> We both stood there staring at the giant tree, waiting for something to happen. Neither of us knew exactly what we expected to happen, but with the haunting silence and subtle, chilly wind, it seemed that if something was going to happen, it was not going to be good. I was standing on a mound of dirt in a place known as Skull Point in Mile Gully, Manchester with Shaky, the goat farmer. Shaky was watching over his herd of plump, white and brown goats nearby when he saw me looking at the trees. That's when he came over.

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"Everyting alright son?" he asked with a pleasant smile. Shaky was a thick fellow with short, greying hair and chubby cheeks. He was wearing a brown T-shirt and faded red trousers. I told him I was doing well and explained what I was doing in Skull Point. You see, hours earlier I was finishing a drink of water inside a small, musty bar in Christiana when a conversation started up between a male customer and the female cashier. "Dem bwoy deh seh when dem family come from farin dem ah go carry dem go ah Point go look pon di tree dem," the man said. The cashier's eyes widened. "Den dem nah go fraid?" she asked. My ears perked up. "Well, dem must know," was the man's only reply. Later, I asked the cashier what trees the man was referring to and why she seemed so concerned that someone was planning to go look at them. Her eyes widened again. "Yuh know Skull Point?" she asked. Indeed I did know the area. There's an old, abandoned church in Skull Point that is widely believed to be haunted. I went there myself a couple of years ago and found the place, not just the church but the entire area, as spooky as I had heard. The cashier seemed pleased when I told her I knew the stories of the church. "Well, di same way dem seh di church have duppy into it, is di same way dem seh di tree dem stay. Old time people used to seh duppy live ah tree bottom. Well, dem tree bottom deh have di wickidest duppy," she said. I asked her if she had ever seen one herself. "Tree? Or duppy?" she asked. "Either," I replied. "Well mi see di tree dem when di taxi ah drive dat way. Fi tell yuh di truth though, mi start lock mi eye anytime mi passing," she said. "Dem seh yuh can hear di duppy ah whisper to dem one anedda ah nightime but mi couldn't tell yuh if dat is true, for mi nuh fool enough fi find myself near deh so when night draw," she said.

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Shaky speaks So it was that conversation inside that Christiana bar that led me to be standing next to Shaky, looking up at a tall, oddly shaped tree in an area mostly covered in bushes. Shaky looked at me. "So is what dem really tell yuh about dis place?" he asked. I related the tale I heard in the bar and asked if he had ever heard it himself. "No sah!" he answered sharply. "Den if mi did hear dat yuh tink mi woulda deh on yah?" Many of the trees in Skull Point are in fact oddly shaped. I mean, I'm no tree expert, but they certainly don't look like most I've seen in Kingston. Shaky and I agreed to remain silent for a few seconds to check if we could hear anything sounding like a whisper. The trouble was, Shaky had the hiccups, so after every few seconds of silence he would interject. "Hiccup! Sarry," he would say. I suggested he hold his breath for a while to see if that would help cure his hiccups. He tried, I'll give him credit for that, but it only amounted to hiccups with a more muffled sound. "Huccup! Saurry." After a few minutes, though, Shaky managed to get himself together and we paused in silence for a moment to see if we would hear anything. All I heard, though, was the sound of the wind rustling some of the leaves. I turned to Shaky. "Maybe that's what people hear at night and think it's the duppies," I said. Shaky looked concerned. "Mi nuh know bra! But mi sarry yuh tell me bout dis now, for now mi haffi go carry di goat dem someweh else," he said. I asked him why he would do that even after we conducted such in-depth investigations. "Yuh can tan deh! Yuh ongle come yah fi a short while and den yuh gone. Yuh think mi ah go come down yah everyday and meck tree trunk duppy teck mi weh? Mi old, but mi nuh fool fool!"

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Where should Robert go next? Let him know at robert.lalah@gleanerjm.com

Mile Gully honours retired principal

Published: Saturday | April 20, 2013 0 Comments

Ulit Brackett (left) accepts a citation from students and representatives of the Mile Gully community during a recent function to honour him. -Photos by Angelo Laurence 12> Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester:MANY PERSONS are remembered, or their names written in history books, because of their popularity or political posture during their lifetime. However, for one of Jamaica's educators, Ulit Bracket, his name will certainly be etched in the history books of the parish, if nowhere else, as a dedicated and true member of the teaching profession. With one agenda - that of affording the students in his charge the best possible educational opportunities - Ulit Brackett spent 38 years of his life imparting knowledge to students from all walks of life.

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After spending 24 years as the principal of Mile Gully High School, he retired in late 2012, not to sit on his balcony and admire the birds and enjoy his modest pension, but to become an activist in the pursuit of justice for all as a lay magistrate. After its establishment in 1994, Brackett, became the first principal of Mile Gully High, a position he held until retirement. Hardly taller than the students he commanded, Brackett told The Gleaner in an earlier interview that his tenure was one filled with challenges and many gratifying rewards. "My reward comes from seeing a boy or girl leaving this school a better person and able to move to higher heights," he said. Resources have always been and will be a problem for a long time he proclaimed, but "as educators, we cannot just fold our hands and do nothing". That philosophy has manifested itself throughout his 24 years at the helm of the institution in the construction of a tuck shop, expanding classroom capacity, and constructing a library and toilets with the help of the community. Head of the English Department, Melecia Dougherty, commended the retired principal as "a leader by example", which made it easy for all to participate in the development and exercise of the educational process at the school. SUCCESS HIS MISSION Guidance counsellor Nicole Evans hailed the former principal as a man whose mission was success for his students and staff, and by extension, the Mile Gully community. Under Brackett's leadership, the school, located five miles outside of Mandeville, has been recognised as a centre of excellence by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation and serves over 700 students. Earlier this year, the school's board of management, represented by Hawthorne Foster and Vincent Morrison, held a function at the Mandeville Hotel where they honoured Brackett for his contribution to the school. Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, who was the guest speaker, lauded the retired principal for his leadership style and accomplishments in the field. rural@gleanerjm.com

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Shemar's cancer crisis

Published: Saturday | April 27, 2013 3 Comments

Shemar West, eight-year-old boy living with cancer. - Photo by Dave Lindo Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester: EIGHT-YEAR-OLD SHEMAR West was the typical boy who loved to run around and play with his friends in his community of Hasty Good, in Mile Gully, Manchester. However, things took a negative turn for him in 2011, when some lumps were spotted on his neck. He was later diagnosed with lymphoma-cancer of the lymph node. Shemar fell ill and was taken to the University Hospital of The West Indies in St Andrew, where he received a series of chemotherapy treatments for a year. "His condition improved and the doctor told his mother (Althea Powell) that it was okay for him to go to school," his cousin, Lotoya Hannah, said. "Shemar started attending Mile Gully Primary School in September of last year and after three months, we started seeing signs of the lumps coming back," his mother said. "In January, after doing some tests at the hospital, they (doctors) found that he had leukaemia, as the cancer had gone to his blood."

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CANNOT WALK Shemar again got very ill and is presently unable to walk. "We are trying to get a walker for him, because he can't help himself around," Hannah said. Meanwhile, the hospital bill is climbing. Checks with the family revealed that it has gone near the $2-million mark. "It's really rough. We have to be taking him to and from the hospital. Sometimes I have to stay there with him," Powell said. "It is also taking a toll on him because sometimes he just sits and cries. He is very unhappy at times. "Shemar is to go back to the hospital on Monday to continue his treatment. Presently, things look dismal because we don't know where the money is coming from," Hannah said. She added: "We are just asking Jamaica if they can reach out and help Shemar because we want him to get better." The family has set up an account for anyone willing to help Shemar in his efforts to fight the disease. The National Commercial Bank account number is 504293491. rural@gleanerjm.com

The fight is on

Published: Thursday | March 15, 2012 1 Comment

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Scarlett 12> Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MANDEVILLE, Manchester: A HEATED battle looms in the North West Manchester constituency for the upcoming March 26 local government elections. Young aspiring Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidates, led by the more senior Timothy Scarlett, candidate for the Mile Gully division, will be going up against a set of People's National Party (PNP) candidates that were fielded in the 2007 elections. Newly elected PNP Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Mikael Phillips, is upbeat about his party's chances in the elections. "Currently, we hold three of the four parish council seats in North West Manchester. We are going after the fourth we lost narrowly in 2007 in the Mile Gully division by 99 votes," he said. "We won it (Mile Gully division) in the last general election in December by 388 votes. We will be going after all four divisions and to retain the Manchester Parish Council." Timothy Scarlett won the Mile Gully division in 2007 when he defeated the PNP's Fairbourne Maxwell. He will be going up against Maxwell once more in the upcoming elections.

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"Everybody is trying. Everyone is looking to put out their best effort. All said, it is up to the voters," Scarlett disclosed. "We have three young candidates in the other divisions who are well capable of putting up a good fight." The other JLP candidates are Craig Larmond for the New Green division, Rick Mullings in the Spur Tree division, and Radcliffe Powell for the Johns Hall division. They will be going up against a set of PNP candidates who were fielded by the party in the 2007 elections. They are Faith Sampson for the Johns Hall division, Ervin Facey for the Spur Tree division, and McArthur Collins in the New Green division. Scarlett ran against Mikael Phillips in the December general elections for the North West Manchester seat in a losing effort, when he tallied 6,308 votes to Phillips' 8,462. The impetus of both parties is to win the Manchester Parish Council, which went very close in the last local government elections, with the PNP winning eight divisions to the JLP's seven. rural@gleanerjm.com

Remembering Mile Gully

published: Monday | June 16, 2003 THE EDITOR, Sir:

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AFTER READING the article on Mile Gully, it offered me recollections of my childhood, and how I remembered how sleepy it was about 55 years ago when I last visited my grandmother, the late Emma Dwyer of Inglewood. My father, the late David Dwyer would arrange with my mother to send me to Inglewood for summer vacations. The highlight for me was going to Greenvale train station to collect a package that my mother would send for me. Just thinking how I had to walk on those stone roads after leaving a short asphalt road in Mile Gully, makes my feet hurt. I also recall how green and fertile the land was and the dairy farming pasture land that was the property next to my grandmother's. The way the locals lived "inland" from the roads, used to bother me somewhat. As a Kingstonian I was accustomed to seeing traffic which was relatively light in those days, but represented civilisation. The surrounding hills and forestry was something that offered tranquillity, and a place to dream as a child would. Now that progress has come to the area, I say it's about time. Mile Gully and surrounding neighbours, congratulations! You must not let your guard down at this time. Remember citizens first before politics. Thank you Mr Watson you'll be missed. Will someone please get the pump fixed a.s.a.p.? Don't you know that tank water is not good on the teeth? I am, etc., EUGENE B. DWYER edwyer@bellsouth.net Florida Via Go-Jamaica The fight is on

Published: Thursday | March 15, 2012 1 Comment

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Phillips 12> Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MANDEVILLE, Manchester: A HEATED battle looms in the North West Manchester constituency for the upcoming March 26 local government elections. Young aspiring Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidates, led by the more senior Timothy Scarlett, candidate for the Mile Gully division, will be going up against a set of People's National Party (PNP) candidates that were fielded in the 2007 elections. Newly elected PNP Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Mikael Phillips, is upbeat about his party's chances in the elections. "Currently, we hold three of the four parish council seats in North West Manchester. We are going after the fourth we lost narrowly in 2007 in the Mile Gully division by 99 votes," he said. "We won it (Mile Gully division) in the last general election in December by 388 votes. We will be going after all four divisions and to retain the Manchester Parish Council." Timothy Scarlett won the Mile Gully division in 2007 when he defeated the PNP's Fairbourne Maxwell. He will be going up against Maxwell once more in the upcoming elections.

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"Everybody is trying. Everyone is looking to put out their best effort. All said, it is up to the voters," Scarlett disclosed. "We have three young candidates in the other divisions who are well capable of putting up a good fight." The other JLP candidates are Craig Larmond for the New Green division, Rick Mullings in the Spur Tree division, and Radcliffe Powell for the Johns Hall division. They will be going up against a set of PNP candidates who were fielded by the party in the 2007 elections. They are Faith Sampson for the Johns Hall division, Ervin Facey for the Spur Tree division, and McArthur Collins in the New Green division. Scarlett ran against Mikael Phillips in the December general elections for the North West Manchester seat in a losing effort, when he tallied 6,308 votes to Phillips' 8,462. The impetus of both parties is to win the Manchester Parish Council, which went very close in the last local government elections, with the PNP winning eight divisions to the JLP's seven. rural@gleanerjm.com

Rural schools boosting performance with ICT

Published: Wednesday | June 30, 2010 0 Comments

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Sheldon Clayton, visual arts teacher at the Mile Gully High School in Manchester, enters data using the Complete SMS. The Complete SMS is a school management software which assists school administrators to analyse data on students. The data can be used to develop timely and effective intervention programmes to meet student needs. 12> STUDENTS ATTENDING two non-traditional high schools in rural Jamaica are experiencing a performance boost through the adoption of information communication technologies (ICT). The schools, Mile Gully and McGrath High, which are parti-cipants in the Mutual Building Societies Foundation's (MBSF) Centres of Excellence programme, have been benefiting from the increased use of computer software. "The software allows teachers and administrators to assess the literacy and numeracy levels of the pupils and provides a fully computerised plan of action for the students. The teachers are able to get data on the students' performance in real time and can easily ascertain their areas of weakness," Llewelyn Bailey, manager of the MBSF Centres of Excellence programme, and assistant general manager at Jamaica National, said. Improved reading skill Roxann Gayle, a 13-year-old grade-seven student at the Mile Gully High School in Manchester, is one of the students benefiting from the computer software, which the schools

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received under the programme. The software she is using is called AutoSkills, and it has been helping her to develop her reading abilities. "It's fun!" Roxann exclaimed. "I am able to learn because it pronounces the beginning and ending of the words," the shy young lady explained. Roxann has moved up one reading level since she started using the software last term. "I was reading very poorly, but I am improving and my mother is proud," she said. "The software is user friendly and it gets the students excited about reading and about computer literacy," Loytoya Henry, the reading specialist at Mile Gully High, said. In reference to other students who entered the school with only basic reading skills, Henry noted that within one term some students moved up by two levels, after using the software. "Some students were not able to recognise basic words when reading, but are doing much better because the software helps them to recognise the sound of the words while reading," she explained, noting that the software, which the school received just under a year ago, makes teaching more practical. The use of ICT to improve students' educational outcome is a major strategy of the Centres of Excellence programme. In fact, it is the main strategy for improving monitoring in the schools. Aiding pupils and teachers According to Bailey, both Mile Gully and McGrath are benefiting from a school management soft-ware, called the Complete SMS, which allows them to manage planning for teaching and adminis-trative duties more effectively. Ulit Brackett, principal of Mile Gully High School, points out that the software produces a range of data that amass trends to determine the progress of students and teachers alike. Dr Cynthia Anderson, principal of the McGrath High School, also attests to the improvement in efficiency, which the new software promotes, pointing out: "This allows both administrators and teachers to plan the academic programme, so they can meet the needs

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of their students. They no longer have to walk around with 200 documents and are also producing timely and more accurate reports."

Private capital to help fund education Phillips

Published: Monday | July 9, 2012 2 Comments

Dr Peter Phillips (left), minister of finance, listens keenly to a presentation during the Mile Gully High School graduation held on the school grounds in Manchester last week. Also seated (from left) are Dr Rene Rattray, programme manager at the Mutual Building Societies Foundation; Mikael Phillips, member of parliament for North West Manchester; and Dean Peart, former member of parliament for the constituency. - FILE Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips is promising that education will be treated as second only to debt servicing in terms of Government priorities. Education currently accounts for 12 per cent of the Budget, receiving some $73.8 billion of the $612- billion package tabled in May.

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"Education will, throughout the rest of this term, command the highest share of the Budget after the debt," Phillips declared while addressing graduates at the Mile Gully High School in Manchester recently. The minister said the spending on education in the 2012-2013 Budget does not reflect the Government's full commitment to education. "Within a matter of weeks, we shall be taking to Cabinet the policy document setting out the framework for what we call private-public partnerships because even though we have a major obligation to settle our debt, we don't believe we should allow the debt to set back progress in education and in other areas of social and economic development," he said as he called for more coordinated national efforts to finance education. "We expect, on the basis of the public-private partnership, to be able to finance construction of additional high schools and other educational institutions by virtue of raising money from private capital sources," he said. Phillips pointed to the benefits schools such as Mile Gully High and five other rural high schools were already receiving through the private initiative of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation established by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS). A new School? The minister also hinted at the possibility of constructing a new Mile Gully High School. "I cannot intrude on any announcement that the minister of education might want to make, but if the minister of education were to talk to the minister of finance about the new Mile Gully School, he would get a favourable response," he said. Mile Gully High School, which was included in the Centres of Excellence initiative in 2008, has made several gains over the last four years since becoming a part of the programme, principal, Ulit Brackett, revealed. "We have made some serious decisions regarding leadership, teaching, and learning in this school," he told parents and the 71 graduates.

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The Centres of Excellence initiative is a five-year programme designed to improve education delivery and the performance of administrators, educators, and students at six rural non-traditional high schools across the island. The programme is funded equally by JNBS and VMBS to the sum of $100 million and will wrap up in 2013.

128 and counting published: Sunday | October 29, 2006 Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter

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Granny Mary, who is believed to be 128 years old, spends her days in her bedroom in Mile Gully, Manchester. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer She's a little hard of hearing and a bit scared of venturing too far from her bed, but Granny Mary's mind is surprisingly nimble, especially considering that she is believed to be 128 years old. That's right, 128 years old. If this is true, it would make the little woman from Mile Gully, Manchester, the oldest person alive anywhere in the world. Granny Mary occupies a small bedroom of a family home in the quiet community and was sitting on a white plastic chair beside her bed when the Sunday Gleaner paid her a visit last week. "Who is that gentleman?" she said to her granddaughter as I approached the door. She was dressed in a floral dress and sported a happy smile. She took my hand and gave it a slight squeeze without looking up. "How you doing? You family and you people dem haughty?" she asked. Granny Mary is a pleasant woman and enjoys the company of anyone who pays her a visit. She loves a good conversation and is thrilled when she gets to meet new people. "This little old woman is here. I'm just here waiting for the good Lord to take me home," she said with a feeble voice. Many decades ago, Mary Ewin was a mid-wife in her community and enjoyed her work immensely. Today, though her memory of her working days has for the most part faded, her eyes still light up when you ask her what work she used to do. "Some big strapping people you see walking around, I was the one who delivered them. Them big and taller than me, but is me born them," she said with a slight chuckle.

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Granny Mary doesn't quite remember what year she was born, but she said she knows that she is well over a hundred. "Me stop count when mi pass hundred. Mi reach far enough, it don't matter after that," she said. You have to shout in Granny Mary's left ear for her to hear you properly. I did this when I asked her how she spends her days. "All I can do is stay in that bed (she points to the bed) and sit in this chair. They bring food and give to me right here. Sometime I take my cane and walk to the door, but I can't do anything else. But I thank God, because it could be worse. Thank God," she said. It is clear that Granny Mary is a religious woman. When I brought up the subject, her face looked sad. "When I had my freedom I used to go to church every Sunday. Now I can't go anymore, but I thank God because it could be worse, some people have it worse," said Granny Mary, who has two daughters. World Record Holder? The Manchester coordinator of the National Council for Senior Citizens confirmed that Granny Mary is 128 years old. The Sunday Gleaner was, however, unable to get confirmation from the Registrar General's Department. Guinness World Records currently has a 116-year-old woman from the United States as the oldest person in the world. Residents of Mile Gully speak fondly of Granny Mary, saying that they are amazed how sharp her mind still is. There's no consensus on just how old the woman is, but everyone with whom we spoke, agreed that she is more than 120 years old. I spoke with a woman who said that she fears Granny Mary's death, because according to her, the whole mood of the community would change. Granny Mary on the other hand, is as carefree as can be, saying she has absolutely no fear of dying. "Whenever the good Lord say that it is time, then I am happy to go. I will go to heaven and wait on the others to follow," she said. "Some big strapping people you see walking around, I was the one who delivered them. Them big and taller than me, but is me born them," she said with a slight chuckle.

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Remembering Xmas in Mile Gully published: Friday | December 26, 2003 By Damion Mitchell, Staff Reporter TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS celebrations in the community of Mile Gully in Northwestern Manchester have dwindled over the years, but not the memories of festivities which marked the warmth and cheer of the season. Spirited celebrations like picnics on the playing field with maypole and quadrille dances, merry-go-round and fresh pastries, the blending of beautiful tenor, soprano and alto voices during house-to-house visits on the night of Christmas Eve, storytelling and the drinking of egg punch at breakfast before the Christmas Day service. There is the lighting of the Christmas tree as well a tradition for more than 25 years and there is still the reunion of persons living overseas with their families.

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In fact, "This (family reunions) is now becoming a very big feature in Mile Gully," Hugh Nash, the cultural consultant and former executive chairman of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission told The Gleaner last Friday at the staging of 'Ole Time Christmas' at the Mile Gully High School. TRADITIONAL CAROLLING Avalyn Coley, 50, speaks fondly of the traditional carolling that a group from her church, Hephzibah Missionary, engage in on Christmas Eve lighting their way through the community with the old time bottle torch. "People used to enjoy it. We use to go to the square and sing and then we would move on to the different communities and people would join in and sing with us from houseto-house throughout the night," she recalled. "It is about two years a back that we have stopped doing this but it is something we need to get back to," she said, adding that the emergence of alternative forms of entertainment has contributed to the demise of their live carolling. ROOTS "But sometimes we need to put aside the modern things and get back to our roots." Wilfred Peart, 68, the leader of the Tripe and Beans Mento Band said he longed to hear the rumblings of the rumba box, and tunes from the banjo, the guitar and the trumpet in Mile Gully at Christmas. "Music has long been part of our celebration. At times we go away to other communities but we always look forward to playing the band at Christmas," he said. The band, he said, has been such a tradition that even its name 'Tripe and Beans' reflects this. "This name reminds us of the times when we used to hang the tripe over the fireplace in the kitchen to preserve it," he said. Speaking about other aspects of the holiday celebrations, he said: "Ole time Christmas in Mile Gully use to be pure fun. When you go to the shop and hear the music you never

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want to go back home how the music sweet you. Sometimes you would even forget what you went to the shop for," he said. And should the festivities resume, Mr. Peart said he would volunteer to play with the other members of the group "to make Christmas sweet again." For Justin Allen, 61, the memory of story-telling will never die. For him, the family reunions are most appropriate to relive the tradition. Just last week, 27 of his family members returned from the United Kingdom, all of whom, Mr. Allen said, have been enjoying his stories. "We go down memory lane I tell them stories and we cook the real Christmas food."

'Aim is development for kids' - Virtue underlines focus of Digicel Grassroots programme at Manchester leg Published: Tuesday | January 22, 2013 0 Comments

Young footballers depict keen interest as Sheldon Davis (back to camera), local coach for Mile Gully FC and Manchester daCosta Cup team, presents coaching tips during last

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Saturday's Digicel Grassroot Football clinic at Church Teachers' College in Mandevlille. photo by Richard Bryan Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer MANCHESTER became the 10th parish to benefit from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Grassroot Football Development series - which is conducted in conjunction with local communication giants Digicel - at the weekend at Church Teachers' College in Mandeville. While there was not a lot of visible support, in terms of the amount of parents or fans on the sidelines, there was a lot of enthusiasm shown by the kids. There was just over 30 local coaches, who participated in both the lecture and practical demonstration exercise. Among the primary presenters at the coaching seminar was former coach of the national womens' team, Vin Blaine, while Barry Watson, the Manchester Football Association's technical committee chairman, coordinated the efforts of the local contingent. PLEASED WITH TURNOUT Coordinator of the islandwide Digicel Grassroots Football programme, Andr Virtue, said he appreciated what he saw. "We budgeted for 100 kids and we got like 98, so I was happy with the turn-out," he told The Gleaner. He said he was not perturbed about concerns of the visibility of the marketing aspects of the programme. "The PR aspect is the least for me, the aim is development for the kids. We just provide the exposure to the development process, but it is the parishes which are left with the responsibility to do the follow-up." He also told The Gleaner that the JFF, with a special donation from FIFA, stands ready to provide help in terms of equipment and technical support for this follow-up, but this was contingent on the kind of report received from each parish. Dalton Wint, president of the Manchester FA, admitted that without the prospect of such a support, parishes like Manchester would not be able to successfully attempt such a

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developmental exercise. He said plans have been drafted to hold four strategic clinics in Manchester and these would be included in his report to the JFF. The series will move to Clarendon (Saturday, January 25), followed by St Catherine, before it closes with the Kingston and St Andrew leg. Clean Mile Gully rubbish anonymous Mile Gully, Manchester The Mile Gully community is located in the North West Manchester constituency. Mikael Phillips is the member of parliament and the councillor is a Mr Maxwell. The community has many returning residents and professsionals. It is indeed a nice little community to reside in. However, the garbage collection bin at the community centre is in a deplorable state. The garbage has not been collected for more than three weeks. Rats and dogs feast on the garbage on a daily basis. This is really not good for our community. Could the political representatives assist us? Tell us about the positives and negatives affecting your community, school or any other social space. Email submissions to letters@gleanerjm.com. The comments on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. The Gleaner reserves the right not to publish comments that may be deemed libelous, derogatory or indecent. Please keep comments short and precise. A maximum of 8 sentences should be the target. Longer responses/comments should be sent to "Letters of the Editor" using the feedback form provided.

'Make centres of excellence a priority' Published: Monday | July 5, 2010 0 Comments

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Sashell Samuels, fourth-former at the Mile Gully High School, shows Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), how new learning software, donated to the school under the MBSF Centres of Excellence programme, helps to improve numeracy skills. Jarrett was guest speaker at the Mile Gully High School 2010 graduation ceremony, held at the school in Manchester last Wednesday. Contributed

Earl Jarrett, chairman of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), says the transformation of the country's educational system needs urgent attention. Speaking at the 2010 graduation ceremony at Mile Gully High School in Manchester last Wednesday, Jarrett opined that although the country continues to grapple with various economic and social issues, development of the educational process needs to be prioritised. "There are times when, given the many concerns about growing our country's economy, balancing the budget, eliminating crime and gangs, and facing the realities of building a just society, that we neglect one of our most urgent priorities, which is to make centres of excellence a priority for all Jamaican schools," he told the 108 graduates, teachers and parents. The MBSF, which Jarrett chairs, conducts the Centres of Excellence programme which assists the Ministry of Education's Education Transformation Programme in its efforts to improve the school system. The five-year initiative, funded by a $100-million facility

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provided by the Jamaica National Building Society and The Victoria Mutual Building Society, focuses on education in six upgraded rural high schools. Mile Gully and McGrath High were the pilots in 2008; and last year Godfrey Stewart, Porus, Green Pond and Seaforth high schools were added to the programme that will end in 2012. Making reference to the progress and changes at Mile Gully High since it came under the Centres of Excellence programme in 2008, Jarrett emphasised that all upgraded high schools can succeed if they are assisted to acquire the resources they need. And, he urged Jamaicans not to sideline upgraded high schools because of the negative perceptions about these institutions. Using the concept purported by Nigerian author Chimamanda Adiche - The Danger of Single Story - Mr Jarrett made the point that schools are as good as they are perceived by the community. "Single stories create stereotypes," he said. "Therefore, to some people in Manchester, Mile Gully is not such a good school. But, the problem with stereotypes is that they are limited in their scope and do not give you the total picture, and so many people do not bother to look beyond the school gate," he remarked, noting that many upgraded schools were in fact doing better than perceived, and could do as well as traditional high schools if they were assisted with building capacity. Mile Gully High was placed among the top five non- traditional high schools in information technology in the 2009 Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate examinations, with a pass rate of 98 per cent, Jarrett noted, pointing to one of the successes of the school.

Olive Johnson reaps lots of joy from her farm

Published: Saturday | November 26, 2011 6 Comments

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Olive Johnson - PHOTOS bY ANGELO LAURENCE 12> Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester:Different sounds - from roosters breaking the silence of the morning with their crowing, to the annoyance of cows in the nearby pasture who respond with thunderous bellows - serve as the wake-up call to begin the day's work for a female farmer and her husband in Mile Gully, northwest Manchester. Crowned with many of Jamaica's historical landmarks and one of the parish's leading high schools, Mile Gully High School, the community is equally proud of one of Jamaica's leading farmers, Olive Johnson. Holding her own, as the saying goes, Johnson never gave thought to making farming a profession before leaving high school, although she grew up in a farming family. Wearing an old-fashioned hat to shield her from the sun when The Gleaner caught up with her on her Irish potato farm in Maidstone, she once cherished the idea of training for several other professions. However, she was forced to turn to farming due to the lack of finances to further her education. With a broad smile, she exclaimed, "Nothing I can think of will give me as much joy to see my produce being reaped and sent off to become a dish on someone's table." Tremendous joy

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Like most women she, too, would like to have well-manicured "fancy nails", but, for the time being, Johnson says she receives a great deal of joy from watching her crops grow, and she would have it no other way. "I can't find the words to explain the joy I receive from farming," she told The Gleaner, while cautioning that it was not easy work. Like any profession worth pursuing, she said, one must have patience, dedication, and passion for it, while educating himself or herself to new methodologies. Pointing out that her father is a farmer who provided for his 10 children, she said today's methods must incorporate the good of the past while treating new methods with careful analysis. "The many powerful chemicals utilised on the farm today were not readily available in the years of our foreparents, who produced healthy, nutritious and tasty crops," said Johnson with an air of seriousness. A typical day for her is getting up by 5 a.m., having devotions, then a quick breakfast with her husband, Percel, after which the cattle and the chickens are checked and fed. Not forgetting their wedding vows, Olive and Percel work as team and cling to each other, with Percel telling The Gleaner his wife is his "best and only partner". Faced with high input and labour costs, a stricter monitoring of cheap imports, according to Johnson, would go a long way in making farming a more secure venture while lowering Jamaica's foreign-exchange need. Like an old-time schoolteacher, Johnson appeared to choose her words with care before offering a mild word of advice to importers of food items. She said some of these entities, whose managers berate Jamaicans for not producing enough while they undermine the marketplace with cheap or subsidised imports, need to rethink what they are doing to the Jamaican economy and balance-of-payment regime. Contented to keep farming tomatoes, Irish potato, carrots, and several other crops, Olive Johnson, who could easily be anything she would like to be, remains one of Jamaica's hopes in the drive to become food sufficient. rural@gleanerjm.com

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Tony Watson, councillor to emulate

published: Friday | June 13, 2003 CANDIDATES IN the June 19 Local Government elections who are seeking a role model to emulate to successfully develop their division need look no further then Manchester. Anthony Watson is retiring after 17 years as PNP councillor for the Mile Gully division in North West Manchester at the age of 49. Since 1986 he has overseen the development of this rural division and he can retire knowing that he has improved the quality of life of the residents of the Mile Gully division. MILE GULLY BORN AND BRED Anthony Watson is proud to be Mile Gully born and bred. A graduate of Holmwood Technical High School and the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST), now the University of Technology, he was a member of the vibrant Mile Gully Community Club in the early 1980s. The members of this club saw the need for improved infrastructural and educational facilities. No high school, post office, or running water were present and the road network needed upgrading. This concern caused the members to develop a 10-year community development plan which Mr. Watson helped to put into place when he was elected Councillor. The initiation of these plans by the community paved the way for all future projects to be implemented and initiated by the community. One of the first matters which was addressed was education and training. At the Mile Gully training centre, programmes for both males and females were established. For the women, "home management" was started with the help of the Social Development Commission (SDC) who paid a stipend to older women in the community. The aim of this programme was to train younger women basics such as cooking and sewing. The young men were taught English and Maths. Mile Gully now boasts a new high school which was built three years ago. In addition to this building, the World Bank will be funding a new high school which will be built in three to five years. When this is done, the primary school will move to the building housing the current high school, thus vacating the trade training centre building which it now occupies. After CAST, Mr. Watson attended the University of Wisconsin, White Water. Here he noticed that the computer equipment was changed every three years. This motivated him to link with the University's Education Department. This was the genesis of an exchange which

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is still ongoing whereby staff from the University of Wisconsin conduct workshops with the Association of Basic School Teachers in Mile Gully. Examples of the workshops include conducting physical education activities in limited spaces. The visiting university staff now also work with the Northern Caribbean University and the Bethlehem Teachers' College. Infrastructural improvements include the upgrading of the road network surrounding Mile Gully. A health clinic has been established at Mile Gully which is open Monday to Friday; the division also has a new community centre and sports complex. The community centre was built at a cost of $3 million, but instead of contracting the work out to outsiders, it was done by the community. The adjoining sports complex was funded by the Sports Development Fund. SECRETS OF SUCCESS The success of Mile Gully's development is based on involving as many groups in the community as possible. Mr. Watson was able to do this because as a youngster he played football and cricket for Mile Gully. The resulting popularity allowed him to cross party lines and be accepted by the entire community. This de-tribalisation of Local Government operations is still evident in the absence of a PNP sign on his divisional office. When materials such as fertiliser are distributed to farmers, it is done through various community groups to benefit supporters of all political parties. He said initially there was resistance to this because "people are not accustomed to that kind of thing." But he said that he "succeeded in getting the community to realise that the development of the community is in their hands". A JOB WELL DONE Mr. Watson gives two reasons for retiring. The first is the fact that most of what was listed in the 10-year plan have been implemented. The only outstanding matter is the lack of running water in Mile Gully, which he says is "one-third of the way to completion". However, he is happy to note that toilet facilities are present in Mile Gully. The second is that he has been transferred by WINDALCO to the Ewarton office in St. Catherine, and he "doesn't want to be a half-councillor". Although he says that "sometimes I get frustrated because of the system which retards things", Anthony Watson describes his time as councillor as "17 glorious years". He knows that no matter who is elected councillor on June 19, the projects will be sustained

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because they are people-based community projects. This is what Local Government should be about.

Early entrepreneurship initiation linked to improved academic performance Published: Thursday | May 30, 2013 1 Comment

Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites peruses a monthly magazine produced by young entrepreneurs at McGrath High School during the 2012 staging of the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' Business Expo and Competition, while programme manager at the Mutual Building Societies Foundation, Dr Rene Rattray (right), looks on. - Contributed

Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager at the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), says student entrepreneurs in its Centres of Excellence

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education transformation programme have generally been showing improvement in their academic performance. The students have been taking part in the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' project, a component of the Centres of Excellence initiative, funded by the MBSF and Digicel Foundation. The partner foundations engaged the Kimala Bennett-led The Business Lab to implement and manage the programme in 2011. "The leadership of the programme has observed a more than eight per cent increase in performance among students who have been involved in our I am the Change programme in the first year," Rattray said. "The academic improvement was a more than seven per cent increase among students who joined the programme in the second year." Rattray pointed out that the programme seeks to engender an appreciation for business development and innovation among teenagers attending the non-traditional rural high schools in the Centres of Excellence programme. Over the course of the programme, the students have established and operated businesses in the schools, which include food and beverage entities and stationery as well as locker-rental services. Last year, the students also developed a range of information and communication technology applications to solve everyday problems affecting their schools and communities. The Mutual Building Societies Foundation has been working closely with six rural high schools across the country under the Centres of Excellence over the past five years. The participating schools are McGrath High in St Catherine, Porus High and Mile Gully High in Manchester, Seaforth High in St Thomas, Godfrey Stewart High in Westmoreland, and Green Pond High in St James.

The haunted church of Skull Point Published: Thursday | March 19, 2009

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Left: Skull Point's supposed haunted church. Right: The creepy inside of the church. - Photos by Robert Lalah So there I stood, motionless in front of the abandoned, haunted church. The squeals coming from inside were getting louder. I looked behind me, wondering why I had come to this place. There was nobody in sight. The windows of the giant building were all broken out and there were no doors. I was standing in the graveyard, contemplating my next move. I glanced at what was left of a grave just by my feet. The epitaph declared that the woman buried there had died in 1921. The piercing squeals coming from inside the church were like an anguished symphony telling me to turn around and never return. But I had come this far. Skull Point in Manchester is some distance from Kingston and I was not about to turn back now. I had come to see what was going on inside the church. On my way to find the place, I had stopped at a small shop in nearby Mile Gully and asked around to find out what people had heard about the church that is widely believed to be haunted.

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"Don't go there mi son. Is pure duppy in there. People say that di church had was to be abandoned because duppy wouldn't stop come in there pan di congregation," said Miss Imogene, a 72-year-old shopkeeper. She went on to explain the story of how Skull Point got its name. Beheaded slave Legend has it that long ago, a slave called James Knight from the Lyndhurst estate in the parish, became a Christian and started preaching to fellow slaves. This angered his owner who ordered Knight beheaded. The slave's killers carried out the order and then stuck Knight's skull on a pole and placed it in the community as a warning to all other slaves. It is said that because of Knight's violent death and the fact that he wasn't given a proper burial, his spirit has been roaming the community ever since. There aren't many people still living in Skull Point, but tales of unexplained noises coming from the church have spread all across Manchester. Now here I was, hearing the sounds for myself. I took a step closer to the church, then looked around, I suppose, hoping for a distraction that would force me to stay outside. I heard a car coming around the corner and looked back. As the vehicle zipped by the church, someone shouted "Oy! Mind di duppy dem run out pan yuh!" Then the car disappeared around the corner and I was alone again. I was standing at the steps leading up to the church and could see from there that the building had been completely gutted. I saw a cross in the distance and a few pieces of wood strewn about, but that was it. I slowly walked up the steps, cautiously peering inside. The sound of my shoes pressing against pebbles on the floor seemed exceptionally loud. I stuck my head inside the church, careful to keep the rest of my body on the outside. It was dark in there, but limited sunlight coming through the broken windows and doorways allowed me to see. There were giant bats flying all around, making the most terrible sounds and a small rat ran right next to my feet. It smelled like wet wood in there and it was giving me the heebie-jeebies. The bats were flying low and kept coming too close to my face for comfort. Could the bats have been the cause of the scary sounds that residents have been talking about? I snapped a few pictures of them.

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I walked back outside to the graveyard and spent some time walking around, reading the inscriptions on the tombstones. Some go as far back as 1915. Now I had been at the supposedly haunted church for close to an hour and was by then, much more comfortable. It had been the bats all this time. That's not so bad. So, armed with my pictures of the culprits, I hopped back into my vehicle and left Skull Point, without giving the issue a second thought. All was well with the world. Phantom The trouble though, is this. I came back to Kingston proudly proclaiming to all and sundry that I had bravely solved the mystery of the haunted church of Skull Point. I had no reservations about doing this, because I had the pictures to prove it. Well, things did not quite go as planned. You see, as I'm writing this, I'm frantically going through the pictures for the ninth time trying desperately to find the bats. All the pictures I snapped of the bats flying around, for some reason, are showing nothing but the bare roof of the church. But there has to be some logical explanation. Right? robert.lalah@gleanerjm.com

A few of the oldest graves at the church.

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Many of the graves have been there since the 1920s.

Jamaican man shapes London Underground history

Published: Wednesday | February 27, 2013 3 Comments

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Passengers heading towards the London Underground in Brixton, London. 12> Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MANDEVILLE, Manchester: RONALD POWELL is one of many Caribbean natio-nals who have played a major part in the success of the London Underground, after clocking 33 years of dedicated service to the company. On January 9, London Underground celebrated 150 years since the first underground journey took place between Paddington and Farringdon on the Metropolitan Railway. Powell came from humble beginnings in Grove Place, a community near Mile Gully in northwest Manchester. "I came from a poor family. I went to Mile Gully Elementary School and after, I worked at the Grove Place Farm for 13 years in the citrus industry," Powell said. In search of a better life, he migrated to England in 1957. As he explained, "I was just married at 25 and things weren't easy for me, so I decided to try England. I had an older sister who was living in London, so she sponsored me."

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FIRST JOB His first job was in the health sector. "I first got a job at Neasden Hospital in London. I worked there for over a year in auxiliary nursing," Powell said. He had a burning desire to work at London Transport. "I just had a fascination for the railway from my days in Jamaica," he said. "I used to run and watch the trains passing by in my district, and I said that one of my dreams was to drive a train one day." While working at the hospital, Powell made several applications to London Underground and eventually got a job as a porter. Powell remembered the date he started working there 'at the top of his head', June 4, 1959. As a matter of fact, he has a diary, which he has been making daily entries into since 1954. "I was happy in getting that job," he said. "I felt my life ambition was being fulfilled because I always wanted to be on the train. I was so excited that I wrote my mother and told her that I was going to be working on the train." After working as a porter for a few months, he was interviewed for a job as a guard on the train and passed the test for that job on August 5, 1959. He worked in that position for seven years and then got the job of his dreams. "The opportunity came up to apply for a driver, so I was interviewed for the post on April 5, 1967 and was successful," Powell said. "I drove the train for 15 years." FIRE DISASTER Speaking about a moment that stood out in his memories as a driver, he said, "There was a very bad disaster at Kings Cross (station), a fire where 30-odd people got killed. "London Underground has a high safety record. You have to deal with thousands of people each day and the voltage that runs those trains are 630 volts, so you have to take all sort of precautions. So when that disaster happened, it was surprising for us." Of his most loved routes to drive on, he said, "It's the Oldgate to Amersham route, it was a fast run, you don't stop at every station," Powell said. "I like it (route) because I didn't

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like the underground so much, which most of the train routes go through. This run was mostly on surface, so it was lovely, I enjoyed the view." Powell showed commitment to his job and was promoted to an inspector. "I passed the inspector course the 15th of November 1982 where I got off the train and was in charge of a station," Powell explained. "And then on the first of September 1983, I was promoted to a station master, which [meant] you were in charge of about three or four stations." Powell worked as a station master at London Underground until his retirement in 1993, after which he returned to Jamaica. "I thank London Transport very, very much for what they did to me, for giving me an opportunity to make something of my life," Powell said. "I said I wanted to return to Jamaica to live a good life, to have a nice house, a nice car, and I have achieved all of that, added to a beautiful wife." rural@gleanerjm.com

Lymphoma changes six-year-old's life

Published: Saturday | August 20, 2011 5 Comments

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Shemar West - Contributed Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer MILE GULLY, Manchester: SHEMAR WEST was just an ordinary six-year-old, full of life and energy, innocent to the atrocities of the world. However, his life changed drastically, in the blink of an eye, when in March of this year, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoma. Shemar is from Hastygood district in Mile Gully, Manchester, where he lives with his mother, Althea Powell, and four older siblings. "He was quite all right when one day I noticed six lumps on his neck," Powell related. "One morning he awoke and said he couldn't swallow, so I took him to the Mandeville Hospital. They did a biopsy and I took it (specimen) to a private lab in Mandeville. When I got the result two weeks after and went back to them (doctors), they told me, 'Sorry, mother, we have bad news'. They said it was cancerous." Overcome with despair Shemar was referred to the University Hospital of the West Indies for chemotherapy. Unemployed, with the fear of losing her youngest child, as well as some high medical bills facing her, Powell was overtaken by a feeling of despair. She explained, "It has been very difficult. I had to buy a portacath to put in his chest for treatment which cost $73,000. Powell added: "They started the first phase of the chemotherapy but had to stop because the doctor said that the portacath was infected. It was a terrible experience seeing

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him go through the first treatment. He reacted to it like he was going crazy. When I saw that, my pressure went up and I had to be taken to the emergency room." It has been two weeks since the treatment has stopped, with time being an important factor in treating the cancer. Shemar's eldest brother, Jermaine Moodie, who works in Kingston, has stood by his little brother and mother throughout the ordeal in every possible way. He disclosed: "It's going to take up to eight chemotherapy treatments. In talking to the doctors, the process is going to cost in the region of $600,000. Right now it's hard for the family because we don't have it. I would like to take this opportunity to plead to the public for their help. We (family) are trying as best as we can because we are planning a walk-a-thon to raise some funds. We would appreciate any help that is forthcoming in order to save my brother."

In Your Neighbourhood

Published: Saturday | May 18, 2013 0 Comments

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Tavoy Morgan (left) of Albion United collects his prizes and trophy for leading goalscorer, Most Valuable Player and Most Outstanding Junior player from Carlo Redwood (centre), vice-president, marketing, LIME; while Peter Reid, president, St Catherine Football Association (SCFA), looks on during the SCFA awards ceremony at Twickenham Park Police Academy on Thursday.-Contributed Petrojam win BHone-day rally The 2012 triple champions Petrojam started the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House (BH) football season on a high note last Saturday, winning the one-day five-a-side rally via penalty kicks against Wisynco at the National Water Commission playing field, Mona. Both teams played to a 1-1 regulation and extra-time stalemate and it required penalty kicks to decide the outcome. Petrojam, the reigning Division One and KO champions, won 3-2 in the shoot-out to capture their first of what could be many trophies in 2013. Petrojam's David Shultz opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but this was cancelled out by Jermaine Taylor six minutes later. There were 19 participating teams.

Another BH one-day rally The Peak Bottling/Western Sports Business House (BH) five-a-side one-day football rally, the second in successive weeks, takes place today at the National Water Commission playing field, Mona, starting at 8:30 a.m.

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According to Business House Football Association president, Wayne Shaw, as many as 24 teams will vie for the $40,000 first prize/trophy and $20,000 for the runners-up.

BH football leaguekicks off tomorrow Play in the 2013 KSAFA/Western Sports Business House (BH) will commence tomorrow with two matches at Red Stripe Oval, Spanish Town Road, starting at 2 p.m. The matches will be preceded by the dress parade of all participating teams, starting at 1 p.m. The opening match will see Jamaica Fire opposing Xerox in Division Two at 2 p.m., followed by defending champions Petrojam vs last year's Division Two champions NCB in Division One, starting at 4 p.m. Play will continue on Monday with two matches in Division Two - ISCF vs newcomers Pepsi at Bell Chung Oval and Red Stripe vs Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) at Red Stripe Oval. Both matches commence at 4 p.m. Two Division One matches are scheduled for next Wednesday - Carib Cement vs The Gleaner, both former champions, at Bull Pen, and NCB vs UWI at Great House Boulevard, both starting at 4 p.m.

Wray & Nephew Bar domino tourney The Wray & Nephew White Overproof Domino Bar Promotional competition continues tomorrow with five matches. These are Texas Crew vs New World and New Star Lounge vs Blue Grass, both in Cluster Four at Jin Ping, 5712 Waltham Park Road, while in Cluster Three, Dazzle Pub will oppose One Stop and Comfitanya vs Cool Out, both at Chelsea Sports Bar. Starlight and Pineapple will also meet in an unfinished match at Chelsea as well. Last Sunday, Texas Crew defeated Jin Ping 5-1 and New World stopped Blue Grass 4-2 at Star Lounge, 56 Windward Road, both in Cluster Four. Play starts at 1 p.m. tomorrow. The competition is run by the Jamaica National Domino Association.

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Santos are Golden League football champions Led by two goals from MVP Ian 'Beenie' Burnett, Santos won the Bull Investmentssponsored Golden League (over-45) for the second time in three years, when they blanked Harbour View 3-0 in the final at the National Water Commission playing field recently. After a goalless first half, Santos, who had previously won the competition in 2011, quickly came into their own with Wayne Brown opening the scoring after five minutes. Burnett, the Jamaica Observer's Sports Editor, then put the issue beyond doubt with goals in the 48th and 55th minutes. In the presentation function that followed, Dane Peralto from Kingston Commissioners won the MVP award for the KO competition, while Barry Simpson from Christian Ambassadors capped the award for leading scorer with 21 goals. Kingston Commissioners emerged KO champions, beating Barbican 3-1 in the final a fortnight earlier.

Passagefort into quarter-finals Passagefort United became the eighth quarter-finalist in the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League without playing a card, as last-place Westchester Nuckuz were a no-show last Sunday. Passagefort ended the preliminaries in eighth place with 45 points. This is the same points output as Eagle View, but Passagefort had the advantage as they defeated their rivals in an earlier match this season. Top-seed Fort International (68 points) warmed up for the quarter-final with a 300-145 mauling of Spring Village, second seed and joint leaders Caribbean Classic (68 points) crushed Prozz and Conns 300-197, while sixth-place Exceptional International blew past Hurricane 300-280. The quarter-finals will begin on Sunday, May 26.

Two matches on in St Catherine U15

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Two matches are on in the LIME St Catherine Football Association Under-15 League at Sydenham Cummunity Centre playing field today. In the opening game at 3 p.m., Windsor Lions play Bodles FC, while in the feature match at 4:45 p.m. Federal and Meadows clash. A double-header is scheduled tomorrow at Homestead Community Centre, as Royal Lakes tackle Old Harbour Bay United at 3 p.m. and D.B. Basovak challenge Fraszier's Whip at 4:45 p.m.

Cumberland, Edgewater in big clash Last year's beaten finalists, Cumberland, and newcomers Edgewater will highlight today's triple-header in the Leander Marshall Portmore Under-13 Football League at Cumberland playing field. That match is scheduled for 4 p.m. In the earlier matches, Westchester play Naggo Head at 1 p.m. and Portmore United tackle East Portmore Portals at 2:30 p.m. Last Saturday, defending champions Portmore United and Edgewater scored big wins. Portmore bounced back from their first round 0-1 loss to arch-rivals Cumberland, as they blanked Naggo Head 3-0, while newcomers Edgewater also had a similar 3-0 win over Westchester.

Uphill task for MOB Miracle Open Bible (MOB) Church face an uphill battle to make the final of the inaugural Power of Faith Ministries Church Football League, as they need to defeat Jamaica Evangelistic Centre (JEC) by three clear goals in the final set of preliminary round games at Hellshire United playing field this morning, starting at 10:00. MOB have only four points, while JEC have seven points. In the second game at the venue, out-of-contention teams Christian Fellowship World Outreach face Power of Faith Ministries at 11:45 a.m. in a match of academic interest. Last week, Lighthouse Assemblies from Spanish Town became the first finalists after they defeated MOB 1-0. The all-important goal was scored by Kristoff Mendez. The win put Lighthouse on nine points from three games, two clear of JEC, who drew 0-0 with Christian Fellowship World.

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Jamalco, Cable Pro in Clarendon finals The final of the Clarendon Netball Association's Jamalco-sponsored Open League will be played tomorrow at Mineral Heights Sports Complex, starting at 4 p.m. The final will be a repeat of last year between defending champions Jamalco and Cable Pro. Both are yet to taste defeat and were handsome winners in last weekend's semifinals. Jamalco blew away Hayes All Stars 38-14, while Cable Pro handed Holmwood A their first defeat of the season in a 42-31 win. Hayes All Stars and Holmwood will meet in the third-place play-off at 3 p.m. Both games will last 40 minutes. A presentation ceremony will follow.

St Elizabeth Major League semi-finals Both semi-finals of the Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth FA Major League will be hosted tomorrow at St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz. Black Star FC take on Holland PYC at 1:30 p.m., while at 3:30 p.m., Newell and Tafari Lions will clash. Provisions are in place for extra time and penalties, if necessary, to decide the winners. In last weekend's final round, Black Star FC made good use of a pathetic display by relegated Middle Quarters to win 11-2 and finish as the top-placed team after the preliminary round on 37 points. Sharing in the onslaught were Davion Ash with a hat-trick, Xavier Harvey and Jontae Williams, who scored two goals each. Finishing second on 35 points were Tafari Lions, who defeated Young Brazil 5-1. Newell sneaked into third place on 35 points, edging Holland PYC 1-0. Despite the loss, Holland PYC secured the final semi-final slot over Round Hill.

Pat Anderson Manchester U17 final Manchester Academy and Mile Gully will contest the final of the Pat Anderson Under17 football competition run by the Manchester FA. Game time is 2 p.m. tomorrow, at Kirkvine Sports Club.

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Both teams achieved a final spot following semi-finals wins on Wednesday via the penalty-kick route. Manchester Academy won 6-5 over Downs following a 0-0 regulation and extra-time scoreline, while Mile Gully prevailed over Christiana Academy 4-3 after battling to a 2-2 result. In the quarter-finals last Sunday, Mile Gully triumphed over DC Strikers 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, Christiana Academy edged Hillstars 1-0, Downs defeated Greenvale 2-0, while Manchester Academy swamped Comfort 5-0. Manchester Academy have kept intact a perfect win record to be unbeaten in seven matches so far. Their performance underlined the strength of the football programme at Manchester High, as all members are students of that institution. They were successful in the Division Two, fielding players who are likely to form part of their 2013 daCosta Cup squad.

Manchester netball round-up The third round in the new season of the Manchester Netball League will be hosted today at Cross Keys High, starting at 10 a.m. Games scheduled (in order) are: Hasty Gooden vs Cobbla, Purple Stars vs Porus, Supreme vs Ever Green, Cross Keys vs Swaby's Hope, Bellefield vs Harry Watch, Prospect vs Knox, Holmwood vs Whitby, G-Strikers vs Unexpected Angels, Ridgemount vs Legendary, Santa Cruz vs Greenvale, Mile Gully vs Royal Flat, and Blazing Strikers vs Robins Hall. In last weekend's second round, which was hosted at Mile Gully Sports Centre, five teams - Blazing Strikers, Legendary, Supreme, Holmwood and Hasty Gooden - secured repeat wins. A sixth, Greenvale, secured their second win after being awarded points for the no-show of Prospect, who were battered 35-2 on the opening day by Santa Cruz. Legendary, the one-day rally champion, achieved the widest margin of victory with a 35-11 win over Swaby's Hope. Mile Gully and Porus tied 8-8, while Supreme edged Unexpected Angels 17-16. Final scores: Blazing Strikers 12 Purple Stars 6; Cross Keys 24 Bellefield 7; Manchester Academy 17 Ever Green 12; Holmwood 17 Santa Cruz 12; Robins Hall 11 Royal Flat 5; Harry Watch 16 Ridgemount 7; and G Strikers 13 Hasty Gooden 5.

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IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Published: Saturday | June 15, 2013 0 Comments

Manchester Football Association President Dalton Wint (left), and chairman of C& D Construction and Engineering Limited, Clive Wint (right), present the winners trophy to a group of excited Mile Gully players for winning the 2013 Manchester Under-13 Football Competition at Brooks Park earlier this week.-Photo by Richard Bryan 12> Horace Miller slams 155 in BH cricket National player Horace Miller from Red Stripe recorded the first century in the 2013 Reggae Jammin 50-over Business House (BH) Cricket Competition, hitting an unbeaten 155 in his teams 296-run victory over Sagicor at Emmett Park, St Georges College, last Sunday. Miller, who played for defending champions LIME last season but switched to Red Stripe on LIMEs withdrawal from the competition this year, struck 16 fours and three sixes in his swashbuckling innings, as Red Stripe raced to a massive 409 for five off 50 overs.

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Miller received good support from former Jamaica player Wayne Cuff, who made 74, and Marvin Darlington with 52. In their reply, Sagicor batting two short were skittled out for 113, with Cuff taking 4-28 and Darlington 2-21. AT SPRING VILLAGE: The 2011 champions, National Housing Trust (NHT), clipped former champions Jamaica Broilers by one run in an exciting contest. NHT made 152 all out off 36.3 overs Antwaine Stephenson 40, Aveono Mullings 26; David Morgan 4-21. Jamaica Broilers replied with 151 all out off 42.3 overs Fabian Lakeman 35, Orain Williams 28; national player Nkrumah Bonner taking 4-19; and Shaunlee Earle, 345. AT MICO: Continental Baking Company defeated Jamaica National by 79 runs. Continental Baking 243 for nine Mark Gordon 64, C. Malcolm 52, Phillip Biggs 39; Richard Johnson 3-44. Jamaica National 164 all out in 49.3 overs Kerry Scott 45, Johnson 21; Damion Bryce, Andrew Brown and Zamin Sinclair taking two wickets each. In the fourth match played last Sunday, last years Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO champions Jamalco defeated National Water Commission (NWC) at Jamalco. Four matches are scheduled for tomorrows third round. These are Red Stripe vs Jamalco in the feature at Red Stripe Oval, NWC vs Continental Baking Company at NWC playing field, Mona; NHT vs Sagicor at Mico, and Jamaica National vs Jamaica Broilers at Emmett Park, all starting at 10 a.m.

Promotional Bar domino reaches semis Chelsea Sports Bar advanced to the semi-final of the White Over-proof Promotional Bar Domino Competition last Sunday when they clipped New World in a sudden-death playoff before a large crowd at Movie Star Lounge, Whitfield Town. Both teams were tied at 3-3 at the end of regulation time, before Chelsea gained the ascendancy.

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Chelsea was one of four teams advancing to the semis. The others were Club Angelique, who drubbed Top of the Line Sports Bar 5-1; Starlight, who beat Sparrow Roost in a sudden-death playoff following a 3-3 tie; while View Star defeated Dazzle Sports Bar 4-2. The winners will meet in the semi-finals on Sunday, June 23, at Club Comfitanya, 169 Mountain View Avenue.

Scotia on top in BH football Scotiabank assumed sole leader-ship in Division One of the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House Football Competition last Saturday when they crushed Carib Cement 3-0 in an away match at Bull Pen. Scotia, who have won all three matches to lead with nine points, ahead of Petrojam (seven points) and The Gleaner (six from two matches), got their goals through Donovan Hibbert in the 16th minute, Tivoli Gardens Premier League player Jamoy Sibbles in the 50th, and Stephan Bartley in the 85th minute. In another Division One match played last Saturday, National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Norman Manley International Airport drew 0-0 at Ardenne. In Division Two action on the same day, Metrodade Security defeated Continental Baking Company 2-1, with goals from Paul Francis and Cory Burke, while Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and Xerox played to a goalless draw. Meanwhile, the Scotiabank Group-sponsored KO competition involving all teams kicks off today with four matches. These are: Scotia vs Pepsi at Winchester Park, St Georges College, Norman Manley Inter-national Airport vs Jamaica Fire at Harbour View Stadium, Wray & Nephew vs Xerox at Wray & Nephew, Spanish Town Road, and NWC vs Grace Kennedy at Great House Boulevard. All matches start at 3:30 p.m. The leagues continue next week with former champions The Gleaner vs last years triple champions Petrojam in the first big Division One clash of the season, on Wednesday at Winchester Park, starting at 4 p.m.

Twisted Shotz pool tournament

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Allied Distribution and Marketing, in association with QQ Gaming Lounge in Savannala-Mar, Westmoreland, will stage a double elimination pool tournament on the weekend of June 29 and 30 at QQ. The tournament offers a first prize of $50,000 and trophy, second $30,000, and third $20,000. Entry fees are $2,500 and $3,500 for late entries. This is the first in a series of tournaments to be sponsored by Twisted Shotz this year. Many of the islands top-ranked players are expected to compete.

Kingston Wharves upset Berger in BH domino Kingston Wharves handed Berger Paints their first defeat in Division One of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Business House Domino Competition on Friday, June 7, beating them 145-131. In other Division One matches played that day, former champions The Gleaner crushed Jamaica Public Service 145-107 at home, University of the West Indies beat former champions Social Development Commission 141-130 and Courts stopped JUTC 141-131. The matches between Seprod and Jamaica Brandy and Continental Baking Company and Wray & Nephew were postponed. In Division Two, leaders STATIN suffered their first defeat, going under 129-139 to Nutrition Products. The Jamaica Observer defeated First Heritage 160-145, while Bank of Jamaica beat Kirk Distributors 143-127.

Black Star top St Elizabeth Major League Despite losing 2-3 to Newell in last weekends second-leg final hosted at the Appleton Estate playing field, Black Star were deservedly crowned the 2013 Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth FA Major league champions. Black Star triumphed 8-3 on aggregate after taking a giant leap towards winning the championship in the previous weekends first-leg final, after unexpectedly hammering Newell 6-0.

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In the return final, another rout seemed on the way when Black Star opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Xavier Harvey. However, Newell equalised through Delojay Lintons 29th-minute strike. Two minutes later, Black Star were ahead 2-1 when Kareem Lewis scored. The second half belonged to Newell as they got two more goals from Lyngarley Vassell (69th) and Charlton Myers (73rd). Third place had already been decided the previous weekend when Holland Police Youth Club defeated Tafari Lions 3-0.

Manchester netball quarter-finals The quarter-finals of the Manchester Netball League will be hosted today at Manchester High School, starting at 3 p.m. The preliminary round ended last weekend with the fifth set of games at the Royal Flat community playing field. Legendary ended the round unbeaten after defeating Harry Watch 27-15. They topped Zone Three and will play Greenvale in the quarter-finals. Holmwood topped Zone One after defeating Greenvale 18-4 and will face Harry Watch. Mile Gully walloped Robins Hall 30-7 to win Zone Two and will face G-Strikers. The other quarter-final pairing sees Supreme facing Blazing Strikers. Supreme defeated Hasty Gooden 27-4 to win Zone Four ahead of G-Strikers.

VMBS primary schools football Burnt Savannah Primary and Black River Primary will clash in the final of the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS)-sponsored St Elizabeth Primary Schools Football Competition. That final is slated for next Tuesday at the Santa Cruz Community Centre. In the semi-finals played on Thursday, Burnt Savannah triumphed 2-0 on penalties over Big Wood Primary after the two had played out a 1-1 draw. Dandre Campbell opened the scoring for Burnt Savannah in the third minute, before Omario Lewis levelled the scores for Big Wood. Black River also advanced 2-0, but did so in regulation time over Geneva Primary. Goalscorers were Orville Ledgister (10th minute) and Deandre Smalling (55th).

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Sporting Central on course Jamalco cut Sporting Centrals lead to just six points after a 2-1 win over York Town, rekindling some hope they can sneak in a last-minute claim to the 2013 Captains Bakery & Grill Clarendon Major League. Despite not playing a game in two weeks, Sporting Centrals development team stayed on top with 44 points. Their scheduled game against Milk River on Wednesday was postponed. Meanwhile, the race for the minor places remains a hot pursuit. Comfort held firm in third on 36 points, two behind Jamalco, following a 5-0 win over Monymusk. In fourth are Original Hazard and Woodhall on 32 points apiece. Original Hazard maintained the better goal differential following a 3-1 win over New Bowens. Wood Hall won 2-0 over Rock River.

Mile Gully top Under-15 competition Mile Gully were crowned 2013 champions of the C&D Construction and Engineering Manchester Under-13 football competition, following a 1-0 win over Manchester Academy in the final at Brooks Park on Wednesday. In the one-hour game, captain Marlon Millers 47thminute goal proved the decider. In the Under-15 final, also sponsored by C& D Construction and Engineering, Manchester Academy gained some redemption by defeating Hillstars 5-2. Manchester Academy, which is made up of Manchester High players, romped to a 5-2 lead, courtesy of a hat-trick from Delvarhone Simpson and two strikes from Travis Hawthorne. Hillstars, which comprises primarily Spaldings High students, rallied in the second half with consolation efforts from Orayne Whyte and Owayne Cole.

Corinaldi, Pembroke Hall in football final Pembroke Hall and Corinaldi Avenue Primary earned the right to meet in the final of the INSPORTS/LIME Primary Football Schools League after similar wins over Portsmouth and Petersfield, respectively, last Wednesday. St Andrews Pembroke Hall gave Portsmouth their first taste of defeat when they got past the Portmore side 3-0 through a double strike from Jahvon James, while Shemar Simpson added a third goal in the 56th minute, at Spanish

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Town Prison Oval. Corinaldi from St James blanked Petersfield Primary from Westmoreland 30 at Jarrett Park in St James in the days other semi-final. Calvin Gardner, 25th (penalty), Chadane Hamilton, 48th and Richard Thompson, 49th, netted for Corinaldi. The final is scheduled for June 21.

Cumberland, Portals in football final Cumberland and East Portmore Portals will clash in the final of the Leander Marshall Portmore Under-13 football league at Cumberland High Schools playing field this afternoon at 3:00. In semi-final action last Sunday, Cumberland dethroned Portmore United 1-0 in a heated battle. The all-important goal was scored by Horace Ramsey from the penalty spot. Cumberland has been the most consistent team in the competition and have not lost a game on the playing field. The only points they dropped were in the boardroom, as their scheduled match against East Portmore Portals was not played because of player issues and Portals given full points. Portals defeated Edgewater 1-0 in the other semi-final.

PFM host football, cricket presentations The Power of Faith Ministries (PFM) sports department, headed by Mark Williamson, will be hosting the presentation ceremony for their church football and cricket leagues this afternoon at the PFM Multi-purpose Complex, Portmore Town Centre, at 4:00. Andre Virtue, head of Ballaz International, a football organisation that caters for the development of youth football in our nation, is the guest speaker. There will also be representatives from the Portmore Football League. Power of Faith International copped the cricket title for the fifth time in eight tries, as they defeated Old Harbour New Testament. The inaugural football competition was snatched by Jamaica Evangelistic Centre, located on Waltham Park Road, as they defeated Lighthouse Assembly from Spanish Town on penalties.

Fort, Eradication in domino final

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The two top teams in the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League, favourites Fort International and Eradication, will meet in the final of the competition at Caymanas Track tomorrow morning, starting at 11 oclock. Two weeks ago, Fort booted Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) 300-253 in semifinal action. With Fort leading by 30 points (283-253), some ISCF players left their table and their replacements werent forthcoming, so the referee blew off the match, giving Fort the victory. Eradication thumped Prozz and Conns 300-273 in their semi-final clash. Meanwhile, ISCF and Prozz and Conns clash in the third-place play-off.

Manchester road repair to begin soon

Published: Tuesday March 6, 2012 | 9:00 am 5 Comments The National Works Agency (NWA), says over the next two weeks it will be embarking on a road repair programme in Manchester. According to the NWA, 10 roads will be targeted under the $5 million programme being financed by the Road Maintenance Fund. They are: Skull Point to Craighead, Mile Gully to Oxford, Williamsfield to Mile Gully, Newport to Pusey Hill, Whitney Turn to Williamsfield, Bellefield to Mizpah, Greenvale to Spur Tree, Gutters to Downs, Mile Gully to Johns Hall and Coleyville to Ballynure. The NWA said for months there have been complaints about the poor state of some major corridors in Manchester. The NWA said spray patching machines owned by the NWA will be used to undertake the works. editorial@gleanerjm.com

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Manchester - what prospects now, and after bauxite?

Published: Sunday | December 18, 2011 4 Comments

Anthony R.D.Porter, GUEST COLUMNIST In a previous article, 'Shifting truth on bauxite' (Sunday Gleaner, November 27, 2011), mention was made of some of the positives that flowed from the bauxite-alumina industry. But that was when bauxite was king, and now that it is seemingly on the decline, many persons are asking what the future holds for Manchester. To understand more clearly what possible prospects exist, let us look at the parish in more detail. More than 95 per cent of the parish is composed of white limestone (shaded yellow), with the small remainder consisting of: alluvium (depicted in white); impure limestone (known as the yellow limestone group shaded in orange); and older volcanic and sedimentary rocks of Cretaceous age (coloured green). The bold black lines represent

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geological faults, two major ones of which are the Spur Tree and Sixteen Mile faults; their significance is beyond the scope of this article. Except for a few topographically depressed valleys, the parish is a prominently elevated, moderately karstified limestone plateau, on the surface of which are numerous pocket-like to blanket-like deposits of brick-red to yellow brown bauxite. Apart from One Eye River (Oxford Valley), Hectors River (which forms the parish boundary in the north), the upper part of the Milk River (southeast of Porus), and a few short streams along the southern coastline, drainage is otherwise underground. Commercial considerations 1) Bauxite In 1952, mining of bauxite, the principal commercial source of aluminium metal, commenced, and was converted into a white, fine-grained product known as alumina, at a small pilot plant, called Kirkvine, that had been constructed by Alcan just east of Kendal. Between then and 1968, the refinery underwent a series of expansions, and it continued to produce world-class alumina up until 2009 when it was closed by the new owners, RUSAL, because of a downturn in the industry caused by a global recession. Up to that time, Special Mining Leases (called SMLs) to mine bauxite in different parts of the parish were held by three companies, namely Alpart, Jamalco and Windalco. Additionally, the rights to explore (but not mine) two other sections of the parish had been granted to Jamalco and Alpart. As a consequence, approximately 75 per cent of the parish is under licence by these three organisations to explore and/or mine bauxite. Within these lease areas, however, large tracts of land have already been mined-out, rehabilitated and either converted to, or earmarked for, productive use, such as: subdivisions for housing; commercial buildings; community playing fields; roads; agricultural purposes (cash crops, cattle grazing, tenant farming, fruit trees, etc.) or for other proposed ventures, such as an airport not far from Mandeville. What is not known to most residents of the parish, however, is how long bauxite mining is expected to last and in what areas. In the absence of this knowledge, it is difficult for the Manchester Parish Development Committee and other interest groups to prepare an adequate and sustainable plan.

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2) Limestone Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed chiefly of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). It is Jamaica's most important naturally occurring building stone, as well as the source of crushed stone or aggregate (used in road construction; buildings and railroad ballast), and when calcined (burnt) it is a source of lime (calcium oxide) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide). Because limestone is slowly dissolved by carbonic acid (present in rainwater), over long periods of geologic time, a maze of sinkholes, vertical shafts, caves and underground passages have developed. Rainwater disappears underground very quickly, and this is the reason that Manchester is not blessed with any major surface streams. In addition, the vertical thickness of limestone exceeds 2,000 feet (625 metres) in parts of the parish, which means that the natural water table lies several hundred feet below surface, making it quite expensive to drill wells for a domestic water supply. On the other hand, the limestone reserves of the parish are huge - in billions of tons but its physical and chemical properties are quite variable, so careful research should be undertaken before undertaking any large-scale commercial venture. Its rich fossil content could and should form part of a museum display. 3) Agriculture Because of the absence of large tracts of flat lands, such as the plains of Clarendon, there is an absence of large-scale plantations, such as sugar cane and bananas. But both will thrive on the rich, fertile bauxite soil, as does coffee, pimento, citrus (especially ortaniques - a cross between orange and tangerine developed in Manchester in 1920), avocados, breadfruit, ackee, starapple and other fruit trees. Many a stone barbecue for drying pimento and/or coffee - are still to be seen at several places, with one of the finest examples being at Grove Place Farm, about three miles northwest of Kirkvine on the road to Mile Gully. In the early 1950s when Alcan began mining bauxite, it set up an agricultural division to protect the bauxite-bearing lands that it had acquired until ready for mining, and to carry out research on its pre- and post-mining land-utilisation activities.

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At the time, the law required that on completion of mining, all pits be restored and not less than six inches of topsoil be replaced on the reclaimed surface. Alcan's research found this to be too thin and raised the level to 12 inches. Many rehabilitated pits were planted in grass to support the company's highly acclaimed dairy operation, while others were leased to tenant farmers, many of whom benefited from short-term cash crops. With many of the larger landholdings being mined out and the lands subdivided for housing needs, it is obvious that the days of large-scale, plantation-style agricultural cultivations are gone. But what has happened in Manchester is no different to what is taking place in St Catherine and Clarendon, where large tracts of prime agricultural land, once planted in sugar cane and other export crops, are now dotted with housing schemes. Yet, all is not lost, as organic farming and greenhouse technology (such as employed at the community of Maidstone, located north of Huntley) provide options for those interested in investing in sustainable agriculture. 4) Tourism Before the advent of bauxite mining, the beneficial effects of Mandeville's cool, Continued from f13 healthy and salubrious climate had long been cherished and valued by holidaymakers, British retirees and visitors alike. Some settled permanently, while others vacationed at one of several hotels then in existence. Today, the Mandeville Hotel is the only survivor of the original hotels. It is said to have been a barrack originally. Recreational activities back then were golf, tennis and squash at the old historic Manchester Club (the site of which in now occupied by the Bank of Nova Scotia), which apparently boasted of having the first golf course in the Caribbean. Horseback riding and bird-watching were two other activities. With proper development, planning and marketing some of these could be restored to their former glory. Since the 1980s, additional attractions have come on stream, including tours to the High Mountain Coffee Factory and Pioneer Chocolate Factory at Williamsfield. Unfortunately, the cheese factory at Maidstone has ceased operations, but another possibility when it reopens is the alumina refinery operations at Kirkvine. Before it was discontinued, the railway service between Kingston and Montego Bay brought

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many persons to the parish. And, this means of transporting tourists could have been a significant contributor to the coffers, but sadly that was not to be. Will the service ever be restored? To Kingston possibly, but to Montego Bay will be an expensive undertaking, as much of the rail line will have to be replaced. Also contributing to the tourism package were Diana McIntyre-Pike and the late Desmond Henry, who conceptualised what they called 'country-style community tourism', which sought to introduce visitors to communities in central and southern parts of the parish. Elsewhere in the parish, there are caves, sinkholes and underground passages that can be included in the tourism product. While at the southern end of the parish - extending from Alligator Pond eastwards to Milk River and Round Hill, in Clarendon - is a partially protected heritage area known as Canoe Valley. This region was home to the Tainos for many centuries. Its combined richness in archaeology, ecology and geology makes it one of the most unique, yet fragile, environments in Jamaica. It should become a heritage park, adequately protected and developed with ecotourists and nature lovers in mind. 5) Wind power The absence of major rivers within the parish means that there is no readily available surface water supply, no source of natural sand, gravel and stones for construction purposes, and - with the possible exception of One Eye River - no hydropower. But along the Spur Tree escarpment, wind energy is strong and dependable, as a consequence of which large wind turbines were erected at Wigton which generate power for the national grid. With the dependency of the country on oil for generating electricity, expanding this facility could bring positive economic benefits to the parish and the country. 6) Residential/ Retirement Haven Manchester's clean, cool and invigorating mountain air offers a healthy environment in which to live. Coupled with Highway 2000, a partially completed toll road that eventually will run from Williamsfield to Kingston, one should expect to see a greater influx of persons wanting to reside in the parish. This, in turn, will result in an increased need for various skills, more goods and service, and greater spending. It could also lead to the construction of a world-class convalescent home.

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As noted previously, one of the parishes greatest negatives is its lack of a reliable domestic water supply. As a consequence, it is necessary for every household, school and commercial building to install water-storage drums or tanks. Readers will, no doubt, think of other possible commercial prospects that may contribute to the development of the parish in the years to come when the bauxite industry is no longer the driving force it once was. Anthony Porter is a veteran exploration geologist, formerly with Alcan, and the author of many published works on various aspects of bauxite and Jamaican geology. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | June 30, 2012 0 Comments

Members of the management and coaching staff, as well as squad members of Mile Gully FC look on as their captain collects the Manchester Under-13 football trophy from the

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managing director of C&D Construction and Engineering, sponsors. Also looking on is Dalton Wint (third left), Manchester FA president. - Photo by Richard Bryan 12> Centuries galore in BH cricket

There were centuries galore in the seventh round of the Reggae Jammin Business House 50-over cricket league last Sunday, two of these coming in the same match at Kensington Park. In this match, Sagicor defeated Digicel by 94 runs, with Sagicor top-order batsmen Dwayne Ewart and Kemar Marshall scoring 117 not out and 105, respectively. In another match at Chalmers Avenue, LIME's top-line batsman Ryan Francis slammed 165 against Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) as his team won by a massive 365 runs. And at Jose Marti playing field, defending champions National Housing Trust (NHT) defeated Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) by 58 runs, with Errol Downer of NHT scoring 107 not out. AT KENSINGTON PARK: Sagicor made 291 for four off their 50 overs - Dwayne Ewart 117 not out, Kemar Marshall 105; Jowayne Robinson 3-41. Digicel 197 off 41.1 overs Steve Logan 44, Robinson 23; Marshall, Brian Wright and Winston Myers took two wickets each. AT CHALMERS AVENUE: LIME made a massive 433 for five off 50 overs - Ryan Francis 165, Curtis Blair 81, Marvin Lobban 69; Roy Williams and Chris Walker took two wickets each. BOJ 68 - Raymond Ferguson 15; Peter Colquhoun 3-9, Fitzroy Peters 2-3. AT RED STRIPE oval: Red Stripe beat former champions Jamaica Broilers by 49 runs. Red Stripe 187 off 48.3 overs - Wayne Cuff 51, Cleon Thompson 28; Nicoy Lindo 3-30, Robert Turner 2-44. Jamaica Broilers 128 off 28 overs - Lindo 27, Peter Caballero 25; Richard Allen 6-34. AT JOSE MARTI: NHT 149 in 31.4 overs - Errol Downer 107 not out; Owen Stephenson 5-28, Jason Findley 4-26. JUTC 99 in 22.1 overs with Attley Brown taking 4-31 and Bevon Brown 3-17. In another match at Jamalco, newcomers Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) scored a huge upset, defeating knockout champions Jamalco.

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The league continues tomorrow with Sagicor vs NHT at Emmet Park, BOJ vs National Water Commission at UWI Bowl, Jamaica Broilers vs Jamalco at Spring Village, JUTC vs LIME at Jose Marti, and NHT vs Digicel at Mico. Gleaner win twicein 3-on-3 basketball

The Gleaner won their first two matches in Division II of the Business House 3-on-3 basketball competition at the Stadium Courts earlier this week in contrasting fashion. In the opening round on Monday, The Gleaner clipped Wray & Nephew 26-24 in a closely contested match. With three NBL players now at their disposal, the 'newsmen' had to work hard for the victory under a new scoring format introduced by the Business House Basketball Association. Each basket is now counted as a single point instead of two. The Gleaner's captain, Omar Wolfe, the MVP of last season, scored 13 points, while Kenneil Allen supported with 10. Wray & Nephew's Nigel Reid got a game high 19 points. In their second match at the same venue on Wednesday evening, The Gleaner drubbed JNBS 30-15. Allen led the scoring with 11 points, while Courtney Airs and Wolfe supported with nine and seven points, respectively. JPS RockfortCommunity League

The JPS-sponsored Rockfort Community Football League was launched last weekend at the community centre, with Virgo United adjudged the Best Dressed Team for the 2012 season. The cheerleading competition saw Springfield taking top honours. In the opening match, defending champions Springfield were held to a 1-1 draw by Slip Dock. Organised by the Rockfort Sports Council, the competition will run for six weeks. The final is scheduled to be played on August 26. Petrojam unbeaten in BH football

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Defending champions Petrojam maintained their lead in Division I of the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House football competition, following their 3-1 win over Wisynco at Tinson Pen on Monday. Goals from Aphas Bernard (2) and David Stultz ensured a comprehensive win for the unbeaten Petrojam, who lead the standings with 13 points, thanks to four wins and a draw against NHT. Former champion Scotiabank blanked Norman Manley International Airport 2-0 last Saturday at the NWC playing field, Mona, to be second with 10 points, but from four matches. A goal in either half by Jamoy Sibbles and Richard West secured the win for Scotia. On Wednesday, last year's Division II champions Jamaica Customs won their first match, courtesy of a 2-0 upset win over defending KO champions The Gleaner at Winchester Park, thanks to first-half goals from Terrence Allen and Maurice Samuels. The competition continues this afternoon with Scotiabank vs NHT at Alpha Boys' School starting at 2 p.m., and Norman Manley International Airport vs UWI at Harbour View at 4 p.m. Round Hill, Holland in final

Round Hill and Holland PYC will do battle in the first-leg final of the St Elizabeth Co-op Credit Union-sponsored St Elizabeth Division One football competition at the New Town Centre in Black River tomorrow, following decisive second-leg semi-final results earlier this week. Round Hill defeated Haughton 4-2 to emerged 5-2 on aggregate. Carl Campbell's goal the previous weekend had given them a 1-0 edge. However, Haughton turned in an excellent first half to level the overall tie with a 2-1 lead at half-time. But Marlon Miller's brace, as well as Campbell's 65th-minute goal, produced the final twist and Round Hill's entry in the final. In the second semi-final, Holland ended Northampton's hopes with a 2-0 win to emerge 4-2 on aggregate. The first leg had ended with both teams level at 2-2. However, Holland, who had squandered a 2-0 lead in that game, made no such errors this time around as Sadeek Spence (13th minute) and David Beezer (38th) ensured victory.

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D-Day for Fullerswood, Great Bay Lions

The St Elizabeth Division Two champions will be known tomorrow when Fullerswood and Great Bay Lions meet at the New Town Centre at 1:30 p.m. The game will be played as the curtain-raiser to the Division One first-leg final between Round Hill and Holland PYC. This league is not sponsored, hence the St Elizabeth FA has announced it will be charging an entry fee to offset match expenses. Regardless of tomorrow's outcome, both teams will be promoted to next season's Division One. The clash is, however, eagerly anticipated as both are unbeaten and qualified with impressive semi-final wins. Fullerswood, who won one of two preliminary zones, were 3-1 winners over Southern Stars. Great Bay Lions enjoyed a more impressive scoreline, roaring past Slipe All Stars 5-1. Randy Dillon was the game's MVP, netting a hat-trick of goals. Manchester FA kick off women's football league

The Manchester Football Association successfully kicked off its inaugural women's league last week at the Mt St Joseph Prep playing field on Manchester Road in the parish. The league is being run with major sponsorship from local Member of Parliament Mikhail Phillips. The kick-off included an opening ceremony and dress parade before a total of six matches were played. The Kendal A and B teams were most impressive on opening day. Kendal A smashed Holmwood United 7-1, before defeating Mile Gully A 4-0. Holmwood also suffered at the hands of Kendal B, 0-4, but it was Mile Gully B who felt the might of the Kendal B team, going down 0-7. In both Kendal B games, striker Shadane Reid netted four goals. In other results from the opening round, Cross Keys defeated Mile Gully B 2-0, but drew 1-1 with Mile Gully A.

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The league continues today at Mt St Joseph Prep with the first game slated for 10:30 a.m. The line-up reads: Holmwood vs Mile Gully A; Kendal A vs Mile Gully B; Kendal B vs Cross Keys; Mile Gully B vs Holmwood; Mile Gully A vs Kendal B; and Kendal A vs Cross Keys. Mile Gully FC win Manchester U-13

Mile Gully FC, which is outfitted by players from Manchester High, won the Manchester FA Under-13 League, sponsored by C&D Construction and Engineering. They won 3-0 over club partners Mile Gully Youth, which is outfitted by members from the Mile Gully High and community. In the one-hour game hosted at Brooks Park, Kareem Walker opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Kareen Allen then booted home a 25thminute free kick before the leading scorer in the competition, Kimani Blake, sealed the win with a deflected goal five minutes from time. Despite losing, Mile Gully Youth paraded the best goalkeeper in Brandon Newman, who impressed all with a number of saves. Zones take shape in Jamalco League

All three Zones are beginning to take shape in the Jamalco Football League. Zone One is led by the impressive Top Hill, who have six points from two games, scored 11 goals and are yet to concede any. Invincible are next with four points compiled from a win and a draw. Zone Two has now taken shape as the 'Group of Death'. Napoli lead the charge with six points, followed by Sunset and Wembley on four each, with Mineral Heights next on three points. In Zone Three, New Bowens and Juventus are locked on six points after two games, with Bottom Halse Hall next on three. In highlights from last weekend's round, Wembley handed Hunts Pen their second consecutive defeat of the season, winning by 2-0, while Andrew Vanzie scored his second goal of the competition in leading Juventus to a 1-0 win over Mocho. Elsewhere, in the long-awaited community derby, Kerron Bailey's second-half penalty gave Savannah a 1-0 win over Raymond.

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In the feature game, Wembley were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute of play, when goalkeeper Milton Codner brought down Damion 'Cat' Vernal. The goalkeeper made amends as he superbly saved Cat's attempt. The game's deadlock was broken in the second half when Dwayne 'Jeff' Campbell scored. Hunts Pen were then reduced to 10 players when Kean Smith was expelled in the 73rd minute for verbally abusing the referee. Brian Richards sealed the victory for Wembley in the 86th minute. Hamilton Gardens shock Ken's in cricket

Hamilton Gardens made a successful return to junior cricket as they condemned former champs, Ken's Wildflower, to a shocking six-wicket loss at the Bridgeport sports ground in the feature match in the Milo-sponsored Portmore Metropolitan U-15 Cricket League, at the Bridgeport ground last Sunday. Ken's Wildflower batted first and were skittled out for 67 in 20.3 overs, as Hamilton's spinner Nickoy Roberts bagged 5-23, including the competition's first hat-trick. Jordan Newman supported with 2-15. Robert Johnson made 22 for Ken's. Hamilton Gardens replied with 74-4; Shevon Bonfeather was unbeaten on 36. Meanwhile, defending champs Portsmouth made a winning start through an exciting six-wicket victory over Washington CC at the Portsmouth ground. Washington made a competitive 184 all out in 25.3 overs. Krichon Givon, 53, and Daren User, 43, made the most runs for Washington. Vauyani Bailey 4-30 and Simon Lee 4-47 took the most wickets for Portsmouth. Portsmouth replied with 189-4 in 27.3 overs. Corey Bailey hit a top score of 50, while Mickayle Riley made 39. User took 2-30 for Washington. Portmore win U-13 title in shoot-out

Newcomers Portmore United needed penalties to take their first hold on the LIMELeander Marshall-sponsored Portmore Under-13 Football League title at the Cumberland playing field Last Saturday. Portmore defeated last year's champs, Wanderers, 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out. Raewin Senior gave Portmore a 1-0 lead from a free kick, but Wanderers' Damion Powell scored from a goalmouth mele 10 seconds before the final whistle, and forced extra

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time. With no goal in the bonus period, the game drifted to penalties. Zidane Bogle, Jamoi Topey, Raewin Senior and Raheem Walker scored from the spot, while Tyrique Reid and Mario Salesman netted Wanderers' penalties. At the end of the match, Peter Reid, president of the St Catherine Football Association, handed over the winning trophy to the new champions Portmore. Two Portmore teams in SDC Round of 16

Portmore teams Portmore Pines, the new parish champions and runners-up and dethroned champs, Bridgeport, will today bow into action in the Round of 16 phase of the Social Development Commission (SDC) cricket competition. Last Saturday, a fair-sized crowd witnessed an exciting end to the Portmore final match as Pines registered a one-wicket win over Bridgeport at the Bridgeport sports ground. Bridgeport batted first and were restricted to 133-8 off their allotted 20 overs, as Ramon Senior hit 31 and Delroy Morgan chipped in with 26. Terrence Brown, 3-15, led Pines' bowling. Portmore Pines made 134-9 to clinch the title. Kemar Foster top-scored with 43, while Senior took 3-27 for Bridgeport in a good all-round performance. Bridgeport, however, were rewarded for their gallant effort as they took the best second-place team and joined Pines and the other 14 parish champions in the Round of 16. Old Harbour Bay, Rivoli face off in U-15 final

Defending champs Old Harbour Bay United and high-scoring Rivoli United will face off in a highly anticipated final of the St Catherine Football Association's Central St Catherine U15 football league at Spanish Town Prison Oval this afternoon at 2:30. Both teams didn't have easy semi-final wins as their opponents played hard. Old Harbour had to come from behind to edge New Raiders 2-1. Raiders took the lead in the 32nd minute courtesy of Travis Burrell, but two goals, one in first half stoppage time and another goal in the dying moments of the match by hero, Raheem Irving, led them to victory. Meanwhile, Rivoli defeated DB Basovak 5-3 in a goal-fest. Akeem Cole (2nd, 57th), Ryan Smart (9th), Andrew Daley (42nd), Ryan Smart (44th) scored for Rivoli, while Juvaughn Powell (22nd), Tahj Beckford (56th) and Ackeem Gibbons (78th) were DB Basovak's scorers. Cumberland hunt third win

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Cumberland FC, fresh from their 8-0 demolition job on Bridgeport in last week's round of matches in the Colin Fagan-sponsored Portmore U-15 football league, will enter tomorrow's opening game of a double-header against Reid's Pen at the Cumberland playing field very confident of victory. This match is scheduled for 2 p.m. and it precedes Bridgeport facing the might of defending champs Portmore United. A double-header is scheduled for the Passagefort playing field and pit Daytona versus Wanderers in the opener at 2 p.m., while in the feature match at 4 p.m., Newton Braeton will be trying to win their first match in three tries as they take on Passagefort United. In results last round, double strikes by Shamar Nair and Tegan Evans and a goal apiece from Clive Forbes, Ricardo Thomas, Taje Green, Renaldo Watson gave Cumberland their big victory, while Westchester thumped Reid's Pen 4-0, East Portmore Portals tagged Passagefort United 2-0, and Daytona edged Newtown Braeton 1-0. CAPTION: Members of the management and coaching staff, as well as squad members of Mile Gully FC look on as their captain collects the Manchester Under-13 football trophy from the managing director of C&D Construction and Engineering, sponsors. Also looking on is Dalton Wint (third left), Manchester FA president. - Photo by Richard Bryan CAPTION: A very happy Celsa Nuo (centre), Spain's ambassador, was the overall winner in the AmCham ADS Global Golf Classic, which was held at Caymanas Golf Club on Sunday, June 24. Making the presentations and sharing in the happy moment were Ron McKay (left), CEO of title sponsor ADS Global, Andrei Roper (second left), who presented a gift certificate from the Acropolis, Becky Stockhausen (second right), CEO of AmCham, and John Spender (right), COO of ADS Global. Nuno also received two tickets for two, courtesy Jet Blue, as part of the prize package.

The day the Prime Minister came to dinner

published: Thursday | July 28, 2005 Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

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BARBARA HEPBURN BARBARA HEPBURN'S cooking is as sweet as her personality. It says much about her, since Hepburn has won more than 64 medals over 20 years in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) culinary arts regional finals. Last Friday (her 74th birthday), Hepburn invited Food to her home in Mile Gully, Manchester, to sample her cooking. She made turned cornmeal with saltfish and sweet potato pudding. She seated us at her dinner table where dignitaries such as Prime Minister P. J. Patterson have dined. She told of the time, about two years ago, when Prime Minister Patterson dropped in for dinner. He was touring the community as a part of the activities that were planned for the opening of the Mile Gully Community Centre. She was called on by Dean Peart, Member of Parliament for the area, to prepare dinner for the visitors. "He came here and had dinner right at this table," Hepburn said with a proud smile. "And all 'im security dem whey pack 'round the yard." As we talked about food, Hepburn recalled the days of meals for community and church functions. The cooks used every ingredient that was at their disposal. "Old-time people never used to throw away the trash of coconut after grating the coconut and juicing it. We used to mix up everything." GO FOR IT Back in the day, one of the most delicious meals (that made people lick their mouth) was called Go For. In those old days, cooks put annatto (a fruit with red seeds that can be used for food colouring) in the oil and boiled it. When stirred, the mixture changed to a bright yellow. It

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would be strained and seasonings and saltfish added and then cooked. The combination would be served with green bananas and corn dumplings. "People loved Go For," said Hepburn. Living in Mile Gully since 1956, Hepurn's aptitude in the kitchen flared up when she had to find creative ways to feed her husband and nine children. She recalled that after sending the children to school and completing her housework, she would attend food classes at the Social Development Commission (SDC) in Mile Gully. "I'm a lover of cooking and everyday I would like to see something new so I attended the classes to learn something new and to follow my interests," she explained. Apart from the SDC classes, Hepburn also attended Grace Kitchens workshops in Kingston, and now occasionally takes part in JCDC workshops in Mandeville. GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE Twenty-nine of her 64 JCDC medals are gold. The dozens of medals, plaques and certificates, dating back to 1982, line the whatnot in her sitting room. And she keeps adding to the collection. In last year's regional finals she won gold for her carrot cake; bronze for her spaghetti pie; and a certificate of merit. The carrot cake had applesauce, pineapple, nuts and cheese. One of the judges described it as different, said Hepburn. "When I first entered, I got a certificate of participation. So I said, 'if I can get a certificate of participation, I'm going to work towards a gold'." This year, a knee operation threw a wrench in her plans to reap more medals. The operation was June 9, the day before the regional finals. The recipes she had already written stayed on her dinner table without being created. "Due to the knee, I can't do any long standing but it doesn't stop me from doing anything," said Hepburn who uses a walker. Over the years, she has made birthday and wedding cakes for relatives, friends and neighbours - sometimes free of charge.

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MORE ACCOLADES The Manchester Chapter of Lay Magistrates Association has given her a citation for long service to the Mile Gully community in the field of home economics. During our visit, Hepburn was apologetic. "Because I can't jump around as I like, I was going to bake chicken for you but instead used saltfish." How sweet. FIRST FOOD MEMORY: For Labour Day, back in those old days of the 1970s, members of the community cooked for persons doing work. It was a wonderful time. WHAT COULDN'T YOU LIVE WITHOUT: I've always loved flour dumplings, green banana with salt mackerel or red herring. I can't have a lot of dumplings now so I eat only one. FOOD YOU DISLIKE: None, because all the food we had, we ate. FOOD PHILOSOPHY: We have a big family so I ensure that I cook enough food that can share. KITCHEN/CUPBOARD SURPRISE: My friends would be surprised that you have papaya and pumpkin liqueurs, as most people don't know that these food items can be used to make wines or liqueurs to be used in cakes. Turned Cornmeal 3 cups cornmeal 4 cups coconut milk 1 medium onion 1 large stalk scallion 2 cups diced beef 1 green sweet pepper

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6 small okras 3/4 cup diced raw saltfish 1 medium tomato diced 1/4 lb. margarine 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely cut black pepper to taste 2 tsp. salad oil METHOD 1. Cook the meat until it is brown, and set aside. 2. Lightly fry onion, scallion, green pepper, okras, tomato and hot pepper in salad oil. Combine meat, saltfish, butter and cornmeal and stir well. 3. Set coconut milk on fire to boil until a slight sum is formed, roughly 12 minutes, then add cornmeal. 4. Stir well without any lump, then cover and steam over very low fire. 5. Stir occasionally until meal is cooked. 6. Grease a mould dish and press the turned cornmeal in, cover the dish to keep warm until ready to serve. Serve with chicken and tomato slices. Sweet Cassava Pudding 2 medium size sweet cassava 3 ozs margarine

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2 cups sugar 2 cups grated coconut juice 1/2 cup raisin 1 tsp. cinnamon powder 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. Rose water 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup hot water METHOD 1. Wash and grate sweet cassava, add coconut milk, sugar, spices and add to that the beaten eggs and the rest of ingredients. 2. Mix thoroughly with 1 cup of hot water, stir well. 3. Grease baking tin, pour in mixture and bake for one hour. Cover with grease paper. Serve with or without sauce. Broccoli and cauliflower bake 1 1/2 lbs broccoli, trimmed 1 1/2 lbs cauliflower, trimmed 3 tsp. margarine 2 ozs flour 12 ozs milk 3 ozs grated cheddar cheese

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1/2 tsp. nutmeg Cheese sauce Pepper METHOD 1. Butter an ovenproof bowl or round mould dish. 2. Break the broccoli into florets and drop in pot of boiling salted water. Cook for five minutes, drain and rinse with cold water, then spread on a paper towel to drain. 3. Break the cauliflower into florets, drop in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook for five minutes, drain and rinse with cold water, spread on paper towel to dry. 4. Place a cluster of cauliflower on the bottom of the bowl, add a layer of broccoli, fill the centre with small florets. Add another layer of cauliflower, finish with a layer of broccoli. 5. Cover the bowl with buttered foil and bake for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft. 6. Melt margarine in a saucepan, add flour, stirring constantly and simmer until thick. Stir in milk, cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper. 7. Pour mixture over vegetables. 8. Hold a warm serving plate over the top of the mould dish to lift off top. 9. Serve the moulded vegetables with cheese sauce

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In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | May 4, 2013 0 Comments

First Choice goalscorer Garth Savage (left) keeps possession despite coming under pressure from an Advent Masters defender during Sunday's 2013 Gas Pro Western Masters Football League game at the Flankers playing field. First Choice won the game 3-1.-Adrian Frater Photo Start of BH footballpushed back to May 11 The start of the 2013 Kingston and St Andrew Football Association Western Sports Business House football season, which should have commenced today with the playing of the one-day five-a-side competition, has been postponed yet again. According to Business House Football Association president Wayne Shaw, all was not in place to ensure a smooth start and it had to be pushed back a week. Play will commence

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on Saturday, May 11 at the National Water Commission playing field, Mona, starting at 10 a.m. Twenty-three teams are expected to compete in the league - 10 in Division One and 13 in Division Two. Among the teams in Division One are last year's triple champions Petrojam, former champions Scotiabank, Carib Cement and The Gleaner, along with last season's Division Two champions National Commercial Bank and the runners-up GraceKennedy, both promoted.

Wray & Nephew bar domino tourney The Wray & Nephew White Overproof domino bar promotional competition begins tomorrow with two matches at One Stop Bar, 14B South Camp Road, starting at 1 p.m., this in Cluster Three. The matches on are Cool Out Sports Bar vs Dazzle Pub and Comfitanya vs Chelsea Sports Bar. On Sunday, Chelsea defeated One Stop Sports Bar 5-1 and Comfitanya drew 3-3 with Dazzle. Both matches were played at Cool Out Sports Bar, Union Square, Cross Roads. Pub Angelique from Franklyn Town won Cluster Two and will meet the winner of the play-off between Starlight Bar and Pineapple Bar. Run by the Jamaica National Domino Association, the competition, which commenced seven weeks ago, is being contested by 20 Corporate Area bars. They play in clusters of four at a different venue each week. Sparrow Roost from Red Hills Boulevard emerged winners of Cluster One.

BH domino launched The Wray & Nephew Limited White Overproof Business House (BH) domino competition was launched on Thursday evening at the home of the sponsors on Spanish Town Road. Competition started yesterday in both Division One and Two, continuing every Friday for the next four months.

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Among the teams in Division One are defending champions National Continental Baking Company, former champions The Gleaner and Seprod, as well as last year's Division Two champions Courts, now promoted to Division One.

Mullings wins MoBay pool tournament Jody Mullings from MoBay won the lucrative Kendan Pool & Games eight-ball double elimination open pool tournament at 13 Jarrett Street in MoBay last weekend, capturing the $100,000 prize and trophy. He defeated McGyver Clayton 3-1 in the best-of-five final, going through the tournament unbeaten. Clayton secured the $40,000 runner-up prize, while former number-one ranked player Sunil 'Termite' Kissendal finished third and Anthony Davis, fourth. Both received $15,000 for their efforts. Close to 50 players contested the annual tournament, which was promoted as the Best of The Best, Part Three. Meanwhile, Hot Shots Pool Bar will continue its weekly pool tournaments tonight at 120A Constant Spring Road with an Open doubles tournament starting at 7:30. A maximum of 32 players (16 pairs) are allowed.

Primary champs A total of 74 schools are down to compete in the 35th staging of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS)/Swizzzle Junior High and All-Age Athletics Championships. Three-time defending champions Naggo Head, from Portmore, will go in search of a fourth-straight title. The Floyd Coke-coached Naggo Head once again will be challenged for the crown by arch-rivals New Providence. Other schools that have done well over the years include St Catherine, St Benedict's, Portsmouth and Waterford. The event gets under way next Wednesday, May 8, at the National Stadium and ends on Saturday, May 11. The meet is a feeder for the high schools that want to replenish or bolster their stock for the annual Boys and Girls' Championships.

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Prozz and Conns face stern test Sixth-place Prozz and Conns (43 points) will face the music as they play against a wounded Right Stuff (49) in the 17th round of the Portmore/St Catherine domino league tomorrow. Prozz and Conns are desirous of taking a quarter-final place, but teams such as Exceptional International (42), Eagle View (41), Spring Village (39) and Passagefort United (37) are breathing down their necks. Right Stuff have back-to-back losses to Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) and Caribbean Classic and will want to set the records straight. In other games, ninth-place Spring Village will play an improved ISCF at home Colours face the heat against co-leaders Caribbean Classic (60) at home at Port Henderson Plaza, Eradication are favourites to take the clash over Correctional Services at Gregory Park, Masterpiece square-off with Passagefort United at Old Harbour Road, Black Rooster host Exceptional International at home, Highlight Strikers will feel the breeze against Hurricane at their home ground and Westchester Rudiz should place another tick in the loss column as they entertain Ken's Wildflower at Westchester Avenue. All matches begin at 11:30 p.m.

Hi-Lyte Tennis Open begins today The fifth staging of the Hi-lyte Open Junior Tennis Championships will be held today and tomorrow at Liguanea Club. The tournament is expected to engage approximately 100 of the country's junior players. The level of participation throughout the tournament is expected to give merit to the growing level of the support in Jamaica at the junior level and will address the overall aim at boosting the level of junior tennis islandwide.

Lighthouse Assembly hunt third victory Lighthouse Assembly are shining bright and a win over Jamaica Evangelistic Centre (JEC) will cement their place in the next round of the Power of Faith Ministries Church Football League. The match is the first of a double-header at Hellshire United field and commences at 10 a.m.

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Lighthouse beat Power of Faith (PFM) 2-0 and a hard-fought come-from-behind 2-1 win over Christian Fellowship World Outreach Assemblies have placed them at the top of the standings with six points from two games. JEC are second in the table with three points after their 1-0 victory over PFM. In the second game at the venue, Power of Faith chase their first point of the season as they tackle Miracle Open Bible at the 11:45 p.m.

Jamalco Open quarter-finals The Clarendon Netball Association's Jamalco-sponsored Open League is at its quarterfinal stage. All eight quarter-final games will be hosted at Mineral Heights Sports Complex tomorrow, starting at two p.m. The pairings are: Jamalco vs Fogo A, Cable Pro vs Sewell Lane, Hayes All Stars vs Denbigh A and Manchester High A vs Holmwood A. Defending champions Jamalco and last year's beaten finalists, Cable Pro, are the only teams with perfect records.

Grey Ground, Manchester Academy in Div Two final The 2013 season of the Manchester Division Two football competition will close tomorrow with the playing of the finals and third-place play-offs tomorrow at the Kirkvine Sports Club. Playing the final at 3:30 p.m. will be Grey Ground and Manchester Academy, which won their respective semi-finals last weekend with identical 2-1 scores. Grey Ground got the better of Albion, while Manchester Academy topped Land Settlement. The important thirdplace play-off between Albion and Land Settlement will be played at 1:30. Ordinarily, the focus would be on the final, with both teams guaranteed automatic promotion to the next season's Major League. However, Manchester Academy has been excluded from this privilege since it is really a squad of Manchester High players seeking to gain early daCosta Cup training and are not duly affiliated to any club. Owing to this factor, Grey Ground are already guaranteed promotion and the third-place play-off is now a qualifier for the Major League, with the winner set to move on.

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Pat Anderson Manchester Under-17 Christiana Academy and Manchester Academy are early qualifiers to the knock-out stage of the Pat Anderson Under-17 football competition run by the Manchester Football Association. Both are unbeaten, have perfect win records, and lead their respective preliminary zones. Christiana Academy pumped in six unanswered goals against May Day to claim their fifth straight win and keep their lead in Zone A, ahead of DC Strikers(nine points) and Downs (seven). Manchester Academy have flown high as well, recording four wins from as many matches and are the clear leaders of Zone B with 12 points. Even with two matches to complete, their place in the second round is not in doubt as second-place Greenvale have nine points from four matches and third-place Cross Keys have only six points. The highlight of the week was Comfort's huge 9-2 win over Three Chains, the highest margin of victory in the competition to date. The win has now resurrected Comfort's chances of making the second-round cut from Zone C. Comfort's goals came from Shani Francis, who netted a hat-trick, Doran White and Sheckeil Baker, who both scored twice, along with Roy Rhoden and Ocary Stephenson, one each. However, Comfort (nine) trail leaders Mile Gully and Hillstars, who are both on 10 points.

Manchester Under-15 A new season of the Manchester Football Association Under-15 competition kicked off last weekend at the Kirkvine Sports Club. Sponsorship has been renewed by C&D Construction and Engineering Limited. In the opening game, Downs, behind two goals from Ajay Chin, rallied to gain a 2-2 draw with Villa United. The following game produced the most thrills as Manchester Academy - comprised of players from Manchester High - nailed Alligator Pond 7-0. Alligator Pond, who recently won the Major League in their first year at that level, were also fielding a team for the first time in a youth competition. The final game saw Blue Mountain defeating Mile Gully Youths 3-1.

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New Manchester netball season The long-awaited start of the Manchester netball league will finally get under way at Manchester High today, starting at 11 a.m. The new season had kicked off with a one-day rally last month, with plans to get the league started in two weeks. However, sponsorship hiccups stalled the organisers. However, the local Manchester members of parliament have provided support, in addition to Manchester Co-operative and Pharma Choice Pharmacy. The league is parishwide, but each week the scheduled games will take part in one region. Central will host 12 games, with North West to host the next leg next Saturday. Games on today are: Purple Star vs Mile Gully, Cross Keys vs Legendary, Blazing Strikers vs Royal Flat, Manchester Academy vs Supreme, Greenvale vs Whitby, Swaby's Hope vs Old England, Ginger Hall vs Prospect, Unexpected Angels vs Hasty Gooden, Bellefield vs Ridgemount, Holmwood vs Knox, G-Strikers vs Evergreen and Robins Hall vs Porus.

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In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | June 9, 2012 0 Comments

Manchester Football Association president, Dalton Wint (right), presents the championship trophy to captain Oshane Mullings (third from left) and happy members of the Mile Gully Youth team for winning the Power Services Co Ltd Manchester Under-17 tournament.-photo by Richard Bryan Gleaner beat NWC3-1 in BH football Led by two goals from returning striker Fabian Nethersole, The Gleaner defeated National Water Commission (NWC) 3-1 in Division I of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA)/Western Sports Business House football competition on Thursday afternoon at Winchester Park, North Street. After a goalless first half in which The Gleaner looked more threatening in attack and missed a penalty, Nethersole, playing in his first match since April after being sidelined with injury, struck on the resumption in the 48th minute. He made it 2-0 with another lethal strike in the 65th minute and although NWC pulled back a goal through Marlon Henry (penalty) six minutes later, The Gleaner sealed the issue when the diminutive Locksley Thompson scored in the 82nd minute.

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Red Stripe beatJUTC in BH cricket Red Stripe started the Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO cricket competition for Business House teams on a winning note last Sunday, beating JUTC by 29 runs at the Red Stripe Oval, Spanish Town Road. Batting first, Red Stripe raced to 212 for seven off their 30 overs - Richard Allen 60, Cleon Thompson 37, Marvin Darlington 35, and Andre Bryce 3-40. JUTC made 188 off 27.3 overs - former Jamaica youth cricketer Junior Stewart 75, Gary Pink 35, Glen Stultz 27; and Allen and Doran McLeod 2-41 each. AT MONA BOWL: JNBS defeated BoJ by five wickets. BoJ were 106 all out off 28 overs - Paul Palmer 49, Raymond Ferguson 18, Courtney Dowdi 16; and Dexter Barnaby 4-15 and Shane Brooks 3-16. JNBS made 107 for five off 15.5 overs - Brooks 71 and Roy Williams 2-21. In the third match played in Sunday's opening round, Sagicor defeated Digicel. The action switches to the opening round of the Twenty20 competition tomorrow with three matches scheduled. These are Digicel vs BoJ at Kensington Park at 10 a.m., while two matches will be played at Red Stripe Oval - Red Stripe vs JUTC at 10 a.m. and JNBS vs Sagicor at 2 p.m.

St Ann capture Junior Cup polo Defending champions St Ann Polo Club defeated Kingston Polo Club 8-4 at Drax Hall last Saturday to retain the Junior Cup. The Junior Cup competition dates back to 1908. Craig Russell, who captained the St Ann team, and 16-year-old Tyler Vernon (son of Andy Vernon) scored three goals each for the champions, while Rachel Turner also scored three for Kingston. In addition to Russell and Vernon, the St Ann team was completed by Lesley Fong-Yee and Rory Vernon. The Kingston team comprised Turner, Mitta Rousseau, Jonathan Dougall and Mark Chin. St Ann Polo Club won the Senior Cup three weeks earlier. That competition dates back to 1907.

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Spanish Grain Store win 2-0 Promoted Division II champions Spanish Grain Store blanked defending champions Peak Bottling 2-0 at last Saturday's launch of the KSAFA/Business House five-a-side football competition, which has attracted 64 teams. Goals from Kimarley Simms and Premier League player Roberto Fletcher sealed the issue for Spanish Grain Store. Matches will continue from Monday to Thursday each week at the NWC field in Mona. Meanwhile, Scotiabank won the dress parade yet again ahead of Lascelles and Kirk Distributors.

Eastern stop Rowe's Strikers at skittles launch The Wray & Nephew White Overproof skittles competition was launched on Sunday at Bourbon House, 133 Windward Road, with former champions Eastern All-Stars beating Rowe's Strikers 6-4 in the feature Premier League match. Eastern were playing competitive skittles at their new home, Bourbon House (formerly NCB Bank), near the corner of Windward Road and Mountain View Avenue. Former president of the Press Association of Jamaica, Desmond Richards, is the proprietor of Bourbon House. In other matches played at the venue on Sunday, Mr C clipped Waltham Strikers 6-5 after both were locked at 5-5 going into the 11th and final game, while in Major League action, Lady Strikers crushed Mr C 'B' 6-1 and Olympic Strikers defeated Mystix 6-3. The competition continues tomorrow afternoon with The Dip from Portmore vs Olympic at Bourbon House starting at 1:00, Eastern vs Waltham in the Premier League at 4:00, Lady Strikers vs Dragon at Mr C Spanish Town starting at 1:00, followed by Mr C 'B' vs Mystic at 4:00. In the final set of matches, Starliner will oppose Mr C at Hughenden Plaza, while defending champions Eagles take on Rowe's Strikers in the second match at 4 p.m.

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Portmore set to join semi-final group Unless something extraordinary happens this afternoon, Portmore United, which faces Wanderers in a feature match today at the Cumberland playing field, are expected to join the trio of Cumberland, Daytona and Wanderers in the semi-finals of the LIME-Leander Marshall-sponsored Portmore Under-13 football league. Fourth-place Portmore United (six points), which have a tough final preliminary round match against defending champs Wanderers (seven points) at 4 p.m., can afford a loss as they have a healthy goal difference after last week's 7-0 mauling of Westchester, helped by hat-trick of goals from Zidan Bogle and Raewin Senior. Fifth-place East Portmore Portals (three points), which have a mathematical chance of progressing to the next round, will not have an easy task as they face already qualified Daytona (nine points) in the second game at the venue at 2:30 p.m. In another game, fans can expect a goal feast as leaders Cumberland (10 points) take on pointless Westchester in the opening game at 1 p.m.

100 kids for cricket camp in Portmore Over 100 kids will participate in a Nestle Jamaica Limited-sponsored junior cricket camp for cricketers who will be competing in this year's Portmore Metropolitan Under-15 Cricket League at the Bridgeport sports ground, starting at eight o'clock this morning. The camp, which comes under the Milo brand, is held under the umbrella of the newly formed Portmore Cricket Association and is hosted by the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League (PMCL). Hugh Hinds and Milton Thomas will be the main instructors. Addressing the event will be Wavell Hinds, president of the West Indies Players' Association, Lyndel Wright, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association and Courtney Francis, president of PMCL. Meanwhile, Dr Michelle Holt will address the youngsters on proper nutrition.

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DB Basovak swampFlamingo 9-0 Akeem Gibbons plundered all of five goals as DB Basovak swamped Flamingo 9-0 in a Group A match in the St Catherine Football Association Under-15 Football League last weekend. Gibbons scored his goals in the 23rd, 31st, 56th, 59th and 70th minutes, while Dujohn Powell struck a double (8th, 13th) and Leon Silvera (42nd) and Jerue Ebanks (65th) completed the rout. The win moved DB Basovak to six points from three games. In other Zone A games, leaders Windsor Lions (nine points) blanked St John's 3-0 and Black Lion edged Federal 2-1. Over in Group B, leaders Rivoli United (12 points) chalked up their fourth win in a row as they shocked the St Catherine Football Association Under-15 team 3-2; second-place New Raiders (seven points) had a similar 3-2 win over Village Linx, while De La Vega City drew 1-1 with Royal Lakes.

Portmore SDCCricket heats up The Portmore leg of the all-island Social Development Commission (SDC) Community Twenty20 Cricket Tournament heats up with the playing of the final round-robin games in two venues in the Sunshine City today. At the Portsmouth ground, semi-final bound Portmore Pines (six points), the Zone B leaders, take on Greater Portmore at 10 a.m., while at 2 p.m. Westchester battle Hamilton Gardens. Over in Zone A, Bridgeport, fresh from their six-wicket win over arch-rivals Port Henderson, await Silverstone at 10 a.m. Bridgeport, with two wins from two matches, have already booked their semi-final spot. At 2 p.m., Port Henderson and Belmont Park clash to see which team joins Bridgeport in the semi-final from the group. Both matches will be played at Lime Tree Oval. In matches last week, Pines crushed Westchester by nine wickets. Andre Bryce was the star, as he snatched three wickets and made 42 runs. Westchester made 59 all out and Pines replied with 63-1. Bridgeport defeated Port Henderson by six wickets.

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Port Henderson first made 107-8, then Colours replied with 110-4. Marlon Gardner topscored with 37, while Delroy Morgan hit 33. Shane Brooks (3-21) took most wickets for Port Henderson.

Ken's Wildflower to defend Milo title Ken's Wildflower are fine-tuning preparations as they seek a winning start against newcomers Portmore Pines in defence of the Christine Cummings Cup, as the Milo Portmore Metropolitan Under-15 Cricket League bowls off on Sunday, June 17, at the Bridgeport sports ground. Match time will be 11 a.m. This match will precede an official uniform parade and opening ceremony at 10:00. In other games, former champs Colours International take on Washington CC at Waterford High School, Portsmouth host Cumberland CC at the Portsmouth ground and Hamilton Gardens entertain Reid's Pen at Hamilton grounds. All games begin at 11 a.m.

Mile Gully Youth win Manchester U17 Mile Gully Youth prevailed over their sister-club Mile Gully FC in resounding fashion, hammering them 4-0 to win the Power Services Manchester FA Under-17 championships on Tuesday. Mile Gully Youth is a mixture of youth from the community as well as players from the Mile Gully High School.They are coached by Dwayne Griffiths and Marlon Hylton. In the semi-finals, Mile Gully FC had beaten Cross Keys 2-0, while Mile Gully Youth had a 3-0 victory over Hillstars. However, in the final played at Kirkvine Sports Club, Mile Gully FC were no match for the Mile Gully Youth team, winners of the C&D Construction and Engineering Under-15 League the previous year. Scorers in the final were Steven Thomas (18th minute), Okief Richards (54th) and Alex Cummings (68th). Cummings, a left-sided defender, is a current member of the National Under-17 squad in training, along with his captain and the team's central midfielder, Oshane Mullings.

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Edwards coaches Appleton to St Bess champions Appleton FC crowned themselves champions of the Wray & Nephew-sponsored St Elizabeth Major League, after outlasting Black River FC 3-1 on aggregate following a two-way final. The team is coached by Andrew Edwards, an assistant in the National Under-20 football programme, but also known in these parts as the former successful coach of St Elizabeth Technical. He is set to continue his successful stint in the parish, as he has already been hired to take on coaching duties at Munro College in Malvern. Jamiel Sinclair's lone strike had given Appleton a 1-0 edge in the first leg. Nikoy Smith scored in the 40th minute, before Edward Barrett made the tie safe with another goal in the 55th minute. Three nil up on aggregate, Duane Brown's strike for Black River in the 67th minute merely proved consolidatory. Appleton, by virtue of being champions, will join Super Action as St Elizabeth's second representative in next season's South Central Confed Super League.

Holland lead in St Elizabeth Div 1 Holland are the clear leaders in the St Elizabeth Co-op Credit Union-sponsored St Elizabeth Division One football competition. Following a 2-0 win over Real Santa, Holland moved to 28 points; compiled from nine wins, a draw and three defeats. Round Hill are in second place on 25 points after pipping Northampton 2-1. The defeat allowed Northampton to slip to fourth overall on 21 points. Third place is occupied by Haughton on 22 points after they outscored New Holland 3-1. In other games from last weekend, Prospect outpaced Steppers 3-0, while Longwood and Treasure Beach played to a 1-1 draw.

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Burnt Savannah, Holland Primary in final Burnt Savannah Primary stayed on course to defend the St Elizabeth leg of the Institute of Sports National Primary School League as they are scheduled to meet Holland Primary in the parish final. In the semi-finals earlier this week, Burnt Savannah got the better of Marie Cole Primary 3-0 with goals coming from Brandon Robinson, Roshana King and Ardene Chambers. Holland swamped Lacovia 4-0 in their semi-final, with Roshawn Grant, Jacon Smith, Ronaldo Maitland and Martin James on the scoresheet. James is the leading goalscorer in the competition so far, netting seven goals.

Belair, St Thomas More in Middlesex Prep schools final Belair of Manchester and St Thomas More of Clarendon qualified for the Scotiabank National Prep Schools Cricket competition, following similar semi-final victories on Thursday. Belair, who won the Manchester leg of the competition after completing five victories, easily chased down the 127 posted by Monymusk from their alloted 20 overs. Kershan Wright with a top score of 39 and Romaine Silva with 29 were the backbone of the Monymusk innings, as they were involved in a 77-run fourth-wicket partnership. Michael Stephenson was the top wicket taker for Belair, snaring four, with good support coming from Justin Reid and Shamar Robinson with two wickets each. Belair lost three wickets with Akeem Davis getting a top score of 33. However, Monymusk sent down a whopping 57 extras, mainly wides, which are credited as two for each. St Thomas More of Clarendon successfully chased down the 137 all out posted by Carigappi of Manchester. Malcolm Willis was the top scorer with 30, while there were three wickets for Femi Harris and two each for Jamoy Jackson and Orville Mitchell. When St Thomas More batted, they were also aided by a lot of extras. Jevoney Diah (23) and Harris (21) were the main contributors with the bat.

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Manchester U13 continues today The second round of the Manchester Under-13 competition will be hosted today at Brooks Park starting at 10 a.m. The competition was inaugurated last weekend by the Manchester FA in an effort to boost its performance in the annual summer South Central Junior League, sponsored by Juici-Patties. This age group has been dominated by St Catherine and Clarendon over the years. C&D Engineering, who also sponsors the Under 15 competition, are main sponsors. Only five teams - Mile Gully FC, Mandeville United, Kendal, Mile Gully Youth and Ricam Strikers are participating. However, Dalton Wint, the Manchester FA president, argued that it was more important to begin the competition rather than focus on the number of teams. This, he said, will be improved for next year. Two games were played last week Saturday. Mile Gully Youth and Mandeville United played to a 0-0 draw, while Mile Gully FC cantered to a 6-0 win over Kendal. Kimani Blake scored a hat-trick in that game.

Longsville Park in Clarendon Div 1 second round Longsville Park became the first team across four preliminary zones to book a place in the second round of the Clarendon FA Division One competition. Longsville Park slammed Mineral Heights 4-0 to move to an unassailable 16 points. They have now completed their quota of seven matches in Zone I. The second spot is still up for grabs. Salt River have already completed their fixtures and currently sit in second place on 14 points. Emmanuel Strikers are third on 11 points, but have a game in hand against Cross United (10 pts), who can no longer advance. With a superior goal difference than Salt River, victory in their final encounter will take Emmanuel through to the second round. Zone Two, which has nine teams, remains far from being decided. Summerfield, with 14 points from six games, is the only unbeaten team in this zone. Next are Moore's with 10

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points from six games, Thompson Town with nine from six and Bailey and Baileys with eight from five. Treadlight lead the early going in Zone Three, amassing a perfect win record in four games. Next are Little Brazil with eight points from five matches, followed by Harlem with eight from four and Bucknor with eight from five. Zone Four is similarly difficult to predict with Kemps Hill holding a one-point lead from a record of 13 points from six games, with just one match to go. Comfort are next on 12 points, but have two games left. Black Stars are in third with seven points and three games remaining. Ebony Stars, who have six points with four games remaining, cannot be counted out.

Spartan FC host awards ceremony In an effort to promote proper organisation and motivation for improvement next season, Spartan Football Club held a glitzy season-ending awards ceremony at the Versalles Hotel in May Pen. Spartan won the Clarendon Major League in 2011 and participated for the first time this season in the South Central Confed Super League. Guest speaker was Jamaica Football Federation first vice-president, Dale Spencer, and among the special guests were member of parliament for North Clarendon, where the club is based, Pearnel Charles; his colleague Mike Henry from Central Clarendon; Clarendon FA president Mike Henry; Sonia Beaton, assistant vice-president, First Global Bank; and Ainsley Lowe, managing director of Image One, who provided sponsorship for the evening's proceedings and prizes. During his presentation, Spencer exhorted the club to use the occasion as part of a resolve to better their eighth-place finish in the league. He said the move to organise an awards ceremony, despite their placing, was commendable and shows what is needed for most clubs to attract corporate sponsorship. Among the individual awards were: MVP - Garvin Williams; Jason McKenzie - top marksman; Most disciplined - Romaine Williamson; Most Punctual - Oniel Allen and top defender, Damion Rowe. Vassell Reynolds, Courtney Jackson and Charles Killingbeck were also highlighted for their contributions.

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Napoli, Mineral Heights win big in Jamalco league Napoli and Mineral Heights both registered 4-0 wins as the second week of action continued in the annual Jamalco football league played at Wembley Football Club in Clarendon. Hughan Grey, formerly of Sporting Central Academy and who played for Waterhouse in the latter part of the past season's Red Stripe Premier League, scored a hat-trick in Napoli's demolition of Hunts Pen. To add to Hunts Pen's woes, they provided the other goal the games first, through an own strike. Another Premier League player, Kimroy Davis of Humble Lion, led three other scorers in Mineral Heights' 4-0 win over South Manchester. Other highlights of the second round included a 1-1 draw between Mocho and Port, both goals coming via the penalty spot, and a hot-tempered game between Invincible and Railroad which ended 0-0, but where a total of seven yellow and two red cards were shown. Matches today at Wembley: Savannah vs Top Halse Hall at 2 p.m. and Wembley vs Sunset at 4 p.m. Tomorrow: Harmons vs Juventus at 2 p.m. and Bottom Halse Hall vs Port at 4 p.m.

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | April 6, 2013 0 Comments

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David Bernard Sr (left) receives an appreciation plaque from Mayor of Portmore George Lee, during the awards ceremony of the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League. 12> Jones, Kellier winSista skittles titles Dane Jones from Eagles Strikers and Jacinth 'Gigi' Kellier from Rowe's Strikers emerged the Jamaica Skittles Federation/Sista singles champions of their respective categories at the Bourbon House Sports Bar, 133 Windward Road, last Sunday. Jones defeated former champion Nehemiah 'Fatta' Henry 4-1 in the best-of-seven open singles final to secure the $60,000 prize and trophy, while Kellier, a former president of the Jamaica Skittles Association in the '90s, blanked Camille Clarke 2-0 in the women's final to capture the $10,000 prize. Jones, the former Eagles Strikers captain, twice hit down the 'five pin' in the first game, but rallied to beat Henry 1210-530 in the first game. However, Henry fought back strongly to level the scores in the second game. Jones then came into his own to regain the lead in the third game and proceeded to outclass his opponent by winning four in a row, turning the final into a one-sided affair.

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Jones, who started playing competitively at age 12 in the mid-'90s for Track Price Plus alongside his late father Rocky Jones, pulled and cut some beautiful shots into the difficult major hole and sealed the issue when he occupied the table for most of the fifth game to leave Henry a mere spectator. In the play-off for third, Eagles' captain Clinton 'Fly Up' Thompson defeated Garfield 'Milligram' Samuels from Rowe's Strikers to secure the $20,000 prize. Kellier, meanwhile, said she was happy to have won the title after a nine-year absence from the sport she once governed, returning two years ago.

BH football seasonbegins April 27 The 2013 KSAFA/Western Sports Business House (BH) Football season kicks off on Saturday, April 27, with the one-day five-a-side competition at the Natonal Water Commission playing field, Mona, starting at 10 a.m. Twenty-three teams are expected to compete, 10 in division one and 13 in division two. The competition has attracted two new teams in Metrobade Security, coached by Calvert Fitzgerald, and Continental Enterprise. Both will contest division two. Among the teams in division one are last year's triple champions Petrojam, former champions Scotiabank, Carib Cement and The Gleaner, along with last season's division two champions National Commercial Bank and the runners-up GraceKennedy, both promoted.

Manchester Major League semi-finals Both semi-finals of the 2013 Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Manchester Football Association Major League will be hosted at Kirkvine Sports Club tomorrow. At 3 p.m., Porus take on Mile Gully, while at 3:45, Alligator Pond match strides with three-time champions Downs. Both games will be played on separate fields, but are so scheduled to accommodate viewing by all the camps. In last weekend's final set of preliminary games, Downs condemned Villa United to relegation with a 3-0 win, Porus slammed Comfort 6-1, Mile Gully broke the hearts of Greenvale 1-0, while Alligator Pond outscored Hill Stars 3-2.

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Both Downs and Porus finished on 27 points, but the former have a far better goal differential. Mile Gully's win ended the hopes of Greenvale - who had looked on course two weekends ago - to book a spot to the semi-finals. It was Greenvale's second straight loss, following on the heels of their embarrassing crash against cellar team Hill Stars. Alligator Pond's win continued their excellent first-time run at this level. Downs' experience could prove the difference over Alligator Pond, whom they narrowly defeated in the first round. The return game was drawn. The games between Mile Gully and Porus were shared, with each garnering a victory.

Jamalco back on top Jamalco replaced the development side of Premier League outfit, Sporting Central Academy, as leaders in the Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Clarendon Football Association Major League. Over a week, Jamalco notched their sixth and seventh wins while Sporting had only one scheduled game, which they won 4-0 over Milk River. Sporting are on 19 points, but Jamalco's latest wins took them to 21. They were registered victories against Comfort (5-0) and neighbours New Bowens (1-0) on Thursday. Jamalco's next encounter is against Original Hazard next Monday, but they will have to wait until April 15 for their following fixture, against the development side of Humble Lion. It means Sporting will have ample chances to reclaim the lead atop the standings. In other results from this week's round of matches, Monymusk edged York Town 1-0, Woodhall outscored Summerfield 2-1, so, too, did Original Hazard over Rock River, while Humble Lion and New Bowens ended 0-0.

Albion lead Manchester Div Two Albion surged to the top of the Manchester Football Association Division Two football competition following a 2-1 win over neighbours May Day. It was Albion's third win in four matches. They have displaced early leaders Grey Ground, who have been stuck on seven points.

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In other results earlier this week, Plouden pummelled South Stars 4-0, while Old England had a 1-0 win over Sunset Stars. These results have reshaped the standings, creating a mad scramble for positioning among the 18 teams. Albion, on 10 points, have now opened up a three-point lead on the trio of Grey Ground, Old England and Plouden. A whopping five teams come next on six points, leaving the New Green development side in 10th place on four points. Three teams have three points with Hanbury in 14th place on two points. Of the remaining four, three have a point only, while cellar team Hills United are yet to score.

Jamalco Open League netball The Jamalco Open League netball competition, run by the Clarendon Netball Association, will reconvene tomorrow with round four at Mineral Heights Sports Complex, following a break last weekend because of the Easter holidays. The day's programme, which begins at 1:30 p.m., will see the following matches scheduled in order: Holmwood B vs Bushy Park; Denbigh B vs May Day; Holmwood A vs Fogo Road B; Vere Technical vs Holmwood C ; Old Harbour vs Fogo Road A; Jamalco vs Manchester B; Manchester A vs Hayes All Stars; Glenmuir B vs Cable Pro; Seven Stars vs Sewell Lane; Glenmuir A vs Caanan Heights; Denbigh A vs Chapelton; Central High vs Humble Lion. In the previous round, Jamalco and Hayes All Stars recorded their third straight victories. Jamalco won 23-4 over Denbigh B, while Hayes stamped their class over Glenmuir B, winning 36-6. Second-ranked team Cable Pro, who were absent from the second-round fixtures, garnered their second win in as many matches, 29-9 over Manchester High A. In other results from the third round, Denbigh A completed the widest margin of victory, slamming Fogo Road B 44-1, Fogo Road A taught Vere a lesson, winning 38-7, and Holmwood C embarrassed Old Harbour 38-10. In the remaining set of games, Humble Lion earned their first victory with a 17-14 win over Glenmuir A, Manchester High B got the better of May Day 26-16, Caanan Heights won 19-5 over Central High, while Bushy Park waltzed past Seven Star 22-4.

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Pat Anderson Manchester U17 Mile Gully slammed Blue Mountain 6-0 on Thursday to record the biggest win of the newly renamed Pat Anderson Under-17 football competition, which is run by the Manchester Football Association. Shevon Harriott and Stephen Salmon both scored two goals while there was one each from Andre Wilson and Wanyna Johnson. It was the first game played since the competition opened two weekends ago at the Kirkvine Sports Complex. On that day, Christiana Academy won 3-2 over Downs while Alligator Pond edged Villa 1-0. Three games are scheduled for Monday. At Manchester High, Manchester Academy will meet Cross Keys, at Porus High, the hosts entertain Comfort, while at deCarteret College, DC strikers take on May Day. Anderson, 78, is now retired and is a life member of both the Manchester FA and the governing body for the sport in Jamaica, the Jamaica Football Federation.

Albion, Christian Pen advance to final Favourites Albion United were held 2-2 by a resilient Dunbeholden in the second-leg semi-final of the LIME St Catherine FA Division One Football League at Spanish Town Prison Oval last Sunday. Albion, however, came away with a 5-3 aggregate win to progress to the final where they will meet New Raiders. Mark Morris (sixth) and Sheldon McKay (56th) scored for Albion, while Adrian Williams (24th, 60th), scored Dunbeholden's goals. The first leg ended 3-1 in favour of Albion. Christian Pen needed penalties to stave off the challenge of Old Harbour Bay United in their Major League semi-final tie. Devon 'Brazil' Wilson gave Christian Pen a 67th-minute lead before Jason Grant (76th) forced the game into extra time. The game eventually ended in penalties and Christian Pen prevailed 5-4. They will face DB Basovak in the final.

Three stalwarts receive Wilco Sports awards

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Three stalwarts of cricket in Jamaica received the Wilco Sports Special Achievement Award during the presentation awards ceremony jointly for the Wray & Nephew-sponsored Senior Twenty20 Cricket League and the Milo Under-15 Cricket League at Ken's Wildflower Restaurant and Lounge last Tuesday. This year's recipients were Nehemiah Perry, David Bernard Sr, and Robert Taylor. Perry played for Jamaica Youth in 1980. He represented Jamaica's senior team from 1987 to 2004. He also represented the West Indies from1999-2000, playing four Tests and 21 one-day internationals. In 1999, he played his first Test cricket match for WI at Sabina Park vs Australia, against whom he took five wickets for 74 runs. He also represented Kingston Cricket Club in the National Senior Cup competition from 1984 to 2009. Bernard is the physical trainer for Kensington Cricket Club and Jamaica from 1984 to present. This man has seen a lot of Jamaica's regional victories and is still fit and healthy at age 66. Due to a serious injury, Robert Taylor wasn't able to play the game he loved. However, this didn't deter him one bit. While manager at West Indies Paper Products, he developed players from Boys' Town, Greenwich Farm, Spanish Town Road, Union Gardens and also assembled a champion cricket team at his company, winning the Rankin Cup and the Henriques Cup. He was also able to secure jobs for players, some of whom went on to play for Jamaica and the West Indies. Charles Simpson, the CEO of Wilco Sports, for 14 years, observed these people in the cricket fraternity that have served their respective clubs and Jamaica with "undying love and commitment". Simpson said that, over the years, some of these awardees have served cricket in Jamaica and have not been officially recognised for their efforts.

North St Catherine league Leaders Lluidas Vale (20 points) only need a draw to cop the North St Catherine Football League when they meet second-place Marcus Garvey FC (18 points) at the Brammy

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Clarke Sports Complex in Ewarton, St Catherine, tomorrow, starting at 3:30 p.m. However, a win for chasing Marcus Garvey would see them carving out a memorable title feat. Two other games are on, but they are only of academic interest. FC Technical play the opening game against third-place Palm United (13 points) at the venue at 1:30 p.m., while Benbow United tackle Time and Patience at Cheesefield.

Cumberland cop league title Cumberland FC copped their second trophy in three days, as they won the LIME Portmore Division Two football league after beating Bridgeport 1-0 at Ferdie Neita Park last Sunday. Jovan Hunter's first goal of the season was enough for Cumberland to seize the opportunity after they came into the semi-final as the fourth- seeded team and much wasn't expected of them. The previous Thursday, Cumberland had won the knockout crown. At the end of the match, Bev Melbourne, of the Portmore Football League (PFL), handed over the championship title to winning captain Othneil Lewis, as his delighted teammates looked on. With the win, Cumberland now return to Division One.

PFM Intl set to join Old Harbour in final Four-time champions Power of Faith Ministries (PFM) International are overwhelming favourites to beat Gospel Light House as they play a semi-final game this morning at 10 o'clock at Lime Tree Oavl in the PFM Church Twenty20 cricket league. The final will be played next Saturday. PFM International have in their line-up the destructive batsman Glen Wellington who is expected to get main support from Pete Salmon, a century-maker this season, and Odane Williams. In last Saturday's semi-final clash at Lime Tree Oval, defending champions Old Harbour New Testament advanced to the final with a 34-run win over Portmore Gospel Assembly. Old Harbour batted first and posted a decent 162-6 off 20 overs. Devoy Smith smashed 61, while Andrew Davis (26) provided major support. Andre Bryce (3-25) and Marvin Darlington (2-37) took most wickets for Portmore Gospel Assembly.

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In their turn at bat, Portmore Gospel started well, as two players near the top of the order, Andre Bryce (48 runs) and Marvin Darlington (38 runs) made useful contributions. However, when the wickets started to crumble, the team folded and were restricted to a mere 128-9 in 20 overs. Andre Brown's 4-24 undermined PGA's batting while Miguel Gordon supported with 3-30.

Brother teams clash in domino Brother teams Fort International and Passagefort United will clash tomorrow in the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League at Myrtle Way, Old Passagefort. Fort, which is based a stone's throw away on Passagefort Drive, are favoured to win this contest because of their experience and spanking form. Fort joined three other teams at the top of the standings with 44 points from 12 matches while Passagefort are in 10th place with 28 points. In other games (home teams named first), Masterpiece vs Eagle View, Black Rooster vs Prozz and Conns, Exceptional International vs Correctional Services, Westchester Rudiz vs Caymanas Track, Colours Sports Club vs Eradication, and Highlight Strikers vs Spring Village. All games begin at 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, in a rescheduled match, Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) broke their jinx and snapped a three-game losing streak as they defeated Correctional Services 300-297 in an exciting countdown at Port Henderson Road. ISCF progressed to 34 points and seventh place with the win, while Correctional Services stayed 12th on 26 points. ISCF face another defeat as they play red-hot Caribbean Classic, the 2011 champions, at Classic's home ground.

St Mary FA first-leg semis First-leg semi-final matches in the St Mary Football Association/Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Major League will be played today at the St Mary Sports Complex (Gray's Inn).

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Kicking off the double-header at 2:00 will be Star Cosmos, which finished fourth on 22 points, and Axum, which dominated the preliminaries to finish top of the standings on 36 points. Albion Mountain, which finished third, also on 22 points, will meet second-placed Grays Inn (25 points) in the other semi-final, which is slated to begin at 4 p.m. The return semi-finals will see another double-header, which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10. Again, Axum-Star Cosmos are set to kick off the days proceedings at 2 p.m., followed by Gray's Inn and Albion Mountain at 4:00 p.m. The winners will advance to the final. Final standings: Axum 36, Gray's Inn 25, Albion Mountain 22, Star Cosmos 22, Galina 21, Windsor 16, Frazerwood 11, Albany 10, Highgate Under-21 16 and Rangers 3.

Portland Major League The Portland Football Association Western Union Major League will be looking at finetuning preparations heading into the business end of the championship. With three matches, and four for some remaining, St George's Sports Club have established breathing room at the top of the standings with 31 points, five clear of their nearest challenger, Boundbrook (26). Buff Bay (24) and Eagle Strikers (23) round out what looks certain to be the semi-final grouping as joint fifth-place teams Ujama, Manchioneal and Snow Hill are tied far behind on 13 points. In one of two matches today, Boundbrook will journey to Jones Park to face Manchioneal. Despite the huge gap on the points table, Boundbrook, with the competition's leading marksman, Tyrone Brown (10 goals), cannot be complacent as, while their opponents have been poor defensively - conceding 28 goals - Manchioneal have two of the best strikers in the competition in Kesslon Hall and Rondee Smith, who have netted nine and seven goals, respectively. Additionally, their 21 goals have only been bettered by St Georges' 37. That match is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m., the same time as the day's other encounter between second-from-bottom Norwich (10 points) and Ujama at CASE.

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St Georges and Buff Bay will meet in what should be a more competitive encounter, in a Buff Bay derby at Lynch Park tomorrow, beginning at 3:30 p.m.. Their previous meeting ended in a tie. The other Sunday match, set to kick off at the same time, will pit Eagle Strikers as hosts against Snow Hill at Carder Park.

Ananda Alert: Damion Whyte, 15, missing Published: Friday July 5, 2013 | 12:33 pm 0 Comments An Ananda Alert has been activated for 15-year-old Damion Whyte of Top Sand, Mile Gully District, Manchester. He has been missing since Sunday, June 30. He is of dark complexion, slim build and about 6 feet tall. The police say Damion left home about 9 a.m., and has not been seen or heard from since. He was last seen dressed in a purple shirt, blue jeans pants and a pair of purple shoes. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Damion Whyte is being asked to contact the Cottage Police Station at 384-1582, the Manchester DIU at 625-3423 or 119.

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Oldest woman in the world? published: Wednesday | January 10, 2007

Granny Mary, who is believed to be 128 years old, spends her days in her bedroom in Mile Gully, Manchester. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer Granny Mary received national attention last year when The Gleaner stopped in to pay her a visit. What makes the unassuming little woman special is that she is believed to be 128 years old! The friendly, soft-spoken Granny Mary lives in relative obscurity in a modest home in Mile Gully, Manchester, and is perhaps the community's most popular resident. This is no surprise, because if the rumours are correct, Granny Mary is the oldest person alive anywhere in the world. Though there is little documented proof of the woman's age, almost everyone in the community is convinced that she is indeed 128. "But I don't care what age I am. When God ready for me, I am ready to answer," Granny Mary said. She was a midwife in her younger days and today she is proud to say she helped deliver most of the residents of her community. She loves a good cup of coffee and is

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happy to sit and chat with anyone who wants to hear a bit about what life was like at the turn of the 20th century.

Manchester basic schools to be improved THREE CONTRACTS totalling $4.35 million were signed last Friday by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) in Mandeville, for improvement to three basic schools in Manchester. They are the Evergreen, Mile Gully and Freetown Basic Schools. The contractors are Carlton Bryan, Marcel Knight and Valentine Roach, respectively. Under the contract, the improvement at the Evergreen Basic School will cost $1.88 million. The work will include the expansion of existing classrooms, the erection of separate toilets, a fence around the school, a new staff room and storeroom, completion of the kitchen, and the provision of more furniture and equipment. The rehabilitation project at the Mile Gully Basic School is valued at $1.26 million. There will be improvements to the roof, alteration to the kitchen, toilet and storeroom, replacement of windows and the installation of electrical fixtures. At the Freetown Basic School, the $1.20 million contract will involve the rendering of walls, installation of plumbing and electrical fixtures, doors, windows and class partitions, completion of floor finishing, and the provision of furniture and equipment. Benefit Some 160 students and six teachers are expected to benefit directly from the three JSIF projects. Fay Graham, representative from the JSIF, said the contracts were investments by the Government of Jamaica at the community level. She encouraged the residents in which the

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schools were located "to recognise the benefits of such a programme and support it wholeheartedly". Also in attendance at the signing were Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Horace Williams; Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Works and Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Dean Peart; Councillor Jasmine Dwyer; and Manager of the Social Development Commission (SDC) in Manchester, Grace Campbell.

Change of Shelter location in Manchester - ODPEM

Published: Sunday August 19, 2007 | 12:29 pm 0 Comments The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising that the Mile Gully Primary School in Manchester is no longer being used as a shelter. The alternative facility, the Mile Gully Community Centre, will be opened. The public is reminded that, under the National Shelter Programme, government-owned schools are designated as shelters. Updates on other activated shelters will be sent out as soon as the ODPEMs National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) receives them. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Jamaica as weather conditions begin to deteriorate over sections of the country under the influence of Hurricane Dean. ODPEM says that the progress of Hurricane Dean will continue to be closely monitored by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and ODPEM and updates will be released to the public as soon as new information has been gathered.

Ross Sheil Content Editor

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In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | May 25, 2013 0 Comments

Athletes and volunteers from the University of the West Indies Games 2013 took to Maxfield Park Childrens' Home on Labour Day, Thursday, May 23, for a massive clean-up of the children's home grounds. - Contributed 12> Kingston Book Shop five-a-side champs

Kingston Book Shop clipped CariMed 1-0 to win the Peak Bottling/Western Sports-sponsored Business House one-day five-a-side rally at the National Water Commission (NWC) playing field last Saturday. The winning goal was scored by Barrington Pryce in the 24th minute.

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Kingston Book Shop defender Dino Shaffee was voted the competition's MVP. The champions took home $30,000, and the runners-up $15,000. There were 24 participating teams. Petrojam make winning start in BH football

Defending champions Petrojam defeated last year's Division Two champions National Commercial Bank (NCB) 2-1 at Red Stripe Oval last Sunday to signal the start of the 2013 Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA)/Western Sports Business House football league. Petrojam, defending Division One and KO champions, went ahead as early as the seventh minute with a goal from David Stultz. However, NCB equalised through Delon Dixon in the 81st minute. Not to be outdone, Petrojam got the winner on the stroke of full time through Tyrone Davis. In the Division Two encounter at the same venue, Xerox, led by a hat-trick from Andrew Mendez, defeated Jamaica Fire Brigade 5-2. The annual dress parade was won by Scotiabank ahead of Jamaica Customs and Bank of Jamaica. The competition continued last Monday with Jamaica Fire Brigade blanking Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) 3-0 in Division Two. Red Stripe and Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) played to a goalless draw. On Wednesday, former champions The Gleaner defeated Carib Cement 2-0 at Bull Pen, thanks to goals from Keiron Brock and Fabian Nethersole in the 46th and 90th minutes, respectively. That same afternoon, NWC and University of the West Indies (UWI) played to a 1-1 draw in another Division One encounter. The competition continues today with three matches - Continental Baking Company vs Wray & Nephew at Jamaica College, former champions Scotiabank vs Grace Kennedy in Division One action at Winchester Park, and Wisynco vs Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. All matches start at 4 p.m. St Elizabeth Major League semi-finals

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The second leg of both semi-finals of the Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth Football Association Major League will be hosted tomorrow at New Town Community Centre in Black River. Newell and Tafari Lions will meet in the afternoon's first clash at 1:30. At 3:30, host Black Star take on Holland Police Youth Club. In last weekend's first leg at St Elizabeth Technical High School playing field, Holland and Black Star played to a 1-1 draw. In the second match, former South Central Confed Super League participant, Newell, won 4-2. Newell's excellent advantage was set up by two first-half goals by Charlton Myers. Provisions are in place for extra-time and penalties, if necessary, to decide the winners who will then advance to a two-leg finals play-off. Wray & Nephew Bar domino tourney

The Wray & Nephew White Overproof Domino Bar Promotional competition comes tomorrow with two matches at Blue Grass, 331/2 Rousseau Road. The matches on are Texas Crew vs Blue Star Lounge and New World vs Jin Ping, starting at 1 p.m. Last Sunday at Chelsea Sports Bar, Dazzle defeated One Stop 5-1 and Kool Out also beat Comfitanya by a similar scoreline. Run by the Jamaica National Domino Association, the competition, which commenced eight weeks ago, is being contested by 20 Corporate Area bars. They play in clusters of four at a different venue each week. BH cricket presentationpostponed to June 1

The annual Business House (BH) cricket presentation, which should have been held tonight at LIME Sports Club, Chalmers Avenue, has been postponed to next Saturday. Secretary of the BH Cricket Board Paul Edwards told The Gleaner all was not in place for the presentation to take place tonight as planned. He said the scheduled start of the competition tomorrow has been pushed back as well, to Sunday, June 2, with nine participating teams.

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LIME are defending 50-over league champions. Jamalco are the Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO champions. Eddie Bailey was recently voted president of the BH Cricket Board, replacing Cosmo Grant who did not seek re-election. Manchester Academy tops Pat Anderson U-17

Manchester Academy emerged champions of the 2013 Pat Anderson Under-17 football competition run by the Manchester FA, following a hard fought 1-0 win over Mile Gully in the final. Manchester Academy's win was set up by a first-half strike by Shemar Green. The game was a rough affair with hard tackles and good saves by both goalkeepers. Patron of the competition Pat Anderson was on hand to witness the finals. He told The Gleaner he had mixed views. "It was rough with some surprisingly hard tackling at this level, but I saw good moments of football which I thought can only help build Manchester's football. Just that I am concerned about the age-old problem of not scoring goals, which everyone has to work to solve." He also praised the football programme at Manchester High, as members of the Manchester Academy team attend that school. It was also the second championship win for Manchester Academy, having earlier won the parish's Division Two, fielding members of their upcoming daCosta Cup squad. Victory also ensured Manchester Academy kept intact a perfect win record, unbeaten in eight matches. Manchester netball

The Manchester Netball League takes a break this weekend, as the fourth round, scheduled to be hosted at Holmwood Technical, has been suspended until June 1, 2013. Games scheduled, in order: Hasty Gooden vs Cobbla; Purple Stars vs Porus; Supreme vs Ever Green; Cross Keys vs Swaby's Hope; Bellefield vs Harry Watch; Prospect vs Knox; Holmwood vs Whitby; G-Strikers vs Unexpected Angels; Ridgemount vs Legendary; Santa Cruz vs Greenvale; Mile Gully vs Royal Flat; and Blazing Strikers vs Robins Hall.

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In last weekend's round, hosted at Cross Keys High in South Manchester, five teams Legendary, Supreme, Holmwood and Hasty Gooden and Greenvale secured their third straight wins. Holmwood Technical were most impressive, knocking off Whitby 42-4. It was the highest margin of victory secured so far. Legendary, one-day rally champions, posted a 37-5 scoreline against Ridgemount, Supreme outscored Evergreen 29-22, Hasty Gooden defeated Cobbla 14-9, Greenvale edged guest team Santa Cruz from St Elizabeth 8-6. In other results, G-Strikers turned back the challenge of Unexpected Angels 16-12, and Cross Keys won 15-12 over Swaby's Hope. Porus first

Porus became the first team to notch two straight wins in the 2013 season of the C&D Construction and Engineering Manchester Under-15 football competition, blanking Comfort 3-0. Hillstars, which suffered an opening round 1-2 loss to Porus, rebounded strongly with a 4-0 shutout of Blue Mountain. A new season in the Under-13 competition, also sponsored by C&D Construction and Engineering, kicked off last Saturday at Brooks Park with a dress parade and the first set of matches. Manchester Academy won two matches. They defeated DC Strikers 4-1, courtesy of a hat-trick from Laron Cassanova. They also won 3-1 over Villa United, with Cassanova getting on the scoresheet once. In other results on opening day, Jamie Lawrence's two goals gave Ricam Strikers a 2-0 win over Greenvale United, Mile Gully edged Villa United 1-0. In the lone drawn match, DC Strikers and Greenvale ended 1-1. Sporting Central lead Clarendon Major League

Sporting Central Academy's development squad maintained its firm grip on the Captain Bakery & Grill Clarendon Major League football competition, posting their 13th win in 15 matches with a 5-1 demolition of Rock River. Their other two games ended in draws. Sporting Central lead the standings on 41 points, six more than nearest challengers Jamalco.

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Sporting's performance was in stark contrast to fellow Premier League side Humble Lion, whose development side has struggled in this league. Humble Lion won 3-0 over New Bowens recently, their fifth win. They lie ninth in the standings and have a negative goal difference, having conceded 20 and scored 16. On Tuesday, Jamalco earned their 11th win - a 1-0 victory over Milk River. In other results, Comfort stayed third on 30 points following a 2-0 win over Original Hazard, Woodhall edged York Town 1-0, and Monymusk stunned Summerfield 3-0. Lighthouse, JEC showdown

Lighthouse Assemblies will try to avenge a 3-2 preliminary-round loss to Jamaica Evangelistic Centre (JEC) in the final of the Power of Faith Ministries Church Football League at Hellshire playing field this morning at 11. JEC advanced to the final after a 1-1 draw with Miracle Open Bible (MOB) in the final preliminary round game last weekend. Dwayne Simon (fifth) scored for JEC. Kemar Phillips (60th) equalised for MOB. JEC, which needed to avoid defeat to advance to the final, finished second in the prelims with eight points, one behind leaders Gospel Light House. Portsmouth, St John's face-off in Primary League

Portmore Zone winners Portsmouth Primary will next Tuesday face the Rest-of-St Catherine champs, St John's Primary, in the Round-of-16 stage of the Institute of Sports (Insports) LIME St Catherine Primary Football League at Spanish Town Prison Oval. Match time 10:00 a.m. Portsmouth took the Portmore title after defeating Waterford 1-0. St John's Primary defeated McCauley 2-0 in the Rest-of-St Catherine final. The winner of this match will advance to the quarter-finals. Alexter Johnson, will be Portsmouth's trump card. He has scored eight goals in nine matches. Defending champs face nemeses in quarters

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Defending champs Right Stuff take on arch-rivals Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) in a quarter-final game in the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League at Garveymeade Sports Club tomorrow morning. ISCF finished the preliminaries in fourth spot and face fifth seed ISCF, a team that nipped them 300-299 in a preliminary-round game earlier in the season. The battle should be fierce and this game could go either way. In other games, Fort International, the number-one seed, and Passagefort United, ranked eighth, face-off at Mattis Bar, Cedar Grove, second-seed Caribbean Classic knock cards with seventh-seed Prozz and Conns at Bayside and third-seed Eradication play sixthseed Exceptional International at Portmore Avenue. All games begin at 11:30. Meadows, Old Harbour on top

Meadows and Old Harbour Bay United are early leaders in Zone B of the LIME St Catherine FA Under-15 football league after three rounds of matches. Both clubs have notched nine points from three games. In matches last weekend, Meadows fought hard to get past Federal 2-1, and Old Harbour Bay United blanked Royal Lakes 3-0. In Zone B, a St Catherine FA Under-15 squad is locked at the top with seven points alongside Rivoli United, who have the same number of points. Both teams were in spanking form over the weekend. The St Catherine FA U-15 squad thumped Flamingo 4-0, and Rivoli United whipped New Raiders 4-1. Cumberland hunt another win

Red-hot Cumberland go in search of their fourth win of the season as they face Naggo Head in the third round of the Leander Marshall Portmore Under-13 Football League in the opening match of a triple-header at Cumberland High School playing field tomorrow at 1 p.m. Cumberland defeated defending champs Portmore United, Edgewater and Westchester with 1-0 wins. Last Thursday, Cumberland edged Westchester, the bottom club, 1-0, through a Javon James goal. Edgewater and Portmore ended 0-0. In the day's second game at the venue, newcomers Edgewater tackle East Portmore Portals at 2:30 p.m. The last encounter at 4 p.m. pits Portmore United against bottom club

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Westchester. Cumberland lead the tables with maximum nine points. Portmore lie second with seven and Edgewater are third on four.

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | May 11, 2013 0 Comments BH football season begins today

After two postponements, the 2013 KSAFA/Western Sports Business House (BH) football season is set to commence today with the one-day five-a-side competition at the National Water Commission playing field, Mona, starting at 10 a.m. Twenty-one teams are expected to compete in the league, 10 in division one and 11 in division two. Among the teams in division one are last year's triple champions Petrojam, former champions Scotiabank, Carib Cement and The Gleaner, along with last season's division two champions NCB and the runners-up GraceKennedy, both promoted. Two new teams will come aboard - Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Metrodade Security - both in division two. Scotiabank Group are defending champions for today's one-day competition. Wray & Nephew Bar domino tourney

The Wray & Nephew White Overproof Domino Bar Promotional Competition continues tomorrow with two sets of matches at different venues. The matches on are Cool Out Sports Bar vs Chelsea Sports Bar, Comfitanya vs One Stop Bar in Cluster Three. Both matches will be played at Dazzle Pub, 72 Mannings Hill Road.

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The matches scheduled for tomorrow in Cluster Four are New World vs Blue Grass and Jin Ping vs Texas Crew, both at New Star Lounge, 56 Windward Road. All matches start at 1 p.m. Last Sunday, Dazzle Pub crushed Cool Out Sports Bar 6-0, while Comfitanya and Chelsea Sports Bar played to a 3-3 tie. Run by the Jamaica National Domino Association, the competition, which commenced seven weeks ago, is being contested by 20 Corporate Area bars. They play in clusters of four at a different venues each week. Sparrow Roost from Red Hills Boulevard emerged winners of Cluster One. Continental Baking make winning start

Defending division one champions National Continental Baking Company made a winning start in the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Business House (BH) domino competition on Friday, May 3, defeating home team J. Wray & Nephew White Rum 135-123. Also starting on a winning note were former champions The Gleaner, Seprod and Berger. The Gleaner beat JPS 141-122 at Hunts Bay, Seprod defeated Jamaica Brandy 125110, and Berger clipped Kingston Wharves 139-136. The matches between Jamaica Urban Transit Company and Courts, Social Development Commission and University of the West Indies were postponed because of bad weather. In division two, Jamaica Observer defeated First Heritage 148-139, BoJ beat Kirk Distributors 112, Carib Cement stopped Ministry of Finance 121-110, National Housing Trust (NHT) beat CariMed 144-138, and STATIN got by Nutrition Products 133-111. Play in both divisions continues every Friday. Eddie Bailey new BH cricket president

Eddie Bailey, who for many years has been closely associated with Kensingston Cricket Club, is the new president of the Business House (BH) Cricket Board. He was elected unopposed at the board's annual general meeting on Monday at LIME Sports Club, Chalmers Avenue, replacing Cosmo Grant, who did not seek re-election after eight consecutive years as president.

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Oscar Hamilton, who played alongside Bailey on numerous teams at Kensington, was returned unopposed as first vice-president, as was Paul Edwards as secretary, while Carlton Johns was elected second vice-president and Hervin Rowe, treasurer. Viviene Daley-Adams was elected assistant secretary and treasurer. Committee members are Kerry Scott, Franz McKnight, Lionel Morant, Quinnue McKinson and Roxvonne Stevens. The 2013 Business House cricket season is scheduled to start on Sunday, May 26 with the annual awards presentation function slated for Saturday, May 25 at Chalmers Avenue, starting at 7 p.m. LIME are defending 50-over league champions and Jamalco the defending Best Dressed 30-over KO champions. Jamalco Netball Open semi-finals tomorrow

The semi-finals of the Clarendon Netball Association's Jamalco-sponsored Open League will be played tomorrow at Mineral Heights Sports Complex, starting at 3 p.m. However, the day's proceedings will begin at 2 p.m. with an outstanding quarter-final game between Jamalco and Fogo Road High. That game had to be postponed because of a funeral that was attended by members of the Jamalco team. In quarter-final matches played last weekend, Cable Pro netted the most hoops on the day in a 37-20 win over Sewell Lane, Hayes All Stars outscored Denbigh A 26-20-while Holmwood A edged parish-mates Manchester High 27-20. Holmwood will be up against Cable Pro in tomorrow's first semi-final, while Hayes await the winner of the Jamalco Fogo Road quarter-final. Manchester Academy win Division Two final

Manchester Academy, featuring members of Manchester High School's daCosta Cup squad, won the 2013 Manchester Division Two football competition following a come-frombehind 2-1 win over Grey Ground.

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Grey Ground opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Dennis Hartley, but Manchester Academy stormed back with the equaliser in the 35th minute by Denroy Miller. Ramon Cobrey sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike. The league will close tomorrow with the final and third-place play-offs at Kirkvine Sports Club. The loss for Grey Ground did not affect their promotion to the Major League as Manchester Academy is not an affiliated club. Land Settlement secured the other automatic promotion spot to the Major League, after defeating Albion 4-3 on penalties in the third-place play-off. The two had battled to an 0-0 scoreline after regulation and extra time. Pat Anderson U17 quarter-finals

The Pat Anderson Under-17 football competition, run by the Manchester Football Association, is at its quarter-final stage with all four matches scheduled today for Kirkvine Sports Club. At 1:30 p.m., Christiana face Hillstars and Mile Gully go up against DC Strikers. At 3:30, it will be Manchester Academy against Comfort and Downs vs Greenvale. To close the preliminary round, Christiana Academy won Zone A with a perfect win record in five matches and finished ahead of Downs, who had 10 points. Zone B was won by Manchester Academy, also with a perfect win record from five games. They edged out Greenvale, who had only one loss. Mile Gully, with three wins and a draw, won Zone C ahead of Comfort. Hillstars from Zone C and DC Strikers from Zone A got the nod in the quarterfinals as best two third-place teams. Manchester netball round-up

The Manchester Netball League got under way at Manchester High last weekend, following an absence of 12 years. A whopping 23 teams showed up on opening day and the numbers could be increased for today's round, which will be hosted at Mile Gully Sports Complex. Starting time will be 11 a.m., with matches designated for half an hour. President of the Manchester Netball Association Kadeanne Holness said the plan was to play one full round of matches each week at a particular venue. With organised netball

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absent so long from the parish, the objective was to get each region excited, as well as to generate spectator support. There has been a sponsorship shortfall, with contributions so far coming from the local Manchester members of parliament, Manchester Cooperative and Pharma Choice Pharmacy. In last weekend's action, the lone representative from St Elizabeth, Santa Cruz Stars, achieved the highest margin of victory with a 35-2 baptism of Prospect. Also achieving high scores were Greenvale, who whipped Whitby 33-2, Holmwood, who defeated Knox High 348, and Unexpected Angels, who won 28-6 over Hasty Gooden. Final scores: Mile Gully 15, Purple Stars 10, Legendary 20, Cross Keys 8, Blazing Strikers 15, Royal Flat 5, Supreme 17, Manchester Academy 13, Bellefield 15, Ridgemount 6, G-Strikers 13, Evergreen 10, Old England 15 and Swaby's Hope 6. Passagefort poised to advance

Passagefort United (41 points) are poised to take the eighth and final quarter-final spot in the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League tomorrow as they face last-place Westchester Rudiz (six points) in a home game at Myrtle Way, Old Passagefort. Last Sunday, Passagefort had a convincing 300-266 win over out-of-contention Masterpiece. Ninth place Eagle View (41 points), 10th place Spring Village (39) and 11th place Hurricane (37 points), with two games in hand, also have slim chances of taking the final quarter-final spot. If there is a tie for eighth, Passagefort hold the edge as they have beaten both Eagle View and Hurricane in the preliminaries. Other games on tomorrow are (home teams named first): Prozz and Conns vs Caribbean Classic, Right Stuff vs Masterpiece, ISCF vs Colours, Exceptional International vs Hurricane, Fort International vs Spring Village, Correctional Services vs Highlight Strikers, and Ken's Wildflower vs Black Rooster. Next week Sunday is set aside for the rescheduled games, and May 26 is when the quarter-finals begin. Lighthouse, JEC lead pack

Lighthouse Assemblies and the Jamaica Evangelistic Centre (JEC), the top two teams in the Power of Faith Ministries Church Football League, are set to advance - once they get

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past opposing teams Miracle Open Bible (MOB) and Christian Fellowship World Outreach Assembly - at Hellshire United playing field, today. Lighthouse play MOB at 10 a.m., while JEC tackle Christian Fellowship at 11:45. The top two will play in the final of the five-team competition. Last Saturday, JEC moved to maximum six points from two games, the same as Lighthouse, which have played three games. Leon Simmonds (3rd, 22nd) and Morris McLean (48th) scored for JEC, while Hanief Grandison (7th, 59th) netted for Lighthouse. Third-place MOB (four points) gave Power of Faith their third loss of the season as MOB won 1-0 through Ramone Howell's goal. JABBFA to host workshop

A workshop for contestants, both men and women, in this year's Jamaica Body Building and Fitness Association (JABBFA) Championships will take place at Fit Farm Fitness Club, 2 Upper Braemar Avenue, Kingston 5, on Saturday, May 11, starting at noon. Contestants will learn the rules related to posing and attire for the stage. For further information call Angella Johnson, general secretary, JABBFA at 469-0296. May 30 is the deadline for entries.

Manchester, the untold story (Part I) published: Wednesday | October 8, 2008

The historic St Mark's Anglican Church - Photo by Peter Kavanaugh MANDEVILLE, Manchester: Historical records seem to indicate that the parish of Manchester, and in particular the town of Mandeville, was created on December 13, 1814. Manchester was created as a result

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of representations made by residents of Mile Gully, May Day and Carpenters Mountain, who petitioned the local Assembly, headed by the then governor, the Duke of Manchester, for the establishment of a new parish with a town capital that would provide for their religious, civic and judicial needs. Legacy At that time, the petitioners pointed out that the nearest parochial and public buildings were 40 miles away (a considerable distance to walk or ride to pay taxes) and there was no church. The Duke wasted no time, and so, very much like the infamous Roman Emperor Nero, promulgated the necessary legislation as his intention was to leave a living and lasting legacy of his presence and that of his house and by extension the name of his favourite son, Viscount Mandeville, on the island. And so, in very short order, a new parish was formed from sections or parts of St Elizabeth, Clarendon and Vere. The parish capital, Mandeville was established in the early part of 1816 and by July 4, the vestry (parish council), comprising two elected churchwardens, 10 elected vestrymen, the custos, rector and magistrates, was established. Justice This body, the municipal authority, had the functions of administering justice in petty matters and taking care of the parish church. On August 27, the vestry agreed on construction of a courthouse, a parsonage, a gaol or workhouse, and a church and by the very next year, 1817, secured 110 acres from Robert Crawford, Esquire, for the laying out of the town. Not very long after the new town became one of the four hill stations for the army in Jamaica and a haven for English settlers who found it the closest place to home in Jamaica. In its early years, Manchester's population was never as big as her neighbouring "parent parishes" primarily because sugar was not grown there. However, the main route through the island from Kingston to Negril Point ran through south Manchester, and the general area was very popular because of its cool year-round climate, and relatively pristine beauty.

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'Red gold' One can perhaps safely assume that the Duke of Manchester, even in his wildest dream, could not have possibly foreseen that in 2008, nearly 194 years later, Mandeville and Manchester would have become the hub of central Jamaica because of discoveries such as 'red gold', that is bauxite, as well as other commercial developments, advances in science and technology and also agriculture. See Part 2 of this feature in the Saturday Gleaner. In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | January 14, 2012 0 Comments

Damion Bryce (left) of Portmore Pines, the top batsman in the league, accepts the Lynden Wright Trophy from Courtney Francis, chairman of the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League, during an awards presentation atop the roof of Ken's Wildflower Restaurant and Bar, Port Henderson Road, on Wednesday, January 11. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer 12> Eagles on top in Pattex Cup skittles

Former champions Eagles defeated home team Mercury 10-3 in the Pattex Cup skittles competition, as play resumed following a break during the holiday season.

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Playing in Zone 'B' of the competition, Eagles lead the overall standings with 72 points, ahead of Zone 'C' leaders Mister C on 69 and Zone 'A' leaders Waltham Strikers, 63 1/2 points. In other matches played last Sunday, Waltham beat former champions Eastern All Stars 10-3 in Zone 'A', Starliner also beat Eastern in a rescheduled match on the same afternoon, while Dragon clipped Mister C 7-6 at Olympic Gardens Skittles Club, where the home team drubbed Mystix 10-3. A rescheduled match between Zone 'B' campaigners Willies Strikers and Rowe's Strikers will be played tonight at Waltham Strikers Skittles Club. The competition continues tomorrow afternoon with the following matches: Waltham vs Starliner at Eastern All-Stars Skittles Club, 105 Windward Road; Mercury vs Rowe's Strikers in the first match and Eagles vs Willies in the second match at Willies Strikers Skittles Club, Three Miles; while Olympic will oppose Dragon and Mister C vs Mystix at Mister C Skittles Club in Spanish Town. Meanwhile, the Sistas singles championship is scheduled to start on February 12. Pool tourney in Linstead

The Triple Diamond Sports Bar in Linstead, St Catherine, will today host a one-day open pool tournament (eight-ball) starting at 3 p.m. The tournament offers a first prize of $20,000, second $10,000 and third $3,000, while entry fee is $1,000. Daytona, Westport battle in Ascot

Joint leaders on points, Daytona (seven), will bring their hot streak to Westport in a LIME St Catherine FA Portmore Division Two football league match at the Ascot High School field tomorrow, match time 3 p.m. Daytona are under new coach, Jason Grant, and the team has two wins in as many matches under his guidance. Their top striker, Glenford Reynolds, has already scored four goals and will give the Westport defenders a torrid time. In the second game at the venue, Braeton United take on Garveymeade at 3 p.m.

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A double-header is slated for the Hellshire field, as homesters Hellshire United square off with Westchester at 1 p.m., while at 3 p.m. East Portmore Portals have a fairly easy task against struggling Bridgeport. Fort, Classic in mega clash

This is what the fans have been clamouring for all season, a Fort-Classic matchup. Defending champions Caribbean Classic will travel to the den of former title holders Fort International on Passagefort Drive in the biggest preliminary-round game in the Impulse-sponsored Portmore/St Catherine Domino League tomorrow morning. Although a title is not at stake, bragging rights and psychological advantage will be. Fort, who got by ISCF 300-289 last Sunday, lead the standings with 28 points, while Classic are fourth on 24 points from six matches. In another big game, second-place Right Stuff travel to fifth-place Ackee Pod, joint second-place Hurricane challenge Colours Sports Bar at Port Henderson Plaza, Passagefort United oppose Ken's Wildflower at Myrtle Way, Masterpiece host Caymanas Track at Old Harbour Road, Garveymeade welcome Black Rooster at Garveymeade Sports Club, Westchester Nuckuz oppose Correctional Services, while Seamaster play ISCF at home. Bryce rewarded for record-breaking year

Portmore Pines' top batsman Damion Bryce was recognised for his record-breaking season in the just-concluded Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum Portmore Cricket League at an awards function atop the roof of the Ken's Wildflower Restaurant and Lounge on Wednesday. Bryce, who smashed a record 140 runs against Portsmouth in the preliminaries and plundered over 500 runs for the season, grabbed four awards. Bryce shared the spotlight with Reid's Pen's Under-15 Milo League player Courtney Dowdie, who also copped four awards. Bryce missed the final because he was engaged in a Twenty20 match for his parish team Manchester, and the team lost to Colours, whose captain, Ralston Nelson, with 72 runs, copped the MVP of the final award. Bryce's awards included best batting average, most aggregate runs, most wickets, and most runs in a match. Dowdie's awards: most wickets, best all-rounder, most wickets in a match and Under-15 player of the year . Colours' junior

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player, Marlon Perkins, copped three awards - best batting average, top aggregate, most runs in a match. Portsmouth's Javian McFarlane was the MVP of the junior final. The guest speaker was Pat Rousseau, former president of the West Indies Cricket Board. Portsmouth won the Under-15 Milo title and received the Christine Cummings Cup, while Colours International, who copped the senior title for the fourth time, raised the Tony Becca Cup. They also pocketed $80,000. Runners-up Portmore Pines received $50,000. Rivoli poised for Confed lead

The leadership in the South Central Confed Super League could swing Rivoli's way after two rescheduled games are played this weekend in the South Central Confed Super League. Rivoli, who trail their parishmates by one point, will travel to Brooks Park in Mandeville to face New Green. The second matchup will be hosted in St Catherine where Newland await Downs of Manchester. Following last weekend's fifth round of matches, last year's beaten finalists, Meadows, maintained the lead in the South Central Confed Super League following a 2-0 win over Newland. Meadows moved to 13 points with Spartan of Clarendon third on eight points. In addition to Meadows, three other teams recorded wins last weekend. Anthony Greenland's lone strike gave Rivoli a 1-0 win, their fourth of the season. Rivoli have scored seven goals while conceding just one. Royal Lakes netted the biggest margin of victory - hammering Bodles 4-0, while Naggo Head outscored Super Action 3-1 and Downs ruined debutant Spartan's good run with a 2-1 win. The wins for Royal Lakes and Naggo Head lifted them to seven points, and a three-way tie with Bodles. Downs' win took them off the dreaded cellar spot, moving them to four points and ahead of parishmates New Green and Newland. Manchester Major League round-up

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Former champions Mile Gully, vastly improved Comfort Youth Club, as well as newcomers Cobbla Gully, will chase two straight wins when the second round of The Captain's Bakery-sponsored Manchester Major League is played this weekend. Mile Gully will travel to Porus to play the hosts today at 3:30 p.m., while Comfort will take on Kendal at Kirkvine Sports Club tomorrow. Two other games will see Cobbla Gully tackling Georges Valley at Brooks Park today, while tomorrow at the same venue Star Liner will begin the new season against Villa United. The latter game will be played at 1 p.m. as the curtain-raiser to the Confed Super League encounter between hosts New Green and Rivoli. In last weekend's first round of matches which were hosted entirely at Kirkvine as part of an all-day extravanganza, Comfort defeated Georges Valley 2-0, Cobbla Gully made a winning debut at this level, edging Porus 2-1, Kendal and Villa United drew 2-2, while in the day's feature, Mile Gully outscored Hillstars 3-2. Mile Gully striker Shane Cousins is the early leading goalscorer after netting two first-half goals. Clarendon Major League

The Clarendon Major League will kick off next Saturday at the Four Paths community field. However, there is a major change to the sponsorship, with communication network Claro absent and Captain's Bakery the exclusive sponsors. Next week's start will involve an official opening ceremony, dress parade of all teams and two football matches at the same venue. Promoted Jamalco who will also represent the parish in the upcoming National Knockout competition will feature in the opening game, while hosts Four Paths FC will headline the other. MRPC season begins tomorrow

The new season of the Manchester Rifle and Pistol Club (MRPC) will shoot off tomorrow at its Lincoln Range at 10 a.m. Since the start of the new year, in-house matches on Sundays and Wednesdays have been played. However, tomorrow's tournament will be the first official tournament featuring both club members and shooters from across Jamaica.

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The contest will feature six stages and will attract shooters in all ranks in the Limited division. As usual, the centre of attention will be around the performances of national representative Orville Henriques, as well as top-ranked female Sue Ann Henriques. Several of the competitors will be vying for spaces on the club team that will travel to the US next month for the Florida Open. The organisers have promised free refreshment for patrons and competitors. Old Harbour Bay whipped 3-0 by Frazer's

Old Harbour Bay's cinderella run came to a crashing end as Frazer's Whip defeated them 3-0 in the opening semi-final of the LIME St Catherine FA 'Happy' Sutherland knockout at the Prison Oval last Wednesday. Alton Brown (65th), Orlando Stewart (70th), and Phillip Biggs (90th) scored for Frazer's. Portmore United, though playing with 10 men for the entire second half, after John Ross Doyley was shown a red card, booted Portmore rivals Rodwood 1-0 in the feature semifinal match. Tevin Skyers scored the all-important game in the 76th minute. The final is set for Wednesday, January 25.

Arnett, Tivoli face off tonight Published: Monday February 11, 2013 | 2:56 pm 0 Comments Arch-rivals Tivoli Gardens and Arnett Gardens will face off at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex today when the Red Stripe Premier League Monday Night fixture resumes. The game is scheduled to kick off at 9 o'clock and is the opening match in the third round for both teams. Arnett Gardens, who are in third place will try to join second place Portmore United on 38 points, while Tivoli Gardens need victory to move from ninth to eighth place.

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Meanwhile, Harbour View opened up a 10-point lead atop the table yesterday after defending champions Portmore United were held to a surprised 1-1 draw by bottom place Savannah at Ferdie Neita Park in the late match. Earlier in the day, Harbour View recorded a 2-1 home victory against Montego Bay United at the Harbour View Stadium to move to 48 points. Waterhouse under new coach Anthony Patrick had to settle for an away goalless draw against second-from-the-bottom Highgate United at Drax Hall in St Ann. In the other opening games in the third round, Boys' Town beat Cavalier 1-0 at Collie Smith Drive, while the Clarendon-derby between Humble Lion and Sporting Central ended in a 1-1 draw at Effortville Community Centre. Meanwhile, former Premiership campaigners Mile Gully won the Manchester Football Association/Captain's Bakery Major League mid-season final yesterday at Brook's Park. Mile Gully defeated former Super League campaigner Downs FC 2-1 in the final.

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | June 16, 2012 0 Comments

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Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (second left) makes a presentation of uniforms to Baldon Todd (second right), captain of the Majesty Gardens Legends basketball team, and other team members (from left) Steven Rookwood, Jalan Golding and Oneil Francis, on Wednesday. The presentation was made possible through the Constituency Development Fund allocation to the South West St Andrew Development Fund. The team is now participating in the National Basketball League. Todd assured the prime minister, who is also member of parliament for the area, that the team would be good representatives of the community. Also participating is Councillor Karl Blake (third right) of the Greenwich Town division. - Contributed 12> Red Stripe beat JUTC in 20/20

Red Stripe opened the 20/20 Business House KO cricket competition on a positive note last Sunday, defeating Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) by 32 runs in one of two matches played at Red Stripe Oval on the day. Batting first, Red Stripe raced to 189 for five off their 20 overs, with former Jamaica player Wayne Cuff scoring an unbeaten 52, Richard Allen 34, Marvin Darlington 26; as Junior Morrison took 2-35. JUTC replied with 152 off 19 overs. Morrison, who opened the innings, scored 72, Glen Stultz 18; while Conejo Tappin took 5-23 and Cuff 2-21.

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In the other match at Red Stripe Oval, Sagicor defeated JNBS by seven wickets. JNBS 102 off 18.3 overs - Kerry Scott 29, Shane Brooks 21; Anthony Wadsworth 5-12, Kemar Marshall 2-5. Sagicor 103 for three - Mitchell 44, Ralston Nelson 41; Roje Barrett 2-16. AT KENSINGTON PARK: Digicel defeated Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) by 79 runs. Digicel 153 for eight - Lloyd Gould 45, J. Powell 35; Paul Palmer 3-35. BoJ 78 all out off 10 overs Raymond Ferguson and Royal Williams 17 each; A. Palmer 4-4. Play switches to the sixth round of the Reggae Jammin 50-over league tomorrow with five matches scheduled. Defending champions National Housing Trust (NHT) will oppose Red Stripe at Mico, Jamaica Broilers vs National Water Commission (NWC) at Spring Village, Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) vs LIME at Mona Bowl, Sagicor vs BOJ at Emmet Park, and Digicel vs JUTC at Kensington Park. All matches start a 10 a.m. Eagles clip Rowe's in skittles match

Defending champions Eagles clipped Rowe's Strikers 6-5 in a home match at Hughenden Plaza last Sunday, in second-round action of the Jamaica Skittles Federation White Overproof Rum competition. This was one of three close results among top Premier League teams on Sunday. Former champions Eastern All-Stars also nipped Waltham Strikers 6-5 in a home match at Bourbon House, 133 Windward Road, while Mr C 'A' clipped Starliner 6-5 at Eagles. In other matches played, Mr C 'B' defeated Mystix 8-3 at Mr C in Spanish Town in Major League action, Lady Strikers defeated Dragon 6-4, also at Mr C, while Olympic Strikers beat The Dip from Portmore 6-3 at Bourbon House. The matches scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed owing to funeral for the late Mystic and Rowe's Strikers female player, Sonia Blair, who died recently after a short illness. The Jamaica Skittles Federation has extended condolences to her family. The Gleaner edge Red Stripe in KO football

Defending champions The Gleaner made a successful start in the Scotiabank Groupsponsored Business House KO football competition when they clipped Red Stripe 1-0 in firstround action at Red Stripe Oval on Tuesday.

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In a hard-fought contest, The Gleaner got the all-important goal from Chadwyck Vassell in the 89th minute, to advance to the next round. On the same day, Wisynco defeated home team NWC 2-0 with a goal in either half from Calbert Coke and former Premier League player Girvan Brown. And in the third KO match on Tuesday, Carib Cement clipped NHT 1-0, thanks to a late goal from Orlando Lowe. Two other first-round matches are scheduled for today - BOJ vs Norman Manley International Airport at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, and Division I league champions Petrojam vs Grace Kennedy at Tinson Pen. Both matches start at 3:30 p.m. Fire Brigade on top in BH domino

Jamaica Fire Brigade assumed sole leadership of the White Overproof Rum Division I Business House domino competition on Friday, June 8 when they defeated The Gleaner Company 148-134 in a home match at York Park Fire Station. It was the second time that the firemen were having the measure of The Gleaner. They beat them decisively as well in the first round at The Gleaner Sports Club, North Street, some weeks ago. Fire Brigade have now won four of their five matches, while five-time champions The Gleaner have lost two and won three to remain in contention for a quarterfinal spot. In other Division I matches played, defending champions Social Development Commission (SDC) beat National Baking Company 141-132, former champions Seprod whipped Wray & Nephew 126-101, Jamaica Brandy stopped Kingston Wharves 148-122, while National Commercial Bank (NCB) clipped former champions Berger 145-144 in an upset victory. In Division II, Churches Credit Union beat Pepsi 159-145, UWI defeated Tropical Battery 141-139, NHT beat Tastee 149-130, and Carib Cement stopped The Jamaica Observer 134-131. Mile Gully win Manchester U15

Mile Gully FC defeated Hillstars 2-1 to win the C&D Construction and Engineering Manchester Under-17 football championship on Wednesday.

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Mile Gully FC utilise players drawn from Manchester High youth teams and is coached by current daCosta Cup coach Sheldon Davis. In the semi-finals, Mile Gully FC had beaten Cobbla Gully Strikers 3-0, courtesy of goals from Romario Renford, Kareem Walker and Kimani Blake. Hillstars had secured their passage with a 2-0 win over Villa United, with Jarvis Matthis and Malik Gordon scoring. In the final at Kirkvine Sports Club, Hillstars had a dream start when Matthis scored in the second minute for a 1-0 lead. Hillstars maintained their lead until the second half when Mile Gully took over control of the match. Mile Gully FC's comeback began with Aquile Davis 56th- minute strike, before Renford found the game's winner with two minutes remaining, in the 80th minute. New Holland to host St Elizabeth Div 1 semis

The New Holland Community Centre will host the semi-finals of the St Elizabeth Co-op Credit Union-sponsored St Elizabeth Division One football competition tomorrow. The day's proceedings features a double-header which will kick off at 1:30 p.m. with a matchup between home team Holland Police Youth Club and Northampton, while at 3:30 p.m., Round Hill will face Houghton. In the last week's final preliminary matches, Round Hill secured their spot as second best team with a 4-1 win over Middlesex. Houghton defeated Northampton 2-0, but the two also secured semi-final spots. Holland PYC ended as the top team with a 3-0 win over Longwood. In previous matches between the four, Northampton had beaten Holland PYC 1-0, while Round Hill and Houghton had played to a 0-0 draw. The two teams making the finals will automatically qualify for next season's Major League. Holland, St Elizabeth Primary champions

Holland Primary ended the reign of Burnt Savannah Primary as champions of the Victoria Mutual Building Society's (VMBS) St Elizabeth Primary School football league,

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defeating them 1-0. The important goal was scored by Martin James in the fifth minute of their one-hour game. The two teams were not strangers, having played in the same preliminary zone which Burnt Savannah won, but only on goal difference. However, during that stage, Holland had won 1-0. Lacovia took third place after defeating Marie Cole 1-0. Both finalists were impressive in the semi-finals. Burnt Savannah got the better of Marie Cole Primary 3-0 with goals coming from Brandon Robinson, Roshana King and Ardene Chambers. Holland swamped Lacovia 4-0 in their semi-final, with Roshawn Grant, Jacon Smith, Ronaldo Maitland and Martin James on the scoresheet. James emerged the leading goalscorer in the competition, netting eight goals. Belair top Scotiabank Middlesex cricket

Belair of Manchester emerged the Middlesex champions of the Scotiabank National Prep Schools cricket competition after defeating St Thomas More of Clarendon by 18 runs in the final on Thursday. Belair, who won the Manchester leg of the competition after completing five consecutive victories, batted first and compiled 148 for seven from their 20 overs. Akeem Davis provided most runs with 45. Despite a spirited chase, St Thomas More were bowled out for 130, even while one of their batsmen got the game's top score of 49. Kimani Grashin was the top bowler for Belair, taking three wickets for 11 runs off four overs. In the previous week's semi-finals against another Clarendon team, Monymusk, Belair had successfully chased 127, with Davis getting a top score of 33. In their semi-finals, St Thomas More of Clarendon had defeated Carigrappi of Manchester after also successfully chasing 137. Mile Gully Youth teams dominate

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Mile Gully FC will go in search of their third consecutive win when the newly established C&D Construction and Engineering Manchester Under-13 competition continues this morning at Brook's Park in Mandeville. Mile Gully FC, winners of the Under-15 competition on Wednesday, began with 6-0 spanking of Kendal. Last weekend, they edged fellow debutant, Ricam Strikers, 1-0. In other matches last weekend, Kendal rebounded with a 3-0 win over Mandeville United, who had drawn the previous weekend, while Ricam in their second match up of the day got the better of Mandeville United 2-1. The competition was inaugurated last weekend by the Manchester Football Association (MFA) in an effort to boost its performance in the annual summer South Central Junior League, which is sponsored by Juici Patties. This age group has been dominated by St Catherine and Clarendon teams over the years. The MFA has assured that snacks will be provided throughout the day for all participants. Today's matches: Mile Gully Youth vs Ricam Strikers at 10:30 a.m., Mile Gully FC vs Mandeville United at 11:45 a.m., Ricam vs Kendal at 1 p.m., Mile Gully Youth vs Mile Gully FC. Juventus, Bottom Halse Hall snatch wins

Juventus provided a torrid welcome for Harmons in the Jamalco Football League with a 3-1 win at Wembley Football Club in Clarendon. Harmons had taken a two-year hiatus from the league. Juventus' goals came from the boots of Ian Palmer, Andrew Vanzie and Paul Harris, while Rollin Ranger secured Harmons' consolatory strike. The Bottom Halse team achieved the only other win of the third round, as Dwyane Harris' goal gave them a 1-0 win over Port. Two other games were drawn. Savannah and Top Halse Hall ended 0-0, while Sunset rallied from a 1-3 deficit to record an exciting 3-3 draw with Wembley. Matches today at Wembley: Top Hill vs Railroad at 2 p.m.; Invincible vs Top Halse Hall at 4 p.m. Tomorrow: New Bowens vs Harmons at 2 p.m.; and Napoli vs Mineral Heights at 4 p.m.

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Hot Wanderers face Daytona in semi-final

Defending champions Wanderers FC, fresh from their 2-0 win over Portmore United in their final preliminary-round game last Sunday, face Daytona in the opening semi-final game of a double-header in the LIME Leander Marshall-sponsored Portmore U-13 Football League at the Cumberland field this afternoon at 2 p.m. In the second semi-final at 3:30 p.m., Cumberland, who ended the preliminaries on top with 13 points, square off against Portmore United. Portmore have lost three out of five games, including a 3-0 defeat at the boot of today's opponents. Gregory Park in all-island play-offs

Gregory Park Primary earned the right to represent Portmore in the Institute of Sports (Insports) LIME All-Island Primary football competition after their exciting 3-2 win over Bridgeport in the final at Spanish Town Prison Oval recently. Gregory Park's hero was Shemar Earle, who struck the winner in time added, which put players and fans in a frenzy. Two goals within a minute from Khymani Gibbans (27th) and double-scorer Earle (28th) saw Gregory Park with a 2-0 lead at half-time. But Bridgeport hit back with two unanswered goals after the break from goalie Jamali Brown (38th) and Chad Ellis (42nd). Brown scored from a kick upfield which deceived his Gregory Park counterpart. This left Earle to finish off the match in fine style. Two matches on in Portmore U-15 football

Two matches are on in the Portmore Under-15 football league tomorrow. In the first match of a double-header at the Greater Portmore field, Cumberland take on Westchester at 2 p.m., while in the feature match at 4 p.m., East Portmore Portals face Newtown Braeton. Last Sunday, Wanderers and Reid's Pen score victories to open their campaign. Chris-Anthony Brown and Juvante Brown both scored goals as Wanderers defeated Passagefort United 2-0 at Passagefort playing field. In another game, Reid's Pen clipped Bridgeport 1-0 from a Ricardo Bernard strike. The competition, which attracted 10 teams, continues tomorrow with two games. Proper nutrition vital for success in sports

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Popular medical doctor and technical director of Jamaica's women's hockey team, Dr Michelle Holt, stressed the necessity of proper nutrition while addressing a group of youngsters during the Milo-sponsored Portmore Metropolitan Under-15 Cricket Clinic, which was held at the Bridgeport Sports ground last Saturday. She stressed that for athletes to perform at their best they need to eat properly before and after training. Karen Mussington of Milo said that her company was committed to the league. She also gave out booklets on nutrition for all the participants. President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Lyndel Wright, enlightened the youngsters on the benefits of making cricket a career and the importance of discipline. Also in attendance were Courtney Francis, president of the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League (PMCL); Mayor of Portmore George Lee, who promised the cricketers that in the near future they will get a proper facility for playing cricket in Portmore; Lester 'Ken' Crooks and Charles Simpson, a former president of the PMCL. The coaches were Hugh Hinds, Milton Thomas, and Donald Breadwood. They taught the youngsters techniques in batting, bowling, fielding and wicket-keeping. CAPTION: Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (second left) makes a presentation of uniforms to Baldon Todd (second right), captain of the Majesty Gardens Legends basketball team, and other team members (from left) Steven Rookwood, Jalan Golding and Oneil Francis, on Wednesday. The presentation was made possible through the Constituency Development Fund allocation to the South West St Andrew Development Fund. The team is now participating in the National Basketball League. Todd assured the prime minister, who is also member of parliament for the area, that the team would be good representatives of the community. Also participating is Councillor Karl Blake (third right) of the Greenwich Town division. - Contributed CAPTION: Becky Stockhausen (left), executive director of AMCHAM, in discussion with Julian Patrick (right), manager, sponsorship and promotions, NCB Capital Markets, while David Mais, tournament director, looks on at the launch of AMCHAM Golf Classic 2012 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday.- Rudolph Brown/Photographer

In your neighbourhood Published: Saturday | May 28, 2011 0 Comments

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Jockeys form a guard of honour for retired rider Barrington Smith, as he exits a limousine inside the winners' enclosure at Caymanas Park on Labour Day, Monday May 23. Smith won the very first race at Caymanas Park aboard ROMAN ROAD on Saturday, August 22, 1959. Three other veterans, trainer Sydney Watson, groom Vincent Blackwood and jockey David McKenzie, were also honoured by the promoter, Caymanas Track Limited, on the Records and Milestones raceday. - Contributed Wray & Nephew skittles round-up Waltham Strikers scored a notable upset in the third round of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Skittles Competition last Sunday, clipping many-time champions Eastern All-Stars 6-5 to post their first win of the season. This being a Super Sunday date, all matches were played at Hangover Skittles Club, near MegaMart in Portmore. Both teams were locked at 5-5, going into the 11th and final game, before the skilful Donovan Ashman broke the deadlock in defeating Steve Thompson 1060-0650 to give Waltham a narrow win. Defending champions Eagles drubbed Rowe's Strikers 6-1, the reigning Pattex Cup champions Mystix also beat Dragon 6-1, Mercury stopped Olympic Strikers 6-4, while Hangover handed Lady Strikers their first defeat in three matches, topping the ladies 6-3.

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In the other noteworthy match played on Sunday, Mister C from Spanish Town defeated Portmore The Dip 6-3. Mister C's promising young player, Yanick Senior, who is unbeaten in three matches so far, closed out the six with a 1020-0840 victory over elite player Richard Mohammed. The competition continues tomorrow with six matches. Red Stripe beat Sagicor in BH cricket Newcomers Red Stripe made a winning start in the Business House cricket 35-over KO competition on Sunday when they defeated Sagicor by 74 runs in a home match at Red Stripe Oval. Batting first, Red Stripe raced to 278 for seven off their 35 overs - Junior Ricketts 64, W. Cuff 54, Arlington Whittick 32; R. Nelson 2-39. Sacigor in reply were bowled out for 204 in 32.2 overs - S. Garriques and A. Anglin 38 each; A. Elliott 3-30, D. Hanson 3-44. The other scheduled match between Jamalco and Continental Baking Company at Jamalco was rained out and this will be replayed tomorrow at the same venue. Continental Baking Company batted first and were dismissed for 129 (Roland Henry 30, Oneil Weir 24; Peteray Lewis 3-21). Jamalco reached 64 for four when the showers arrived - Oneil Osbourne 18 not out. In addition to the replay of the rained-out match at Jamalco, only one other match has been scheduled and this is in the Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO competition. It pits JUTC against NHT at Jos Mart High School. Both matches commence at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, the league matches (50 overs) will commence on Sunday, June 5 with 10 participating teams. Gleaner on top in BH domino Former champions The Gleaner scored their second win from as many matches in the Wray & Nephew-sponsored Business House domino competition when they defeated Wray & Nephew 150-136 in Division One action at Wray & Nephew, Spanish Town Road, on Friday, May 20.

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Gleaner, who returned to the competition following a one-year break, had earlier defeated Jamaica Fire Brigade 109-104 in their opening round match at the Gleaner Sports Club on May 13. In that match, the 'Firemen' gained the ascendancy to lead early in the 90s, but Gleaner rallied strongly to lead 98-97, then kept up the pressure in the closing stages to win by five points. Matches in both Divisions One and Two are played on Fridays. Summerfield in semi-final Summerfield became the first qualifiers to the semi-finals of the 2011 Claro Clarendon Division One when they defeated Black Stars 2-1 last weekend. It was their second straight win in the quarter-final group round, having beaten Ebony Stars 1-0. With six points, Summerfield cannot be surpassed for one of two available spots from Zone B. Zone A remains interesting with three teams in with a chance of making the cut. However, the big news of last weekend's play was the 1-0 defeat inflicted on high riding Bucknor by Four Paths. Bucknor finished their preliminary round with a perfect win streak ahead of Summerfield, and had opened their quarter-final campaign with a 2-1 win over Springfield. Only Springfield are out of contention as both Four Paths and Jamalco moved to four points each followed by Bucknor (3). Jamalco earned their first win of the second-round turning back hapless Springfield 3-0. Petrojam blank UWI in BH football Defending champions Petrojam drubbed UWI 4-0 as the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House Division One football competition continued at Tinson Pen playing field on Tuesday. Petrojam's win was spearheaded by a brace from ace striker David Stultz. In another Division One match played last Saturday at Tony Spauldng Sports Complex, KO champions Wisynco clipped Wray & Nephew 1-0, thanks to a first-half goal from Girvan Brown.

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In Division Two action, newcomers ISCF edged ASC 1-0 at Bell/Chung Oval on Thursday, the winning goal coming from Deshon Hylton. In another match, Red Stripe defeated NHT 3-1 at Red Stripe Oval. The Western Sports/Peak Bottling Business House 5-a-side one day rally takes place today at the NWC playing field in Mona starting at 9 a.m. The competition has attracted 24 teams and the winning team will receive $30,000. Manchester Under-17 round-up There was little change to the number of teams that have booked places in the second round of the Manchester FA Under-17 competition sponsored by Power Services Company Limited. Terrible weather forced the postponement of all but one game in last weekend's schedule. In the lone game possible, Kendal and Hillstars drew 1-1. This result confirmed Kendal as winners of Zone A with 10 points from four games, while Hillstars inched closer to gaining a qualification spot as the runners-up. A total of eight teams - four zone winners and their respective runner-ups are guaranteed spots in the second round. Joining Kendal as group winners are the pair of Mile Gully Youths and Mile Gully FC. All rescheduled games will be accommodated on Monday. They are Spring Ground vs Young Diamonds and DC Strikers vs Studds. George North lead Cobbla Church league Defending champions George North scored their second straight win of the 2011 renewal of the Cobbla New Testament Church football league outscoring a determined Contrivance team 4-2 at the Cobbla Youth Camp, near Spaldings. George North opened the new season beating Christiana Strikers courtesy of a double strike from last year's leading goalscorer, Avadine Ellington. However, they needed the help of two Sporting Central Premier League players - midfielder Jamali Powell and striker Franois Swaby to get the better of Contrivance, who had opened the new season with a 1-1 draw against Clandon Strikers.

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Powell scored two goals (24th, 34th) while Swaby also bagged a double (68th, 78th). Quite interestingly, Andrae Powell got both goals for Contrivance. Bad light as well as dangerous bouts of lightning then forced the premature end to Napoli and Church United encounter after 54 minutes. The teams were 1-1. Matches on tomorrow: Christiana Strikers vs Roose Madrid; and Richmond United vs West Road. New Under-15 league for Manchester The Manchester FA has announced the start of a new Under-15 competition today at the Kirkvine Sports Club. An all-day extravaganza featuring all 10 participating teams is on today starting at 10:30 a.m. The teams registered are Mile Gully FC (based in the community), Mile Gully Youths (based at Manchester High), Kendal, Hillstars, Studds, Georges Valley, DC Strikers, Settlement, New Green and Mandeville United. Top honours for Ja riflemen The nine-member Jamaica rifle team defeated squads from the region and further afield to claim top honours in the team competition at the Caribbean Rifle Shooting Championships, held recently in Antigua and Barbuda. The week-long championship was contested by the largest number of shooters to attend any Caribbean competition. After a gruelling two-day team competition, the Jamaicans bested the field which included defending champions Guyana as well as teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bermuda, England and Canada. The victory ended a losing streak for the Jamaicans whose last hold on the title came in 2003. It also marked the dethroning of regional powerhouse Guyana who had won the team competition for six of the last 10 years. In the finals, the Jamaican Team, made up of Major John Nelson, David Rickman, Jose Nunez, Dennis Lee, Wayne McNair, Canute Coley, Horatio Brown and Aubrey Yee Sang endured a see-saw battle with Guyana which literally came down to the final shot. Undaunted by their opponents' impressive track record, the Jamaicans kept their heads and won the championship by two points.

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Manchester councillor wants PPV quota removed published: Friday | October 17, 2003 By Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer MANDEVILLE, Manchester: CONCERNED ABOUT the prevalence of illegal public transport operators on the streets, a Manchester politician is lobbying for a change in the policy governing the issue of public passenger vehicle (PPV) licences, to make it easier for operators to comply with the law. Councillor Fairbourne Maxwell, of the Mile Gully Division, has asked the Manchester Parish Council to back his proposal to the Transport Authority that the licensing agency throw out its current quota system. According to Councillor Maxwell, the system restricts those who want to make an honest living, and the restriction as to how many persons can receive a licence also contributes to the high number of illegal or robot taxis on the roads. Persons who are without licences or are on the waiting list, simply enter the system illegally as 'robots' in the interim, he pointed out during a meeting of the council. The robot operators in turn put the travelling public at risk as they are not covered by insurance in case of an accident.

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His resolution to propose the removal of the quota system was passed by the Council at its last sitting. It is estimated that there are at least 200 robot taxis on the roads of Manchester with at least one third of that figure on the waiting list for road licences. STILL WAITING Jerome Jamison, who is among the latter group, operating on the Greenvale route, told The Gleaner that the owner of the vehicle applied for a road licence in March, has met all the requirements, but is still waiting. When contacted, a spokeswoman in the office of Transport Authority said she could not divulge information as to whether the Authority had met its quota for the year or how many licences were issued. In the meantime, the Mandeville police said they would continue to crack down on illegal operators, which includes seizing vehicles.

Phillips promises more money for education Published: Monday | July 9, 2012 9 Comments

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Dr Peter Phillips Minister of finance and planning, Dr the Hon Peter Phillips is promising that education will be treated as second only to debt service in terms of Government priorities. Education currently accounts for 12 per cent of the budget, receiving some $73.8 billion of the $612 billion budget tabled in May. "Education will, throughout the rest of this term, command the highest share of the budget after the debt," he declared. Addressing graduates at the Mile Gully High School in Manchester on July 4, Phillips said the spending on education in the 2012-13 budget does not reflect the Government's full commitment to education. "Within a matter of weeks we shall be taking to Cabinet the policy document setting out the framework for what we call private-public partnerships. Because even though we have a major obligation to settle our debt, we don't believe we should allow the debt to set back progress in education and in other areas of social and economic development," he affirmed, as he called for more coordinated national efforts to finance education. "We expect that under the basis of the public-private partnership to be able to finance construction of additional high schools and other educational institutions by virtue of raising money from private capital sources," he said. Phillips pointed to the benefits schools such as

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Mile Gully High and five other rural high schools were already receiving through the private initiatives of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation established by Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and The Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS). Mile Gully High School, which was included in the Centres of Excellence initiative in 2008, has made several gains over the last four years since becoming a part of the programme, Ulit Brackett, principal revealed. Attainment levels "We have made some serious decisions regarding leadership, teaching and learning in this school," he told parents and the 71 graduates. The principal pointed out that the number of students entered to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations had increased significantly over the period, although the attainment levels in mathematics and English were still lagging. But he acknowledged that teaching and learning in these areas were improving as a result of several capacity-building interventions under the Centres of Excellence programme. The Centres of Excellence initiative is a five-year programme, designed to improve the education delivery and performance of administrators, educators and students at the six rural non-traditional high schools across the island. The programme is funded equally by JNBS and VMBS in the sum $100 million, and will wrap up in 2013. Rusea's held to surprise draw by Cambridge Published: Thursday | September 27, 2012 0 Comments Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer WESTERN BUREAU: Defending champions Rusea's High were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by Cambridge in their Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup schoolboy football match yesterday, as the lead in Zone B dwindled to a single point. The champions were dropping their first points of the season, after beating all their opponents up to yesterday.

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Second-place Frome Technical benefited from Rusea's slip to inch to within a point at the top of the zone with a 1-0 victory over Green Island. Meanwhile, Oshane Forbes scored a brace to lead Spot Valley to a 2-0 win over Holland High and remain in the lead in Zone C of the competition yesterday. Forbes found the net two minutes apart in the second half as his team dominated the game from start to finish and should have come away even bigger winners, as Holland never got in the match and should have been a goal down from the third minute when the marauding Forbes, who had no fewer than six attempts on target, should have scored. Nontheless, Forbes scored in the 66th and 68th minutes as Spot Valley now lead the zone with 10 points, three more than second- place William Knibb, who edged Muschett 2-1 in their clash. Holland hardly troubled Claude Downie between the sticks for Spot Valley, but on the 38th-minute mark a promising build-up by the Holland team almost resulted in a chance at goal, but Japheto Whittingham's shot was charged down to snuff out the danger. The 2008 champions, St Elizabeth Technical High Schol (STETHS), remained unbeaten with a deserved 1-0 win over Black River in Zone E, while Shamar Granville scored in the 85th-minute for Lacovia to edge Balaclava. The Andrew Edwards-coached Munro College handed Maggotty a 2-0 defeat to stay second in the zone, while in Zone F, leaders Manchester grabbed all three points with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Mile Gully to move to 10 points. Cross Keys stopped B.B. Coke 2-1. Yesterday's results Rus ea's Gre 0 ge 0 Cambrid

0 1 0 2 1

en Island Spot 2 Valley Mus chett Blac 1

Frome Holland William

Knibb 0 STETHS

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k River Mun ro Bala clava Mile Gully

2 y 0 0

Maggott

0 1 2 1 1 0 0

Lacovia Manches

ter Cros 2 1 1

s Keys Dint hill Ver e Paul Bogle

BB Coke Ewarton Tacius

Golding 8 Robert Lightburne

Bauxite trucking to bring new jobs Published: Wednesday | October 28, 2009

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer The movement of 700,000 tonnes of bauxite by Jamalco from its Mile Gully mines in Manchester to its refinery in St Jago, Clarendon, set to start November 2, is to provide jobs in the communities being affected, The Gleaner has been told by the company. The exercise is to last approximately 18 months, up to May 2011, and while it is unclear what jobs will be made available, Leo Lambert, manager, corporate services and government affairs at Jamalco, said, "We are committed to ensuring that as much economic benefits as possible flow to the communities during the period of bauxite haulage and have already devised a system that will see specific jobs being made available to them on a rotating basis". The statement means more good news for the bauxite sector, following the announcement of increased production levels at St Ann Jamaica Bauxite earlier this year, which resulted in workers returning to full work schedules.

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In the case of Jamalco, though, despite the amount of bauxite being transported, there has been no announcement of an increase in production. Peak production "The refinery has been averaging peak production of 4,050 tonnes of digester output for most of this year. The 700,000 tonnes of bauxite represents inventory from exploratory mining that was done in north Manchester in 2007. It is required not to increase, but to sustain the current peak production at the refinery," Lambert explained. The bauxite will be trucked from Mile Gully to Williamsfield, then on to the old Melrose road, and eventually to Jamalco's loading station in St Jago. From there it will be transported by rail to the refinery at Halse Hall. But the trucking is to be done under tough guidelines set out by the relevant agencies. In a newspaper advertisement, Jamalco says the movement will be done in strict compliance with rules and guidelines set out by the National Environment and Planning Agency, Jamaica Bauxite Institute, police in both parishes and by its own environmental health safety standards. In detailing the guidelines, Lambert explained that each truck has to be covered with tarpaulin and the wheels were to be washed to remove any bauxite residue before departing. Also, trucks are required to leave at intervals of 15 minutes to avoid developing convoys on the road. As the movement of the bauxite will be done during the night from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., trucks being used must meet specified safety and maintenance standards, including having proper reflective lighting for high visibility. "Senior supervisory personnel from Jamalco will also police the route to ensure that there is strict compliance with the guidelines," Lambert said.

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Already, community sensitisation sessions have started. According to Lambert, there have been two major community meetings, and residents have received individual letters advising of the pending activity. Brochures and flyers have also been distributed and posted at strategic places in some communities.

Barry Morrison: a son of the village Published: Saturday | May 14, 2011 0 Comments

Barry enjoys a game of dominoes with Janet Goring (left) and Daisy Green. 123> Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer PLEASANT FARM, St Catherine: BARRY MORRISON is a household name in Pleasant Farm Village. His dexterity has placed him in the hearts of several residents, like Janet Goring, retired educator.

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"We have one lovely soul in Pleasant Farm," a smiling Goring told The Gleaner. "He is the extended family to most of us, especially to the older people. We depend on him," she said. The son of Mile Gully, Manchester, touched down on the soils of St Catherine in 1959 when his adopted father, working at Kirvine then, transferred to the Alcan, Ewarton, plant and relocated his family to Orangefield Village. However, by the time they decided to return home, Morrison, then an adult, had found a new family. When the Greens opened their doors to Morrison who had attended Orangefield Primary School with their sons Johnny and Charlie, he was working as a bartender at the Pleasant Farm Sports club. "I never get any training in bartending. I just developed the skill," Morrison explained while making a cup of tea for 94-year-old Daisy Green. "You cannot find a more loving and kind person more than Barry," Green, a Guyanese living in Jamaica since 1951, uttered. "He is like a son to the whole village. He takes care of all the old people like meself. He can wash, he can cook, he can clean, Barry will do anything for us, we all love him very much," a grateful Green gleams. For Morrison, who was also a classmate of the late Basil 'Bagga' Brown, popular television broadcaster and entertainment personality, Green is like a mother. "I do everything for her; buy her medicine, go to the bank, go to the market, to the shop, everything. She is like a mother to me," he said proudly. The unmarried 65-year-old sports a welcoming smile, which makes it easy for persons in the community who need his help to approach him. So, one of his neighbours, Allan Bowman Jr, director of Carlong Construction, usually calls on him from time to time . "Anything at all you want to do and you ask Barry, he never said no. He is always there. Barry is like a father, a brother, a friend to everybody in Pleasant Farm, especially the older folks," Bowman, a lover of birds stressed, as Morrison helped him to feed his pets. He adds: "I never hear Barry quarrel with anybody or the other way around. You only see people like him once in a lifetime because God only send them come once," Bowman said..

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Morrison, also described by Green as multitalented, worked at the Orangefield Sports club prior to his stint at the Pleasant Farm club. Nicest chicken "I cook the nicest chicken. I used to do that at Orangefield club. I remember people walked miles to come taste my southern fried chicken," said a soft-spoken Morrison. "But I don't eat chicken," he chuckled. "When I was a child in Manchester, I see a fowl eat a lizard and from that I don't eat chicken." However, he admits that he has been tempted on a number of occasions. "Sometimes when I'm cooking chicken, the way how it smell nice it's tempting. I eat every other meat, but not chicken," Morrison chuckled. "I love to cook. I love to bake. The only thing I can't cook is stone," the older brother of veteran trade unionist Vincent Morrison murmurs. "That's true," Green laughs. "He makes nice juices too. There is nothing that Barry can't do." Though he has no children of his own, he has fathered many. He enjoys playing dominoes and often engages Green and Goring in a game or two. Of course, sometimes he picks up a six love from either ladies or both. A sociable Morrison says extending a helping hand to those in need satisfies his soul. "I just have a tender heart for people. I feel good to make someone happy. When I do something for someone, if they don't even say thanks, God will give me my reward," he smiles. - rural@gleanerjm.com 'Teach one boy at a time' Published: Monday | April 5, 2010 2 Comments

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James Earl Davis (second left), professor and chair in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Temple University, Philadelphia, shares some strategies to interest boys in academic learning with teachers Kingsley Thomas of Mile Gully High School in Manchester and Maxine McGregor (right) of the Godfrey Stewart High School, Westmoreland. Also listening in is Dawn Sewell-Lawson, assistant programme manager of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation's Centres of Excellence project. - Contributed. A UNITED States-based educator is encouraging Jamaican teachers to focus on the interests of their individual male students in an effort to improve their academic performance. Professor of educational leadership at Temple University in Philadelphia, James Earl Davis, charged that the approach to teaching boys is often monolithic and it alienates them. Davis was speaking at a workshop in Mandeville, Manchester, organised by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation for schools participating in its Centres of Excellence project. "The best strategy to use when dealing with boys is to really focus on identities, individual dispositions and gifts and then tap into those to develop strategies to incorporate them into the learning process," the professor advised educators attending the workshop. Educational institutions in Jamaica continue to struggle with poor male performance at all levels of the system - a situation which is frequently linked to the high rate of unemployment among male youth, as well as the incidence of antisocial behaviour.

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Nationally, only 27.1 per cent of boys attained passes of grades one to three in the 2009 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams compared to 38 per cent of females. Troubling data At upgraded schools participating in the Centres of Excellence project, the data is similarly troubling, said Dawn Sewell-Lawson, assistant programme manager of the venture, which is geared towards trans-forming the delivery of education in six non-traditional rural high schools across the island over a five-year period. "At one school, grade eight boys averaged 42.4 per cent and 47.8 per cent in mathematics and English language, respectively, compared with 46.1 per cent and 54.2 per cent for girls. At the higher grades, the disparity worsened. At grade 10, boys averaged 39.7 per cent and 33.3 per cent compared with 49.1 per cent and 47.4 per cent for girls in mathematics and English lan-guage," she revealed. According to Davis, many boys are underperforming because they do not respond to some traditional methods of teaching. "The more they stay in school, the more they dislike school," he underscored, pointing to the 'chalk-and-talk' methodology most class-room teachers employ. He said boys, who tend to be more tactile learners than girls, need to have their own interests incorporated into the lessons. "Boys need to feel like they are part of the curriculum and one way you can do that is to allow them to assist with designing their learning plans with parents and teachers," he said. He pointed out that boys display characteristics that teachers can use to improve their performance and encouraged teachers to take advantage of those characteristics. One way of doing this is by setting high expectations for boys in the classroom and allowing them more room to take risks. "Give them risks and allow them to engage in competitions. Limit classroom rules and, where possible, let them help to create the rules," he encouraged teachers. Strategies well received

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Educators attending the workshop responded positively to the strategies being promoted by the US-based professor, with many vowing to incorporate them into their teaching plans. "I am going to be adjusting my lesson plans so that I can deal with the boys on a more individual basis, so we can identify their specific interests and develop strategies that can cater to them," said Kingsley Thomas, social studies and geography teacher at the Mile Gully High School in Manchester. In addition to that, Thomas, who is also a Scout leader, said he would be strengthening the Scout programme to provide guidance for boys who were struggling both with academics and behavioural challenges. "We need more influential men to mentor our boys, so I'm going to be using some of my Scout leaders to mentor boys," he said. Science teacher at the Green Pond High School, Natalie Thompson, said her approach to her male students would include more tactile processes. "I am going to take a different approach to assignments and even tests to suit the way boys understand things because they respond to approaches that are more practical," said Thompson. Bishop Reid still burning with the fire Published: Thursday | October 6, 2011 0 Comments Anastasia Cunningham, Senior Gleaner Writer THE RIGHT Reverend Alfred Reid, Bishop of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands, has dedicated his life to selflessly ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of others for more years than he can remember. Enthroned as the 13th Bishop of Jamaica in the Cathedral Church of St Jago de la Vega on January 25, 2001, succeeding the Reverend and Honourable Neville deSouza, Bishop Reid joins a list of several outstanding Anglican leaders who have been change agents in the Anglican movement in Jamaica. In fact, Bishop Reid has been credited with revolutionising the way the Anglican faith is practised in Jamaica.

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Born in Mile Gully, Manchester, Reid grew up in the church, being baptised as an infant at St George's Church in his hometown. Early decision "I came to the conclusion early in life that I wanted to be a priest, so I hadn't really thought of anything different," said the man who has been bishop for the past 30 years. "I was ordained 51 years ago as a deacon. We have a system where people are ordained deacons and then one year later they are ordained to the priesthood, so October 8 this year is the exact date of my ordination to the priesthood 50 years ago." He has served as curate at the St James Parish Church, rector at Vere cure in Clarendon, rector of St Jude's Church in Stony Hill and chaplain of the Jamaica Defence Force. Reid was consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay in July 1980 and held this position until he became the Diocesan. On Bishop deSouza's retirement in September 2000, he assumed duties as Canonical Administrator of the Diocese and was elected Lord Bishop of Jamaica at a Special Synod and Elective Assembly held on December 12, 2000, assuming responsibility for the Eastern Jamaica Region in 2005. He holds the Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Theological College, the master's in education from Boston College and the Doctorate of Divinity (Honoris Causa) from the Episcopal Divinity School. Fortunate one "I am one of the fortunate ones, that the church has allowed me to explore a lot of things. When I was ordained, 40 per cent of the clergy were British, 60 per cent were Jamaican, but the 40 per cent were more dominant than the 60 per cent," he stated. On his return from studying in England, Reid set out to Jamaicanise the way the Anglican church operated in Jamaica. "It was still a very English church and I don't think we have lived that down still, but it is a different church today. And I would like to feel that I have contributed to that difference, and that I have laid a foundation which will take it into the future," he said.

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Before retiring, the bishop is taking on the challenge of rebuilding the St Peter's training college, located adjacent to the Nutall Hospital, of which he is a graduate, which was destroyed by fire last year. The Anglican church is now mounting a $40 million fund-raising drive to rebuild the college, part of which will be a banquet tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. The celebratory banquet will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of Reid and Reverend Don Taylor's ordination to the priesthood. Continuous retraining ... "My conviction has grown that it is not enough to send someone to college for four years, give them a degree, then send them out to work in the field for the rest of their life," Reid stated. "In every progressive organisation people must be able to access continuous retraining, refreshing, and so on. So I thought, let us revive St Peter's College, not as a rival to UTCWI (United Theological College of the West Indies), but as a place of continuing education for both clergy and deity, a place of mission studies and a place for research, particularly in my pet areas of Caribbean and Third-World religion." Bishop Reid, who is married with three children, does not regret retiring at the frontline of the church that he has loved and served with distinction. "In my own life and ministry I have represented a change, which has continued despite some uncertain resistance on the part of people who may not appreciate that kind of thing. But I do not retire in despair because I feel that a foundation has been laid and that there are some people here, both clerical and lay, who will take the momentum into the future," he stated. anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com

Water - providing more access and improving reliability Published: Wednesday | December 21, 2011 0 Comments

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A National Water Commission plant in Kingston. - File Significant accomplishments have been made in the area of water management and supply, though Jamaica continues to face challenges in the delivery of water to its residents, especially to the rural population. Nevertheless, this Government has considerably improved the management of our water as well as our ability to increase its supply and distribution. The way forward In our next term, the Govern-ment plans to start phase two of the Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project (JWSIP) to include: The construction of a new pipeline from Ferry to Red Hills. Improvements to the Forest Hills supply network to replace old mains and reduce leakage. The construction of a new 15 mgd water treatment plant in Spanish Town to provide additional water to meet demand in the Kingston Metropolitan Area.

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The rural water component will also be continued to facilitate projects in Albert Town, Trelawny; Mason Hall, St Mary; Mile Gully, Manchester; and the White Hall/Newmarket area of St Elizabeth. The Government will also embark on the KSA's Water Improvement Project through funding by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Under this initiative, we hope to rehabilitate 21 wells in order to improve the efficiency in water production and reduce nonrevenue water. The Government also plans to complete the Mona/Hope Water Supply System to the tune of US$17 million. Replacement of the Georgia-Duncans transmission pipeline will also be a priority with an estimated cost of $43 million. We are committed to moving forward with plans to implement the parish plans for water to be financed by the US$133-million KMA - IDB loan to the National Water Commission. Under this programme, we will seek to: (a) Rehabilitate potable water supply for KMA. (b) Reduce non-revenue water levels. (c) Strengthen NWC's performance for operation and maintenance. (d) Energy efficiency improvements. Manchester, Vere top Central Champs

Vere Technical's Simone Facey (centre) holding on to clip Holmwood Technical's Aneisha McLaughlin (right) in the Class 2 100m final at the recent Central Championships. Facey clocked 11.5 seconds. Tracy-Ann Rowe (Holmwood, left) was third. - Paul Reid WESTERN BUREAU:

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MANCHESTER High and Vere Technical successfully defended their boys and girls titles at the recent Central Athletics Championships held at the Windalco Sports Complex in Manchester. Twenty-nine boys and 28 girls teams took part in the two-day event that was affected by rain on both days. Manchester's boys tallied 238 points to beat Vere Technical 136, Tacius Golding - 134, Holmwood - 117 and Christiana - 102. Vere extended their long string of wins in the girls section amassing a staggering 400 points. Holmwood were second with 355 followed by Edwin Allen 258 and Manchester High 208. Vere Technical's Simone Facey completed an outstanding sprint double in Class 2 beating Holmwood Technical's Aneisha McLaughlin at the line in both events. Facey clocked 11.5 seconds in 100m final after running 11.2 in the heats as McLaughlin crossed the line in 11.6 seconds. Both were credited with the same time, 23.3, in the 200m but the Vere athlete leaned across the line first to snatch the gold medal. Holmwood's World Championships representative Nadine Palmer signalled her return to form by winning the Class One sprint double in good times and also ran creditable legs on both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays teams, both to gold medals. Palmer's 11.4 seconds was good enough for the gold in the 100m ahead of Manchester High's Sherone Simpson. Simpson was also second in the 200m race that was won by Palmer in 23.5. Vere Technical's Steven Mullings defended the Class One boys sprint double clocking excellent times of 10.2 for 100m and 20.5 over 200m. Tacius Golding's Jermaine Gonzales was second to Mullings in the 200m in a good 21.9 seconds, less then 45 minutes after he had outclassed a strong field to win the 400m in 47.5 seconds. Arguably the best performance of the day came in the girls Class One 400m where Holmwood's Sheryl Morgan clocked 53.1 seconds with Christiana's Camille Robinson in second place in 54.2 and Vere's Patricia Hall third in 54.4.

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Morgan had a 53.5 second leg on the girls 4x400m relay as Holmwood won in 3:45.2. The other members were Peta-Gaye Beckford who led off with a 57.1 leg, Palmer had a 56.8 third leg with Nyoka Cole anchoring in 57.5. Morgan was also a part of the Class One 4x100m team along with Palmer, Shaunette Davidson and Shelly-Ann Stubbs that won in 45.7. Davidson created some history when she cleared 1.78m to win the high jump, the best-ever leap by a woman at Central Champs. The national junior representative failed three times at 1.81 metres, less than a week after setting a personal best 1.84m at the National Field events and hurdles meet held at the GC Foster College. Beckford won the Class 2 long jump leaping to 5.72m. Christiana's Shawn Smith won the 800m/1500m double, taking the two-lap event in 1:53.8 after taking the longer event in 4:16.38 on the first day. Christiana also had two triple champions in Judith Riley who won the Class 4 70m hurdles and the sprint double while Mikel Downer won the 100m hurdles and the sprint double for Class 3 Boys. Manchester High's Nesta Carter took the Boys Class 2 sprint double in fine times of 10.83 and 22.5 seconds respectively. Holmwood won six of the 12 relays including the Boys Class One 4x100m that saw outstanding legs from Sean Sergeant and Yhann Plummer on the third and anchor legs respectively, to go past the Vere team that had taken a good lead after Mulling's strong second leg. Kevin Staple and Orlando Elliott ran the first two legs for Holmwood. Boys points standings - Manchester- 238, Vere Technical - 136, Tacius Golding134, Holmwood -117, Christiana - 102, Central - 94, Knox College - 87, Edwin Allen - 62, Ewarton- 40, Alston - 39, Dinthill - 33, Bellefield - 27, Porus - 27, Clarendon College - 25, May Day - 25, Ferncourt - 24, Cross Keys - 23, Glenmuir - 23, Lennon - 21, DeCarteret - 19, Kemps Hill - 18, McGrath - 16, Old Harbour - 14, Spalding - 12, Guys Hill - 5, Claude McKay 4, Bustamante - 0, Denbigh - 0, Mile Gully - 0.

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Girls points standings - Vere - 400, Holmwood - 355, Edwin Allen - 258, Manchester High - 208, Christiana- 98, Tacius Golding - 70, Ferncourt - 31, Winston Jones 15, McGrath14, Claude McKay- 11, DeCarteret- 10, Bustamante - 9, Lennon - 7, Dinthill - 6, Spalding - 5, Alston - 5, Glenmuir-4, Old Harbour - 4, Clarendon College-2, Denbigh - 2, Mile Gully - 2, Kemps Hill - 1.

Two honoured by the Rotary Club of Mandeville Published: Saturday | October 16, 2010 1 Comment

Sylvia Boothe receives her plaque from president of the Rotary Club of Mandeville Keith Ogilvie. - Photos by Angelou Laurence 12> Angelou Laurence, Gleaner Writer MANDEVILLE, Manchester: Sylvia Boothe of Mandeville and Hicks Rodriques of Mile Gully were on Tuesday honoured by the Rotary Club of Mandeville for their significant contribution to the parish. They were presented with the Rotary Club of Mandeville Vocational Service Award.

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The award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contribution to the society. They must also have conducted themselves in a manner that sets positive examples and be in line with the Rotary's motto "service above self". efficient and effective Boothe, who was born in Bull Savannah, St Elizabeth, and is a former student of Manchester High school, is currently a manager at the regional tax office in Mandeville. She joined the Inland Revenue Department 33 years ago, spending the earlier part of her career at the Christiana tax office in Northeast Manchester. A mother of three and married to husband, Bernard, for 30 years, Boothe said she has always strived to be efficient and effective in the performance of her job. The other recipient, Rodriques, was born and continues to live in Mile Gully, where he has become a shining example of a good family man. He joined the Jamaica Postal Service in 1969, where he is still employed. He told those who gathered at Regies Bistro, to honour them, that it was a "great incentive to be recognised" by others. They each received a plaque and citation to mark the occasion.

Manchester rocked by murders, ammo find THE SILENCE in the district of Silent and Hybernia in Manchester was shattered between 4:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. on Friday, during joint police operation in the communities which resulted in the recovery of three firearms and assorted ammunition, the death of three persons and the arrest of seven. The police reported that about 4:30 a.m. a joint police operation of the Special AntiCrime Task Force and the Christiana police, acting on intelligence, went to a house at Silent Hill when shots were fired from the house and the police responded with gunfire. It was later discovered that a man identified as George Campbell of Craighead was shot dead. A search revealed one Glock 30.45 pistol with serial number CDL419 , two magazines with five live rounds, as well as a home made shotgun with two 12 gauge cartridges.

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Arrested in connection with the arms were Anthony Harris, 37, of 22 1/2 Crooks Street, Jones Town, Kingston; Waydion Duncan, 22, car washer of Bryce, Manchester; brothers Melville and Milton Smikle were charged with harbouring criminals. According to the police, at about 6:45 a.m. a team went to a house at Hybernia district when they were fired on. Following an exchange of gunfire brothers Michael and Micah Morgan were shot and killed. One Ruger P90 pistol with serial number 66179889, a magazine and twenty-one .45 round cartridge plus two spent shells were found. Arrested and charged at that house were Tyrone Morris, 22, of Greyground, Manchester, Sypron James, 26 of Clifton Heights, Mandeville and Peter Goore, 20, of Mile Gully in the parish. They were charged for shooting with intent.

Food For The Poor, donors improving sanitary facilities Published: Tuesday | May 5, 2009

New toilets built by Food For the Poor to replace pit latrines at Little Lamb Basic School in Enfield, St Mary. An important part of the Food For The Poor school-improvement programme is the J$20 million 'Flush For Life' initiative. This falls under its Islandwide School Sanitation Project, launched in December 2006, in collaboration with the Jamaica National Building Society Foundation and other corporate donors. Through the initiative, old, unsafe pit latrines are replaced by modern flush toilets and water pipes and tanks installed to help ensure children safety and promote proper hygiene. Since the project began, 33 modern bathroom facilities have been built in schools across Jamaica.

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Among the schools outfitted with new toilet facilities are Mile Gully High in Manchester, Real Success Basic in Kingston, Cavaliers Basic in St Andrew, St Vincent Strawmbi Catholic High and Top Hill Primary in St Elizabeth, Huntley All-Age and Coley Mountain All-Age in Manchester, and the Old Pera Basic school in St Thomas. The comments of Angela Campbell, a parent and Parent Teachers Association representative at Real Success Basic School, reflect the importance of the sanitation programme to the school's 60 students: "I used to worry about my son using the bathroom which had no running water, so students could not wash their hands and it was sometimes difficult to access water to flush the toilet. However, thanks to Food For The Poor and corporate Jamaica, I now feel more comfortable sending my child to school." Better future "Food For The Poor, with the help of corporate Jamaica, seeks to address in a practical way the lingering and pressing need of schools across Jamaica," said the charity's chief operating officer, Deacon Ron Burgess. From basic schools to high schools, Food For The Poor is providing hope and a better future for Jamaica's children. The charity organisation also provides food, shelter, medical care, educational materials, support for orphans and the aged, among other services, to the poor in 17 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Manchester wins big at Denbigh Published: Thursday | August 13, 2009

The jubilant team from Manchester parish pavilion that won all 10 categories of

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prizes at the recently held Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show. Contributed Manchester made history at Denbigh this year when it copped not only the top pavilion prize at Denbigh but all 10 sectional prizes. Parish manager for the Manchester office of the Rural Agricultural Development Agency, Donald Robinson, and Christiana Potato Co-op head, Alvin Murray, knocked heads together and came up with a brilliant concept for this year's pavilion. The 10 categories were: adaptable technology, youth involvement, community involvement, marketing potential, agro-business/agro-industry, home economics, initiative & resourcefulness, education input, environment sustainability and outstanding feature. Adaptable Technology The Christiana Potato Co-op erected a model greenhouse showing how to grow various vegetables. The use of solar energy and wind technology as a source of power supply for the greenhouse was demonstrated by Power Services Company Ltd (PSCL). Youth Involvement Interns from the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), working out of the Christiana Potato Co-op, demonstrated the tissue culture technology used to create seedlings. Community Involvement A revolving/upgrading goat scheme was highlighted. This scheme distributes goats to farmers who return two goats at some point in the future. Choice bucks are given to farmers to upgrade the quality of goats being reared within the parish. By-products from the goat skin were demonstrated by Mr Longmore and the use of goat milk to make cheese, by Lise Bouffard. Marketing Potential The Mile Gully Production and Marketing Organisation demonstrated how they run a fortnightly market in Mile Gully square to ensure that farmers' produce are brought to market and not left in the field. Also highlighted in this category was a recent initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and RADA which saw 160,000lb of Irish potato being purchased

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from farmers and stored at the Christiana Potato Co-op. The potatoes are now being slowly distributed into the market. Agro-Business and Agro-Industry This segment highlighted manufacturers within the parish who are involved in agroprocessing. Some of these were Jamaica Standard Products with their line of Blue Mountain and High Mountain coffees, TOPS with their line of teas and Country House Products showcasing their body-care line and teas. Home Economics Creative ways to use local produce were highlighted with emphasis on Irish potato to make dishes such as puddings and wines. Initiative & Resourcefulness This segment was subject to the judges' opinion on whether the pavilion demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness. Educational Input The Manchester pavilion scored big in this category as they used various methods to educate the public. Some of the items used were: videos, posters, books, pamphlets, CDs and computer software to demonstrate energy savings using their solar and wind technology. The ability of all personnel to explain their various areas to the judges was a big plus for the Manchester team. Environment Sustainability A model was used to demonstrate a farm using the bitter damsel tree instead of the usual yam sticks on a five-acre yam farm. Instead of cutting down trees and using them for yam sticks each yam season, the trees were grown and used on an ongoing basis. The farmer, however, needs to rotate the areas where the yam is planted each season. Another highlight in this category was water harvesting. This showed that the mined-out pits within the parish can be used for water catchment to aid in irrigation including in the operation of greenhouses. Outstanding Feature

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The major crops under the Production and Productivity Programme, JBI Project and the Domestic Food Crop Project from the eight extensions within the parish were on display. The true spirit of community involvement was at work in the pavilion in keeping with their theme: 'Community Renaissance through Diversification and Technology'. A number of entities came together to make it work. In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | June 19, 2010 0 Comments

LIME's Andre McCarthy - File LIME beat Broilers in KO cricket

League champions LIME defeated defending champions Jamaica Broilers by 72 runs in the opening round of the Noranda Bauxite Partners Business House 35-over cricket competition in a home match at Chalmers Avenue on Sunday. Batting first, LIME made 226 all out in 34.1 overs - Andre McCarthy 65, Ryan Francis 33, Horace Miller 25; Fabian Lakeman 5-54, Nicoy Lindo 2-27. Broilers 153 all out - Wayne Morgan 41, Noel Officer 22, as McCarthy, Francis, Damion Jacobs and Omar Allison took two wickets each.

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AT MICO: NHT beat JUTC by eight runs. NHT 156 from 30.3 overs - Shacoya Thomas and Ryan Campbell 40 each; Winston Allison 5-32, Patrick Beckford 3-9. JUTC 149 off 34.3 overs - Adrian Bartley 38, Raymond Francis 36; Atley Brown 3-27, Bevon Brown 2-20. AT KENSINGTON PARK: Digicel beat NWC by four wickets. NWC 136 from 29 overs David Morgan 31, Oneil Wright 29; Shamar Anderson 3-15, Randy Carter 2-7 Digicel 139 for 6 from 28 overs - Jowayne Robinson 49, Dean Williams 45 not out; Franklyn Brady 3-60. AT JACISERA PARK: OCS Electrical beat Jamalco by 74 runs. OCS Electrical 225 for 6 from 35 overs - Junior Stewart 84, Rohan Williams 30; Devon Gordon 2-37. Jamalco 151 from 25.5 overs - Collis Johnson 64, Miguel Gordon 17; Williams 4-37, Ryan Edwards 2-45. AT JC: Sagicor Life defeated Continental Baking Company on a faster run-rate due to rain. Continental Baking Company 164 from 35 overs - Phillips Biggs 55, Sadeek Brown 41; Herbert Garriques 4-20, Akeem Dewar 2-24. Sagicor 118 for 4 from 23 overs (A. Wodswoth 25, Dewar 24; Adrian Brooks 2-22. The postponed matches in the Reggae Jammin 50-over league have been rescheduled for tomorrow. OCS Electrical will take on JUTC at Jacisera Park, Jamaica Broilers vs Jamalco at Spring Village, NWC vs Sagicor at Mona and Continental Baking Company vs NHT at Jamaica College, all starting at 11 a.m. Portmore domino finals at Caymanas

The curtain will come down on the Portmore/St Catherine divisional finals at Caymanas Park tomorrow with defending champions Fort International opposing Right Stuff in the Division I final. Meanwhile, hot favourites Colours Sports Club will take on Black Rooster in the Division II final, both starting at 11:30 a.m. In the Division I semis at Caymanas Park on June 6, Fort International defeated former champions Caribbean Classic 300-274, while Right Stiff put away Eradication 300-285. In the Division II semis at the same venue, high-riding Colours, who easily topped the preliminary round (losing only one match), whipped Lime Tree Grove 300-250 to advance to the final along with Black Rooster, who defeated Ken's Wildflower 300-278 in the other semifinal.

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According to Jamaica Domino Federation president, Gerald Stephens, the Division I champions will receive $130,000 along with the championship trophy, second $80,000, third $50,000 and fourth $30,000. Caribbean Classic from Portmore Lane and Eradication from Gregory Park will contest the Division I third place playoff at the same venue tomorrow, as will Lime Tree and Ken's Wildflower in Division II. The winning team in Division II will receive $50,000, second $30,000, third $20,000 and fourth $15,000. The presentation of trophies and prizes will take place on July 3 at a venue to be announced. Jamalco win open league

Former champions Jamalco back the title as Clarendon champions when they clipped defending champions Windalco 40-39 to take the Jamalco Open Netball title in the final played at the Mineral Heights Sports Complex last weekend. The $40,000 first prize appeared not important as the bragging rights in a match that featured the top two rural teams at any level. The game needed extra time of 10 minutes after the two were locked at 33-33 all at the end of two halves. Windalco had initially held the upper hand at the end of the first half when they took a 20-16 lead. Veteran goal shooter Elaine Davis, however, was in fine form throughout, tipping the scales Jamalco's way at crucial times to finish with a top score of 33 from 38 attempts. Her captain Marsha Murphy was a vital partner in sinking eight from 10 tries. Annakay Griffiths tried hard for the losers with a good effort of 25 from 27 while Emeilia Cummings supportive effort of 14 from 19 fell just short. The Mico University, one of four new teams in the competition this season, grabbed the third place with a 39-24 win over Holmwood B. Shauna Carradice was the best performer with 30 from 37 while her teammate Vanessa Walker, a national player, scored nine from 11. Denene Taylor, a National Under 21 player, scored most for the losers getting 19 from 27. Church United lead

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The exciting Church United team made it two wins in as many matches after an exciting 3-2 win over Contrivance in last weekend's round. Daniel Richards with two goals and the game winner by Fabian Stephenson staved off a spirited attempt by the Contrivance team that had earlier suffered a 1-0 loss to Roose Madrid. Church United were conceding their first goals after going on a 10-0 rout of Chantilly in their opening Zone I match. Earlier, there was huge disappointment for the massive crowd that turned up as Cumberland were no-shows for their scheduled game against George North. Tomorrow's feature game at Cobbla is a clash between Spring Village and West Road, who both won handsomely in their opening game against Spaldings. Chantilly will entertain Roose Madrid. The Cobbla Summer Football League is organised by the Cobbla New Testament Church of God. Georges Valley, Porus in U-17 final

Georges Valley defeated champions Mile Gully 2-1 while Porus ran away 5-1 winners over Settlement to book spots in the Power Services sponsored Manchester Under 17 tournament. Both games were played at Brook's Park on Wednesday as the facility hosted the second game, under lights. Mile Gully have won the tournament every time since their inauguration three years ago and their clash with Georges Valley was anticipated at Brook's Park. The two sides also featured two of the parish's senior coaches and rivals at the daCosta Cup level in Baron Watson for Mile Gully/Manchester High and Tony Peart (Georges Valley and Belair). The champions were stunned early with a strike from Okeen Blanford. Recardo Hamilton made it 2-0 in 66th minute of a game limited to 80 minutes of regulation time. However, Mile Gully earned a consolation when Roshane Davis scored from the penalty spot after Shade Thomas had handled a ball as he tried to clear. Clarendon summer league

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Defending champions Sunset will seek to finally kick off their campaign in this year's Jamalco-sponsored Clarendon Summer Football league when they take on Hunts Pen at Wembley tomorrow. The champions pocketed three points but were denied actual play on the field when the competition got under way earlier this month when Harmons failed to show. Much anticipation will surround the matchup between New Bowens and Juventus at Vere Technical tomorrow. New Bowens sent an early signal opening the 2010 season with a 11-nil thrashing of South Manchester at the competition launch. Today, Invincible will play Rail Road at Vere while Top Hill entertain Harmons at Wembley. In last weekend's matches: Savannah and Juventus drew 1-1, Top Halse Hall and Port ended 1-1, Top Hill beat Mocho 2-1 and Bottom Halse Hall got the better of Hunts Pen 1-0. Peter Brown and Richard Allen scored twice while seven other players scored one goal each. Another Manchester-based team, Harmons, failed to show for their game against defending champions Sunset, and were penalised with a 3-0 loss. The day turned to be a great one for New Bowens who earlier won the dress parade. In two other matches played last weekend, Wembley and Raymond drew 1-1 while Napoli and Mineral Heights also ended 1-1. Faith Temple, Old Harbour go for glory

New champions will be crowned in this morning's final of the Power of Faith Ministries Church Twenty/20 Cricket League as last year's beaten finalists, Faith Temple New Testament, challenge Old Harbour New Testament at the Lime Tree Oval in St Catherine, match time 10 a.m. In last Saturday's semi-final, Faith Temple ousted defending champs Power of Faith Seniors with a nine-run victory. In the second semi-final, Old Harbour New Testament crushed Braeton New Testament by 10 wickets. Faith Temple are favourites to take their first lien on the Dr Delford Davis trophy for Excellency but Old Harbour are capable of springing a surprise. The two finalists met in a Zone two preliminary round match, which ended abruptly because of rain.

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Milo celebrates six years with Portmore cricket

Milo is now celebrating its sixth year with the Portmore Metropolitan Under-15 Cricket League. On Thursday, at the Bridgeport Sports ground, a ceremonial handover of jerseys was made to Ambrose Hinds, coach of defending champions Portsmouth, by Charles Simpson, president of the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League to launch the youth tournament which officially starts tomorrow at three venues in Portmore. The feature game pits defending champions Portsmouth against Cumberland at the Portsmouth ground, starting at 11 o'clock. In other games, Colours International take on Washington CC at the Waterford High School ground, whereas Hamilton Gardens host Reid's Pen at the Hamilton Gardens ground. Milo has been the main sponsor of the League since its inception in 2005. Two teams chase one spot

Two teams, fourth-place Clifton (nine points), and fifth-place Passagefort United (seven), are gunning for the final semi-final spot in the Senator Arthur Williams-sponsored Portmore Under-15 football League. Clifton, in fourth position on nine points after their spirited 2-1 win over Passagefort United last Sunday, will just have to sit and watch as fifth-place Passagefort United (seven points) take on last-place Hellshire United in a key fixture at the Passagefort field tomorrow at 3 p.m. A win for Passagefort will see them gaining a semi-final spot ahead of rivals Clifton who have completed their fixture. In the 1 p.m. opener at the venue, Cumberland go up against Westport in a game of academic interest only. Cumberland have already qualified for the semis and Westport cannot advance.

STETHS start big favourites published: Monday | January 13, 2003 By Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

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MANDEVILLE, Manchester: THE WILCO-SPONSORED Headley Cup schoolboy cricket competition bowls off tomorrow with defending champions St. Elizabeth Technical hosting minnows Newell at their home field in Santa Cruz. A record number of entries, more than 70, have forced the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) to expand last season's zone compilation from A to I to A to K. Zone A: Cambridge, Anchovy, Herbert Morrison, William Knibb, Cornwall, Ruseas, St. James High. Zone B: Knockalva, Godfrey Stuart, Mannings, Frome, Grange Hill, Little London, Merlene Ottey, Petersfield. Zone C: Marcus Garvey, Ferncourt, Cedric Titus, York Castle, Ocho Rios, Aabuthnott Gallimore, Brown's Town. Zone D: STETHS, Lacovia, B.B. Coke, Munro, Balaclava. Zone E: Bellefield, Manchester, Porus, Cross Keys, Mile Gully. Zone F: Alston, Albert Town, Christiana, Knocks, Holmwood, Spalding. Zone G: Claude McKay, Clarendon College, Glenmuir, Thompson Town, Lennon, Garvey Maceo, Edwin Allen. Zone H: Kemps Hill, Bustamante, Tacius Golding, Vere, Old Harbour, Central High. Zone I: Dinthill, Ewarton, Troja High, McGrath, Bog Walk, Guy's Hill and Charlemont. Zone J: St. Mary High, Oracabessa, Tacky, Iona, Brimmere Vale, Annotto Bay High. Zone K: Morant Bay, Titchfield, Yallahs, Seaforth, Happy Grove, Fair Prospect, St. Thomas Technical. Selected previews: STETHS (ZONE D):

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With 19 titles overall and four on the trot since they lost in the 1998 final at Alpart to Holmwood, captained by Ricardo Powell, the defending champions need little motivation to once again display their high standards. Minus two or at most three players, the Santa Cruz team are likely to field consistently the same line-up which claimed the title over Holmwood by virtue of first innings honours at Alpart. With already a huge advantage in having national youth coach Junior Bennett to guide them, what should set STETHS apart from all comers should be the presence of new national senior, fast-bowler Jerome Taylor and Shawn Findlay, who has yesterday put forward by the Jamaica Cricket Association as a nominee for the West Indies B team. Findlay added, STETHS are likely to field the most powerful batting line-up with quality players in Vilroy Walcott, Damion Davidson and Howard Powell. Powell, Taylor and emerging Alton Beckford formerly of the national under-15 team, will combine to make the bowling just as awesome. Overall, STETHS chances of lifting the title yet again are even much stronger than last year when they suffered hiccups, including a quarter final loss on home turf to Manchester High. MANCHESTER HIGH (ZONE E): Manchester, who have played second fiddle to Holmwood in previous years, should benefit from the new zone compilation. With just Bellefield being the only team in zone E to ever taste second round action, Manchester are easily ranked the top team on the strength of their quarter-final performances last year and the high percentage of returning players from that squad. First-time semi-finalists a few years ago, the Patrick Reid coached team shocked many last season, knocking over STETHS in the quarter-final away from the champions home turf in Santa Cruz. That win forced a three way play off for a semi-final spot involving William Knibb which they eventually lost.

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The team once again will be led by national Under-19 hopeful Ray Leonard, the team's strike bowler and a capable batsman who hit an unbeaten century against Bellefield last season. Also returning are the teams most talented batsmen, Sheldon Smith, openers Craigon Malcolm and Oral Whiltshire, wicket keeper Jerome Cornwall, Jamie Merchant, Alex Elliott, Latchroy Morgan and Andre Henry. HOLMWOOD (ZONE F): Only champions STETHS can claim a better overall Headley Cup record than this Christiana based school, which has five titles including the last three (1990, 1993, 1998) under current coach Robert Lewis in addition to countless trips to the semi-finals and final. Holmwood are traditionally favoured to reach the final four. This year is no exception despite the team lacking players with outstanding national appeal. All rounder David Powell (in his fourth year) and batsman Donovan Sinclair, brother of Matthew who played on the winning side in 1998, look set to change this picture. Powell, who bats and bowls left-handed, and Sinclair, who scored three centuries last season, were named on the list of Jamaica's reserves for the last regional youth tournament. The team is capably served by a number of potential talents in fast bowler Uriel Samuels, Kadian McKenzie, Hugh Blackwood and Boris Hutchinson. A lot is expected of Ziggy Levy, who was the Jamaica vice-captain in last years regional Under-15 tournament. In practice matches to date, Holmwood have defeated UTech, Dinthill and Edwin Allen. BELLEFIELD (ZONE E): It's been five years since Bellefield tasted second round action and coach Johnwary Knight is dreaming of that again. It is a very distinct possibility, given the change in the zone structure and the potential of players retained from last year. In previous years, the presence of Holmwood and Manchester relegated them to third place but the absence of Holmwood should greatly enhance their chances to finish behind likely winners Manchester.

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A look at the zone shows two newcomers in Porus and Mile Gully with Cross Keys hardly likely to provide any scare. The side will be led by Hanif Martin, the player likely to be considered the most experienced in the competition as he is entering his fifth full season at this level. Returning players include Jemoy White, whose century against Cross Keys was the school's first ever in the competition. Others are Jermie Wright, wicket-keeper Ricardo Allen, Jermaine Johnson and Donovan Morgan. Due to preparation problems with home venue Kirkvine, Bellefield will use Manchester High for their opening home game against that school on Wednesday, January 15. OLD HARBOUR (ZONE H): Maurice Kepple's elevation to the national senior side is likely to provide a lot of motivation for Old Harbour to do well in this year's competition. Kepple piloted the St. Catherine School to their first second round berth two seasons ago on the strength of outstanding performances with the bat, which also handed him the MVP award. Last season, Old Harbour went even further, reaching the semi-final before losing to St. Elizabeth Technical at Alpart. Coach Kirk Gordon, who captained Holmwood when he played schoolboy cricket in the mid 1990s, said the momentum which carried the school to their first schoolboy football title, the Ben Francis Cup last term, is likely to spill over to the cricket team. The team boast eight players returning from last year's starting 11, an advantage which makes them a prospects to repeat last season's feat. With Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo now relocated to Zone G, an interesting challenge looms to find Zone H's top team between Old Harbour and the highly fancied Vere Technical. From performance in practice matches so far, Old Harbour's strength should revolve around the Kelly twins, Keith and Orane. Keith, who bowls offspin and captured 31 wickets last season, has featured among the wickets while getting two undefeated half centuries in pre-season victories over Johnathan Grant and Old Harbour's Division I side. Orane, who bowls leg spin, snared 41 wickets in the Headley Cup last season but was surprisingly overlooked for national selection.

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Completing the returning list are wicketkeeper Randolph Brown, (most dismissals last season), Cleon Thompson, Kemar Jarrett, Everoy McLoud, Garnet Gaynor, Erron Downer, Ricardo Bennett and Randy Carter. EDWIN ALLEN (ZONE G): The recent acquisition of a bowling machine at the Frankfield-based school has brought a lot of hope for cricket there. Coach Nassive Brown is hoping to let this factor count although the last few years the team has merely flattered to deceive. Take, for example, last season. They breezed through the preliminaries, strategically placing themselves behind Clarendon College so they could take advantage of being paired with fancied seed Holmwood, a team they had beaten in the pre-season. However, after knocking away Cornwall and Maggotty in early quarter-final action, they fell away badly against Holmwood and Mannings. Eight players are available from last year's squad - Omar Knight (Clarendon Senior Cup player), Jaipaul Powell (National Under 15 batsman), Kenroy Mundle, Kevin Harris, Jerome Ellington, Norman Wright, Xavier Morris, Conroy Lawrence and Diego Morris. Edwin Allen's perennial quarter-final status is likely to be threatened by the presence of Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo in Zone G. However, their presence should help to make the zone the most competitive and strongly represented. VERE TECHNICAL (ZONE H): Even with the claims of Old Harbour, Vere Technical are still considered the fancied team in Zone H. Under coach Coleman, the Hayes-based school have reached the semi-final for the last four years. In addition, they have topped their Zone during this period. Although losing batsman Omar Campbell, who scored most and picked up the MVP award, the side is considered a very strong one with the return of nine players from last year's team, which lost to Holmwood in the semi-finals. Heading Vere's team list is Under-19 fast bowler Jowayne Robinson, who was injured for the last regional tournament, along with batsman Duran White, Bryan Morgan, Kirk Thompson, Denver Passley, Ian Morgan, Jason Nelson and Andre Clarke.

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KEMPS HILL (ZONE H): Kemps Hill are considered serious contenders, at least in the preliminary round, on the strength of making it to the final of the rural Under-16 competition where they lost to Holmwood Technical. With Vere and Old Harbour already the established teams in Zone H, Kemps Hill are easily ranked third ahead of the unspectacular pack of Bustamante, Central High and Tacius Golding. Last year, Kemps Hill's campaign was greatly hampered when they forfeited match honours to Glenmuir following a row with an assistant umpire's decision to give their star batsman, Dwayne Mahabir, out against Glenmuir. This season, Mahabir, a Clarendon Senior Cup player, returns to shoulder the batting, along with Joseph Ranger and Fabian Anderson, Marvin Frock and Asis Cockett. The team's presence in this zone could be crucial to deciding which of Old Harbour or Vere emerge zone winners. Coach Patrick Gustard is hoping the clash will provide a result from which his team can sneak through as the second-placed team. MUNRO (ZONE D): Munro last and only Headley Cup triumph was 28 years ago in 1974 when the team was coached by Horton Dolphin. Over the past five years they have played second fiddle to STETHS while being denied a place occasionally by Maggotty. This year, Maggotty will not play, hence coach Christie Goodhart is looking to capitalise fully as the other teams, Lacovia, B.B. Coke and Balaclava, are far less experienced at this level. Heading Munro's charge is Chadrick Walters, who played on the national Under-19 team last season. Other potentially good players include the coach's son, Jamie Goodhart, a former national Under-16 invitee, Anthony Jones, Kerry Powell, Dennis Oridge, Elvis Palarchy and Kason Reid. Practice matches so far against Mannings and Meadowbrook have been successful with Goodhart performing with both bat and ball.

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Road repairs underway in Manchester Published: Tuesday March 13, 2012 | 12:25 pm Monique Grange, Gleaner Writer The National Works Agency (NWA) says phase 4 of the agencys spray patching programme is now underway in Manchester. NWA Communications Manager Stephen Shaw says about 5,000 square meters of roadway will be targeted in the parish. He says that includes the roadways leading from Mile Gully to Oxford, Newport to Pusey Hill and Whitney Turn to Williamsfield. He says the project started weeks ago and should be completed within another two weeks. Shaw says repair work is being funded by the agencys internal resources with financial support from the Road Maintenance Fund. In the meantime, he says the agency is also taking steps to address the poor road surfaces in Central St. Mary. He says roadwork in St. Mary should be completed by the end of the month. monique.grange@gleanerjm.com Kendal win first Major League title Published: Tuesday | May 1, 2012 2 Comments with audio | 3 Comments

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Duncan An own goal decided the 2011-12 Captain Bakery & Grill Manchester Major League football competition on Sunday, as Kendal defeated Mile Gully 1-0 in a testy final at Kirkvine Sports Club. The all-important goal came three minutes into the second half when a Mile Gully defender, Marlon Hylton, inadvertently turned a header out of the reach of his goalkeeper, Sheldon James. James, who had looked good in making a memorable stop from a Clayton Berry shot, hesitated initially while advancing to retrieve the ball and Hylton's call, after effecting a back-header, was awfully late. The final made the fourth time they were meeting for the season, with Kendal winning on three occasions, including 3-0 in the mid-season final. However, they were outplayed for long periods by the youthful Mile Gully, who were very attractive in their passing and transition. In addition to the gift of the Hylton's goal, Kendal were also awarded a penalty in the 61st minute for a tackle on Berry. Dwayne Sinclair muffed the chance from the spot, sending the ball wide of the target.

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It was a tearful Maurice Duncan, who spoke to The Gleaner after the final whistle. It was his first Major League assignment, as he has mainly coached at the schoolboy level at Christiana High. Kendal's win, he said, was a fitting tribute to their fight all season, as it was their first in a Major League final. "I wasn't worried. I knew they would have a lot possession, but in the final third they were not getting it right. Psychologically, they were a bit nervous whenever we tackled or in the 50-50 ball situations. I think in the end we wanted it more, and that's what happens (own goal) when you pressure people, they make mistakes," said Duncan. He is already looking forward to participation in the South Central Confederation Super League later this year. "It's our chance now. Mile Gully has been there before and I believe we can play there. A lot will have to change. We will definitely need to get in new players and management will have to work out where we can train under lights as most of our guys work." - Richard Bryan

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | March 23, 2013 0 Comments

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Reggae Boyz Garath McCleary (left) and Lloyd Doyley cooling down with refreshment from Jamaica Football Federation sponsor Coca-Cola on their arrival at the Donald Sangster International Airport last Sunday, ahead of last night's Jamaica vs Panama World Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium.- Contributed 123> Sista skittles quarter-finals The 2009 champion Fitzroy 'Paul' Blair from Eastern All-Stars heads the list of quarterfinalists in tomorrow's Jamaica Skittles Federation/Sista National Open Singles Championships, after his thrilling five-set win over Rowe's Strikers' Karyl 'Chassy' Walker at Bourbon Sports Bar, Windward Road, on Sunday. It was one of the three major grudge matches of the round of 16. After a ding-dong tussle, both players were locked at 2-2 going into the fifth and final game, but Blair held his nerves to beat Walker 1570-1120. He will now face Walker's vicecaptain, Garfield 'Milligram' Samuels, who had a 3-1 victory over Mister C's captain Aubyn Flynn. In the same bottom half of the draw, Blair's teammate, Nehemiah 'Fatta' Henry, ended Emmanuel Munda's hopes of winning the title with a 3-2 win.

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After beating topline players Sydney Carrington and the 2010 champion, Winston 'Wimpy' Lyew, Munda appeared on a roll, but Henry, the 2006 champion, was at his best, coming from a game down to win 3-2 and secure his place in the quarter-finals. Henry will be seeking sweet revenge against Fred 'Bushman' March, who upset his teammate and former champion, Leslie 'Toothpick' Puranda, in another five-set thriller. In the top half of the draw, title favourite Dane Jones of Eagles ended teammate Ruthlyn Bailey's giant-killing run with a 3-0 victory and will now play Steven Thompson of Eastern. Thompson had earlier defeated Eagles' Godfrey Willis 3-1, while Eagles' Clinton 'Fly Up' Thompson overpowered his teammate Orville Mighty 3-1 to advance. Thompson has been drawn to meet Ravel Montague of Rowe's Strikers. Montague put away Eagles player Rudolph 'Niah' Mullings in straight sets for his quarter-final spot. The action continues at Bourbon House tomorrow, starting at 2 p.m.

Worthy Gold pool tourney The Worthy Gold eight-ball pool tournament cues off next Saturday, March 30, and concludes the following day at Hot Shots Pool Bar, 120A Constant Spring Road. It offers a first prize of $100,000 and trophy. Entry fee is $2,500 or $3000 after March 16.

Portals let off Bridgeport East Portmore Portals will hope that they will not pay for last Sunday's inept shooting when they meet Bridgeport FC in the second-leg semi-final match of the LIME Portmore Division Two football league at Passagefort playing field tomorrow at 1 p.m. The first leg ended 0-0. Portals missed at least five chances, including Keino Walker's misjudged attempt on goal from point-blank range; and Shamir Rall, who with Bridgeport's goalkeeper, Robert Desilva, at his mercy, chose to pass instead of ramming the ball into an unprotected net.

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Fourth-seed Cumberland hold a surprise 1-0 advantage going into tomorrow's secondleg semi-final match against top-ranked Greater Portmore, as Ray Christie answered the call for the underdogs with a second-half strike.

Right Stuff stumble Multiple champions Fort International condemned defending champs Right Stuff to their first loss of the season as they hammered them 300-250 in a match at Fort's ground, Sky Sports Bar, Passagefort Drive, on Sunday. With the win, Fort joined three other teams with 44 points in a four-way tie at the top. Right Stuff remained on 44 points, while Caribbean Classic, who were idle, are also on 44 points. Eradication hit the 44-point mark from 12 games, when they boot Island Special Constabulary Force 300-277. In other games, fifth-place Prozz and Conns (35 points) were shocked 300-293 by the ever-improving Passagefort United (28), ninth-place Hurricane (28) blew past Masterpiece 300-294 in a countdown, Eagle View defeated Colours Sports Club 300-266, Ken's Wildflower outlasted Caymanas Track 300-290, Exceptional International downed Spring Village 300252, while Black Rooster condemned Highlight Strikers to their 12th loss of the season with a 300-277 victory. The competition takes a break tomorrow.

Garveymeade host pairs competition Garveymeade Sports Club will tomorrow host the Domino pairs competition at the club's headquarters in Garveymeade, Portmore, St Catherine, tomorrow, starting at noon. Players from Portmore and other parts of St Catherine and the Corporate Area will vie for a top prize of $20,000. Entry fee is $1,000 per pair. Second place gets $10,000. Additionally, there will be a raffle of a flat-screen television set, an electric fan, and an iron. Tickets cost $250 each.

Old Harbour, Fel Tab face off

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Defending champions Old Harbour Bay New Testament will face Fellowship Tabernacle (Fel Tab) in one of four quarter-final games in the Power of Faith Ministries Church 20/20 Cricket League at the Bridgeport sports ground this morning, beginning at 9:30. Devoy Smith and Andr Henry, with centuries already under their belts, will lead the defending champs, while Fel Tab, who are the underdogs, will counter through Ronaldo Harris and Errol Flynch. Also, at Bridgeport at 1:30 p.m., Portmore Gospel Assembly tackle Miracle Open Bible. At Lime Tree Oval, four-time champions Power of Faith International take on Christ Cathedral Community Worship Centre at 9:30 a.m., then at 1:30 p.m., Power of Faith Development square off with Lighthouse Gospel Assembly. The matches were postponed due to the inclement weather last week.

Rivoli take lead Rivoli will take a 1-0 lead against parish-mates Fraszier's Whip in tomorrow's secondleg final of the South Central Confederation Super League at Spanish Town Prison Oval. Kickoff is at 4 p.m., with provisions made for extra-time and penalty kicks if necessary. Rivoli's advantage was secured mid-week through Devon Hodges' 32nd-minute goal in the first-leg match, which was also played at Spanish Town Prison Oval. Fraszier's Whip are highly motivated by their first-year success at this level, and manager Wayne Thomas remains adamant that his side will put up a fight. "The game itself went well, except for the goal Rivoli scored, and I don't believe one goal is going to be good enough to beat us on two legs," he told The Gleaner. Rivoli's coach, Calvert Fitzgerald, said his team will remain focused on winning as the objective is to get back to the National Premier League. "We are confident that we have what it takes. We had better positioning and created more chances while they were aggressive. It's a matter of us keeping our focus."

DB Basovak, Albion hold clear advantage

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It is almost surely curtains for the season of Flamingo in the LIME St Catherine FA Major League after they were soundly beaten 4-0 by DB Basovak in the first-leg semi-final at Spanish Town Prison Oval on Thursday. DB Basovak's scorers included Vinroy Hayles (20th), Luke Soares (22nd), Zavian McGaw (44th) and Renardo Graham (90th). It will take a herculean effort from Flamingo men to win by five clear goals in the second-leg match that is scheduled for next Thursday at the same venue. Albion also hold a clear 3-1 advantage over Dunbeholden in their LIME Division One match, also at the venue. The league's leading scorer, Tavoy Morgan (48th), rounded off the scoring for Albion, after Orville Newell (24th) and Kenny Lee (42nd) had given them a 2-1 lead at half-time. Richard Oates (third) scored for Dunbeholden.

Newell win St Elizabeth mid-season final Former South Central Confederation Super League representative Newell FC won the Wray & Nephew-sponsored St Elizabeth Major League mid-season final last weekend, after defeating Black Star FC 3-2 on penalties. Newell pocketed a trophy, as well as cash incentive of $30,000. The losers got $20,000. Newell then celebrated in style on Wednesday when Lingarley Vassell's goal in the 35th minute handed them a 1-0 win over Parrottee. They have now eclipsed Black Star at the top of the standings. Black Star's loss in the finals also continued with a midweek 1-2 loss to Young Brazil. Tafari Lions, who missed out narrowly on the mid-season final, won 2-0 playing away to Mountainside. Newell's one-point lead leaves a trail of three teams - Black Star, Tafari Lions and Young Brazil - on 19 points. Next are Round Hill on 16 points and Holland PYC on 14. Three players are locked on six goals for the race to be leading goalscorer. They are Kirk Wright of Young Brazil, Ricardo Reid of Black Star, and Tafari Powell of Round Hill.

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Sporting humble Jamalco The development side of Premier League outfit Sporting Central Academy inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Jamalco and took over sole leadership of the Captain's Bakery and Grillsponsored Clarendon FA Major League. Sporting are now on 13 points from five games, mined from four wins and a draw. Also this week, Sporting defeated the development side of fellow NPL representative Humble Lion 1-0. Jamalco are second on 12 points after rebounding with a 3-2 win over York Town on Tuesday. In other results earlier this week, Comfort had a 2-0 win over Monymusk, Original Hazard prevailed 3-0 over Summerfield, and Woodhall stopped Milk River 2-1. The rest of the standings sees New Bowens and Original Hazard on 10 points each, Comfort on nine, and the pair of Humble Lion and Summerfield on eight. The competition continues today with two games: York Town vs Milk River, and Jamalco vs Woodhall. Both games begin at 3:30 p.m.

Manchester Academy Division Two round-up Grey Ground's 3-0 win over Blue Mountain highlighted play in this week's Manchester Division Two. The result pushed Grey Ground to the top of the 18-team standings on seven points from three games. They are ahead of the three-team pack on six points, namely Manchester Academy, Royal Flat, and Blue Mountain. Manchester Academy, which is really a squad of Manchester High players, netted a 10 win over Hills United, courtesy of Gavin Sinclair's goal. Royal Flat, spurred by Wayne Blake's goal, also won 1-0 over Mike Town. Blue Mountain had their second win, a 3-1 success over Hanbury.

Downs back on top Downs regained leadership of the Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Manchester Major League, following a 1-0 win over Porus in last weekend's 12th round. Downs lead by

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goal difference, as Greenvale, the previous round's leader, and who lost ground with a 2-2 draw with Alligator Pond, also have 23 points. Hot on their heels are Alligator Pond on 22, Porus on 21 and Mile Gully on 20. Mile Gully were the only other team to achieve victory in the 12th round, following their 2-1 win over struggling former champions, Hillstars. Hillstars have just six points, mined from two wins in 12 matches. The round's final match ended in a 2-2 draw between Comfort and Villa United. In this weekend's 13th round, Villa United and Porus will meet at 1:30 p.m. today as part of a Brooks Park double-header. In the 3:30 encounter, Hillstars will entertain Greenvale. The remaining two matches will see Mile Gully hosting Comfort, also today, while Downs await Alligator Pond.

Jamalco Open league netball Budding Manchester-based school May Day bounced back from their opening 20-23 loss to Holmwood Techical B to record a 27-6 win over Seven Stars as action continued last weekend in the Jamalco Open Netball league at the Mineral Heights Sports Complex. Quite recently, they had failed to net a single goal against big guns Jamalco in the season's oneday rally. The loss was Seven Stars' second, having succumbed to Jamalco 36-5. Jamalco were idle due to the absence of opponents Holmwood, who were involved in the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships. Manchester were also absent for similar reasons. Denbigh A recorded the round's highest win - a 38-10 victory over Humble Lion. Sewell Lane, who had drawn with Manchester 25-25 in the season-opener, recorded their first win - a 20-7 margin over Denbigh High B. In other results from the second round, Glenmuir B stopped Vere Technical 20-12, Chapelton outscored Central High 16-7 and in the battle of two schoolgirl teams, Glenmuir B taught Fogo Road B a lesson, hammering them 24-2. A full schedule of matches is slated for tomorrow's third round, which begins at 1 p.m. They are: Hayes Allstars vs Glenmuir B; Fogo Road A vs Vere; Denbigh B vs Jamalco; Cable Pro vs Manchester High A; May Day vs Manchester High B; and Chapelton vs Holmwood A.

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North Western Manchester: Hilly terrain causes water problems published: Friday | August 31, 2007 Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

The constituency of Manchester North Western is said to be one of the largest in Jamaica and is bordered by Troy in Trelawny to the north, Greenvale in Central Manchester to the east, Dunrobin and Pepper in St. Elizabeth to the south and Hibernia in Manchester and Epping Forest to the west. The terrain is hilly, rugged and difficult, rising to almost 3,500 feet at Huntley, where radio, TV, as well as cellular antennas dot the skyline. The major town is mile gully which is located at a low point. The ancient courthouse at Skull Point is a nationally recognised historic monument. In North West Manchester, the economic mainstays are farming, bauxite mining and a juice, extraction factory. A cheese factory was closed recently. Depending on the bauxite industry has its environmental drawbacks, the most obvious of them being the removal of top soil. However, the industry has also provided wells, supplying arid areas with water. "A new bauxite company is working on a well which should alleviate the shortage and also provide employment for the young people, but the area needs a skill training facility to prepare them for work in the bauxite sector. So that is in the pipeline," said one resident.

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Bearing in mind the important industries in the constituency, residents are concerned with seeing more farm and minor roads, a steadier water supply, as well as greenhouses to supplement the depletion of the soil by the mining of bauxite. "Apart from a river at Oxford in North West Manchester, there is a water problem all around and residents have to depend on trucks and tanks for their water," said a government employee, who preferred to remain anonymous. Occasional flooding What was once a vibrant citrus industry in the constituency has been eroded by bauxite mining. Another concern is occasional flooding whenever there are heavy rains in Comfort Hall and Ever Green. Crime, however, has been described as comparatively low. One resident of Comfort Hall, for instance, had indicated her satisfaction with the way the constituency was currently being run. "We in Comfort Hall are lucky and quite comfortable. The Oxford River runs right through the area. We have electricity and the crime rate is low, no problem," she said. On Monday, the PNP's Dean Peart will be up against the JLP's Timothy Scarlett. While tourism is growing, another dilemma faces Eastern Hanover. The constituency's lone garment factory, which employs several hundred people, mainly women, is set to close by year end, leaving many to hope the Fiesta Hotel will pick up the slack.

( L - R ) Peart, Scarlett In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | April 7, 2012 0 Comments

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Former 100 metres world-record holder, Olympian and LIME ambassador, Asafa Powell (centre), poses with members of the Holmwood Technical girls' sprint medley open champion team, - see full caption at the end of story. 12> Wray & Nephewskittles to start soon The 2012 Wray & Nephew White Overproof Skittles competition is scheduled to start towards the end of this month with 13 participating teams, including defending champions Eagles. President of the Jamaica Skittles Federation, Sam Allen, confirmed that among the teams will be an all-ladies outfit - Mystix Lady Strikers - from Hagley Park Road. The team performed creditably against the men last year with top players such as recently crowned singles champion Pauline Gentles and the runner-up Paulette Barrett. Allen further stated that the competition will be launched in another fortnight or so, with a dress parade.

Caymanas KiteFestival tomorrow

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Caymanas Track Limited, in association with Cal's Manufacturing, jointly present a Kite Festival and Family Fun Day on the infield at Caymanas Park tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lucrative cash prizes are being offered to persons flying the highest kite ($15,000), biggest kite ($10,000) and the most creative ($5,000). Entry fee for the Kite competition is $500, while general admission fees are $300 for adults and $100 for children under 12. There will be gate prizes and free rides all day. Part proceeds in aid of Caymanas supported charities.

Old Harbour, PFMInt'l face off in final Defending champions Power of Faith International will this afternoon be aiming for their fifth hold on the Delford Davis Trophy for excellence, when they take on Old Harbour New Testament in the final of the Power of Faith Ministries Twenty/20 Church Cricket League at the Bridgeport ground. Match time 1:30 p.m. In their only meeting of the season, PFM International defeated Old Harbour by three runs. In-form allrounders Junior Stewart, Peter Harrison and Glen Wellington, a wicketkeeper/batsman, will lead the champions' charge, while power hitters Devoy Smith and Andr Henry will hope to put Old Harbour in a winning position. PFM International are seeking their fifth hold on the trophy in seven years. The final will be preceded by a third place play-off between Bethel Born and Power and Light Ministries.

Westchester, Hellshire hold edge in Portmore Division Two Westchester and Hellshire United will come into today's second leg semi-final matches against rivals Westport and East Portmore Portals with the advantage, at the Passagefort playing field. Westport have a two-goal cushion over Westport and play their opponents in the second game of a double-header at the venue at 3 p.m. Westchester will start favourites as

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their potent attack of Lusheng Davis, Dane Thomas and Orlando Bryan is expected to give the Westport defence a tough time. In the opening game at 1 p.m., Hellshire United will take a 1-0 lead in their encounter against East Portmore Portals. Hellshire will have to contend with goal poachers Rohan Grant and Rohan Cato, while Portals will depend heavily on their leading marksman, Keino Walker, who has scored 10 goals this season.

Domino pairs KO at Cedar Grove The third staging of a Domino Pairs Knock Out competition for this year will be held at Right Stuff home ground, Mattis Bar in Cedar Grove, tomorrow. Entry fee is $1,000 per pair and entries close at 11:30 a.m. The competition bows off at noon. First prize is $20,000; $10,000 for second and $5,000 for third.

Old Harbour Bay clinch semi-final spot Old Harbour Bay United came up trumps as they defeated arch-rivals Travellers FC 2-1 in a tough encounter at the Old Harbour Bay playing field, to qualify for the semi-finals of the LIME St Catherine Football Association Division One league last Sunday. With the win, Old Harbour Bay progressed to 26 points, and joined preliminary round top team Upfront United (30 points), second-place Albion United (27 points), which ended the preliminaries with a 3-1 win over Benbow United, and third place Flamingo (27 points), which lost at their home field, Gordon Pen, 3-2 to out-of-contention Waterford. The loss was a disaster for Travellers, which is one of the most talented teams in the competition and will have to wait another year to see if they can move to the higher league. The two finalists will move on to the Major League.

Christian Pen snatch last semi-final spot

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Christian Pen snatched the fourth and last semi-final spot in the LIME St Catherine Football Association Major League, after they came from behind to defeat Black Lion 2-1 last Saturday. With the win, Christian Pen moved to 29 points and safely into the next round. Pete Spence and Marvin Jones scored for Christian Pen, while Dave Satchell netted for Black Lion. In other games, McCook's Pen beat Tru-Juice 1-0 and DB Basovak cooled Portsmouth 2-0. It is now back to the drawing board for Portsmouth as their season has ended. They had a mathematical chance of advancing to the next round, but they needed to win against DB Basovak and hope that Christian Pen lost their match, none of these scenarios happened.

Royal Lakes in Confed semis St Catherine teams stayed on course for a clean sweep of the semi-final spots when Royal Lakes joined the runaway train carrying Rivoli United and Meadows as the confirmed teams. Royal Lakes had a crucial 1-0 win over parish mates De la Vega to move to an unassailable 25 points as the second qualifier from Zone A. It means New Green, despite having two games in hand, can only possibly reach 24 points. An interesting tussle looms between Newland of St Catherine and Super Action of St Elizabeth for the fourth qualifying spot. Newland moved to 20 points after defeating Spartan 3-0, while Super Action gave themselves an outstanding shot at the semi-finals using Jevaughn Mitchell's goal to spur them to a 1-0 win over Meadows. The result continued Super Action's amazing purple patch since they have drafted in former members of the St Elizabeth Technical High School daCosta Cup squad. They will need to win their final match and deny the St Catherine sweep, providing Newland draw or lose. Last weekend was also remarkable for Rivoli, which stretched their lead to 12 points with a 3-0 win over Bodles. Among the scorers was their emerging young star, Jeremy Nelson, who got his fourth goal in as many matches.

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Porus in Manchester Major League semis Porus were confirmed as the third, early qualifier for the semi-finals of The Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Manchester Major League football competition. Porus knocked over Star Liner 4-0 to move to 25 points, safely out of reach of any potential challenger. Porus join league leaders Mile Gully and mid-season final champions Kendal. In other results from last weekend's penultimate round, Mile Gully defeated Comfort 21, Kendal edged Georges Valley 1-0 and Hillstars won 2-1 over Villa United. Comfort (17 pts) and Villa United (15 pts) are battling for the fourth semi-final slot. Meanwhile, the marquee mid-week match-up between Kendal and Mile Gully ended 00. Just one point separates these two top teams.

Zones take shape in Manchester U-17 It is still early going in the Power Services Limited Manchester Under-17 football competition, but some zones have begun to take shape. Mile Gully Youth, comprising mainly members of Manchester High School's Under-16 squad, lead Zone B with six points from two matches. Cross Keys and Georges Valley follow with three points from one match. Flava lead Zone A with four points from two games. Defending champions Studds, as well as Porus, are yet to play a game. Comfort and Kendal have the early lead in Zone C - both recording one victory each. It is a similar case in Zone D where Hillstars and the second entrant using the Mile Gully name, Mile Gully FC, have scored an opening win.

Quarter-final hunt on in Manchester Division Two The Power Service-sponsored Manchester Division Two nears its quarter-final stage with most of the eight teams across four zones confirmed.

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Zone D is sewn up with Royal Flat and Grey Ground unstoppable. Royal Flat lost 1-2 to neighbours Land Settlement, but lead the zone on goal difference over Grey Ground, on seven points. Grey Ground have played one game less and could end as zone winners. Zone B qualifiers are Alligator Pond and Plouden. Alligator booked their spot with a 3-0 win over Tri-Star. Plouden are on six points with one game in hand. Cedar Grove have been confirmed from Zone A, boasting seven points from three games. May Day and Greenvale, both on three points, will battle for the remaining slot. In Zone C, Hasty Good, with six points from two matches, are assured of a quarterfinal spot as the next two best placed teams, Allied and Flava Youth, have four points and have played one more match.

Jamalco stay ahead in Clarendon Jamalco steadied at the top of the Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Clarendon Major League football competition after winning two straight games and taking full advantage of an upset loss by previous leaders New Bowens. Following a 1-0 win which took them two points past New Bowens, Jamalco defeated Original Hazard 2-0 on Monday. In both victories, one of their key players, Roshane Sharpe, scored. New Bowens suffered an extraordinary slip from the top, losing 2-0 to York Town. The loss was remarkable since York Town have for weeks lingered at the bottom of the standings. In 12 previous games, York Town had only mined three points from three draws. Four Paths also climbed up the standings, their 4-2 win over Gimme-Me-Bit taking them to second spot on 30 points.

Appleton join Black River in semis Appleton joined Black River as the early qualifiers to the semi-finals of the Wray & Nephew-sponsored St Elizabeth Major League football competition. Appleton first stunned

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Black River 2-0 in a mid-week fixture, before blasting Parrottee 4-0 to move to the safe territory of 39 points. Last weekend, three teams amazingly recorded 2-2 results. Black River dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Braes River, but still lead the semi-final race by three points, while Tafari Lions moved to 31 points and third place with their 2-2 result against Mountainside. Semi-final contenders Newell (28 pts) and Vineyard featured in the other 2-2 scoreline of the weekend. Full Caption Wayne Morgan (left), coach of St Catherine High School and Kirk Gordon, coach of Innswood High School, cheer on their respective teams in the final of the Grace Shield cricket competition at Melbourne Oval last Tuesday. Innswood High defeated St Catherine High by 111 runs to claim their third straight hold on the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Grace Shield cricket title. Innswood made 159 and 174; and St Catherine 25 and 197. Full Caption Former 100 metres world-record holder, Olympian and LIME ambassador, Asafa Powell (centre), poses with members of the Holmwood Technical girls' sprint medley open champion team, during the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships, at the National Stadium last week Saturday. The winners are (from left) Nicolae Martin, Shana-Kay Mannings, Anna-Kay Vaughn and Antonikla Drummond, who show off new LIME TV phones they got as a prize.- Contributed photos Improved CSEC passes for rural schools Published: Wednesday | August 31, 2011 4 Comments

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Dr Rene Rattray - Ian Allen/Photographer SIX RURAL high schools are experiencing a performance boost as a result of major intervention. Speaking at a Gleaner Editors' Forum recently, programme manager at Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF) Dr Renee Rattray said the high schools, in which the foundation operates its $100-million Centres of Excellence programme, have improved their performance in math, language and the sciences in spite of the slight dip in performances with Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations across the Caribbean this year. The high schools are McGrath in St Catherine, Mile Gully and Porus in Manchester, Seaforth in St Thomas, Green Pond in St James and Godfrey Stewart in Westmoreland. Dr Rattray said the programme will reveal the schools' performances in the subject areas soon. Mutual Building Societies Foundation offers much-needed aid

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"We have seen significant improvements in the culture of the schools," she told the forum. "The schools have become attuned to having high expectations. I think the levels of expectations have risen tremendously," she added, noting that the schools have been provided with expert intervention, software and other state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to strengthen their performance. The programme manager said the schools' leadership has also been strengthened significantly. Dr Rattray, who is herself a former principal, said the schools were chosen by the MBSF for development because rural schools face the most acute shortage of resources. The Centres of Excellence, which was created by the Victoria Mutual Building Society and the Jamaica National Building Society-operated MBSF in 2008, is scheduled to end next year.

Young, rural techies shine at entrepreneurial camp Published: Friday | July 27, 2012 0 Comments

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Members of the winning Seaforth High School and Porus High School teams and their mentors accept their award from Kerry-Jo Lyn (centre, in red shirt), programme manager, Digicel Foundation. Seaforth and Porus tied for the Best ICT Application A ward at the recent Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' Camp, held at the University of the West Indies. The Young Entrepreneurs Programme is a part of the Centres of Excellence initiative managed by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation formed by Jamaica National Building Society and The Victoria Mutual Building Society. - Contributed Applications aimed at improving access to emergency services and enhancing learning for high-school students received the winning prize at the recent staging of the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' Camp. The boot camp, in its second consecutive year, was held at the Rex Nettleford Hall on the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies, from July 9 to 13. It is a component of the Centres of Excellence Programme managed by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). The MBSF partnered with the Digicel Foundation to implement the entrepreneurship project, and Digicel engaged its business outfit to develop the ideas presented by the winning grade-nine students from Seaforth High School in St Thomas and Porus High School in Manchester. The teams of young, techie entrepreneurs from both schools tied for first place after impressing expert judges with their E-App (Emergency App) and S1 App (Subject 1 App) ideas, respectively. The E-App provides a quick, less cumbersome and discrete way for users to contact emergency services, while the S1-App allows students to access syllabi and other educational material easily, while also engaging in interactive games to develop their understanding of the subject area. "We are in a technology renaissance and today's entrepreneur must have the skill set to manipulate technology in order to solve daily challenges and meet the needs of customers, while, at the same time, improving the business' bottom line," says Kimala Bennett, managing director of The Business Lab, the project's managers. Team work More than 70 students from the six rural high schools worked in teams guided by teachers and expert mentors to identify specific problems in their schools or community.

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They then developed applications to solve the problems. These ranged from apps to keep parents informed of school events and projects; apps to reduce glut in the agro market, as well as emergency response and edutainment apps and apps to assist unemployed young Jamaicans to access information about job opportunities. "The ideas presented could all go to market," commented chief judge and entrepreneur, Ian Moore, in congratulating the schools. "That made it even harder to score." McGrath High in Linstead, St Catherine; Mile Gully High School in Manchester; Godfrey Stewart High in Westmoreland and Green Pond High School in St James, also paticipated. "The students presented applications that were sound and practical and workable business plans. This goes to show the repository of talent in our schools, which can be honed if we use the right tools," Bennett said, revealing that the students developed the ideas and prepared the presentations in just two days. Dr Rene Rattray, programme manager at the MBSF, says the focus on ICT at this year's camp is a logical extension on the knowledge the students have already gained. "What we are focused on is developing a generation of young people who are fully prepared to lead in this new technology-driven paradigm, and who can apply what they have learned to compete effectively." noted Dr Rattray. Samantha Chantrelle, executive director of Digicel Foundation, said Jamaica's education system can no longer be centred on the traditional methods of teaching and learning . "What we need is a new engine to encourage innovation with which our youth and our country can survive in the new global environment," she said. CAPTION: Members of the winning Seaforth High School and Porus High School teams and their mentors accept their award from Kerry-Jo Lyn (centre, in red shirt), programme manager, Digicel Foundation. Seaforth and Porus tied for the Best ICT Application A ward at the recent Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' Camp, held at the University of the West Indies. The Young Entrepreneurs Programme is a part of the Centres of Excellence initiative managed by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation formed by Jamaica National Building Society and The Victoria Mutual Building Society. - Contributed Build an 'idea culture' - Bennett

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Published: Monday | June 10, 2013 3 Comments

Kimala Bennett (third from left), and Khary Sharpe (second left) of Bakari Digital work through a business concept with students participating in a boot camp under the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' initiative. Also working with the students is entrepreneur Anthony Brown. Ideas defined: Intangible concepts that exist only in the human mind, which, without the right condition to nurture them, are impossible to measure and implement. Far more imaginative are the ideas of young people, says Kimala Bennett, managing director of the business-support outfit, The Business Lab. But, although their ideas are often full of energy, life and boundless possibilities, often times they do not have the opportunity and channels to explore them. "Ideas aren't exactly our own," Bennett reasoned, as she recently addressed more than 180 students from six rural non-traditional high schools from across the country at an expo at The University of the West Indies. "You and I can come up with a business idea that someone else in China comes up with at exactly the same time."

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The solution, she said, is to build an environment in which the 'idea culture' can grow, develop and thrive. "Establish a system which facilitates the growth of these ideas into products or tools to innovate," she told the students. The students being addressed were not just any students. They were Bennett's own protgs under the dynamic Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' initiative, a project which she conceptualised and implemented in concert with the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), some two years ago, to sow the 'idea culture' among young people. Solutions And, this new culture has not only germinated, it has taken root and has already begun to bear fruit, as students transformed their ideas into businesses using innovative technologies to provide solutions to a wide range of economic and social challenges. With help from Digicel Foundation, the MBSF implemented the 'I am the Change' initiative in the six rural non-traditional high schools under its broader school improvement initiative, the Centres of Excellence, engaging the on-the-ground expertise of Bennett and her team in 2011, to engender a new approach to education. Two years later, the students at the high schools under the programme - McGrath in St Catherine; Porus and Mile Gully in Manchester; Godfrey Stewart in West-moreland; Green Pond in St James and Seaforth High in St Thomas, have become immersed and attuned to a culture of entrepreneurism, and demonstrate that they "got the message." "We wanted students to approach life not as a daunting challenge; but, more like a solvable puzzle, which can be deciphered using the power of ideas," Bennett reflected. "Therefore, the objective was to foster entrepreneurship through distinct focus on the power of innovation and ideas." The results have been marvellous. Students in the six schools established and operated businesses ranging from food establishments, to media outfits and revolving locker services; and designed six new mobile applications, which treats with problems, such as security, curriculum issues, waste of farm produce and unemployment among school leavers.

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The products and services from the six businesses and their mobile applications were on display at the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' Business Expo and Competition held at the Mona Visitors' Lodge at UWI, recently. At the expo, students also pitched their ideas to business leaders and well-known techies in the field, who were clearly impressed with the output of the youngsters. "The programme was designed to develop the students into well-equipped adults, even if they don't pursue entrepreneurship," Bennett said, noting that the 'I am Change' programme improved students' confidence and leadership abilities, as well as their academic performance. She said students directly involved in the entrepreneurship programme have experienced an eight per cent increase in their averages during the school year. "I believe that this is the start of a revolution in the way many of our students will approach their lives after school; and, the promise they hold is amazing. This is truly something great."

Canada honours Jamaicans published: Wednesday | September 21, 2005

Elliston ... to receive Ontario's highest honour. ONTARIO, Canada, CMC: TWO JAMAICANS have been honoured for their contribution to the development of Canada.

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Educator Dr. Inez Elliston and businesswoman Delores Lawrence were among a group of 29 Canadians citizens who received the Order of Ontario for 2004 yesterday. Deemed the Canadian province's highest honour, the Order of Ontario recognises and honours residents "who have enriched the lives of others by attaining the highest standards of excellence and achievement in their respective fields." PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dr. Elliston, who hails from Mile Gully, Manchester, is an educator, researcher and consultant who, for more than 30 years, has been involved in teaching, professional development and training in schools. She is one of the patrons of Women for PACE Canada (Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education), which has adopted more than 100 basic schools in Jamaica. She also represented the group at the Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Kingston last year. Mrs. Lawrence is owner of Nurses and Home Healthcare Inc., a company she formed 20 years ago to provide health care services to house-bound patients. In 2004, she was recognised as one of Canada's top 100 entrepreneurs. Born in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Mrs. Lawrence migrated to Canada in 1969. She is a trained registered nurse and a community volunteer, who has chaired the board of governors of Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, and chaired the Academic and Patient Care Committee of Sunnybrook Hospital, the largest hospital in Canada.

Manning's, Glenmuir post impressive wins in DaCosta Cup Published: Wednesday | September 26, 2012 0 Comments Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer Western Bureau:

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Former champions Godfrey Stewart High were beaten 4-1 by Manning's High in their Zone D clash in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, yesterday in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel schoolboy football competition. Dane Stone was the star for the winners, scoring twice in as many minutes to complement goals from Romario Pessoa and captain Melvin Blair. Godfrey Stewart got their consolation goal from their captain Akeel Brown in the 35th minute of play. But it was all Manning's as they took control of the match from the opening whistle and duly went ahead when Pessoa blasted the ball into the back of the net from an acute angle. Godfrey Stewart tried to counter and had some luck when from a corner, Brown rose above the Manning's defence to head home and bring his side level heading into the half. However, the second half, played in persistent rain, was even more one-sided.On the 36th-minute mark, Blair drove home a free kick from just outside the Godfrey Stewart's penalty area to make the score 2-1, then Stone took over with a pair of well-taken goals. Glenmuir trash Fogo Road Meanwhile, in Zone M, former champions Glenmuir took over sole leadership of their group with a 3-1 win over newcomers Fogo Road. Noel Johnson got a double for the Patrick 'Jackie' Walters-coached Clarendon-based Glenmuir. In Zone A, the competition's most successful team, Cornwall College, and 2008 champions St James High both registered good wins. Cornwall College upstaged Maldon High 3-1 at Jarrett Park with a brace from Ricardo Wilson, while St James High clipped Green Pond High 1-0 behind a brilliant 25-yard free kick by Chavoy Watkins. Yesterday's results Manning's 4 Godfrey Stewart 1 Glenmuir 3 Foga Road 1 Cornwall College 3 Maldon 1

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St. James 1 Green Pond 0 Today's matches Zone B Merlene Ottey vs Herbert Morrison Cambridge vs Rusea's Green Island vs Frome Zone C Spot Valley vs Holland Muschett vs William Knibb Zone E Balaclava vs Lacovia Black River vs STETHS Munro vs Maggotty Zone F Mile Gully vs Manchester Cross Keys vs B B Coke Zone G Christiana vs Knox Alston vs Spalding DeCarteret vs Holmwood Zone H

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Thompson Town vs Claude McKay Edwin Allen vs Clarendon College Zone I Albert Town vs Marcus Garvey York Castle vs Ocho Rios Cedric Titus vs Browns Town Zone J St Mary Tech vs Islington Oracabessa vs St Mary High Brimmervale vs Iona Zone K Ewarton vs Dinthill Tacky vs Bog Walk Charlemont vs McGrath Zone L Happy Grove vs Port Antonio Titchfield vs Buff Bay Zone N Central vs Kemps Hill Vere vs Tacius Golding Zone O

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Morant Bay vs Seaforth Robert Lightbourne vs Paul Bogle Yallahs vs St Thomas Tech

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | February 18, 2012 0 Comments

Former West Indies Test umpire Johnny Gayle (left) presents The Gleaner Independence Trophy for Sportsman of the Year to Jamaica Broilers all-rounder Robert Turner, at the Business House Cricket Board's 74th annual awards presentation at the National Housing Trust Sports Club, New Kingston, last week Saturday.- Gladstone Taylor/Photographer 12> Sista skittles championship As the opening round of the Henkel-sponsored Sista singles skittles championship commenced last Sunday at Mystix Sports Bar, three former champions were knocked out.

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The 2007 champion, Nehemiah 'Fatta' Henry, was beaten by his Eastern All-Stars teammate, Keith Barrett, two sets to one. The 2008 champion, Fitzroy 'Paul' Blair, was eliminated by his Eastern All-Stars teammate, Steve Thompson, in straight sets. Everette Melbourne from Eagles, the 2010 champion, became the third champion to be knocked out. He went under to Neville Elleston of Mister C, also in straight sets. Defending champion Robert McKen easily disposed of female player Iona Anderson in straight sets. McKen will be bidding for his seventh singles title in the past 25 years. Also advancing was the 2009 champion Winston 'Wimpy' Lyew of Willies, putting away Basil Kelly of Eagles Strikers two sets to one. Emmanuel Munda from Eagles beat Waltham's Paul Latchman 1530-nil and 1290-250. And many-time champion Leslie 'Toothpick' Puranda got by Ricardo Dixon two sets to one. Two female players advanced to the round of 32. Ruthlyn 'Marcia' Bailey scored an upset win over Mark Prendergast, and Pauline Gentles sent Milton Smith packing. Other winners were former Skittles Federation president Steve Daley, Onile McCalla, Clive Wollery and Raval Montague. The competition continues tomorrow at the same venue starting at 2 p.m. ______________________________________ St Catherine teams dominate Confed League Defending champions Rivoli United are among five teams from St Catherine that are at present in the top six of the South Central Confed Super League. Rivoli are virtually unchallenged at the top, amassing 21 points from eight games completed. Their record include seven victories, with defeat coming against New Green of Manchester, who are in ninth position on eight points. Rivoli, who defeated Super Action of St Elizabeth 3-1 away in Santa Cruz last weekend, also have the best goal statistics, having scored 14 and conceded four.

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Parishmates Meadows are second on 15 points, followed by the impressive debutants from Clarendon, Spartan FC. Bodles have similar 12 points as Spartan, but with an inferior goal difference. The next two places are completed by Royal Lakes and Naggo Head - both on 11 points. In results from last weekend, Spartan, led by Oshane Walters' double strike, spanked Royal Lakes in a battle of the new teams; Newlands had a surprising 3-1 away win over New Green; Downs edged De la Vega City 1-0; Naggo Head got the better of Monymusk 2-1; while Bodles and Meadows played to a 1-1 draw. In a significant development, a meeting of the Confed's competition committee last weekend in Mandeville awarded full points to Downs for an unplayed game against Newlands, while Bodles were given all three points for an unplayed match in which themselves and Naggo Head turned up in similar colours. ________________________________ Mile Gully recapture Manchester lead Former champions Mile Gully eclipsed Kendal as the leaders of The Captain's Bakery Manchester Major League, after recording the only victory in last weekend's sixth round. Mile Gully defeated new entrants Villa United 3-0 at Brooks Park to move to 13 points, one ahead of previous leaders Kendal, who were held to a 0-0 draw at Kirkvine by fourthplace Porus. In other matches, Comfort held on to third place on nine points after a 1-1 draw against Cobbla Gully Strikers, while Hillstars and Starliner ended 1-1. Kendal and Comfort are the only two of 10 teams yet to taste defeat. The league continues today with two matches at Brooks Park. At 1:30 p.m., Georges Valley take on Kendal, while at 3:30, Villa United entertain Hillstars. Tomorrow: Porus vs Star Liner, and Mile Gully vs Comfort. _______________________________ Division One kicks off in St Elizabeth

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A new season of the St Elizabeth Division One football competition kicks off tomorrow at the New Town community playing field in Black River. The competition will be entering its 10th year of sponsorship by the St Elizabeth Co-op Credit Union Limited. Last year's sponsorship was to the tune of $1 million. The day's programme starts with a dress parade of all 12 teams. This will be followed by two games. At 1 p.m., Steppers will take on Prospect, while in the feature at 3 p.m., promoted Real Santa FC, the Division Two champions, match skills against Holland PYC, who are making a comeback at this level after serving a one-year ban. Jamalco ahead in Clarendon Two late goals by substitute Xavier Daley on Thursday carried Jamalco to an important 2-1 win over Woodhall and back to the top of The Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Clarendon Major League. Jamalco (15 pts) have now displaced Four Paths (14 pts) and neighbours New Bowens (13 pts), who were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by sixth-place Rock River, also on Thursday. In a tightly run race in a league format among 10 teams, Woodhall (11 pts) and Milk River (10 pts) complete the top five after six rounds. Another shake-up in the top five could come in the seventh round when Woodhall host New Bowens on Monday at Turner's Oval, and Four Paths host Jamalco on Tuesday. Four Paths had taken the lead ahead of an idle Jamalco, when they beat Gimme-MeBit 2-0 last Saturday. However, they lost important ground three days later when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Milk River. Similarly, New Bowens had made ground with a 1-0 weekend win over York Town only to slip at the hands of Rock River. Gimme-Me-Bit rebounded from Saturday's lost to Four Paths to outscore Longswood 2-0. _______________________________ Black River, Tafari Lions renew rivalry Black River and Tafari Lions will clash at Lacovia in the key game of this weekend's schedule of the Wray & Nephew-sponsored St Elizabeth Major League. The two drew 0-0 in the first round but, more important, met in themid-season final two weekends ago.

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Black River won that game 1-0. Last weekend, they defeated Burnt Ground 3-0 to maintain the lead at the top of the league standings on 28 points, four more than secondplace Tafari Lions. Tafari Lions won 1-0 over Knoxwood. However, they lost the chance to limit Black River's lead to just one point after they were ducked all three points for a previous 1-0 win over Parottee, after the competition's committee ruled they had used an ineligible player. The highlight of the past week's round were the huge margins of victory netted by Appleton and former Super League participants Newell. Aided by a double strike each from Edward Barrett and Winston Blake, Appleton outscored Mountainside 8-2 to move to third place with 23 points. On Wednesday, Newell went one better, hammering Knoxwood 9-1 with, Shartan Myers netting a hat-trick. However, despite the big win, Newell had to settle for joint fifth on 20 points alongside Middle Quarters. Four days earlier, Middle Quarters had beaten them at home 3-1. In other results, Young Brazil defeated Brae's River 2-0 ,while Vineyard and fourth-place Parottee (21 pts) ended 1-1. Matches on today: Tafari Lions vs Black River; Burnt Ground vs Brae's River. _____________________ Battle of the 'West' again Leaders Westchester won the first instalment of the battle of the 'West' this season when they defeated Westport 2-0; and tomorrow's opening game of a double-header at Ferdie Neita Park in the LIME Portmore Division Two football league will be a showdown between two teams on form. Last Sunday, Westchester carved out a tough 1-0 win over East Portmore Portals, with Louseng Davis scoring his sixth goal of the season, while Westport cut down strugglers Garveymeade 2-0. In the second game at the venue, Braeton United (13 points), nursing a two-game losing streak, host seventh-place Bridgeport (six points), who have been on the improvement in recent games. At the Ascot High school playing field, East Portmore Portals play Garveymeade at 1 p.m., while two hours later Daytona (13 points) in joint fourth-place clash with second-place Hellshire United (15 points) at the same venue.

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________________________________ Fort International aim to remain perfect Leaders Fort International, the only unbeaten team left in the Impulse-sponsored Portmore/St Catherine Domino League, host Correctional Services at their Passagefort Drive headquarters tomorrow in the 12th round of the competition. Fort, coming off an easy 300-271 win over Masterpiece last week, will definitely start favourites as they boast a number of the league's best players. They have maximum 40 points from 10 games and go into the contest against a Correctional Services team that lies outside a second-round spot in 11th place with 22 points from 10 matches. In other games, fifth-place Eradication, who lost their first game of the season 300296 against second-place Right Stuff last Sunday, welcome Black Rooster at the Gregory Park-based ground; Ken's Wildflower will endure a tough time against fourth-place Caribbean Classic, who had a close 300-296 loss to ISCF last time out; Hurricane are at home against Masterpiece; Ackee Pod have a tricky home game against newcomers Spring Village; Westchester Nuckuz will try to defend their home turf against Seamaster, while Garveymeade, who are at home, will be no match for Colours Sports Bar. All games begin at 11:30 a.m. ________________________ Church cricket launch today The 2012 season of the Power of Faith 20/20 Church Cricket League will be officially launched this afternoon at the Power of Faith Ministries at 3:00. The 10 church teams that have confirmed their participation and others which have interest in playing are invited to attend. The league bowls off next week Saturday, February 25, with four matches with double-headers at the original venue, Lime Tree Oval, and the new venue at Bridgeport Sports Ground, which is in proximity to Gibson Road. After seven years of waiting, the executive board of the league's prayers are now answered and will finally get a sponsor. Mark Williamson, president of the league, disclosed that they will receive minor sponsorship from two corporate bodies for this year's competition.

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"One sponsor will be giving a cash incentive while the other sponsor will be giving us refreshments for the players and umpires," Williamson said. ____________________________ Frazer's Whip clash with Tru-Juice Leaders Frazer's Whip travel to Bybrook to tackle home team Tru-Juice this afternoon in the LIME St Catherine FA Major League. Match time is 3:00. Frazer's, currently on 30 points, have the chance to open up a five-point lead atop the standings as their nearest rivals, Rodwood (28 points), will not take the field until next Tuesday when they host Black Lion at Waterford. Tru-Juice are near the foot of the standings with 14 points, a point ahead of second-to-last Dunbeholden (13 points) and just two ahead of last-place Spanish Town Police (12 points). In other games, fifth-place Christian Pen (18 points) welcome McCook's Pen to their home turf; DB Basovak take on Dunbeholden at Homestead playing field, while bottom club Spanish Town Police host sixth-place Portsmouth (16 points) at the Police Academy. Westchester Multi-purpose Court opens today The official opening of the Westchester Multi-purpose Court takes place this afternoon at 1:00. Member of Parliament for South East St Catherine Colin Fagan, who was instrumental in the project becoming a reality, will do the honours in opening the court. After the opening there will be exhibition games in netball and basketball. According to a coach in the community, the court is seen as a way of capturing the interest of the youth in the area. The Westchester netball team has been using the facility and a programme is in place for the team to enter the Jamaica Netball Association leagues. Full Caption Delegates and local organisers of the 10th Domino World Championship to be held in Jamaica from June 3-10 get together after paying a courtesy call on the minister without portfoilo with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, at Jamaica House on Tuesday. From left: Julio Buitrado, general secretary of the International Domino Federation; Manuel

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Oquendo, president of the USA Domino Federation; Lucas Guittard, president of the International Domino Federation; Rey Smith, president of the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB) in Jamaica; Pedro Ruiz, president of the Spanish Association of Dominoes; and Humbert Davis, vice-president of the NADB.- Errol Crosby/Freelance Photographer

Principals: CEOs of educational firms Published: Monday | November 29, 2010 2 Comments Principals from six rural high schools participating in the Mutual Building Societies Foundation's (MBSF) Centres of Excellence programme are participating in a series of intensive leadership work-shops to encourage the use of business principles in the management of schools. The sessions started last month, and will continue tomorrow. The educators represent the six high schools - McGrath, in St Catherine; Porus and Mile Gully in Manchester; Seaforth in St Thomas; Godfrey Stewart in West-moreland; and Green Pond in St James. They are participants in the $100-million programme funded bythe MBSF, which was established by The Victoria Mutual Building Society and Jamaica National Building Society. Dr Rene Rattray, programme manager at the MBSF, said the Principal as CEO leadership workshops, are structured to achieve more accountability among school leaders and develop solution-based approaches to teaching and learning. Lead with authority Rattray, who was recently appointed to the post of programme manager, pointed out that the workshops are aimed at assisting the principals to see themselves as chief executive officers leading a company, rather than only viewing themselves as a principal of a school. "We want the principals to embrace the notion of being the person at the helm who knows about everything but is able to delegate and distribute leadership at all levels within the school," she explained. Rattray also emphasises that "account-ability will be a key feature of schools in the Centres of Excellence programme. Principals, teachers, parents and students will all be held to account for student learning."

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She added: "The school community is a learning community in which the principal is the chief learning officer, so he or she is the person who drives learning, because schools are in the business of teaching and learning." Strategic talks She says among the practices principals will need to put in place is a process of regular observations and strategic talks with teachers to support them in their teaching. "What we want is a situation where it is not only the students who are learning, but the teachers too," she emphasised. Michael Ellis, principal of the Green Pond High School, said the workshops have enabled principals to look at student learning in a more meaningful way. "It reinforces the point that the student is the most important stakeholder," he said. He added that accountability was an important part of the leadership and management process and impacts teaching and learning. The Principal as CEO Leadership series is being facilitated by consultant, Gillian Chambers, of the Jamalysha Training Company Limited.

Centres of Excellence asks for help Published: Wednesday | June 22, 2011 1 Comment

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Dr Rene Rattray (right), project manager of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation, makes a point to Eric Edwards, an educator from the United Kingdom, at the Jamaican Diaspora Convention last Thursday at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in St Ann. CONTRIBUTED

DR RENE Rattray, project manager of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), has appealed to members of the Jamaican diaspora to support its Centres of Excellence educational programme. Founded by Jamaica National Building Society and The Victoria Mutual Building Society, the MBSF started the Centres of Excellence programme in 2008. Its aim is to contribute to the development of quality education in rural communities and to support social transformation. "Jamaica needs you and our education and our children need you," Rattray told delegates attending the biennial Jamaica Diaspora Convention 2011 last Thursday at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. "We are looking forward to having many other partners."

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The six rural-based high schools participating in the programme are McGrath in St Catherine; Seaforth in St Thomas; Green Pond in St James; Godfrey Stewart in Westmoreland; and Mile Gully and Porus in Manchester. A model for effective public and private-sector partnership, the project focuses on enhancing the performance of the three principal stakeholders in the education system administrators, teachers and students - while also engaging the local community. Empowering stakeholders "Our focus has been empow-ering stakeholders and changing their mindsets," Rattray explained. An important element in this is tracking student performance, to determine where intervention is most needed. "We have been seeing increased improvements primarily in student attitude towards learning," Rattray stated, "and, attendance has also improved." Under the programme, she said, the schools have been assisted academically in the subject areas of mathematics, English language and the sciences. Teachers have received assistance to improve the curriculum delivery to students; and equipment was donated to enhance science laboratories. She pointed to the changed image of Godfrey Stewart High School, with improved levels of student attendance and teacher accountability. Rattray said "such a huge battle has been won". A new project, 'I am the change', was recently implemented in which 20 students from each school were taught financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills. "They have now gone back to their schools and are setting up businesses. McGrath High School in Linstead is now producing a local newspaper. Therefore, they have been empowered to be job creators, rather than job seekers." said Dr Rattray. Neville 'Ray' Williams - from radio club to webcasting published: Friday | May 11, 2007

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Neville 'Ray' Williams Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter From growing up in Mile Gully, Manchester, with just a radio and no television, Neville 'Ray' Williams is now pioneering the webcasting of amateur Canadian sports. Mr. Williams' Toronto-based website, www.broadcastsports.ca, is a long way from the 47-year-old's radio-only childhood. However, his love for the medium saw him join the school radio club after emigrating to Canada as a teenager; and as a sports fan he combined the two whenhe began covering amateur events as a sideline to his 15-year career as an accountant. In the 1990s he also ran his own talk show, 'The Cutting Edge', on CHRY 105.5 FM, which he believes to be one of the first radio talk shows for black people in Canada. His guests included Jamaican radio personality Barbara Gloudon. Laid off The idea for broadcastsport.ca came about in 2004 when the National Hockey League was shut down for a season, and he was laid off, among other staff, by his then fulltime employers CFRB 1010 AM. Unemployment gave him the time and space to reconsider his career. "I thought, why not cover something else, because in Toronto there are a lot of professional teams and there is no room for the amateurs," he said. "I love it because of the

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passion they have when not doing it for money and broadcasting the games; when you speak to the parents, the kids and the coaches, it gives them a lift because they can see themselves." Launched last November, he said he is currently undergoing a marketing drive to attract more events to be covered. Now working full-time on the site, its only revenue comes from charging the associations to make the broadcasts and from prospective advertising. Currently, he does not know of similar sites in Canada there is the charged-for broadcasting of amateur sports in the United States, namely, big money college sports. He said broadcasting of high school and amateur sports is taking off in the U.S. Webcasting might be possible in Jamaica with its high level of participation and following of amateur sports, he believes. "Broadcast sports could also carry games anywhere in the world, which could also include Jamaica, because if television and radio are not carrying it then we can," he said.

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | January 21, 2012 0 Comments

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Members of Old Harbour Bay United in a joyous mood after collecting the LIME St Catherine FA Major League mid-season trophy from Danielle Hopkins of LIME (second right) on Thursday. Looking on at right is second vice-president of the St Catherine FA, Ricardo Valentine. Old Harbour Bay defeated Travellers 2-0 in the final played at the Spanish Town Prison Oval.- Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer 12> Pattex Cup skittles semis tomorrow Eagles will meet Mister C in the first semi-final of the Pattex Cup skittles competition tomorrow at Mystix Sports Bar, 78 3/4 Hagley Park Road, starting at noon. Prior to the semi-finals, Zone 'A' leaders Waltham will oppose Starliner to decide the winners of this zone, but Waltham are basically in the driver's seat. They will only need to avoid a 12-1 defeat in order to advance, where they will meet Rowe's Strikers in the second semi-final. The first semi-final between respective zone winners Eagles and Mister C is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m., followed by the second at 5 p.m. Significantly, Rowe's Strikers have qualified as the best third-place team after beating Mercury 11-2 at Willies (Three Miles) on Sunday, while home team Willies clipped Eagles 7-6. Despite suffering a rare loss, Eagles not only won their zone but topped the overall standings with 78 points. In addition, their veteran player Leslie 'Toothpick' Puranda won eight of his nine singles match to emerge the competition's MVP, while teammates Robert McKen and Dane Jones tied with Mister C's pair of Simon Edwards and David Doyley to share the MVP doubles title with seven wins. The ladies MVP singles was shared by Mister C's Pauline Gentles and Starliner's Stacey Miller, while the mixed doubles saw Chris Greaves and Melissa Cornwall of Waltham emerging MVP. All will receive cash incentives. The winners of tomorrow's semis will meet in the final on Sunday, January 29. ___________________________________ Chelsea pool tourney coming

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The Chelsea Hotel and Pool Bar will stage an eight-ball open double elimination pool tournament at Chelsea Avenue, New Kingston, on the weekend of January 28 and 29. The tournament offers a first prize of $60,000 and trophy. Entry fee is $2,000. _______________________________ Central Hurdles & Relays today The fifth staging of the Central Hurdles & Relays, brainchild of former Manchester High track and field coach Jerry Holness, gets under way this morning at GC Foster College. Meet Director is Maurice Wilson, a GC Foster lecturer, Holmwood Technical and JAAA's national coach. Today's events begin at 8:30 with the long jump, while the 4x800m Open for men and women will be the first event on the track. The 200m for clubs and institutions follow, before its main focus, the hurdles, gets under way. Action will then break for a short opening ceremony where the organisers have chosen the JAAA as its main honouree. The afternoon programme will see the 4x100m as well as the running of the 400m for high-school boys and girls, clubs, and institutions. ________________________________ South Central cross zones begin The South Central Confed Super League goes into its second phase this weekend with the start of the cross-zone matches. Teams are currently divided into two zones of six. The overall standings read: Meadows (13), Rivoli (12), Spartan (8), Bodles, Royal Lakes and Naggo Head (7 apiece), Monymusk and New Green (6), Super Action (5), Dela Vega and Downs (4) and Newland (1). In the only game played last week, New Green created a major upset in defeating Rivoli 1-0 at Brooks Park. That result propelled New Green from the relegation-threatened bottom four. The loss snapped Rivoli's four-game winning streak.

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Tomorrow: New Green will have a golden chance to carry out another giant-killing performance when they host leaders Meadows at Brooks Park Today: Royal Lakes vs Naggo Head at Lime Tree Oval; Bodles vs Newland; Dela Vega vs Super Action Tomorrow: Monymusk vs Spartan; and Rivoli vs Downs. ______________________________________________ Manchester Major League round-up All four games were drawn in last weekend's second round of the Captain's Bakerysponsored Manchester Major League. Mile Gully, who won 3-2 against Hillstars in round one,were held to a 2-2 draw by Porus. Comfort, previous 2-0 winners over Georges Valley, could only manage a 0-0 effort against Kendal. Georges earned their first point drawing 0-0 with Cobbla Gully Strikers, while Starliner and Villa United ended 2-2. The league continues today with Mile Gully hosting Georges Valley, while there will be three games tomorrow. Kirkvine will host a double-header at 3:30 where Hillstars entertain Porus and Kendal tackle Cobbla Gully Strikers. The Comfort vs Starliner match-up will be played at Brooks Park at 1:00 p.m. as the curtain-raiser to the Confed Super League game between New Green and Meadows of St Catherine. ___________________________________________ 2012 Clarendon Major League kick-off A new season of the Clarendon Major League kicks off today at the Four Paths Community Centre. The competition is now back to the exclusive sponsorship of Captain's Bakery. An official opening ceremony will begin at noon. This will include a dress parade of all 10 competing teams. The opening match at 1:30 p.m. features promoted Jamalco, who won the Division One competition last year, and New Bowens, the 2010 champions who were relegated after one year in the South Central Confed Super League.

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The feature game at 3:30 sees the homeside Four Paths, runners-up to Jamalco, tackling Woodhall, who finished third in the Major League last season. ________________________________________ Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth Major League Former champions Black River are sole leaders of the Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth Major League. Despite drawing with Young Brazil 2-2 last weekend, Black River moved to 22 points, four clear of Tafari Lions on 18. Appleton and Parottee come next on 17 points, while Burnt Ground (16) round out the top-five placed teams with five games to close the preliminary stage of the competition. In other results last week, Appleton swamped Vineyard 6-0, Parottee edged Braes River 1-0, Newell won 2-0 over Mountainside, while Burnt Ground recorded a 2-1 victory over Knoxwood. Today's games: Vineyard vs Braes River; Young Brazil vs Appleton Tomorrow: Mountainside vs Black River; Burnt Ground vs Newell ________________________________________ Classic test for Colours Colours Sports Bar, currently in eighth place with 21 points, will get a stern test as they face champions Caribbean Classic in the eighth round of the Impulse-sponsored Portmore/St Catherine domino league at Portmore Avenue, Portmore Gardens, tomorrow morning. Classic, currently in fourth place, are coming off a narrow 300-297 loss to arch-rivals International last Sunday, and will be keen to bounce back immediately. Colours blew away Hurricane 300-283 in a mild upset and are riding high. But Classic, at their best, should be too hot for Colours. In the past

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Masterpiece/Eradication game would have been the feature, but tomorrow's game pits two teams heading in different directions. Eradication are undefeated and lie fifth on 24 points, while Masterpiece (18 points) have struggled and are now at ninth. Another game of interest, will see Hurricane travel to Port Henderson Road to play home team ISCF. In other games, Seamaster welcome Ackee Pod, Ken's Wildflower host Garveymeade in a game that can go either way, Spring Village entertain Correctional Services, while second-place Right Stuff play away to Westchester Nuckuz in a match that the visitors are expected to win easily. All games begin at 11:30 a.m. ______________________________________ Braeton, Portals in shoot-out match Braeton United and East Portmore Portals, two teams with potent attacks, meet in the opening match of a LIME Portmore Division Two football league double-header at the Hellshire field tomorrow starting at 1 p.m. Portals have in their line-up the prolific Keino Walker, who has struck five goals this season, while Braeton will pin their hopes on striker Valdo Morgan and Saede Francis who struck twice in two minutes as Braeton spanked Garveymeade 3-1 on Sunday. Braeton had a big hiccup last Thursday as they had an off day, and Westchester punished them 3-0 through goals from Orlando Bryan, Lusheng Davis, and Gary White. The second game at 3 p.m. pits home team Hellshire United against resurgent Westport. Last Thursday, Westport blanked Bridgeport 3-0, and this game should be quite competitive. At the Westchester field, Bridgeport and Garveymeade, teams at the bottom of the standings, square off at 1 p.m. before Daytona oppose Westchester in the feature match at 3 p.m. _________________________________________ Old Harbour Bay triumph in mid-season final Old Harbour Bay United won their first trophy of the season after they defeated archrivals Travellers 2-0 in a LIME St Catherine FA Division One mid-season final at the Prison Oval last Thursday.

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Old Harbour Bay took the lead in the 54th minute when Jevaughn Smith scored. Smith was assisted on the goal by strike partner Lowan Myers. Myers broke free down the right side and unselfishly turned the ball across goal and Smith hit it home. Devroy Gray made the game safe for Old Harbour Bay when he netted a minute before regulation time. The game ended on a sour note as the captain of Travellers, Craig Richards, was shown a red card by referee Oneal Clayton for unsportsmanlike behaviour in stoppage time. _______________________________ Three cricket servants honoured Three cricket stalwarts were honoured by the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League at a recent awards presentation atop the roof of Ken's Wildflower Restaurant and Bar. The three included Pat Rousseau, a former West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president, who also delivered the keynote address. The other two recipients were Wayne Lewis, a former Jamaica batsman, and Easton McMorris, a former Jamaica captain and West Indies opener. McMorris played 13 Test matches for the West Indies with a top score of 125 made against India in 1961. Lewis, a former Kingston College stand out cricketer, who represented Jamaica between 1984-1995 and has a top-score of 134. The awardees were given plaques courtesy of Wilco Sports.

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | June 8, 2013 0 Comments

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Rhon Gayle (left), winner in Class B38, race one of the CMRC meet, is presented with his prize by Cornelia Nathan, marketing coordinator at Pepsi, at the prize-giving ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel recently. - Contributed The Gleaner, Scotia unbeaten in BH football

The Gleaner and Scotiabank, both former champions, made it two wins from as many matches in division one of the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House football competition with contrasting wins on Wednesday and Thursday. At Winchester Park (St George's College), The Gleaner defeated UWI 2-1 with second-half goals from Fabian Nethersole, via a 55th-minute penalty and Fabian Swaby in the 74th. UWI got a consolation goal through Kenrick Brown in the 80th minute. On Thursday, at Winchester Park, Scotiabank drubbed Grace Kennedy 4-0, thanks to a first-half brace from Donovan Hibbert and another from Richard West in the second half. Last Saturday, Scotia clipped Jamaica Customs 2-1 in their opening match at Winchester Park, with goals from Hibbert and West. Damion McLeish netted for Jamaica Customs. On Wednesday, at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, defending division-one champions Petrojam were held to a goalless draw by Jamaica Customs. At the same venue,

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Grace Kennedy defeated Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) 2-1 with two goals from Dexter Genius. Christopher Johnson got the consolation goal for NMIA. National Commercial Bank (NCB) beat UWI 1-0 at Ardenne last Saturday, with the winning goal coming from Manish Alexander. On Monday, Wisynco clipped UWI 2-1 at NWC playing field, Mona, on a brace from Norman Bailey. In division two action, ISCF defeated Red Stripe 2-1 at Bell Chung Oval, goals from Pashion Johnson and Richardo Dixon. Tyrone Crossfield scored for the losers. Pepsi clipped Wray & Nephew 1-0 at Wray & Nephew playing field, the winning goal scored by Errol Dixon in the 56th minute. Jamaica Fire clipped National Housing Trust (NHT) 2-1 at Alpha on Monday, thanks to goals from Dee Daley and Richard Miller. Errol Biggs scored for NHT. Four BH footballmatches on today

Four matches are scheduled in the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House football competition today, two in division one and two in division two. In division one action, Carib Cement will oppose former champions Scotiabank Group at Bull Pen, NCB will take on Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) at Ardenne, both matches starting at 4 p.m. In division two, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will oppose Xerox at Tinson Pen, and Continental Baking Company are up against newcomers Metrodade Security at Jamaica College. These matches also commence at 4 p.m. Four matches in BH cricket tomorrow

The opening round matches in last Sunday's Business House (BH) Reggae Jammin 50over league were abandoned, owing to unfavourable weather conditions. Secretary of the BH Cricket Board Paul Edwards said each of the eight teams will be awarded a point for the four aborted matches.

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Four matches are scheduled for tomorrow's second round: Jamaica Broilers vs 2011 champions NHT at Spring Village, Sagicor vs Red Stripe at Emmett Park, St George's College, KO champions Jamalco vs National Water Commission (NWC) at Jamalco and Continental Baking Company vs Jamaica National at Mico. All matches start at 10 a.m. At last Saturday's presentation awards function, hosted by the BH Cricket Board and LIME at Chalmers Avenue, LIME received the Reggae Jammin 50-over League Cup and also the Twenty/20 Trophy, having won both competitions in 2012. The Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO Trophy went to champions Jamalco. Richard Allen of Red Stripe captured the award for most runs (354), Sagicor's Dwayne Ewart the batting-average award with 51.5 and NHT's Bevon Brown, former national senior player, the bowling-average award with 7.88 per wicket. Red Stripe's Wayne Cuff, another former national player, capped the award for taking most wickets (19). JUTC's Junior Stewart, Sagicor's Kemar Marshall and Anthony Wadsworth, and LIME's Carlos Green also won prizes for batting and bowling in the KO and Twenty/20 competitions. Guest speaker was Errol Miller of the LIME Jamaica Foundation. Wray & Nephew promotional bar domino

The quarter-finals of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Promotional Bar Domino tournament are on tomorrow at Movie Star Lounge, 1 East Avenue, Whitfield Town, starting at 1 p.m. The quarter-finalists are Sparrow Roost and Top of The Line Bar in cluster one, Club Angelique and Starlight Bar in cluster two, Chelsea and Dazzle Sports Bar in cluster three, New World and and New Star Lounge in cluster four. Last Sunday, New Star defeated New World 4-2 at Texas Crow, Text Lane. Blue Grass and Jin Ping drew 3-3 to round off cluster four. Baseball to be introduced in primary schools

The International Little League Association and the Jamaica Baseball Association have joined forces to kick-start a baseball programme for primary school children in St Catherine.

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The programme involves the hosting of training clinics for coaches and players and also the distribution of gear and equipment. This initiative will be spearheaded by the two associations. This development was discussed at a meeting at the Blue Oasis Restaurant, Big Buy Plaza, Portmore recently. So far 20 schools have shown interest and, according to Errol Matthias, from Ascot Primary, he is looking to October for the start of the league, which comprises boys and girls nine-12. Making contributions to the meeting were Leon Taylor, assistant district administrator for International Little League Baseball, Gary Sewell, also of the Little League. Ascot won the baseball competition for primary schools last year, a league put on by the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS). Portsmouth, Pembroke in semi-final match-up

Portsmouth Primary will meet Pembroke Hall in a semi-final game of the LIME INSPORTS All-Island Primary Football League at Spanish Town Prison Oval at noon on Wednesday, June 12. Portsmouth, Portmore champions, defeated Prospect of St Thomas 2-0 in quarter-final action at Waterford High School last Wednesday. Ricardo Taylor (sixth) and Kevaughn Barnett (53rd) scored for the Portmore side. The Kevin Reid-coached Portsmouth square-off with Pembroke Hall, who clipped Tavares Gardens Primary 2-1 in their quarter-final, through goals by Jevonte Hoquee (44th) and Jahdane Barnett (58th). Triston Smiley (49th) netted for Tavares Gardens. Fort, Eradication final

Many-time champions Fort International will clash with another name brand team, Eradication, in the June 16 final of the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League at Caymanas Track Limited. Fort booted Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) 300-253 in semi-final action at Caymanas Park last Sunday. With Fort leading by 30 points (283-253), some ISCF players left their table and their replacements weren't forthcoming, and the referee blew off the match, giving Fort the victory. Eradication thumped Prozz and Conns 300-273 in the other semi-final at the venue. Cumberland, Portmore semi-final showdown

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The semi-finals of the Leander Marshall-sponsored Portmore Under-13 Football League will be played today at Cumberland High School's playing field. The opening game is a repeat of last year's final as Cumberland, the hot team in the competition with four wins, square off against last year's champions Portmore United at 1 p.m. In the second game at the venue, at 3 p.m., newcomers Edgewater clash with East Portmore Portals. In games over the weekend, Edgewater defeated Naggo Head 2-0 and East Portmore Portals edged Westchester 1-0. Black Star on course

Barring anything catastrophic, Black Star will be crowned 2013 Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth FA Major League champions tomorrow after the second-leg final at Appleton Estate playing field. Black Star took a giant leap towards winning the championship after unexpectedly hammering Newell 6-0 in the first-leg final at New Town Community Centre in Black River. Recardo Reid and Dwayne Brown got them off to a 2-0 lead at half-time before strikes from Lamar McKenzie, Xavier Harvey, Alan Fletcher and Kareem Lewis literally gave them one hand on the trophy. Black Star's big win was unexpected, given the strong rivalry between the two teams all season. Newell had also shown good goalscoring form in the semi-finals, dominating Tafari Lions 7-2 on aggregate. Holland Police Youth Club won the third-place playoff, defeating Tafari Lions 3-0. As a curtain-raiser to tomorrow's final, there will be a female football match between St Elizabeth Girls and Billy Bayd Girls. Manchester netball

A number of quarter-final spots are up for grabs when the fifth and penultimate round in the preliminary stage of the Manchester Netball League is hosted today at Royal Flat community playing field. Action starts at 10 a.m. Games scheduled (in order): Swaby's Hope vs Bellefield; Legendary vs Harry Watch; Hasty Gooden vs Supreme; Prospect vs Whitby; Purple Star vs Royal Flat; Knox vs Santa

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Cruz; Cobbla vs Manchester Academy; Robins Hall vs Mile Gully; Greenvale vs Holmwood; Unexpected Angels vs Evergreen; Porus vs Blazing Strikers; and Cross Keys vs Ridgemount. In selected results from last weekend's fourth round at Sacred Heart Primary in Christiana, guest team Santa Cruz rebounded from their loss to Greenvale to crush Whitby 29-4, Mile Gully edged Blazing Strikers 16-14, Harry Watch outscored Cross Keys 15-11, Royal Flat got the better of Porus 9-7, Evergreen smashed Hasty Gooden 20-3, while Unexpected Angels preened themselves against Cobbla 25-3. Of note, G-Strikers and Manchester Academy tied 19-all, while Bellefield was a noshow against tournament favourites, Legendary. Two teams, Legendary and Greenvale, are already assured of quarter-final berths. Sporting Central on course

Rain affected the schedule of matches in the 2013 Captain's Bakery & Grill Clarendon Major League last weekend, but Sporting Central remained on course despite not playing a game. Second-placed Jamalco cut Sporting's deficit to six points after collecting three points in the boardroom for Humble Lion's withdrawal. Jamalco have played one game less than Sporting, but they only have five games left to end the season. No other team has a chance to take the championship from Sporting, as third-placed Comfort have 30 points and a mere three games to complete the season. The highlight of the week was Monymusk's 8-0 win over relegation-bound Rock River. Milk River have already been relegated. In another result, New Bowens and York Town drew 2-2. In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | June 8, 2013 0 Comments

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Rhon Gayle (left), winner in Class B38, race one of the CMRC meet, is presented with his prize by Cornelia Nathan, marketing coordinator at Pepsi, at the prize-giving ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel recently. - Contributed The Gleaner, Scotia unbeaten in BH football

The Gleaner and Scotiabank, both former champions, made it two wins from as many matches in division one of the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House football competition with contrasting wins on Wednesday and Thursday. At Winchester Park (St George's College), The Gleaner defeated UWI 2-1 with second-half goals from Fabian Nethersole, via a 55th-minute penalty and Fabian Swaby in the 74th. UWI got a consolation goal through Kenrick Brown in the 80th minute. On Thursday, at Winchester Park, Scotiabank drubbed Grace Kennedy 4-0, thanks to a first-half brace from Donovan Hibbert and another from Richard West in the second half. Last Saturday, Scotia clipped Jamaica Customs 2-1 in their opening match at Winchester Park, with goals from Hibbert and West. Damion McLeish netted for Jamaica Customs. On Wednesday, at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, defending division-one champions Petrojam were held to a goalless draw by Jamaica Customs. At the same venue,

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Grace Kennedy defeated Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) 2-1 with two goals from Dexter Genius. Christopher Johnson got the consolation goal for NMIA. National Commercial Bank (NCB) beat UWI 1-0 at Ardenne last Saturday, with the winning goal coming from Manish Alexander. On Monday, Wisynco clipped UWI 2-1 at NWC playing field, Mona, on a brace from Norman Bailey. In division two action, ISCF defeated Red Stripe 2-1 at Bell Chung Oval, goals from Pashion Johnson and Richardo Dixon. Tyrone Crossfield scored for the losers. Pepsi clipped Wray & Nephew 1-0 at Wray & Nephew playing field, the winning goal scored by Errol Dixon in the 56th minute. Jamaica Fire clipped National Housing Trust (NHT) 2-1 at Alpha on Monday, thanks to goals from Dee Daley and Richard Miller. Errol Biggs scored for NHT. Four BH footballmatches on today

Four matches are scheduled in the KSAFA/Western Sports Business House football competition today, two in division one and two in division two. In division one action, Carib Cement will oppose former champions Scotiabank Group at Bull Pen, NCB will take on Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) at Ardenne, both matches starting at 4 p.m. In division two, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will oppose Xerox at Tinson Pen, and Continental Baking Company are up against newcomers Metrodade Security at Jamaica College. These matches also commence at 4 p.m. Four matches in BH cricket tomorrow

The opening round matches in last Sunday's Business House (BH) Reggae Jammin 50over league were abandoned, owing to unfavourable weather conditions. Secretary of the BH Cricket Board Paul Edwards said each of the eight teams will be awarded a point for the four aborted matches.

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Four matches are scheduled for tomorrow's second round: Jamaica Broilers vs 2011 champions NHT at Spring Village, Sagicor vs Red Stripe at Emmett Park, St George's College, KO champions Jamalco vs National Water Commission (NWC) at Jamalco and Continental Baking Company vs Jamaica National at Mico. All matches start at 10 a.m. At last Saturday's presentation awards function, hosted by the BH Cricket Board and LIME at Chalmers Avenue, LIME received the Reggae Jammin 50-over League Cup and also the Twenty/20 Trophy, having won both competitions in 2012. The Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO Trophy went to champions Jamalco. Richard Allen of Red Stripe captured the award for most runs (354), Sagicor's Dwayne Ewart the batting-average award with 51.5 and NHT's Bevon Brown, former national senior player, the bowling-average award with 7.88 per wicket. Red Stripe's Wayne Cuff, another former national player, capped the award for taking most wickets (19). JUTC's Junior Stewart, Sagicor's Kemar Marshall and Anthony Wadsworth, and LIME's Carlos Green also won prizes for batting and bowling in the KO and Twenty/20 competitions. Guest speaker was Errol Miller of the LIME Jamaica Foundation. Wray & Nephew promotional bar domino

The quarter-finals of the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Promotional Bar Domino tournament are on tomorrow at Movie Star Lounge, 1 East Avenue, Whitfield Town, starting at 1 p.m. The quarter-finalists are Sparrow Roost and Top of The Line Bar in cluster one, Club Angelique and Starlight Bar in cluster two, Chelsea and Dazzle Sports Bar in cluster three, New World and and New Star Lounge in cluster four. Last Sunday, New Star defeated New World 4-2 at Texas Crow, Text Lane. Blue Grass and Jin Ping drew 3-3 to round off cluster four. Baseball to be introduced in primary schools

The International Little League Association and the Jamaica Baseball Association have joined forces to kick-start a baseball programme for primary school children in St Catherine.

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The programme involves the hosting of training clinics for coaches and players and also the distribution of gear and equipment. This initiative will be spearheaded by the two associations. This development was discussed at a meeting at the Blue Oasis Restaurant, Big Buy Plaza, Portmore recently. So far 20 schools have shown interest and, according to Errol Matthias, from Ascot Primary, he is looking to October for the start of the league, which comprises boys and girls nine-12. Making contributions to the meeting were Leon Taylor, assistant district administrator for International Little League Baseball, Gary Sewell, also of the Little League. Ascot won the baseball competition for primary schools last year, a league put on by the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS). Portsmouth, Pembroke in semi-final match-up

Portsmouth Primary will meet Pembroke Hall in a semi-final game of the LIME INSPORTS All-Island Primary Football League at Spanish Town Prison Oval at noon on Wednesday, June 12. Portsmouth, Portmore champions, defeated Prospect of St Thomas 2-0 in quarter-final action at Waterford High School last Wednesday. Ricardo Taylor (sixth) and Kevaughn Barnett (53rd) scored for the Portmore side. The Kevin Reid-coached Portsmouth square-off with Pembroke Hall, who clipped Tavares Gardens Primary 2-1 in their quarter-final, through goals by Jevonte Hoquee (44th) and Jahdane Barnett (58th). Triston Smiley (49th) netted for Tavares Gardens. Fort, Eradication final

Many-time champions Fort International will clash with another name brand team, Eradication, in the June 16 final of the Portmore/St Catherine Domino League at Caymanas Track Limited. Fort booted Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) 300-253 in semi-final action at Caymanas Park last Sunday. With Fort leading by 30 points (283-253), some ISCF players left their table and their replacements weren't forthcoming, and the referee blew off the match, giving Fort the victory. Eradication thumped Prozz and Conns 300-273 in the other semi-final at the venue. Cumberland, Portmore semi-final showdown

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The semi-finals of the Leander Marshall-sponsored Portmore Under-13 Football League will be played today at Cumberland High School's playing field. The opening game is a repeat of last year's final as Cumberland, the hot team in the competition with four wins, square off against last year's champions Portmore United at 1 p.m. In the second game at the venue, at 3 p.m., newcomers Edgewater clash with East Portmore Portals. In games over the weekend, Edgewater defeated Naggo Head 2-0 and East Portmore Portals edged Westchester 1-0. Black Star on course

Barring anything catastrophic, Black Star will be crowned 2013 Wray & Nephew St Elizabeth FA Major League champions tomorrow after the second-leg final at Appleton Estate playing field. Black Star took a giant leap towards winning the championship after unexpectedly hammering Newell 6-0 in the first-leg final at New Town Community Centre in Black River. Recardo Reid and Dwayne Brown got them off to a 2-0 lead at half-time before strikes from Lamar McKenzie, Xavier Harvey, Alan Fletcher and Kareem Lewis literally gave them one hand on the trophy. Black Star's big win was unexpected, given the strong rivalry between the two teams all season. Newell had also shown good goalscoring form in the semi-finals, dominating Tafari Lions 7-2 on aggregate. Holland Police Youth Club won the third-place playoff, defeating Tafari Lions 3-0. As a curtain-raiser to tomorrow's final, there will be a female football match between St Elizabeth Girls and Billy Bayd Girls. Manchester netball

A number of quarter-final spots are up for grabs when the fifth and penultimate round in the preliminary stage of the Manchester Netball League is hosted today at Royal Flat community playing field. Action starts at 10 a.m. Games scheduled (in order): Swaby's Hope vs Bellefield; Legendary vs Harry Watch; Hasty Gooden vs Supreme; Prospect vs Whitby; Purple Star vs Royal Flat; Knox vs Santa

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Cruz; Cobbla vs Manchester Academy; Robins Hall vs Mile Gully; Greenvale vs Holmwood; Unexpected Angels vs Evergreen; Porus vs Blazing Strikers; and Cross Keys vs Ridgemount. In selected results from last weekend's fourth round at Sacred Heart Primary in Christiana, guest team Santa Cruz rebounded from their loss to Greenvale to crush Whitby 29-4, Mile Gully edged Blazing Strikers 16-14, Harry Watch outscored Cross Keys 15-11, Royal Flat got the better of Porus 9-7, Evergreen smashed Hasty Gooden 20-3, while Unexpected Angels preened themselves against Cobbla 25-3. Of note, G-Strikers and Manchester Academy tied 19-all, while Bellefield was a noshow against tournament favourites, Legendary. Two teams, Legendary and Greenvale, are already assured of quarter-final berths. Sporting Central on course

Rain affected the schedule of matches in the 2013 Captain's Bakery & Grill Clarendon Major League last weekend, but Sporting Central remained on course despite not playing a game. Second-placed Jamalco cut Sporting's deficit to six points after collecting three points in the boardroom for Humble Lion's withdrawal. Jamalco have played one game less than Sporting, but they only have five games left to end the season. No other team has a chance to take the championship from Sporting, as third-placed Comfort have 30 points and a mere three games to complete the season. The highlight of the week was Monymusk's 8-0 win over relegation-bound Rock River. Milk River have already been relegated. In another result, New Bowens and York Town drew 2-2.

IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Published: Saturday | April 28, 2012 0 Comments

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Young cricketers (from left) Sachin Simms of Hydel Prep, Johanna Silvera of Meadowbrook Prep, and Tyrell Johnson of Portmore Missionary Prep are happy to receive the sponsorship cheque of $3m from Scotiabank towards the staging of the 2012 Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA)/Scotiabank Prep Schools Cricket competition, during the launch at Police Sports Complex at Elletson Road on Tuesday. The series, which also started on Tuesday, will continue through to June. A total of 133 matches will be staged across the island among 45 schools. Partnering the kids in presentation are Monique Todd (second left), vice-president, marketing, public relations and corporate affairs, Scotiabank, Tamar Lambert (third right), captain of Jamaica's senior cricket team, and Lyndel Wright, JCA president.Contributed Fifth JCA/Scotiabank Prep Schools cricket competition launched

The fifth staging of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA)/ Scotiabank Prep Schools cricket competition was launched on Tuesday at the Police Sports Complex at Elletson Road in Kingston. With a sponsorship of $3 million this year, approximately 800 boys and girls across the island will have the opportunity to learn about the game, develop their skills and in some cases get their first taste of competitive cricket. "Cricket means so much to the region. As a game, it has deep cultural, emotional and economic significance. The rich history and tradition can only continue if properly nurtured

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and supported. Our role is to continue to support the many committed men and women of the JCA and the enthusiastic coaches who are happy to pass on their love for and expertise in this great game," said Monique Todd, vice-president, marketing, corporate affairs and public relations, Scotiabank. Scotiabank's sponsorship of $3m will help the JCA stage some 133 matches across the island among 45 schools between April and June. "We are extremely happy to partner with Scotiabank, particularly at this time when we are marking our 50th anniversary," said JCA President Lyndel Wright. "These young people, both boys and girls, are the future of cricket for both Jamaica and the West Indies." The order of the series will see schools placed in zones of six teams each for the preliminary phase. Surrey has four zones, Cornwall two and Middlesex two. The two zones in Middlesex are done according to parish, as one zone has in all Clarendon schools and the other all Manchester schools. Winners of each zone then compete in a knockout format to determine the county winner. The three county champions will then be joined by the Surrey runner-up for the national semi-finals from where the winners play for the championship. Teams and players vie for and are awarded with trophies and medals for performances in the categories of county champions; batsmen scoring centuries; batsmen scoring halfcenturies; bowlers taking five or more wickets in a match; player of the finals; runners-up and champion. Last year's overall champions were Lannaman's Prep of St James, while county champions were Lannaman's Prep, St James Prep, and Mount St Joseph Prep, Surrey, Cornwall and Middlesex, respectively. The competition is open to children under 13 years. Wray & Nephew skittles May 13

The start of the 2012 Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum skittles competition will start on Sunday, May 13. The competition has attracted 12 teams - six in the Premier League by virtue of their ranking, and six in the Major League.

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Defending champions Eagles is one of the teams being affected by venue problems. It is understood that the Eagles team, which is housed at Bejon's Sport Bar, Hughenden Plaza, will have to find temporary quarters, as Bejon's is unavailable due to refurbishing. The same is true of former champions Eastern All-Stars, whose venue in East Kingston (Windward Road) has changed owners. Meanwhile, Eagles, one of the top six seeded or elite teams, will play in the Premier League alongside Eastern, Starliner, Rowe's Strikers, Waltham Strikers and Mister C from Spanish Town. The Major League, comprising the lower-ranked teams, has Dragon, Olympic Strikers, Mystix Strikers, Willies Strikers, The Dip from Portmore, and the lone female team, Mystix Lady Strikers. The Wray & Nephew competition is one of two major competitions run annually by the Jamaica Skittles Federation for which Sam Allen is president. The other, the Pattex Cup competition, ended in February with Eagles as champions. BH cricket season starts tomorrow

Weather permitting, the Reggae Jammin Business House 50-over cricket competition commences tomorrow with 11 participating teams, including defending champions National Housing Trust (NHT). Four matches are scheduled for the opening round, while three teams have drawn byes for this round. There are two new teams - Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) and JNBS, while Continental Bakery did not enter this year. The matches on are Digicel vs LIME at Kensington Park, Jamalco vs BOJ at Jamalco, Red Stripe vs JNBS at Red Stripe Oval, Spanish Town Road, and former champions Jamaica Broilers vs JUTC at Spring Village. All matches start at 10 a.m. In this their 75th season, the Business House Cricket Board will also facilitate the Best Dressed Chicken 30-over KO competition. Both competitions are sponsored by Jamaica Broilers. Meadows favoured for Confed final

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Last year's beaten finalists, Meadows FC of St Catherine, are favoured to book a place in the final of the South Central Confed Super League football competition, when they host New Green in a second-leg semi-final slated for the Homestead community playing field. Meadows achieved an important advantage on Thursday at Kirkvine in Manchester, courtesy of a 68th-minute goal from their top striker, Ross Burton, that gave them a 1-0 victory. Defending champions Rivoli United will host parishmates Newlands in the second semi-final, slated for Spanish Town Prison Oval. The two met at the same venue on Wednesday, with visitors Newlands scoring early and Rivoli scoring in the final minute to earn a 1-1 draw. That game was deemed Rivoli's home game and, with the away rule in effect, Newlands could advance if the game ends 0-0. Kendal, Mile Gully clash in Manchester final

Kendal and Mile Gully will clash in The Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Manchester Major League final tomorrow at Kirkvine Sports Club. The matchup is a repeat of the mid-season final, which saw Kendal brushing aside the youthful Mile Gully aggregation 3-0. Kendal have held the upper hand in games between the two all season, winning their first preliminary round game, while the other ended in a draw. Despite losing the mid-season final, Mile Gully finished the preliminary round on top by four points. At stake tomorrow is a chance to earn $200,000 and the League trophy and, importantly, automatic qualification to the next tier of football - South Central Confed Super League. Both teams came through tough semi-finals. Kendal triumphed 4-3 on penalties over Porus after both teams had battled to a 0-0 draw after regulation and extra time. Mile Gully scored three times in extra time to outlast Hillstars after the two had earned second-half strikes to end the game 1-1 after regulation time. Four Paths still on top in Clarendon

With two rounds to go, Four Paths have found themselves in the unfamiliar position of challenging for championship honours in The Captain's Bakery & Grill-sponsored Clarendon Major League football competition.

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At the start of the season, the names of Jamalco, New Bowens and Milk River were the ones being bandied around as likely winners. All three have been upstaged, with Milk River out of contention in sixth place and Jamalco and New Bowens locked in second place on 34 points. Jamalco and New Bowens, who changed places at the top for 14 rounds, were both beaten by York Town, a team fighting to stave off relegation. Jamalco even squandered the chance to draw level on points with Four Paths last weekend, as they could only muster a 0-0 draw in a game they hosted at Wembley Stadium. The highlight of the week, however, was a hat-trick by Ludane Learmond, as Milk River made their position safe in the league with a 3-2 win over Gimme-Me-Bit, who are now in trouble, as they sit one place from the bottom. Henriques top MRPC monthly match

Fresh from recording outstanding performances at the Area Six US State Championships in Florida last week, the pair of Orville and Sue Ann Henriques won the local Manchester Rifle and Pistol Club (MRPC) latest monthly match series at the Lincoln Range. Henriques, who topped all Jamaican international performers with his fifth-place finish in the marquee Limited section, finished top and Sue Ann second. Henriques won just two of the stages, the first and the sixth, but he was most consistent, landing second-place finishes on the second, fourth and fifth stages. He was a distant fourth, by his standards, on the third. Sue Ann won stage two, but was second on three stages. Thomas Jones, who participated in the Florida Open in January, copped third with a percentage of 87.7, earning bragging rights by winning stages three and four. R. Mendez (76 per cent) and D. McMorris (72 per cent) rounded off the top five places. LIME/INSPORTS Clarendon Primary League

The qualifiers to the second round from seven of the eight preliminary zones in the Clarendon leg of the LIME/INSPORTS Primary School football league have been determined.

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Watsonton and defending champions Race Course Primary have qualified from Zone 1, with Chandlers Pen and Hayes from Zone 2. May Pen Primary and Denbigh have secured their passage from Zone 3, while Mineral Heights and Toll Gate have done similarly from Zone 4. Zone 5 is yet to be decided where four teams - Chapelton, Trout Hall, Beulah and Crooked River - still have a chance. Thompson Town and Mount Liberty are the qualifiers from Zone 6, while Zone 7 is sewn up with Morgan's Pass and Brandon Hill. Spalding and Sanguinetti are the representatives from Zone 8. In action this past week, Beulah secured two victories - Kenroy Thomas' hat-trick taking them to a 3-2 win over Trout Hall, before defeating Chapelton 2-0. The highlight of the week was Mount Liberty's 5-0 swamping of Mocho, where Kimani McIntyre scored four times. McIntyre is the league's leading goalscorer with 12 goals. 40 schools confirmed for U-13 track meet

Forty schools, including primary and preparatory institutions from the parishes of St Catherine and Kingston and St Andrew, will descend on the G.C. Foster College in Angels, St Catherine, for the 11th staging of the St Catherine U-13 Invitational Track Meet. The meet begins at 9 a.m. Athletes will compete in traditional races, such as the 60m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 70m hurdles, high jump, long jump and relays. Meet director Errol Mathias said he expects a top-class meet, as some of Jamaica's budding young stars will be on show. Two of the brighter stars on show will be Ewarton Primary's Christopher Taylor, who clocked 25.6 seconds and 56.1 over 200m and 400m, respectively, this season. He is the record holder for the Class Two boys 300m with 41.81 seconds at Primary Champs. Ascot Primary's 400m specialist, Kadez Sutherland, who ran 57 seconds recently at the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) St Catherine District Association meet at G.C. Foster ,is another athlete to watch. More than 3,500 athletes are expected to compete. The meet is a build-up to the INSPORTS/JTA Primary Athletics Championships slated for May 9-12 at the National Stadium. Portsmouth score first win

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Defending Portmore champions Portsmouth defeated Bridgeport 2-1 to score their first win in Group One in the Portmore leg of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS)/ LIME All-Island Primary Football Competition at the Portsmouth Primary playing field last Tuesday. Greater Portmore scored a close 3-2 victory over Port Henderson, a team that shocked Portsmouth 3-0 a couple of months ago. Meanwhile, Gregory Park jumped to the top of Group Two after they scored a hard fought 2-0 win over Independence City. Demar Francis (third minute) and Miguel Pickersgill (56th) scored Gregory Park's goals, which gave the school maximum six points from two games. Despite the loss, Independence City stayed second on three points, while Ascot and Southborough come next with a point each as they drew 0-0 at the same venue. Waterford are at the bottom without a point from one game.The competition continues on Monday. Flamingo, Rodwood advance to final

Flamingo and Rodwood advanced to their respective Division One and Major League final, after second-leg encounters at the Spanish Town Prison Oval last Saturday. Flamingo drew 2-2 with Albion in extra time, to advance 4-3 on aggregate. Kayron Buckam (48th) and Romaine Morris (75th) gave Albion a 2-0 lead in the match and 2-1 edge on aggregate. But Delano Williams hit back in the 84th minute to force extra time, as the contest was level 2-2 on aggregate. This set up Nigel Morrison's winner eight minutes into the bonus period. In the Major League clash, dependable striker Mark Walters scored in the 65th minute as Rodwood clipped DB Basovak 1-0 and advanced to the final 2-1 on aggregate. Flamingo will play against Old Harbour Bay in this afternoon's Division One final at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, match time 2 p.m., while the Major League final is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the same venue. Uphill task for Eradication in domino QF

Eradication face a tough opponent in leaders and favourites Fort International, in one of four quarter-final games in the Impulse-sponsored Portmore/St Catherine Domino League match at Caymanas Track on Sunday, May 6.

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Fort International are expected to win this match, but Eradication may have other ideas. In other games, second-seed Ackee Pod face seventh-seed Colours Sports Club, thirdseed Caribbean Classic - the defending champions - square off with sixth-seed Island Special Constabulary Force, while fourth-seed Right Stuff challenge an improved fifth-seed Passagefort United. All games commence at 11 a.m. Ken's Wildflower Community Sports Club's 10th anniversary

This year's annual general meeting for Ken's Wildflower Community Sports Club, scheduled for this Sunday at Ken's Wildflower Lounge, will be a special one as the club celebrates its 10th anniversary. They currently participate in chess, domino, netball and cricket. Cricket has been the club's most successful venture as they have won both the senior and junior (Under-15) titles in the Portmore Metropolitan Cricket League. Businessman Lester 'Ken' Crooks said he is "very dedicated in the development of Portmore through sports". In the past, he has used his personal funds to start the league when sponsorship money was late, and still plays an integral part in the development of sports in Portmore. Hellshire, Westchester showdown

Hellshire United and Westchester will face off tomorrow in the final of the LIME Portmore Division Two Football League at Ferdie Neita Park in Braeton. Match time is 3 p.m. The match was rescheduled from last Sunday because of a waterlogged field. Westchester, who are the mid-season champions, hold the edge in head-to-head confrontations with Hellshire this season, as they won their first meeting 2-0, while the second match ended in a draw. Hellshire got past East Portmore Portals 2-1 on aggregate in their semi-final encounter, while Westchester defeated Westport 3-1 on aggregate. Hellshire will depend heavily and strikers Rohan Grant and Rohan Cato for goals, while Westchester's main hopes lie with their two goal poachers, Lusheng Davis and Orlando Bryan.

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CAPTION: Young cricketers (from left) Sachin Simms of Hydel Prep, Johanna Silvera of Meadowbrook Prep, and Tyrell Johnson of Portmore Missionary Prep are happy to receive the sponsorship cheque of $3m from Scotiabank towards the staging of the 2012 Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA)/Scotiabank Prep Schools Cricket competition, during the launch at Police Sports Complex at Elletson Road on Tuesday. The series, which also started on Tuesday, will continue through to June. A total of 133 matches will be staged across the island among 45 schools. Partnering the kids in presentation are Monique Todd (second left), vice-president, marketing, public relations and corporate affairs, Scotiabank, Tamar Lambert (third right), captain of Jamaica's senior cricket team, and Lyndel Wright, JCA president.Contributed

In Your Neighbourhood Published: Saturday | May 21, 2011 0 Comments

Kaswayne Miller (centre), captain of 2011 Captain's Bakery Manchester Major League champions, New Green, accepts the championship trophy from the football association president, Dalton Wint (right) and Captain Bakery's representative Walter Soltou. Defender Richard Hamilton (second left) and Howard Daley (second right), scorer of New Green's third goal in their 3-1 win over Hillstars, look on. - photo by Richard Bryan

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ATL Autohaus National Amateur Golf Champs The ATL Autohaus National Amateur Golf Championships will take place this weekend at the Caymanas Golf & Country Club. Play starts today and continues until Monday and will see some of Jamaica's top golfers competing for the title of National Amateur Champion.

St Andrew Prep recordhighest team score St Andrew Prep, with 149 for five in 25 overs, posted the highest team score of all the matches played on Thursday in the Scotiabank prep schools cricket competition in Surrey's Zone C. St Andrew defeated Mavisville Prep by a whopping 138 runs. Neil Johnson recording the highest individual score of 76 for St Andrew. He got support from Jean-Pierre Daley, who scored 18. Joel Ragbeer, with two for six in one over, got the most wickets. Mavisville were skittled out for 11. The main wicket-takers were Jean-Pierre Daley with five for two 1.5 overs and Neil Johnson two for six. In another game in Zone C, Trafalgar Prep defeated St Theresa Prep by eight wickets. Trafalgar scored 83-2 from 9.2 overs in reply to St Theresa's 80 all out in 19.3 overs. top scores Rushan Walker, 36, and Shamoore Tomlinson, 32, top-scored for Trafalgar, while Jordan Gillies took the two wickets to fall. Kymani Irving, 20, and Jordan Gillies, 18, made the most runs for St Theresa, while Raezon Thomas, with three for seven, and Shalmoore Tomlinson, three for six, were the leading wicket-takers for Trafalgar. Zone A's matches went to Richmond Prep over Our Lady of the Angels and St Cecelia over Rose Gordon. Only one match was scheduled for Zone B, which went to Portmore Missionary over Meadowbrook Prep.

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In Zone D, the two matches were won by Ardenne and Covenant Prep. Competition in Surrey will continue on Wednesday, May 25 in Zones A, B, C and D.

Bucknor, Summerfield take early lead Bucknor continued their impressive run in the 2011 Claro Clarendon Division One when they opened their campaign in the quarter-final group round with a 2-1 win over Springfield. Bucknor finished their preliminary round with a perfect win record ahead of Summerfield and are drawn in quarter-final for Group A, which also includes Jamalco and Four Paths. Summerfield also justified their elevation to the quarter-final round with an opening 10 win over Ebony Stars. Summerfield are drawn in Group B, which also includes Black Stars and Mineral Heights. In the other quarter-final group matches, Jamalco drew 1-1 with Four Paths, while Blacks Stars and Mineral Heights battled to a 2-2 draw. The points standings show Bucknor leading Group A on three points ahead of Jamalco and Four Paths with one point each. Summerfield head Group B on three points, ahead of Black Stars and Mineral Heights, one each. The competition resumes today with Summerfield hosting Black Stars. Tomorrow, Four Paths will entertain Bucknor, while Springfield host Jamalco.

New Testament Cobbla Church league Defending champions George North will face Contrivance in one of two matches tomorrow in the 2011 renewal of the Cobbla New Testament Church football league hosted at the Cobbla Youth Camp, near Spaldings. In the second game at 4 p.m., Church United, winners of the opening dress parade, take on Napoli.

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George North have played just one game, beating Christiana Strikers courtesy of a double strike from last year's leading goalscorer, Avadine Ellington. Contrivance had opened the new season with a 1-1 draw against Clandon Strikers. In last weekend's matches, Lazio swept Richmond 3-0, while Roose Madrid, spurred by a double strike from Junior Blake and one each from Conrad Wilson and Gawayne Cunningham, humbled Gully Strikers 4-1.

Clarendon/Claro Under-17 Woodhall smashed Rock River 5-0 to kick off the Claro-sponsored Clarendon Under-17 competition. Sixteen teams drawn in four zones are contesting this league, while matches are only scheduled for weekends. Woodhall, who have the early lead, are joined in Zone One by New Roadsville and Rio Untied. Zone Two comprises Monymusk, Coffals, Jamalco and New Bowens. In Zone Three are Treadlight, Sporting Athletic, York Town and Cockpit. Humble Lion headline Zone Four, which also includes Four Paths, Original Hazard and a select Clarendon Under-17 team. In other early results, New Roadsville were beaten 2-0 by Rio; Treadlight went down 10 to Cockpit; Sporting Athletic and York Town drew 3-3; while Jamalco got the better of neighbours, New Bowens.

Manchester Under-17 round-up Zone leaders Kendal, Mile Gully Youths and Mile Gully FC have all booked secondround spots in the Manchester FA Under-17 competition sponsored by Power Services Company Limited. A total of eight teams - four zone winners and their respective runner-ups - are guaranteed spots in the second round.

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Kendal reign supreme in Zone A, landing the maximum nine points from three games. So far, they have beaten Spring Ground 4-0, Cobbla/Gully Strikers 4-1 and Young Diamonds 3-1. They have one preliminary-round game to go and cannot be surpassed as leaders. Zone B has so far been dominated by Mile Gully Youths. They have nine points compiled from wins against Porus FC (1-0), New Green (1-0) and Greenvale Invaders (3-1). Porus Academy are the next best-placed team. Mile Gully FC lead Zone C on nine points after defeating Georges Valley, Old England and Studds. Zone D is far from decided as Villa lead with four points, followed by the trio of Mandeville United, Flavour and Settlement on three. This weekend's schedule is centred around a double-header to be hosted at the Cobbla Youth training camp. At 1:30 p.m., Hillstars take on Kendal, while at 3:00 p.m. Spring Ground tackle Young Diamonds.

Greater Portmore topMulticare Champs Greater Portmore High successfully defended their title, emerging overall champions of the MultiCare Track & Field Championships for the third successive year with 143 points, at the 16th annual staging of the meet at the G.C. Foster College last week. The Portmore school romped to victory ahead of Ascot High, who finished second with 124 points. Donald Quarrie High came in third with 120 points and Windward Road Primary took fourth place with 112 points. Greater Portmore High topped the male division with 96 points and picked up another 47 points in the female category. Ascot High led in the female division with 67 points and collected 57 points in the male events. Taking second place in the male and female categories, respectively, were Donald Quarrie High with 79 points and Waterford High with 58 points. Windward Road Primary were third in both categories with the male team earning 60 points to the females 52. Overcast skies and a light drizzle were not enough to dampen the spirits of the approximately 500 boys and girls from the 31 MultiCare-assisted schools in east, west and central Kingston and Greater Portmore who competed in four classes - 10-12, 13-14, 15-16,

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17-18, and an Open category. The young athletes gave sterling performances and displayed fine form, including some excellent baton changes in the relay events. This annual athletics championships, organised in association with the National Health Fund, is part of the MultiCare Foundation's sports programme which seeks to inculcate in the youngsters positive values, the lifelong adoption of a healthy lifestyle and the building of confidence and self-esteem. Endowed by LIME Jamaica, ICD Group Limited and Caribbean Cement Company Limited, the MultiCare Foundation adopts a holistic approach to child development and uses sports and the arts as catalysts to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and understanding among young people from diverse communities, and the reinforcement of the MultiCare fundamentals of love and respect for self and others.

Basketball play-offs The national play-offs in high school girls basketball competition will take place today at Manchester High School Court starting at 9 a.m. Six teams are down to participate in the one-day rally format. The qualifiers are Holy Childhood, Vauxhall High, St. Elizabeth Technical High School, Glenmuir High, Herbert Morrison High and Muschett High. Central America and Caribbean bridge champs Jamaica men's national team and a ladies team are competing in the Central American and Caribbean Bridge Federation's Zonal Bridge Championships which started in Cuba yesterday. These are World Bridge Federation accredited games and the winning country will represent the region in the next Bermuda Bowl Tournament (the 'World Cup' of bridge). Jamaica have competed with great credit in these championships over the years and in the 1980s were often winners. The special importance of these games is that they will be played in Cuba for the first time. The two Jamaican teams are: Rex James, Trevor Jones, Michael Marshall, Walter Brown, Peter Mais and Michael Coore (national team) and Carol Coore, Elizabeth Williams, Monica Cools-Lartigue, Marlene Fulford, Shirley Tavares and Valerie Marshall (ladies team).

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Junior surfers in Peru Six under-18 surfers and two officials left the island on Tuesday to represent Jamaica at the World Junior Surfing Championships now on in Lima, Peru. The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship will be held in the perfect rights and lefts of Caballeros and Seoritas from today to May 29. The six surfers representing Jamaica are Garren Pryce, Oshane Usher, Ivah Wilmot, Elishama Beckford, Akeem Taylor and Armani Green. Icah Wilmot will travel as team coach with Richard Curtis as his assistant. More than 250 of the best junior surfers from 27 countries will be competing for medals and the honour of defending their nations' colours. Countries are arriving in Peru with teams of up to 12 athletes (four under-18 boys, four under-16 boys and four under-18 girls) and a support crew of coaches, team managers and assistants. This year they have fielded a very young team but are confident the surfers will gain a lot from this experience. Most of the team is under 16 with another four years to compete at the world junior level. This trip is part of the JSA's youth development programme targeting the island's top under 16 surfers. The 2011 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships will be streamed live on the World Wide Web. Members of the public can find the link to the event at http://www.isawjsc.com/. The team will return to Jamaica on the May 29.

High schools chess The 2011 renewal of the National Prep/Junior high schools chess tournament begins tomorrow morning at The Jamaica Pegasus, with some 30 schools competing for honours. The tournament will end on Monday, May 23. The schools are drawn from across the island. Tournament director Adrian Palmer of Chess Enterprise, who also conducts a chess training programme at The Pegasus, said he was pleased to see the growing interest in the sport. "Chess has become the game of choice among the young generation, and we want to continue to encourage the growth of the sport, given the demonstrated benefits it has in improving mental acuity and helping our young people become even better at solving problems," he said.

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Interest in the game has spiked over the last several years, especially in 2010 with Jamaica now having a recognised International Master. Jamaican teams have also distinguished themselves at successive World Chess Olympiads, the most prestigious team competition in the sport. The tournament began in 2000 with Queen's Prep taking the title. Matches on this weekend: Today: Humble Lion vs Original Hazard at Effortville, Rio vs Rock River at Edwin Allen and Woodhall vs New Roadsville at Turners' Oval. Tomorrow: Four Paths vs Clarendon U-17 and Coffals vs Jamalco at Waterwell.

Morrison backs out of North West Manchester race Published: Thursday | July 16, 2009

Morrison Another contentious issue has forced veteran trade unionist Vincent Morrison out of the race to run on the People's National Party (PNP) ticket for North West Manchester in the next general election. Morrison, who is president of the PNP-affiliated National Workers Union was, on Sunday, scheduled to square off with Mikael Phillips - son of political veteran Dr Peter Phillips - and political worker Patrick Crawford.

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Morrison confirmed that he had withdrawn from the race but said, in keeping with a promise to the Secretariat of the PNP, he would not be commenting on the matter at this time. Date issue PNP General Secretary Peter Bunting would not say whether he had received a letter from Morrison. However, it is understood that Morrison wrote to Bunting, expressing his intention of dropping out of the race because the contest was being held on a Sunday. In the letter to Bunting, Morrison reportedly complained that he had raised the issue of the date for the conference in previous correspondence to the general secretary but had not received a response. He said that, in light of this, he had no option but to withdraw from the race. However, insiders claim Morrison opted out because he was not gaining any traction in the PNP-dominated constituency. Phillips, 37 and Crawford, 54, are seeking to replace Dean Peart, who has held the North West Manchester seat since February 1989 and has decided to exit the political arena after five consecutive victories. The count-off is scheduled to take place at the Mile Gully Primary School on Sunday, starting at 10 a.m.

Three for Manchester matchup Published: Monday | June 29, 2009

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer AN INTENSE contest is taking shape in North West Manchester where three aspirants with strong political antecedents in the People's National Party (PNP)

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have thrown their hats in the ring to run on the party's ticket in the next general election. Involved in the matchup are Mikael Phillips, son of Dr Peter Phillips; trade union veteran Vincent Morrison and Pat Crawford, who is known through his association with wellknown PNP activitist Kenneth Black. Dean Peart, the man who has won the constituency for the PNP in five consecutive elections since February 1989, has decided to call it a day. Working amid upheaval The seat is one the PNP needs to hold on to as it has traditionally performed well in the constituency. The PNP Secretariat has set July 19 for the run-off. All three contenders say they have been doing the groundwork in the constituency, in the midst of raging upheavals in the party. "I am seeking to continue the political traditions of (my family) in Manchester," Phillips, 37, who was defeated in East Rural St Andrew in the 2007 general election, told The Gleaner. "My great grandfather was councillor for the Bellefield division in neighbouring Central Manchester." He said he hoped to build on the achievements of the current member of parliament in putting in some of the basic infrastructure. Phillips noted that the parish has one of the better road networks and pledged to place much emphasis on early childhood education. Hopes to do better Morrison, 59, who is president of the PNP-affiliated National Workers' Union, hopes to fare better than his colleague, Granville Valentine, who lost out to the Jamaica Labour Party's Michael Stern in the recent by-election in North East St Catherine. "I have a lot of support in there. I have done a lot of political work in the constituency over the years," Morrison told The Gleaner. "I have provided gainful employment and enjoy the support of both Comrades and Labourites as I was born in the constituency, went to Mile

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Gully Primary School and currently serve as a member of the board of the Mile Gully High School." With the bauxite sector under threat, Morrison is of the view that the area is primed for ecotourism projects to create economic activities for the people of the community. "I will be pushing for North West Manchester to become a retirement and health-tourism area; the climate is ideal." Crawford, 54, who was also born in North West Manchester, said he wants to improve the economic and social conditions of the people of the constituency. "I want to provide more opportunity through skills training," he declared. Applauding the accomplishments of the outgoing MP, Crawford cited Peart's success at setting up community centres throughout the constituency. "I want to bring the Heart Trust/NTA into North West Manchester by utilising these community centres." gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com

Not adding up -Experts call for more training to boost teaching standards for mathematics Published: Monday | January 17, 2011 16 Comments

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For years, Jamaica has been focusing on making lessons student-centred. - file Nadisha Hunter, Gleaner Writer A group of experts has painted a dismal picture of mathematics teaching standards in some high schools, claiming continuous training is required to raise teachers' performance in public-education facilities. The team, led by former national mathematics coordinator of the Ministry of Education's Education Transformation Programme, Tamika Benjamin, recently conducted a two-month assessment of six high schools under the Mutual Building Societies Foundation's (MBSF) Centres of Excellence programme. The six schools assessed under the Victoria Mutual Building Society and Jamaica National Building Society-sponsored programme last November to December are McGrath High in St Catherine, Seaforth High in St Thomas, Green Pond High in St James, Godfrey Stewart in Westmoreland and Mile Gully and Porus High in Manchester. Former Regional Mathematics Coordinator Novlet Plunkett said only 49 per cent of the teaching staff in the schools that were assessed was trained in mathematics education, and that a further 15.6 per cent did not have Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) or General Certificate of Education-level mathematics.

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"What will make the difference is your attitude and commitment. Even though you may not be trained to teach the subject area ... what you need to do is to take advantage of every training opportunity that comes your way to improve yourself," she encouraged teachers in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday. Plunkett charged that the lessons taught at the schools needed to be more studentcentred, saying that there is need for more active discourse between the teachers and the students in the classroom. But Grace McLean, chief education officer in the education ministry, said mathematics was not really an issue of grave concern and that the ministry has implemented strategies to raise the standards in the schools. "As a country, mathematics is an area that we have really not performed exceptionally well over the years but the ministry is taking steps to ensure that we build the capacity of our teachers and we provide the kind of support that our students need for us to see this particular area improved," McLean said. She said the ministry continues to have workshops and training sessions yearly for all teachers across the island. Benjamin recommended that teaching strategies should be improved to engage students; and that continual training programmes be implemented to assist them to improve their knowledge base. "We identified the use of didactic and expository approaches to teaching as one of the main downfalls of teachers," Benjamin argued. She further said lessons were centred on procedure rather than concept development. In addition to training programmes, the group recommended that common planning meetings, led by the heads of the mathematics departments, should include regular activities to keep teachers stimulated and reminded of mathematical concepts. Only 21 per cent of the teachers of the schools received fair scores on a test designed by the expert team to determine the level of knowledge they possessed on a wide range of mathematical models.

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In addition, the team recommended that the schools videotape classes in an effort to capture best practices that can be used as benchmarks. Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager of the MBSF, confirmed that each school under the Centres of Excellence programme would be provided with video cameras to assist them with recording practices that could be incorporated into training and planning. President of the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals, Wentworth Gabbidon, supported the call for more training to improve the standards of the teachers, saying that there continues to be a growing concern in the subject that needs to be addressed. "For years now we have been focusing on making lessons student-centred. Sometimes the environment does lend itself to that kind of teaching but people have to be flexible and creative in how they teach," he argued. He said, however, limited resources continue to be a major problem which hampers the teachers' ability to teach. nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com

Mile Gully take over lead from Christiana published: Wednesday | October 6, 2004 Paul A. Reid, Staff Reporter WESTERN BUREAU: MILE GULLY took over the lead in keenly contested Zone G of the ISSA Pepsi/Sports Plus daCosta Cup competition yesterday after a 2-0 win over former leaders Christiana in a rescheduled game. The win takes Mile Gully to 13 points, three more than Christiana while Spalding edged in front of Holmwood after getting by the Dave Anderson-coached team 1-0.The loss dropped Holmwood to fourth place in the zone with eight points from four games.

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Meanwhile, two games in Zone H were not played after the schools told The Gleaner yesterday they were not informed about the changes in the schedule. Clarendon College were down to play Edwin Allen and Kellits were scheduled to meet Denbigh. The games were originally set for today but brought forward to yesterday while the September 15 round of games that were affected by Hurricane Ivan were set to be played tomorrow. Clarendon College's coach, Patrick Lewin, told The Gleaner yesterday he was preparing to play Edwin Allen today. Cohen Palmer meanwhile increased his season's tally to six goals after scoring twice for Lennon in their 4-1 win over Claude McKay as they joined Clarendon College on 15 points at the top of Zone H. Ronaldo Scott of Cedric Titus also scored a double in his team's 4-2 win over Aabuthnott Gallimore to stretch their lead in Zone D. Ocho Rios scored their first win of the season when they edged York Castle 2-1 in Brown's Town. YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Zone D: Aabuthnott Gallimore 2 Cedric Titus 4, York Castle 1 Ocho Rios 2. Zone F: Belair 0 May Day 4, Manchester 0 Porus 3. Zone G: Holmwood 0 Spalding 1, Alston 2 Knox 4, Mile Gully 2 Christiana 0. Zone H: Kellits vs Denbigh not played, Claude McKay 1 Lennon 4, Clarendon vs Edwin Allen not played. Zone K: Islington 1 Annotto Bay 2. Zone L: Happy Grove 0 Seaforth 1. TODAY'S GAMES Zone A: Herbert Morrison vs Cornwall, St. James vs William Knibb - Jarrett Park.

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Zone B: Grange Hill vs Rusea's Belle Isle Sports Complex, Knockalva vs Merlene Ottey. Zone C: Petersfield vs Godfrey Stewart - Mannings, Black River vs Mannings. Zone E: Maggotty vs Munro - Appleton Estates, Balaclava vs STETHS, Lacovia vs Newell. Zone I: Garvey Maceo vs Glenmuir - Brancourt, Bustamante vs Kemps Hill, Central vs Vere - Ebony Park. Zone J: Bog Walk vs McGrath, Charlemont vs Old Harbour, Ewarton vs Glengoffe Bramwell Clarke Sports Complex. Zone K: Brimmer Vale vs Tacky, St. Mary Tech vs St. Mary High - Richmond Community Centre. All games except the ones in Zone J will start at 3:30 p.m. Games in Zone J start at 2:00.

Mile Gully hold Kickers WESTERN BUREAU - Violet Kickers were made to work hard for 2-2 draw against last placed Mile Gully in a National A League game at Jarrett Park yesterday. Meanwhile Galaxy continued their way up the points tables with a 5-1 drubbing of St. Georges United at Lynch Park. At Jarrett Park, Mile Gully maintained their record of never losing to Violet Kickers in the National A-League in four seasons. The home team took the lead in the second minute when Nickoma Powell scored past goalkeeper Corey Phillips but two goals in the space of five minutes midway the second half gave the Manchester team the lead. Morris Peart equalised in the 65th before Dwayne Whittick gave them the lead in the 69th, both goals coming from moves down the left wing.

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Winston Anglin scored his third goal of the season when his header in the 79th minut was helped into the goal by a defender as Kickers came back on level terms. Yesterday's results: Violet Kickers 2 Mile Gully 2, Rivoli 3 Rockfort 0, Duhaney Park 4 Brazil 1, Galaxy 5 St. Georges 1.

Front-runners look to maintain momentum Published: Wednesday | September 28, 2011 0 Comments

Rusea's Brian Brown ... last season's Golden Boot winner. -File Adrian Frater, News Editor WESTERN BUREAU: Teams will be seeking to consolidate positions atop their groups this afternoon when the curtain comes down on the first round of the 2011-12 ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup. There will be a full slate of matches in all 12 zones of the competition.

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Among the teams that should attract much attention are champions Rusea's, St James High, Grange Hill, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), Edwin Allen, Manchester High, Glenmuir, Tacius Golding and Buff Bay, who are all sporting proud unbeaten records. Champions Rusea's, with maximum 15 points from five games, should continue their winning ways at the expense of Maldon, who have tasted defeat in four of five games. The spotlight could well be on star striker Brian 'Rambo' Brown who has scored six goals in his last two games and has a grand tally of 13. "We just want to end the round on a winning note," said Anthony 'Follies' Williams, the coach of Rusea's. "In the next round we will be looking at preparing ourselves to make a serious bid at winning the Ben Francis Cup." Having conquered all before them, 2008 champions St James High, with maximum 15 points from five games, should start favourites despite playing away to Irwin High, who have only managed a measly five points from five games. However, Irwin should be no pushover as, at their best, they have the capacity to do well. In Zone E, it should be a lot of fireworks in the top-of-the-table clash between leaders Grange Hill (12), with a perfect win record from four games, and home team Manning's who are second on 10 points, having secured three wins and a draw in four games. In Zone F, leaders STETHS (15) are favoured to make it six from six when they lock horns with fourth-place DeCarteret (eight), playing away on their opponent's home turf. Second-place Munro College (13) should take maximum three points off struggling Balaclava High (five) in their backyard at Malvern. In Zone G, it should be a battle royal in the top-of-the-table clash between leaders Manchester High, unbeaten on 14 points, and Knox College, who are also unbeaten, on 11 points. Interestingly, while Manchester High are the group's most prolific team with 15 goals, Knox are yet to concede a goal. The stakes will also be high in Zone I, where former champions Glenmuir, who have four wins and a draw in five games and second in the group, come face-to-face with red-hot group leaders Denbigh High, who have five wins and one defeat in six outings.

Today's Games

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Zone A Cornwall vs Williams Knibb Green Pond vs Muschett Irwin vs St James Zone B Frome vs Knockalva Anchovy vs Merlene Ottey Maldon vs Rusea's Zone C Albert Town vs Ocho Rios York Castle vs Cedric Titus Brown's Town vs Marcus Garvey Zone D Tacky vs Iona Brimmervale vs St Mary Tech Zone E Little London vs Petersfield Manning's vs Grange Hill Godfrey Stewart vs Maud McLeod Zone F DeCarteret vs STETHS

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Munro vs Balaclava Lacovia vs Newell Zone G Christiana vs Mile Gully Spaldings vs Holmwood Manchester vs Knox Zone H Claude McKay vs Clarendon College Edwin Allen vs Porus Lennon vs Thompson Town Zone I Denbigh vs Glenmuir Kemps Hill vs Bustamante Garvey Maceo vs Central Zone J Ewarton vs Tacius Golding Dinthill vs Old Harbour Charlemont vs McGrath Zone K Port Antonio vs Fair Prospect Annotto Bay vs Buff Bay

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Happy Grove vs Titchfield Zone L Paul Bogle vs Robert Lightbourne Morant Bay vs Seaforth

Ronald and Evan Blair celebrating 40 years of bliss published: Sunday | January 30, 2005

- Carlington Wilmot/Freelance Photographer Bishop Blair and his wife, Evon. Avia Ustanny, Outlook Writer THERE ARE many situations from which Ronald Blair has tried to escape in his life, but none of those have included marriage. Included, however, was Christian ministry. Bishop Blair, current pastor of the 5,000strong Bayside New Testament congregation in Portmore, admits that ministry was the last thing on his mind when growing up. One of 14 children born and raised in the home of a Christian minister, Mortimer Blair, he reflects: "I saw my father giving up good jobs to go fulltime into the ministry with some really bad consequences for us. I tried to run far and fast from that." But, in his own words, "the Lord caught me." Today, he is now a well-known voice to Jamaicans, as he is presenter of two religious programmes on national radio Love FM: 'Forward in Faith' on weekdays and 'Moments in the Word' on Sundays.

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Rescue the perishing "He (God) said to me, your duty is to rescue the perishing and to care for the dying. I said, 'OK Lord'," the Bishop remembers. Ronald Blair has a great sense of humour from which not only his congregations but his family has secured vast enjoyment. The Bishop, who is this year celebrating 40 years of marriage to his wife Minister Evon Blair has, with her, spent all of that time building the church and raising four daughters. Gary Welch, Pastor of the Jordan Road (Kingston) New Testament Church comments, "as a couple, I believe that they (the Blairs) are the model couple in ministry. Next to the call of God on one's life in ministry, the person you partner with is most important. They were just meant for one another. Their ministries compliment each other." While his wife oversees the young in the church and a range of other groups, Bishop Ronald Blair has served as Administrative Bishop of the New Testament Church of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands for two four-year terms. In 2002 when he demitted office, he "switched" places with his brother W.A Blair who had pastored the Portmore, Bayside, church for 18 years and who was appointed as the new administrator. Currently in charge of the congregation of Bayside Portmore New Tesament Church - a complex which includes a school, HEART/NTA skills training facilities, a library, a family life complex including a medical clinic and skills training and conference facilities, the Bishop is challenged to manage his largest pastorate yet. By his side is Evon whose supportive role, he says, he has always found invaluable in every church that they have been. Evon Blair has worked as the National Women's Ministry President for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and coordinated the work of women in 60 districts and also prepared for national conventions. She was the originator of the New Testamnet Church of God's National Prayer Breakfast which began in 1987 and continues until today.

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Blair and his wife were both graduates of Bethel Bible college (then in Carron Hall St. Mary but currently located in Mandeville) in different years, and they first met on the campus while Evon was a student and Ronald was a pastor." Courtship Between Evon and himself, there was not much courtship, the pastor admits. There was only the word of the Lord. On the completion of his ministerial studies in the early '60s, he said that he told God that he was now ready to marry and God "dropped" Evon's name into his mind. So, he simply called her and told her. Young Evon, who was then into her second year in Bible school and wanted to finish, could not believe it. As she says, she struggled mightily against it, but Ronald was persistent. Ronald said that earlier, in Bible school, he had told God that he was there to study and nothing else. Therefore, he said, he also asked God to "put up his wife", whomever she was, until he was finished. He believed that Evon was the one who God had preserved for him. When he first heard the name "Evon Foster," he said he had told God that he did not know her well. God's reply, he said, was that when he became a leader he would find her. Evon had given up her job as a secretary at the Banana Growers Association to follow what she believed was God's leading to go to Bible school. She was one of the first women to do so and she was set on her path. At Ronald's approach, she sought counselling from all of her superiors and was still unwilling to marry. On the last day of her second year in school, she spoke to a friend about the matter until 2 a.m. in the morning, again stating her desire to complete Bible College. On going to bed, however, Evon said that she dreamt that she was in a wedding dress and she was signing the marriage register. She woke up in the morning in a completely different frame of mind. She put pen to paper and wrote Ronald right away. The couple were married the following year, on Febraury 3, 1965. Churches

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Pastor Blair's first responsibility was for two churches one in Garlands and the other in Flagstaff in rural St. James. Membership totalled 28 people. During his stay there, he also started another church in Vaughnsfield. The family was to move several times as he pastored different churches. Transfers and promotions led them from Flagstaff and Garlands to Oracabessa in St. Mary and then to Jordan Road in Kingston. From Jordan Road, the family then moved to Mile Gully in Manchester. In Kingston, Evon completed studies at Shortwood Teacher's College and her husband took over as caretaker of the home while she studied and also during the next 10 years when she taught full time (Bellfield Secondary and Mile Gully Primary in Manchester and then Pembroke Hall Primary in Kingston). She smiles as she remembers that her husband was the one who would go shopping for groceries and ensure that homework was done. Left behind Evon admits that moving about affected the children - Nadine, Delva, Novia and Paula - somewhat, as in some cases they left friends behind. Their school work was also affected. Bishop Blair recalls. "Nadine was brilliant, but moving out to the country (Mile Gully) slowed her so much that I felt it." However, after three years in Manchester, the family returned to Kingston where they were to remain, even though Ronald Blair changed churches within the city several times. Evon Blair admits that as a minister's wife, she did get caught in a trap which is often waiting for women in her position. "I always felt that as a pastor's wife, I should be available 24-7 for everything happening." So intent was she on being involved in the life of the church that she could hardly find time to be with her children, especially the two older daughters. When they were both attending Immaculate Conception High School, Delva once suggested to her that she should buy a ticket to the school barbecue, so that she could sit and actually find the time to sit and talk with them. It was a wake up call for her.

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"That changed me. That was one of the really hard things for me," the mother recalls. It is true, she said, that many parents who are also pastors do not bond enough with their children because they are giving so much attention to the church. The children, who are also pressured to be perfect because of their parentage, are therefore at a double disadvantage. But, it was an issue which Evon was quick to redress. Today, the couple say that they share an excellent relationship with all their daughters, two of whom, Nadine and Paula, still reside at home. Delva who is married to Leon Lee Roberts and is mother of the Blair's only grandchild, Talisa Emelie, lives in Florida. Novia also lives in this American state. Ronald Blair makes his wife laugh when he says, "I enjoy being a man in a woman's world." He has never missed not having a son. He is grateful that he was able to spend quality time with his children in the earlier years, but says it was quite painful later when as a national leader his time spent at home became much less. Evon says that Ronald was her tutor in marriage and he replies that they learnt from each other. She says that she is also grateful to spiritual mothers in the church, especially one in Oraccabessa, who took her under her wing and really encouraged her. Today she is returning the favour to other young wives and women. According to Bishop Ronald Blair, his 40-year marriage had a good start because they were both from stable family backgrounds. The fact that they also both became counsellors to couples and to the young in the church also provided an indirect benefit to them. "Marriage is fragile and it can be broken," he says is the advice which he always repeats and which he has personally taken to heart. Connected to God Most significant of all, he says is that they have remained vertically connected to God. "When you have a vertical connection, the horizontal works out," he quips adding, "we have never practised how to quarrel." Nadine, anchor at Love FM radio and church liaison who attended Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee along with her sister Delva, states that if her parents ever quarrelled it must have been a very private thing, because she has never heard them do so.

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"They are awesome. They are so easy with each other." Still single, the anchorwoman states, "yes, I am looking for a husband like Dad. Someone who is saved... humble. My father let's nothing bother him. His answer to every problem is to pray. My mother, she prays about everything. As they age nothing bothers them. They are cool like that." According to Evon Blair, a good 95 per cent of social problems begin in the home. This minister, who is also a motivational speaker and lectures both locally and internationally to women, states that the family would benefit greatly if men and women refocused on the word of God. "My heartbeat, my hope is for all believers to become mature," she told Outlook. Mrs. Blair gave Outlook a tour of her spacious and beautiful home in Sterling Castle, ending with a peek into the upstairs gym with its en-suite bathroom and jacuzzi. She has very little time for exercise and relaxation, she admits. She still spends many hours working with women and young people. Principal of Shortwood Teacher's college, Mrs. Cythia Thompson who is also Evons's sister told Outlook, "what I admire about Evon, most of all, is her capacity to make everyone feel special. "Ronald, she says, "I feel is a real brother who must also be the best brother-in-law, when I think about all that he has done for our family. He was just a big son...He was there for us when our father died and then when our mother died. "As a couple, I don't think I know another couple who are so in love. They also demonstrate that love, not brashly, but with the dignity of age. They do a great deal of work in a way that is not widely known." The couple, she discloses, have mothered and fathered in the region of 30 individuals who have lived as a part of their home at one time or another. "They have given many good years of service to the church and to the Nation as a whole," she added. People oriented According to Mrs. Thompson, the couple are people oriented and love having visitors to their home. There, they are often included in games of dominoes. Bishop Blair loves the

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game, and is also a sports fanatic with a special love of cricket. He also plays the guitar and "plays on" the piano. The Bishop says that now that they are 40 years along, retirement from pastorship is not out of the question. However, he said, at Bayside "there are some things which I want to accomplish." Pastor of the Jordan Road New Testament church, Gary Welch states, "As a minister Rev. Blair is a model of dedication to the call for ministry. He is one of those persons who takes the calling personally and seriously as it should be." For a man who tried to run away from the role of pastor, that is high praise indeed. A family man, a mentor, a stalwart Published: Friday | June 5, 2009

Neil The Right Reverend Neville Sylvester Neil, bishop of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, passed away on Friday, May 22. He will be remembered not only for his 62 years of service to the ministry of the Moravian Church, but also his service as a bishop for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and the Unity of the Moravian Church worldwide. A family man, a mentor, a stalwart, a paragon of virtue, a visionary, a man of benevolence, faith, discipline and integrity are mere modest encomiums that can be said of Bishop Neil who, throughout his journey, had touched the lives of countless persons. Moreover, he was very charismatic.

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"Dedication and commitment to Christ were his hallmarks and loyalty to the Moravian Church. His evangelistic fervour was one of his strong points. Family, and not just his immediate but his extended family, was dear to his heart," Bishop Robert Foster of the Moravian Church in Jamaica commented. Great storyteller "He was known by everyone for his wit and humour. He was one of the greatest storytellers ever. When he tells you a story, you can't miss it no matter how trivial it might be. He tells it in such a way with drama and with humour," Foster added. Bishop Neil was born at Dunder Hill, St Elizabeth, on March 17, 1917. He first attended the Bull Savannah Elementary School and later the Ballard's Valley Elementary School, from which he left for Tutorial College in Kingston, where he graduated with a Senior Cambridge Certificate. His first job was a short teaching assignment at Mount Felix in St Thomas. He then went into training for ministry. In an edited interview with Lucinda Peart of the Moravian Church in Jamaica, Bishop Neil summed up why he went into the Christian ministry. "I couldn't escape. Not primarily because it was the strong desire of my parents, but from an early conviction; I was inclined from about age 17. Every one of the several attempts to do something else in life was futile. I tried a spot of teaching and was accepted for Mico but a very slight matter prevented my entering. My father was very friendly with Lawyer Ward of Mandeville, and twice spoke to him re my being articled to him, but Ward died. These were clear signs that the Lord had other plans." Young Bishop Neil thus applied and was accepted as a ministerial student at the Union Theological College (St Colmes) in 1943 and graduated in 1946. He was ordained at Nazareth Moravian Church, Manchester, in January, 1947, and remained there until June of the same year. He was then sent on secondment to the Springfield circuit, where he remained until November 30, 1947, at which time he was recalled to the Nazareth circuit, where he remained until February, 1959. It was while he was at Nazareth that he blossomed as a preacher of great spiritual depth and as an evangelist. Spiritual awakening

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There, he came into contact with The Rev George Sach of Bethany Moravian Church and the Rev W.I. Mumford of the St George's Anglican Church, Mile Gully. This trio created a great spiritual awakening in Manchester. From Nazareth, Brother Neil went to Redeemer Moravian Church in Kingston, where he ministered until December 31, 1978. Through his leadership, this congregation bore fruit both spiritually and numerically. His next charge was Bethlehem where, in addition to being pastor of that Circuit of Churches, he was college chaplain and lecturer. At a special Synod held at Lititz, Manchester, on October 15, 1982, he was elected to the office of Bishop and on January 16, 1983, he was consecrated at Bethlehem, St Elizabeth, as Bishop of the Unity. He answered many calls both in Jamaica and the Eastern West Indies Province to assist with evangelistic crusades and other special services. He also served many years on the Provincial Elders' Conference (PEC), the executive arm of the Moravian Church, in various capacities, and served well as a representative of the Jamaican Province, both at home and abroad. According to the Rev Dr Paul Gardner, president of the PEC, "Bishop Neil was the evangelist par excellence. He was very witty and had creative ways of interpreting the biblical text." Bishop Neil got married to Sister Barbara (nee Serrant) on June 15, 1949. Sister Barbara also served the Moravian Church well as a supplementary deaconess. She was also a former teacher at Bishop Gibson High School in Manchester. The marriage produced five children: Orville, Denise and Dawn (twins), Heather and Reichel. Bishop Neil took pride in his family as a unit, as well as the extended family. The Neils family home was known for its great hospitality and entertainment. His hobbies were gardening and fishing. To commemorate his, as well as Rev Vincent Peart's more than 40 years of service in the ministry and to the Moravian Church, a service and banquet were held and a magazine published in January, 1988. While serving the New Beulah congregation, Bishop Neil retired from ministry on January 1, 1993, but continued serving the church on a year-to-year basis, and continued as a bishop of the church until death. During his retirement, he also engaged in pastoral care and counselling and continued to serve as a bishop until his passing. He was instrumental in organising the Boys Brigade from which emerged men of stature and faith. Bishop Neil had the vision of and started the Community of Concerned Citizens (CCC), which saw to the need of the homeless and

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mentally challenged. CCC was another project that was dear to his heart, and out of it emerged the Ebenezer Home. Bishop Neil's service of thanksgiving will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the New Beulah Moravian Church in Mandeville, Manchester. Interment follows in the Bethabara Cemetery.

Threats to Ja's Irish heritage published: Saturday | November 1, 2003

Murray IRISH POTATOES (solanum tuberosum) were first planted in Jamaica in 1902 by the Rev. Gordon Harrison Lopp at the Bethany Moravian Church in Manchester. The crop thrived tremendously and was later cultivated in Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny and St. Ann, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Mary. In the 1930s, the crop was devastated by blight (phytophthora infestos) as farmers did not engage in spraying practices. And there were also problems such as inadequate supply of seeds, lack of storage facilities and poor marketing opportunities. So on March 23, 1959, the Christiana Potato Growers Co-operative Association Ltd. was established. Its objective was to improve the economic welfare of persons who would join the organisation by facilitating levels of production and to process and market the tuber. Alvin Murray, who joined the association in 1977, after graduating from farm school, is now its general manager.

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He claims that although modern cold storage facilities have been built, they are under-utilised and that imported potatoes which he said were often 'inferior' has affected local production. And although membership has decreased from 17,000 to some 4,000 today, he said a rejuvenation of the association was eminent. A document produced by the co-operative indicates that there must be greater levels of diversification and among other things the enactment of trade regulations against the importation of inferior foreign products, for the Irish potato farming to be even more lucrative.

Owen Sinclair didn't build his business in a hurry Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Owen Sinclair WESTERN BUREAU: CALL HIM godfather, philanthropist, justice, boss or whatever you feel, it all boils down to one name that is known throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica Owen 'Hurry Hurry' Sinclair. He was born Owen Sinclair in Mandeville, Manchester, but as he became a man and found his niche in business, his vibrancy and style of operating quickly earned him the nickname 'Hurry Hurry', a moniker that he will have for life. It was on July 15, 1933 that the lives of Dossie and Ethlyn Sinclair were blessed with baby Owen. Now, 66 years later, his dry humour, business acumen and

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love of community have earned him recognition islandwide. Today, he is known to all as 'Hurry Hurry' Sinclair. As a child he attended the Zorn Primary School in Christiana, Manchester, transferring to a school in neighbouring Devon when his family relocated there, and later the Bethany Moravian Church School. At age 15, Owen moved on to Homewood Practical Training Centre, where he completed his formal education in rural Jamaica. In those days half a century ago his parents operated a bakery in Devon and he worked there for some time before moving on to Kingston. There, he picked up a job as a bus conductor and milk collector, jobs he did during the day before rushing off to evening classes, where he studied bookkeeping for approximately three years. His more formal entry into the world of work saw him pounding the pavement as an insurance sales representative for a company called British American Life Insurance Company. "I earned a lot of money there and was able to save 500, which in October 1956, I utilised to begin my business career in my mid-20s," Mr. Sinclair recalled. He bought a van, acquired hisstock and started peddling fabrics and ready-to-wear items across the island. "I was probably the pioneer who started the Linstead Market on Tuesdays and Falmouth on

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Wednesdays. It was very responsive then, because myself and others who had then joined in were able to sell at real attractive prices," he said. "While selling on the piazza of the Savanna-laMarket, in the evenings after sales had subsided I would call out to the people inside the market, inviting them to come again because I would give them bargains on rest of merchandise. Because I used the words "hurry, hurry, come again", after a little while the minute I called to them they would respond with ''hurry hurry come again" and the name just stuck," he said. After hop-scotching across the island, four years later Mr. Sinclair opened his first store Sinclair's Bargain Centre at 27 Beckford Street in Savanna-laMar, Westmoreland, a town that many refer to as the 'retail capital' of western Jamaica. Politics 'Hurry Hurry's popularity spread and it seemed logical that his next move would take him into politics. In 1972, he was elected to Parliament on a People's National Party (PNP) ticket, representing Western Westmoreland. He also served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Works. His business, however, remained his first love and so he did not seek re-election in 1976, but went back to building up his stores which are now spread across the main towns of Jamaica and run by him and his children. During this time, as well, his love affair with the

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community deepened and his involvement in almost all local activities has become expected. Mr. Sinclair is a Justice of the Peace, a Rotarian, a director of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, a freemason and a member of the Anglican Faith, as well as a member of the Frome High School Board and the Savanna-la-Mar Primary School, which he adopted in 1990. He has undertaken extensive refurbishing at the Savanna-La-Mar Primary School, including the construction of a new block, which has been named the 'Owen Sinclair Block'. It comprises a library and a computer science lab which houses 26 computers, all donated by him. Mr. Sinclair, who also provides the salary of the music tutor, furnished the school's band with all musical instruments. Earlier this year he established a Trust Fund for the Savanna-La-Mar Primary School and refurbished the entire sanitary conveniences there. Mr. Owen Sinclair was awarded the Order of Distinction in 1995. He has nine children, four of whom are adopted. All nine are in the business. Agricultural concerns published: Monday | February 20, 2006 THE EDITOR, Sir: EVERY TIME I pass over the Rio Minho and Rio Cobre rivers in spate during the rainy seasons, and see their muddy brown colour, I recall a ditty that we used to sing in elementary school and 4H club "Muddy water, Muddy water taking all our precious soil away." It leaves me very concerned about agriculture in the Jamaica of the future.

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After each flood and particularly the floods of September and October last, I noticed a significant amount of erosion on the hillsides in the Devon, Spaldings and Chudleigh districts, which are some of the countries most important agricultural areas. In many instances, the land was ploughed downhill rather than on the contours, because tractors which have replaced animal-drawn ploughs are not suitable to operate on steep slopes. The agricultural interests need to make more suitable equipment available as well as regulate hillside farming by prohibiting some types of crops over a certain degree slope. NOT FARMERS, BUT GARDENERS Back in the 1950s, an English minister serving at the Bethany Moravian church, (the home of the Irish potato in Jamaica), remarked that who we call farmers in Jamaica are really gardeners, because they use garden tools such as forks, hoes and cutlasses to cultivate small plots of land. This system of subsistence agriculture can never compete with high-tech agriculture required today. Land settlement schemes have been around for generations and have served the country well. However, with each succeeding generation, the plots get smaller as children claim their inheritance and further subdivison takes place. Other agricultural lands are taken over by housing developments. I am not aware of any new major crop being introduced to Jamaica since Independence. Most of our crops are the efforts made in our colonial past. I have seen good grapes and peaches grown in some areas of Jamaica, especially the Yallahs Valley and other areas in St. Thomas. Maybe apples can also be grown successfully and we could also experiment with olives and sunflowers to assist the ailing coconut industry as a source of edible oils. In recent years, the beef cattle industry went into serious decline. The number of small farmers' cattle which could once be seen in northern Manchester are no longer obvious and calves are scarce and expensive. Building a cattle herd is a slow process but the process can be hastened by importing calves, making them available at reasonable cost. By the way, is the mule on the road to extinction? I am etc, TREVOR SAMUELS tsamuels@N5.com

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25 Lords Road New Kingston Historic clocks tell more than just time Published: Monday | December 19, 2011 1 Comment

American Phillip Martin examining the May Pen town clock. - File THE EDITOR: Sir, It was with a great deal of interest that I read Dave Lindo's article, 'Saving time', in The Gleaner of November 27. It seems that there are not enough Jamaicans who value our rich heritage, and it took an American, Phillip Martin, to bring an aspect of our culture to our attention. Many of us over 50, especially from the rural areas, will remember that telling the time of day depended on several things. Not many people had clocks or watches, and radios were few and far between. First of all, there was the sun. This had severe limitations because the sun shifts its position daily. Another method was the railway. Those of us who lived within a certain

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distance from the railway in Manchester could hear the steam whistle from the steam locomotives and we knew whether it was the 10, 11 or 2 o'clock train. Quite often, farm labourers would ask, "Two o'clock train blow yet?" So if the train was late, it didn't matter. Then there was the faithful old cock which would sometimes be fooled by bright moonlight and crow too early. There was also 'first cock' and 'second cock'. There was also the 4 o'clock bush which, when in bloom, would open about four each evening. Those of us who lived in the Devon area depended on three things. First was the tower clock on the Devon Missionary Church, which could qualify as heritage since it was installed about 1922 and was already second-hand when installed. There was the midday drum signal from Mother Jack's church, which was as accurate as Big Ben, and if it were Sunday, the bells of the Missionary and Moravian churches would ring at certain times. Maintenance woes Maintenance is a problem with almost everything in Jamaica, and town clocks are no exception. These clocks, apart from their obvious use, add a bit of charm to a village. I have seen scores of clocks in different parts of the world, and although some are centuries old, they still tell the time. One of the few persons in recent times who kept many of the clocks in working order was the late Ronald Aitken, who lived at Bethany district. He was a genius at anything mechanical. He was a brilliant horologist, but mostly self-taught. His passing now means that that skill may have been lost to Jamaica forever. I do hope that Mr Martin will be able to attract a few young persons to the art. If chimes could be added that play soft music at certain times like one in Hartford, Connecticut, it could bring some amount of tranquillity in a world of noise. The Cross Roads clock is not old, but it was not long ago that it was restored and modern machinery installed. After all that effort at fund-raising and restoration, the modern electronic components do not work and money, as usual, is wasted. I am sure that there are many persons who would love to see those clocks work again. TREVOR SAMUELS tasamuels@cwjamaica.com

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Extracts From The Jamaica Observer Starts Here

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News Police seize firearm in Mile Gully Wednesday, June 26, 2013 | 5:12 PM

MANCHESTER, Jamaica Police seized an illegal firearm in Mile Gully, Manchester yesterday. Reports are that about 11:00 am the police conducted a raid in the community and a 9mm Glock 26 pistol with a magazine containing three cartridges was found in an abandoned building. No one was arrested in connection with the find. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

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Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Police-seize-firearm-in-MileGully#ixzz2YWVXe3K3

t's Mile Gully again BY AINSWORTH MORRIS Career & Education writer Sunday, June 16, 2013

FOR the second consecutive year, Manchester's Mile Gully High won the first place trophy in the recent final staging of the Young Entrepreneurs 'I am the Change' Competition. The competition is an initiative of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation and Digicel Foundation, aimed at empowering students in rural high schools to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Shanice Walters (centre) of Mile Gully High School in

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Manchester has a tech talk with Samantha Chantrelle (right), executive director of the Digicel Foundation, while Trisha Thompson (back), corporate relations manager at Digicel, AshleyAnn Porter (left) and Tamara Glave, both of Mile Gully High School, look on.

1/1 Supervising teacher Camille Hutchinson said the students created both an ICT smartphone application aimed at informing parents of school activities, and a profitable business which sells fruits. "It's exhilarating, exciting, awesome. Our hard work has paid off," the elated teacher said. The competition demands that students create an ICT application for smartphones which addresses a problem in society which can be electronically alleviated, along with a business plan and the actualisation of that plan. "For the ICT app, we created a parent communication programme aimed at allowing the school to communicate with the parent body through voice-activated information. It can be used on any smartphone," Hutchinson told Career & Education. She said poor attendance by parents on Report Day was the main motivation to create an application of that nature, especially as in each household, at least one parent owns a smartphone. She said approximately 24 students were part of the project. Last year, Mile Gully developed a business plan which involved supplying fruits to the students of the school. "For that project Mile Gully Pride Fruits & Accessories we started by crediting a bag of oranges, and at the end of the year, we had $89,000 in profits," Hutchinson told Career & Education.

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For the other categories of the two-year competition, Porus High School in Manchester won Most Improved Performance; Mile Gully High also won Most Impactful Presentation; Green Pond High School in St James won Exemplary Social Responsibility; Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland won Most Innovative; McGrath High School in St Catherine won Best Financial Practice and Seaforth High School in St Thomas won Top ICT Project, tying with Mile Gully High. By providing careful coaching and mentoring, the 'I am the Change' initiative encourages students to adopt policies and strategies that grow wealth through the application of sound financial principles. Under the programme, students have created and are managing their own schoolbased operations. Additionally, the students have conceptualised mobile applications geared at solving a range of problems, inclusive of crime, agro-supply issues and curriculum concerns, within their respective schools and communities. The awards ceremony for the competition was held at the Mona Visitors' Lodge on May 29.

Young entrepreneurs to display skills at expo Tuesday, May 28, 2013

SOME 180 student entrepreneurs from six rural high schools will showcase a variety of innovative products and services offered by their schoolbased businesses at the second staging of the Young Entrepreneurs I am the Change Business Expo and Competition at the Mona Visitors Lodge, The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, on Thursday, May 30. The students are participants in the Young Entrepreneurs I am the Change initiative, which is a component of the Centres of Excellence schools transformation programme, managed by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). The entrepreneurship

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initiative has been implemented in partnership with Digicel Foundation and is managed by the Kimala Bennett-led, The Business Lab.

Kimala Bennett (second left) guides students participating in a camp under the Young Entrepreneurs I Am The Change project at the Rex Nettleford Hall, University of the West Indies, Mona, St Andrew, last year.

1/1 Mile Gully High of Manchester will be seeking to retain the Best Business Trophy for their Mile Gullys Pride: Fruits and Accessories operation, but will face formidable challenges from their counterparts in the Centres of Excellence programme: McGrath High in St Catherine; Porus High in Manchester; Godfrey Stewart High in Westmoreland; Green Pond High in St James; and Seaforth in St Thomas. The businesses established by students a year and half ago remain viable operations that address specific needs in the six schools, Kimala Bennett, managing director of The Business Lab, explained. She noted the variety in the six operations, which range from a revolving locker service for storing students items, to a student newspaper and food establishments.

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Pointing to the continued economic challenges facing the country, Bennett noted that the students demonstrated excellent skills over the past year, diversifying their operations to adapt to the trends and changes in the market. The route which the students took during the past year enhanced their business skills, as they conducted continued product and market research, just as real business operators should, to ensure the survivability of their businesses. In addition to their business products and services, the expo will give the students an opportunity to showcase mobile applications, which they conceptualised a year ago. The apps are all designed to solve problems in the schools and communities of the students and will be pitched to a team of business and tech entrepreneurs. Ingrid Riley, principal of ConnectiMass will be the guest speaker at the event.

Reading is a 'man ting' Boys urged to read, read, read ... BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com Tuesday, May 07, 2013

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Faced with data that boys, especially, are not doing well at the Grade Four Literacy Test, the Manchester Parish Library Network has undertaken a programme to promote reading in some of the worse performing schools in the parish. It hosts an annual Boys' Reading Day, in addition to monthly interactive sessions in individual schools.

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Reid said that when his reading improved, his conduct and attire changed for the better. (PHOTOS: GREGORY BENNETT)

1/4 "Boys, especially, are not doing well in the grade four literacy exam. Boys learn differently from girls and that's important for teachers to understand and be a little more creative...," regional director for the library network Lorraine McLean said. Though still a work in progress, McLean said there have been positive results since the inception of the Boys' Reading Day, which began at the St Ann Parish Library in 2007 and was introduced to the Manchester Parish Library a year later. Participating schools include Porus, Zion Hill, Mile Gully, Broad Leaf, Marlie Hill, Bellefield, Huntley and Richmond primary schools. At the most recent staging of the event at the Cecil Charlton Hall in Mandeville, boys presented poems that reflected the day's theme 'Reading is a Man Ting: Do you agree?'. They also listened to motivational talks and played games geared towards promoting reading.

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Staying true to the theme, head of the Area Three Police (Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth) Derrick Knight sought to bring home the point that reading is a critical component of being responsible men. Knight, a father of three children, started out by reading aloud a section of the book Naughty Eddie Larue. "Whatever you want to be, work hard at it and read, read, read. Knowledge is wealth," Knight told the children. Emphasising the importance of proper guidance for boys and young men, Knight cited a recent survey showing that many of those in jail are in the 10-25 age group. He related personal tales of his humble childhood in Highgate, St Mary, and of his growth in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He presented himself as a role model and urged the boys to not only strive to read well, but to also make a positive impact on their communities. He warned, however, against using knowledge and education to commit crimes. "You have good readers that get in crimes like fraud. Don't go for the easy road," he cautioned. The students also benefitted from the experience of Larone Reid, a student of Holmwood Technical High School who said that he was barely able to read when he started his secondary education. As a result of that limitation, he said, he was placed in a special unit at the school. "I started the programme at Holmwood at a grade-two level. After a year passed I really took the reading seriously. Eventually, I moved up to grade eight (level) and moved from the special unit... to the main school," he said. Reid said not only did his academics improve over time, but his conduct and attire changed as well, and he attained the leadership position of prefect. Other schools which form part of the annual Reading Day, McLean said, are from the areas with branch libraries within the Manchester Parish Library Network. Boys' Reading Day

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9288: Reid said that when his reading improved, his conduct and attire changed for the better. (PHOTOS: GREGORY BENNETT) 9295: Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Area 3 Police Division Derrick Knight (front left) reads to grade four boys at a recent Boys' Reading Day hosted by the Manchester Parish Library Network. To his right are members of the Manchester Parish Library Network Lorraine McLean and Shawn Simpson. 9324: Poetry is one of the creative strategies being used in the schools to assist grade four boys in particular to become better readers. Seen here are students of Porus Primary School performing on Boys' Reading Day. 9345: Regional Director for the Manchester Parish Library Network Lorraine McLean engaging some of the boys in a word game at the recent Boys' Reading Day function hosted by her organisation.

NCU scientists name areas with poisoned soil But RADA official counters claim BY RHOMA TOMLINSON Observer writer Sunday, April 28, 2013

MANDEVILLE, Manchester ONE year after revealing that sections of the soil in some farming communities in St Elizabeth and Manchester were contaminated with poisonous metals, Northern Caribbean University (NCU) scientists have revealed the names of the affected crops and the communities from which they came. Two Manchester communities Grove Place and Green Vale were the most alarming, showing high levels of the deadly chemical arsenic, the cancer-causing cadmium, and the brain-altering metals lead and mercury, in a number of popular Jamaican staples. Sweet potatoes, yellow yam, cassava, coco and pumpkin were the crops most affected, with

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sweet potatoes having the highest levels of arsenic, lead and mercury, while yellow yams had the highest levels of cadmium, and coco was most vulnerable to lead.

Yellow yam and sweet potato are said to be among the crops affected

1/2 All the crop samples from Grove Place yellow yam, cassava, coco, sweet potato and pumpkin, had levels of arsenic way above the world- recommended standards, while the same crops grown in both Grove Place and Greenvale had cadmium levels above the acceptable international standards. Leading scientist and Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences at NCU, Dr Vincent Wright, who brought the issue to public attention last March, told the Jamaica Observer that the details of the study have been published in the Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, an international academic journal. The article, which was authored by Wright and another NCU scientist, Stephen Jones, said soil and crop samples were taken from 10 farms in Comfort Hall and Balaclava in St Elizabeth, and Mile Gully, Grove Place, Maidstone, Williamsfield, Green Vale, Hatfield and Christiana in Manchester. The samples were collected and tested over a 10-month period.

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Arsenic, a known poison, is a silver-grey substance which develops naturally in the earth's crust, as well as in plants and animals. It can also be released into the environment through natural activities, such as rock erosion and forest fires, or through human actions, including copper smelting, mining and coal burning. It is also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs and soaps. Arsenic attacks the body's vital organs, cripples the body's immune system and can cause cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate. Depending on the severity of exposure, affected persons may suffer from head and stomach aches, convulsions, severe diarrhoea and change in pigmentation, especially in the fingernails, and drowsiness. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), "long-term human exposure, through drinking of contaminated water, is an important public health problem in some regions and countries". The United States Centre for Disease Control says high levels of arsenic can also come from certain fertilisers and animal feeding operations. Cadmium, the lesser known, but equally harmful substance, is a known cancercausing heavy metal, which can lead to softening of the bones, severe kidney problems and spontaneous abortions. It is found in electronics, including batteries. A diet high in zinc is said to be able to combat cadmium symptoms. Lead, another toxin found in the study, is no stranger to Jamaica. In 2004, environmental scientists at the University of the West Indies (UWI) found a large concentration of lead in sections of Mona Commons and Kintyre, communities close to the UWI. A number of children were affected, and residents in the two communities were evacuated. The NCU study found that sweet potato from Grove Place had the highest concentration of lead. Mercury, which is found mostly in fish products, has similar effects to lead, and has been found to affect children in particular. Long-term exposure can affect the nervous system and cause brain and kidney damage. High-level exposure can affect the reproductive health of both men and women and the growth and learning ability in children. The study showed that mercury was at its highest in all crops in Grove Place and Williamsfield. Mikael Phillips, who is Member for Parliament for North West Manchester, in which both communities fall, told the Sunday Observer, that he was not aware of the problem. "North West Manchester solely depends on agriculture. It's the largest producer of sweet

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potato and irish potato, so when I hear about sweet potato, it's a concern," he said, pointing out that he would readily take money from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to help deal with the problem. "We would have to get constituency sensitised, get the agencies involved ... I'd want to be at the forefront of the fight," he told the Sunday Observer. But Head of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in Manchester Samuel Harris, scoffed at the NCU study, referring to it as 'stale news'. He said that the University of the West Indies (UWI) had done a study in 2005, which had revealed that "the whole northern belt... from Mandeville, to bits of Trelawny and a little part of St Elizabeth" had cadmium. He said that at the time, the UWI had said that, "it wouldn't affect human beings. They even did autopsies on humans and found that people were living to a hundred and odd," he stated. Harris said since then, RADA had done nothing to deal with the problem and he insisted that he was "comfortable with the conclusion of the UWI study that it wasn't affecting humans, besides what could we do? move the soil?" He said at the time, the UWI study had indicated that the levels of cadmium were higher than acceptable world standards But in the NCU study, both scientists expressed concern that the high levels of lead and cadmium found in some crops, "may be of great concern since exposure to those toxic metals has been shown to negatively impact human health globally", especially since "we also noted a strong co-relation between soil and agriculture produce cadmium concentrations". This means the crops were more susceptible to be affected by this metal once the soil was contaminated. The study suggested that more attention must be paid to selecting land and food crops "with suitable sustainable agriculture practices" to "mitigate the metal content. "This is important because chronic consumption of these crops with high levels of toxic metals, especially cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury, may be deleterious to human and animal health," he said. Last year, Dr Wright expressed alarm about the arsenic levels in particular, but had refused to disclose the actual communities affected, out of "fear of raising alarm" among residents. At the time, he noted that not even farmers were aware of the soil contamination.

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Christine Hendricks: A champion for the disabled By NADINE WILSON All Woman writer wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, November 12, 2012

SHE is a woman with many passions, and one that is very obvious upon meeting Christine Hendricks is her love for the care and well-being of those living with disabilities. As executive director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), she gets to interact with these persons on a daily basis and assists in the formulation of policies that safeguard their self-respect and make them more independent.

Hendricks is a woman with many passions. (Photo: Michael Gordon)

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She has no doubt in their capabilities, which were put on display during a recent All Woman visit to her office off Ripon Road. All around her, workers most of them with disabilities milled about answering phones, going through documents and enquiring after the well-being of walk-in visitors to the agency. The sight was proof of Hendricks' statement during the interview later, that those living with disabilities were not necessarily in need of charity, but rather, opportunities. Hendricks admits that she was like the average Jamaican prior to joining the JCPD, with a limited knowledge of the struggles the disabled face daily. Although she was born with some of her fingers missing and deformed, she never considered herself as someone living with a disability prior to 1997. That was the year she met the then executive director of the JCPD, Ransford Wright, who was part of her class at the Jamaica Theological Seminary, where she was pursing her degree in guidance and counselling. "He said that the fact that my fingers are the way they are is a disability and I could be registered with the Council for Persons with Disabilities, which at the time was looking for a principal rehabilitation officer," she said. Wright had told her about the job opening because earlier that day, during a group counselling session, she had revealed to her classmates that her greatest fear was never finding a job after giving up her teaching job in Manchester to pursue full-time studies. Hendricks had taught at the Mile Gully Secondary School for five years upon graduating from Church Teachers' College. Her decision to become a teacher was made when as part of a Jamaica Youth Exchange Programme, she got an opportunity to volunteer at a local school. As part of the programme, she spent three months volunteering in Canada before she returned to Jamaica to volunteer. The classroom experience was an eye-opener. "One afternoon coming home, it dawned on me that this was what I wanted to do," she said. Though she gave up the profession after five years, she felt there was another mandate for her life and to pursue this, she had to leave her profession and her family in Manchester where she had lived ever since she could remember. "I began to get uneasy and decided that I needed something else. Though I was teaching and I loved the students, I recognised that there was another skill in me that was not being utilised and that was that of being a counsellor," said Hendricks, who disclosed that she has a passion for young people.

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Although she and her husband have no biological children, they have taken a few into their home over the years, and have got pleasure in witnessing their growth and development. Hendricks herself had benefited from the firm but loving ministrations of her grand aunt who took her in after her grandmother died. "The fact that I didn't know I had a disability was due to my grand aunt," she said. "For my grand aunt, nothing was wrong with my fingers. I learnt to do everything like everybody else. She didn't give me any special attention; she did not give me anything special to do or not to do. I was as every other child, and so that was how she grew me up, not paying attention to the fact that I did not have some of my fingers. It didn't matter. It never came up." At age 13, she went to live with her mother and, on the eve of her 24th birthday, met her father for the very first time. All along, Hendricks was told that he was dead, and was sure to point this out to the lady who stopped her once to enquire about her striking resemblance to her sister's husband. As it turned out, the woman delved a bit further and carried out her own investigations, only to find out that her sister's husband was indeed Hendricks' father. But what was most shocking to the youngster, was the fact that her father and his wife were her next door neighbours, who she saw frequently when they visited Jamaica from Florida, where they lived. Hendricks now laughs about the whole affair, but at the time it was an emotional discovery. Her focus now lies in contributing to the process of inclusive development planning for those living with disabilities. The JCPD in collaboration with the National Housing Trust was able to guarantee housing for more persons living with disabilities by reserving five per cent of new houses for these individuals. The organisation and other stakeholders are now in the process of finalising plans for the first ever National Disability Friendly Awards Gala scheduled for November 19, to lift the image of those with disabilities and to acknowledge those that have contributed to their upliftment. "We want to help the society to understand that people with disabilities do business, people with disabilities have disposable income, people with disabilities want to take vacations, but you must make your hotel and your products acceptable," she said.

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ANANDA ALERT! Arianna Knight missing Thursday, November 08, 2012 | 7:00 AM

AN Ananda Alert has been activated for 15-year-old Arianna Knight of Mile Gully district in Manchester, who has been missing from home since Monday, August 20. She is of brown complexion, slim build and about 155 centimetres (5 feet 1 inch) tall.

1/1 Reports from the Mandeville Police are that about 9:00 am, Arianna left home for an undisclosed location. She never returned and she has not been seen or heard from since. When last seen, she was dressed in a blue skirt, black blouse and a pair of white slippers. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Arianna Knight is being asked to contact the Cottage Police at 965-4009, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

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Electricity finally reaches Adams Valley BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, November 05, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester It was among the first to be established as a free village when slavery ended in 1838. However, Adams Valley in North West Manchester has found growth and development difficult to achieve, largely because of the absence of basic conveniences. Until last Wednesday, the 20 households of approximately 90 residents lived without electricity. Studying by lamp light was the reality of many schoolchildren, and in the absence of street lights, flashlights were the norm.

The sleepy community of Adams Valley in North West Manchester is now poised for development after electricity was

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connected for the first time last Wednesday. (Photo: Gregory Bennett)

1/3 A meeting in the community last November with representatives of the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) and Member of Parliament Mikael Phillips was the start of the citizens relationship with electricity provider the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo). Last Wednesday evening, music thumped from a loud speaker and food simmered on wood fires as the community prepared for the historic occasion of the official switching on of lights. There were shouts of joy when Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell flicked the switch and beams of electric light flooded sections of the small community. Reflecting on the journey, Phillips referenced last years meeting with the community and said he was told that light and improved roads were the priority needs. I asked which one you want first? You said light and now we have light, he said. Phillips said that $1.5 million of the Constituency Development Fund assigned to him was matched with funds from the REP to cover the $4.9- million cost of the Adams Valley project. Paulwell, who was on a tour of the mothballed Alpart and Windalco bauxite plants in Manchester and St Elizabeth prior to visiting Adams Valley, said that the Manchester member of Parliaments approach had made the task easier. The truth about Mikey (Phillips) is that even though he comes at you, he makes sure he comes with something. Him come to me and say Minister, I have $1.5 million. I say this is like a breath of fresh air because some of my other colleagues dont come to me that way. If somebody come to me and say that him have a $1.5 million and him want it to be made up to 4.9 million, oh God man, a haffi say yes, a haffi say yes to that man, Paulwell said.

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Through REP, which has been around since the 1970s, Paulwell has committed to assisting to bring electricity to Freetown, which is also in the North West Manchester constituency. We cant talk about technology without electricity. We cant talk about computers without electricity. You cant talk about the information age without electricity, he said, underscoring the importance of electricity in the information age. Reverend Garnett Roper, chairman of REP, said taking the Adams Valley project was the first of 15 which are to take place across the country in short order. There are two street lights in Adams Valley and Roper said that already eight households have paid for house wiring. Lloyd Boswell, who has lived in the community for over 50 years told Observer Central that electricity will ease some of the communitys security concerns. In the past, he said, people were afraid of black heart (a legend in rural communities) but now time get evil. At the same time, Paulwell encouraged residents to find ways to conserve electricity and warned against illegal connections. I will not tolerate any resident of Adams Valley, after we have spent all this money, to be throwing up wires on the electric poles... If I have to go by what the residents say, you yourself will be vigilant that it will not happen. If I come through here and I see it happening I am going to be the first man to call it een, so unnuh nuh haffi guess who call it een, he said. Adams Valley is part of the rich history in North West Manchester which is being established as the Mile Gully Heritage Loop Tour. The historic Nazareth Moravian Church, which is now in the adjoining community of Maidstone, was built with stones from the original structure that was located at Adams Valley, local historians say. Phillips said that the improvement of the road will be done in stages for the further development of the constituency. This is only the first of many such projects in North West Manchester. We have to provide the roadway now so that when the tourists start coming thats a thoroughfare ... It is

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about making the lives of our residents much easier. That is what I was elected for and that is what I will deliver to North West Manchester, he said.

Don't trouble the Cockpit Country, awoh Saturday, June 29, 2013

Dear Editor, It should be clear, nearly to all, that the Government of Jamaica has sought continuously, for the last fifty years, to usurp the authority of the Maroons over the Cockpit Country and its adjacent communities. And, suceeding administrations have been steadfast in their refusal to consider any reasonable alternative to the prospecting and mining of the area, even before its natural environment has been comprehensively studied. It must be noted, that the Cockpit Country and the various Maroon settlements on the island of Jamaica form the only area outside of Israel which Jews, along with others, fought for and won where people have the right to lead a peaceful and secure life free from oppression and discrimination after the thirteenth century. The existence of the Maroon settlements with its Jewish component ensured the relative peaceful life of both Jews and Arabs in other parts of island of Jamaica. In other words, the Cockpit Country and related Maroon areas were paid for with Jewish blood along with the blood of others, areas of immense cultural and historic value to the Sephardic Jews in the Americas. Having stated the above, one can only but hope that all understand that a heavy price will be paid by any government, anyone or entity, which seeks to take onto itself the right to terminally disrupt the social and or natural environment which exist in the areas outlined. Jamaica is not faced with starvation nor has the international community turned its back on her and, as such, there is no need to seek to pursue a course of adopting the types of policies and/or actions which the Government has in mind.

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As a simple Jamaican, in whose veins runs Sephardi blood among others, I would urge the authorities to actively pursue those types of economic activities which seek to preserve the social and natural environment of the areas outlined above. I would also like to point out, that these types of policies should be extended as far south as Mile Gully in Manchester; an area with a Moravian and Sephardi historical and cultural significance. Basil Fletcher basilAksumite@hotmail.com

Where do the children play? Saturday, June 15, 2013

Dear Editor, When parents from the Mile Gully-Bethany area visit Kingston and see the play equipment in schools, many come away feeling that the Government of Jamaica has some special preference for urban schools.

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Children at play

1/1 The plain truth is that, the slides, the swings, the jungle gym one sees on those grounds are there as a result of the work of the parents and the physical efforts of many fathers. In Mile Gully or other rural areas, if one was to use the presence of playground equipment as an indicator of the presence of children, then one would be forced to conclude that there are no children in this area. The parents of the children attending schools in the rural areas possibly hold the view that the Government should provide play equipment at their children's school. Perhaps, the school principals should engage the various communities to set up their own play areas. They are important to the development and socialisation of our children; and our kids deserve the best. Basil Fletcher BasilAksumite@hotmail.com

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Mehalia Hyman, ready to meet her maker at 103 By DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE Sunday Observer staff reporter husseyd@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, April 28, 2013

CENTENARIAN Mehalia Hyman is prepared for death whenever that time comes. 'I am ready to go home. You have to be ready to meet your saviour. I give thanks and I pray night and day to him. All I do now is eat, sleep and pray to mi God,' said the 103-yearold Hyman while she sat on her verandah in Troy, Trelawny last week.

Mehalia Hyman poses with family members (L-R) Ezekiel Ward, son; Elaine Ward, grand-daughter; Sylvia LeePowell, stepdaughter and Merelda McEwan-Allen, niece, at Hymans home in Trelawny last week.

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Mi can't lef' out God. For his him a keep mi, him a guide mi, him a protect mi. I live good with people and go mi church." Though she is now unable to walk about freely, Hyman's memory is still intact as she recounts her childhood days. As was the norm in many rural households a century ago, Hyman has never been to school -- not even for a day, as her parents never saw the need. "Mi never go a school 'cause mi madda never want me to go," The centenarian who turned 103 on January 1, told the Jamaica Observer. "I never go no time at all." And so Hyman started working for others on their farms from as early as age 14, while also going to market in Balaclava, approximately five miles away, selling goods from a tray atop her head. "As a young girl I used to weed grass and reap cassava for people," said Hyman, whose vision and hearing are still good. "I used to carry food in a tray on my head to sell. I start from I was 14 years old." "Farming is what she know and if we never hide her machete and she still have her strength she would still go," Elaine Ward, Hyman's granddaughter said. "She grew me since I was one year old," Ward stated. "My mother carried me and leave me here and gone, and she (Hyman) say 'take her carry her come, this yah one a fi mi' and I have lived with her ever since," Ward said. "When 'Mother Little' talk one word, a just one word she mean. She don't joke! Sometimes she miserable but she nice," her granddaughter said. The centenarian who is unable to walk around as freely as she once did, is still able to do so aided by a cane. Hyman said that she also did days work for others, a job which entailed washing clothes, among other things. Hyman grew up with both her parents, who also weeded grass and worked on the farms of others for a living. She was the eldest of three children. Today she is the only one still alive.

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But while her feet may not give her the support that they once did, Hyman's tongue is still very sharp as she tells why she never got married until she was in her late 50's. "I never see anyone that mi did love," she said. "That's why I never get married before that. A di truth mi a talk," she said as family members burst into laughter. Hyman said that she met her husband, Hezekiah, while he was building a casket for a family member who had died. She said that following their first encounter he would visit her at her home quite often. Two years later they tied the knot. But she said that when she met her husband -- who died 36 year ago -- she was attracted to him because he was a working man. "Him used to work. Him did good looking and clean and him did work. Mi did have it hard and him could take care of me so mi married to him," Hyman said. Shortly after getting married, Hyman got baptised at the Troy Baptist Church, where she still remains a member. One of her biggest faults growing up, the 103-year-old admitted, amidst bouts of laughter, was that she loved to fight and would not back down when other females tried fighting her over men. "One woman come fi come fight me to take weh mi young man from me," she recalled with a smile. "Mi just kick her down", she said as she moved her hands in a fighting motion. "Mi never do nothing more that take off her tray off her head that she did have 'cause she did go buy goods and fling it over the gully. Then mi just kick her down," she laughed. "But mi lef the man afta dat 'cause him shouldn't get mi ena mix up," she reasoned, amidst loud laughter. "Mi nuh ena di mix up mix up." Hyman gave birth to two children, the daughter and younger one, died two years ago, while the other, 88-year-old Ezekiel Ward, is still caring for her today with the help of his daughter, Elaine. Ward described his mother as a good person who would beat him when he did wrong.

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"When she talk is talk she talk," Ward said. "She was strict man. But she ensured that she sent us to school." Hyman said that as a young girl she enjoyed going to dance and doing the quadrille. "I used to do dance, quadrille dance," Hyman said with a wide smile. "I used to be good at it. I used to drop some foot!" Hyman's advice to young people is to live good with each other, as this will help to stem the level of violence and crime that now exist in Jamaica. "You never had killings and those things like now," she said. "Everybody used to live good with each other. I used to live good with people. Today Hyman has 13 grandchildren, great grandchildren said to be "too many to count", and four great-great grandchildren.

Encourage students to innovate, educator urges Monday, April 08, 2013

EDUCATION expert Dr Renee Rattray says educators and parents need to take their role in fostering innovation among students far more seriously. According Dr Rattray, the school system still maintains a rigid approach in its preparation of students for society by emphasising movement into traditional careers. She noted, however, that the Ministry of Education was moving towards including entrepreneurism in the high school curriculum to encourage movement into non-traditional careers.

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Kimala Bennett (second left) guides students participating in the 2012 staging of the Young Entrepreneurs: I am the Change camp during an exercise at the Rex Nettleford Hall, University of the West Indies, Mona, St Andrew.

1/2 However, Dr Rattray, an educational leadership and management professional, affirmed that educators need to broaden their thinking. Sometimes our schools operate as if they were conveyor belts... on which students go through the system routinely and are prepared and encouraged to pursue traditional careers as lawyers, doctors, engineers, and bankers, said Rattray, who is programme manager at the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). What we should be providing is the environment in which students are able to discover themselves; explore their talents; begin to develop their skills early; as well as embrace the kind of thinking that will enable them to capitalise on their skills. And, they must begin to understand that their options are limitless, therefore, they can also create their own jobs, she added. At the same time, she noted that many parents continue to push their children into traditional fields, instead of encouraging them to carve out their own career paths.

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As a result, our students end up in traditional careers, which are at times saturated; and, then, they opt to go abroad to find employment, she pointed out, noting that, this also contributes to the high level of brain drain from which Jamaica continues to suffer. According to the World Bank Migration and Remittances Factbook of 2011, Jamaica at 85.1 per cent is third behind Grenada and Guyana with the highest emigration levels of tertiary graduates. Pointing to the high unemployment rate among young people in the country, which is likely to escalate during this negative economic period, Dr Rattray said education cannot only be pursued within the traditional framework, when the youth unemployment rate is 31.1 per cent, according to data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica. Innovation must be at the centre of the leadership we seek to develop in these times; and, given our current financial climate, there is demand for this approach to education, Dr Rattray insisted. We need to recognise that we are living in an era which requires us to create the kind of environment that gives our students the flexibility to think beyond the traditional. And, that does not mean that a young person cannot aspire to become a lawyer; however, the student could probably consider specialising in dealing with land titles, or copyrights. If we fail to appreciate this thinking, we cannot expect to achieve the development goals we have set for ourselves as a country, Dr Rattray said. Reflecting on the six nontraditional rural high schools under the comprehensive school transformation programme the Centres of Excellence created and managed by the MBSF, Dr Rattray noted that the schools have made several gains in encouraging innovation. The six participating high schools are: McGrath High in St Catherine; Green Pond in St James; Seaforth in St Thomas; Mile Gully and Porus in Manchester; and Godfrey Stewart in Westmoreland. Under a component of the programme, aptly named the Young Entrepreneurs: I am the Change initiative, students from the six high schools are now demonstrating keen business skills and a drive for innovation after being provided with the tools and the opportunity to develop their interests into income. The initiative also exposed the students to the process of developing applications for mobile devices to provide business solutions.

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Through the I am the Change initiative, which began in 2011 in partnership with Digicel Foundation, the students in all of the six schools have developed, and are now operating businesses in the schools. Some have even launched personal enterprises. These operations range from monthly magazines to locker rental services, says Kimala Bennett of The Business Lab, which was hired by the MBSF and Digicel to manage the project. And some of these businesses are planned and organised so intricately that they have found ways of using resources within the schools to make the cost of producing their goods and services much lower, Bennett explained. She explained that, within the schools, the students have formed clubs, which are mentored by teachers; and they are encouraged to pursue their interests; as well as to develop an eye to identify feasible solutions for problems. These clubs are in addition to the annual summer camps at which students are exposed to sessions with successful entrepreneurs, ICT innovation and new facilities that can enhance their ideas.

Jamaica is a blessed nation Monday, March 25, 2013

Dear Editor, It has been 20 years since I migrated to Canada from Jamaica. Every year that I have returned on vacation, I continue to feel the love and positive energy in this country and to see more and more progress and development. In my experience, customer service in business places for the most part, is up to par and impressive. The quality of products and services is world class in most places. Generally speaking, the professionalism and civility that I witness and experience are outstanding. Shows in theatres, museums, cultural and entertainment activities reflect a progressively

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higher level of sophistication and technical competence. Added to this, the streets are clean and public spaces are a source of pride for all Jamaicans. I have stopped counting the number of Canadians who are repeat visitors to our island and who have nothing but good things to say about our tourism product, the quality of service and the friendliness and efficiency of Jamaicans. Now I am fully aware that the continuing high levels of crime, poverty and corruption are unacceptable. I agree that as a nation, Jamaica could be in better shape. But I feel compelled to appeal to all Jamaicans to stop the unhealthy obsession with negative things while ignoring the tremendous potential for progress. As a nation, we need to shift the collective consciousness away from blaming the politicians who we elect towards a consciousness that focuses on the real possibility for prosperity that is built on the foundations of the talent and expertise that currently exist in this nation. There is compelling evidence that we are quite capable accelerating the rate of development and redressing the blight of crime and poverty here. The young principals of Mile Gully and Troy high schools who were featured on television this week, are fine examples of committed visionaries who will shape the future of this country through education. The discipline, order and excellent performance that we witnessed at Boys' and Girls' Champs prove that goals can be attained through discipline and persistent guidance of teachers, coaches and mentors. There is much more that I could say to support my conviction that we have so much more positive with which to work here than the negative factors that dominate public discussions that so often include the use of economic data to measure our progress as a nation. We are truly a blessed nation. Regardless of the state of the economy and the many social problems that prevail, we have come a very, very long way since 1962. My parting words are borrowed from Eric Donaldson's Festival Song "Land of my birth" - "Some people say we are poor, but the progress you make is not always how rich you are!" Give thanks for Jamaica, land we love! Camille N Isaacs-Morell Canada

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No significant damage in Manchester Saturday, October 27, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Manchester did not suffer any significant damage during Wednesday's passage of Hurricane Sandy, parish disaster co-ordinators have reported. Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay reported that 110 shelters were opened by the parish council but only eight were used by 31 people. They were located at the Porus High School, Villa Road Primary and Junior High, Christiana High, Fairfield Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Ellen Street Community Centre in South Manchester. There were reports of heavy water in Alligator Pond, but the mayor said residents were "weathering" the situation. The mayor said that in Mile Gully, Northern Manchester and Woodlawn and Handbury Road in Central Manchester, fallen trees were cleared from the roads. "All in all we did better than anticipated," said the mayor.

'Chester' aim to tame Jarrett Park BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer staff reporter Friday, October 26, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester It's exciting times for football fans in Manchester and it could get even more thrilling in the coming days.

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The parish is thriving at the youth level and is now considered by many as a serious threat to their more celebrated neighbours, Clarendon and St Catherine, in the South Central Confederation.

MILLER has been vital to Manchester Highs earlyseason form (Photo: Oshane Tobias)

1/1 For the first time in many years, the prospect of Premier League football gracing this mid-island community again seemed very much a reality last season as New Green FC defied the odds to win their first South Central Super League title, consequently earning a place in the nation's four-team premiership play-offs. And for yet another season, football fans here are hoping that 2012 will be the year that Manchester celebrates its first schoolboy title. They came close on two previous occasions Manchester High proving the reason for such hope by contesting two finals in the last four years. On both trips to Montego Bay, Manchester failed by the slimmest of margins to the same opponents South Central rivals St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) at the same

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venue, Jarrett Park, as they suffered respective 1-0 and 2-1 defeats in the 2009 daCosta Cup and 2011 Ben Francis KO finals. Tomorrow, Sheldon Davis' side will return to their least favourite hunting ground when they take on Westmoreland's Grange Hill High in semi-final action of the Ben Francis Cup, and this time they will be hoping for better luck. Not that it counts for much, but for once their date at Jarrett Park won't be a final, neither will they be facing nemesis STETHS. However, the importance of the fixture to the school and indeed the entire parish remains crucial. Just about everyone who has the interest of Manchester football at heart will be hoping the Mandeville school has learnt key lessons from its previous sojourns to the 'second city' and that it will make it a better prepared unit as it lines up against another growing force in the schoolboy game for a place in the KO final. Except for the dangerous Delroy Miller, this Manchester side is by no means close to rivalling the 2007, 2009, or even last year's unit in individual talent, but they do seem to possess a key component that their predecessors lacked that never-say-die attitude. They exemplified such quality throughout the first round of the daCosta Cup where they had to work hard to exert their dominance over Zone F opponents Bellefield High, Mile Gully, Cross Keys and BB Coke. This was also on full display in their two most recent Ben Francis Cup victories as they held off late rallies from Clarendon schools Spalding High and Clarendon College to record narrow penalty shoot-out wins at Kirkvine Sport Club. Like the Spalding game last Wednesday, the fixture against Clarendon on Saturday could have gone either way, especially with Anthony Patrick's side missing a penalty late in extra-time, but Manchester remained resolute to throw the knock-out punch in a tense shoot-out. In the diminutive Miller they do seem to have the capacity to breach any defence on their day, but it's their own rearguard, offered little assistance by a sometimes porous midfield, that could contribute to their downfall. Whether sheer fighting spirit will be good enough to make up for their limitations and final engineer the breakthrough that the parish craves remains to be seen, especially since

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they are going up against an equally hungry Grange Hill team who are also seeking their first major schoolboy title.

'It doesn't take cash to care' Pamella Reid-Daley retires after 40 years BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, August 27, 2012

MILE GULLY, Manchester She has consistently gone above and beyond the reach of available State resources to provide for her students. That, according to former colleagues of Pamella Evon Reid-Daley, was the defining mark of the 31-year classroom veteran who, for the past nine years, has been guidance counsellor at Mile Gully Primary and Junior High.

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Retired educator Pamella Reid-Daley relaxes in the recliner she received as one of her gifts at her appreciation function. She is surrounded by members of the Mile Gully Primary School family. (Photos: Gregory Bennett)

1/4 "Her car was often referred to as the ambulance, as she was always ready to transport that ill child or teacher to the health centre or the general hospital. We know her to have spent many, long, tiresome hours at the hospital waiting for a child to get medical attention or waiting for a parent to arrive," said Dorothy Brackett, vice-principal of the North West Manchester school. Brackett was reading a citation presented to Reid-Daley on the occasion of her retirement from the profession at a grand send-off at Golf View Hotel, recently. "For the past nine years she has been the guidance counsellor...she served with humility and grace. Over these years, she has transformed the lives of hundreds of students who are now contributing in various ways in numerous sectors. She worked with a shoestring budget. She found a way to provide them (students) with breakfast, lunch, clothing and health care," Brackett continued. In addition to being humble and graceful, the Mile Gully guidance counsellor the first ever in the history of the institution was also described as passionate and motherly. "As a classroom teacher, she was passionate about her Grade One charges. The little ones felt completely at home in her care, as her 'mother instinct' would always be evident," the citation added. The retiree has a total of 40 years in education under her belt, having taught at Harry Watch and Old England all-age schools, as well as Woodlawn School of Special Education (formerly School of Hope) before joining the teaching staff at Mile Gully and later transitioning into guidance and counselling. She graduated from Church Teachers' College and Northern Caribbean University, both also in Manchester.

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Assistant Chief Education Officer in the Guidance and Counselling Unit at the Ministry of Education Fern McFarlane, said Reid-Daley's work was exemplary and urged fellow educators to follow the trail she had blazed. "The degree to which Jamaica is safe and prosperous is hinged on the degree to which our children are made safe and are equipped to become prosperous," she said. "Mrs Daley has now handed the baton over to us, and I believe that she is expecting us to do better than she had done. She should expect us to do better because we are not starting afresh. She and others before her have opened up a trail and left us useful information from lessons that they have learned." "Tell yourself that you are the surrogate mother or father of every child in this school. Ignore the statement that 'it takes cash to care'. It takes love to care. When we love we find ways of taking care of the shortfalls," McFarlane continued. In her response, the guest of honour said teaching was a "ministry of love" and that students feel free to learn when they are in an atmosphere where they are accepted and feel they can express their thoughts and feelings. "True teaching is a special partnership," she said. "It only really works when the teacher reaches beyond the outer image, looks into the heart, understands and respects what they see. The students' role is to allow themselves to be seen not just for who they are or have been, but also for who they could be. For the Christian teacher, teaching is a relationship in which God is present. I implore you to continue to be the good teacher who explains, the superior teacher who demonstrates, and the great teacher who inspires," she said. Reid-Daley added that it was with divine guidance from the "master teacher" that she was able to find possible solutions during the challenging times.

Shanna lost her battle with cancer But family grateful to donors Monday, August 13, 2012

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MILE GULLY, Manchester Shanna Campbell lost her approximately 21-month battle with cancer last Thursday, a few days after her 18th birthday. Her sister, Heather Campbell, told the Jamaica Central Observer that the late teen had gradually deteriorated over a period of months and passed at some minutes to six in the morning.

Shanna Campbell in good spirits in January. (Observer file photo)

1/1 "She started getting weak, stopped talking, couldn't eat anything, couldn't identify anyone and was just deteriorating," Heather said. Shanna's condition was brought to national attention in March last year when the Jamaica Observer published a story in which the family appealed for support to cover the $1.5-million cost of radiation treatment for her stage-two brain tumour.

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Then Minister of Health Rudyard Spencer and other officials from the inistry negotiated a discounted cost with the Radiation Oncology Centre in Kingston, to which Shanna was referred, and she was able to access treatment. She made significant improvements after that, to the point where, in Janaury this year, she started planning to return to school. The Mile Gully resident held firmly to a dream of sitting six subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, then enrolling in college with a view to becoming a mathematics teacher. She had needed prescription glasses at the time because her vision was impaired by the tumour, but a private company in Manchester came to her aid. However, her condition took a turn for the worse in April. Then, her sister reported that the tumour "grew back" necessitating "major surgery". She said doctors were only able to remove a part of the tumour during that operation because of the threat of further damage. In June, Heather told the Observer Central that Shanna's condition was at the stage where she needed to do chemotherapy. However, her body was too weak for her to travel for the requisite tests at Kingston Public Hospital. Even as the late teen's family now struggles to cope with her passing, they report being overjoyed at the support Shanna received not just from government, but private companies and individuals who assited with related expenses. "People really tried, and we really tried. If it was money to make her better she would have been well," said Heather.

Welcome to Maidstone Historic Manchester community eyes heritage tourism BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, August 13, 2012

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MANDEVILLE, Manchester Nestled in lush, hilly terrain in North West Manchester, the community of Maidstone is, in some ways, like many others in rural Jamaica. The majority of the people live off the land, crime is minimal and most people have their ancestral roots right there.

Of all the buildings in Maidstone, a former plantation community, the Nazareth Moravian Church, seen here, is said to be the one in the purest state. (Photo: Gregory Bennett)

1/3 Unlike some other communities, however, Maidstone is widely recognised for its historical value and holds rich promise as a heritage-based tourist destination. Crucially, in 1838 when slavery ended in Jamaica, Maidstone was among the first communities to be set up as a free village.

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In short order, Maidstone will be able to officially test its feasibility in the tourism sector as the Manchester Parish Development Committee (MPDC) embarks on the Mile Gully Heritage Loop tour which will showcase centuries-old cemeteries, churches, great houses and other identifiable historical sites in northern Manchester. This heritage tour is among the economic projects developed as part of the 'Manchester Local Sustainable Development Plan: 2030 and Beyond'. Garth Smith, a former president of the Maidstone Community Council, told visitors to the 12th annual Fus' a Augus' Fair in the community on Emancipation Day that the area boasts artefacts and relics dating back to the height of slavery and British colonialism. He referred to records of plantation society which show that the Maidstone plantation at one point had 65 slaves. Adjoining communities also had plantations and slaves: Glen Head had 77; Mons, 170; Johns Hall, 170; Huntley, 124; and Bath 13. The records are uncertain in relation to slave numbers in Adams Valley and Top Sham, and an adjoining community to Bath called Timbuktu said to be named for the African town of Mali from which some slaves originated also had unspecified numbers. For ex-slaves in the period immediately after Emancipation, the Church fulfilled not only religious purposes, but was the main source of education, community leadership and empowerment. Perched on a hill overlooking the Nazareth All-Age School, where the artefacts are stored, is the Nazareth Moravian church. Community historians say it was originally built in the Adams Valley community, but that it was moved to a section of Maidstone called Nazareth in 1888 by German pastor William Fuerstenberg. Stones from the old church were used for construction. "Of all the buildings in the Maidstone community, the church is the one in its purest state. In 1997, the National Church Service was held here to mark the return of the celebration of Emancipation to the calendar. It was then regarded as one of the best-kept edifices on the island," Smith told the Jamaica Observer Central. He said relatives of ex-slaves would have been the original members of the church and slaves are said to be buried at the nearby Nazareth or God's Acre cemetery.

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Close to the church are an old great house and an old slave hospital; and an elevated point known as "trial hill", where slaves were reportedly taken for trial by their masters, can be seen in the distance. There is also an old cheese factory on the church property which, it is said, was at one time the only one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. New president of the Maidstone Community Council Milton McNally says he and his team are intent on preserving the community's rich heritage even as modern facilities are established. McNally said that Maidstone, which has about 1500-2000 people and is about 12 miles from Mandeville, would benefit from a training facility. "These heritage sites are very, very important to the country and to the community. People are always interested in hearing about history and if we have a history to tell, we should tell it. I am looking at the development of the heritage, which has potential for a lot of funds in the area. I am looking at training, even a HEART Academy. We are trying to resuscitate the cheese factory and see whether it is practical to put it back into cheese or some other means of processing," he said. The Maidstone Community Council president said he has had preliminary discussions with the Social Development Commission on the subject of leadership training so that successors can always be in place and the development plans can be realised.

Young entrepreneurs camp at UWI Tuesday, July 31, 2012

THE Young Entrepreneurs Camp, conceptualised by The Business Lab, is part of the Centres of Excellence programme of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF) along with partners Digicel Foundation.

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This, the second year of the camp, was held on the Rex Nettleford Hall at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, over five days.

The campers get involved in team-building exercises at the Rex Nettleford Hall Multi-Purpose room. (Text and photos: Nesha Daley & ONeil Grant

1/2 Sponsors such as Camara Jamaica, and Reggae Jammin' Chicken provided the laptops and meals respectively and helped to make the camp one to remember. The main purpose of this camp is to improve the performance of six rural high schools: McGrath, Mile Gully, Porus, Seaforth to Green Pond, and Godfrey Stewart high schools. One the first day, the campers were registered, placed in teams, and assigned counsellors, who guided them through the schedules until the end of camp. Each school was assigned to a team, Porus High was Team Creative, Green Pond High School was Team Innovative, Mile Gully High was Team Driven, Seaforth High School was Team Confident, McGrath High was Team Persistent, and Godfrey Stewart High was Team Passionate.

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And for the entire weak at camp they had to work as a group and help each other out. Activities such as board games, market research, market activities, script writing and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application were placed on the schedule as most important to the campers. With the competitive, mind-building tasks such as Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis, Lego activities, accounting, television commercials, business plan preparations, and team building, the campers had a lot on their plate. Students, who attended the camp last year and already had their business plans were separated, for some periods during the camp. This was so they could fine-tune them for presentations, which was different from the first-year campers. Campers were even given a tour of the UWI campus on day three by Dr K'adamawe K'nIfe, a lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The aim of the tour was to enhance the students' knowledge about entrepreneurship and the history of the university. Guest speaker Rosmond Brown, spoke on the topic public speaking, and also shared some of the secrets in running a successful business. On the day for presenting their business plans, first year and second year campers also presented their ICT application for smartphones. Each team was asked to create an application which could help with problems dealing with their community and school. Roland Boothe, Lawrence Rowe and Dr Linda were the judges to see which team came with the best smartphone application. Team Persistent's app was called the Agra app, Team Creative app was called S1, Team Innovative's app was Crimespot, Team Driven presented their app Pairecom, and Team Passionate with their app TEEN EDGE. The students had less than 24 hours to put their ideas together and come up with an application. The applications that were formulated by the students were outstanding, even with the little time they had to put their applications together. Team Creative from Porus High presented their business plan called the Porus Guidelines Stationery and more. Team Passionate's business was called Lockers Unlimited followed by Team Innovative business called Solid Goods. Team Confidence from Seaforth

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High demonstrated the Snakarama and you could see that the students went all out and did their research. Prize-giving the final event everyone was looking forward to was soon to come. GC's Documents Centre by Chevaneese Jackson and Jevaughny Gray of the Green Pond High School won a cash prize for their business idea. Other schools such as Mile Gully, with their company AJ's Green Grocery, Seafood Deluxe by Trevoy Cole and Demarco Brown Robinson were also rewarded. Members of Team Driven was awarded most outstanding entrepreneurs. Amayor Anderson and Kemani Davis collected their prize. Green Pond High was awarded for the best knowledge of product, Best Ad by Mile Gully, Best ICT application was a tie by Seaforth High and Porus High, and the overall best business plan went to McGrath High. At the end the campers all they celebrated with a camp party. The students were encouraged to learn, grow, have fun, approach each activity with focus and passion. MBSF is formed by the Victoria Mutual Building Society and the Jamaica National Building Society.

Thumbs up! Finance minister favourable to new building for Mile Gully High BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, July 16, 2012

MILE GULLY, Manchester Minister of Finance Dr Peter Phillips has reignited hope for the construction of a new building to house Mile Gully High School, after years of lobbying and planning.

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At the school's recent graduation ceremony Phillips said he was prepared to give a "favourable" response to Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites on the subject.

Dr Peter Phillips, minister of finance and planning (second left) and his son Mikael Phillips, North West Manchester member of parliament make small talk with the Rt Rev Dr Alfred C Reid, retired Bishop of Jamaica, and Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation at the recent Mile Gully High School graduation. (Photo: Gregory Bennett)

1/1 "I cannot intrude on any announcement that the minister of education might want to make, but I can say this: if the minister of education were to talk to the minister of finance about the new Mile Gully school, he would get a favourable response," the finance minister said. He said the new building has been on the drawing board for a long time, with land having been identified and site preparation having begun.

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"...It is full time now that the potential for excellence that has been identified here in the children of North West Manchester...be given full scope by giving them the proper facilities of a proper high school," Phillips added. Ulit Brackett, who is departing Mile Gully High after 24 years as principal, told the Jamaica Observer Central that discussions for a new school building started over six years ago. Phillips, meanwhile, said that within the next 10-12 years there should be less disparity in educational attainment in schools across Jamaica through the efforts of the Government and private sector programmes such as the Mutual Building Societies Foundation Centres of Excellence. The initiative is a five-year programme funded by the Jamaica National and Victoria Mutual building societies. It is designed to improve education delivery and the performance of administrators, educators and students at six rural, non-traditional high schools across the island, including Mile Gully High. The other schools are McGrath in St Catherine, Godfrey Stewart in Westmoreland, Green Pond in St James, Seaforth in St Thomas, and Porus and Mile Gully in Manchester. Phillips, whose son Mikael is Member of Parliament for NW Manchester, said that the "biggest single commitment in the Budget, after debt service, is education". He said the figure would be supplemented by public/private partnerships to the tune of $76 billion, and that the framework for the agreement will be taken to Cabinet in a policy document within weeks. "Even though we have a major obligation to settle our debt, we don't believe we should allow the debt to set back progress in education and other areas of social and economic development. We believe that education should involve a partnership between the private sector, the communities, the Government, [and] the children because education, ultimately, is a national responsibility. We expect on the basis of public/private partnerships to be able to finance construction of additional high schools and other educational institutions," he said. He urged the graduates with an interest in entrepreneurship to educate themselves about their businesses of interest and also about the financing available for start-ups.

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"There is a whole new world in Information Technology that is out there. Many people will start their own businesses whether in IT, developing apps (computer applications) as they call them, or in some other business venture. "For that reason...the Government has provided more than $1.5 billion through the Development Bank of Jamaica for the lending to micro- small- and medium-size enterprises. We have also provided an additional.... $396 million that will be given for capacity building to go to particularly micro-enterprises. You have learnt how to study while here at school. Don't forget those skills. They will serve you well into the future," Phillips told the graduating class. The schools in the Centres of Excellence programme are said to have benefited from $100 million in technical assistance and equipment.

Caricom must empower small producers Dr Peter Phillips hero Franklin Johnston

Friday, July 13, 2012

CARICOM is not robust enough for economic integration. It cannot bridge the transport gap between the EC in the south and us in the north. The English bridged this gulch intermittently and though Canada gave us ships we could not sustain it. Mr LaRocque is

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right, we should not leave Caricom because the "soft" benefits - camaraderie, culture, courts, collegial and technical services can work. Still, he will not show us Caricom's finances. Why must I integrate my economy with a group of small islands thousands of miles away that I can't even afford to visit? Big Spanish and French-speaking markets on my doorstep are my priority. LaRocque's priority is not ours. We are a big market to Caricom, but they can't float our boat. As for Trinidad, I love Kamala for sparing her citizens the crippling light bills we plead with Portia to take off our backs. I would not wish JPS bills on my enemy. Our serial Cabinets have not loved us enough. They did not delay treaties but opened up our economy long before others did. Cabinets berate farmers for wanting subsidies, yet they import subsidised food from the USA and EU and do not care one bit. Do they really love our farmers?

PHILLIPS... shaping to be the best finance minister

1/1 So how can we get a leg up in Caricom trade? Shipping. We misguidedly focus on goods, but logistics is the key: "If we build a road they will use it". Caricom must break the shipping monopoly. Movement of people and goods is its lifeblood. A vendor can tell where to go in Miami to buy stuff; not Bridgetown or Port of Spain. Honestly, would you integrate your economy with ours? We are a big market! But we too need big markets, so we must

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look at our neighbours. Cabinet must prime the trade pump with subsidised shipping, then we rev up small producers. We do not produce in volume. Few producers can fill a container so we need flexible, cheap shipping for small volumes. A container is some 40 per cent cheaper from the USA or Japan into Caricom. Cheap shipping would get us trading, visiting and would bring Caricom alive. We may spend half-day getting to an island, but so what? "Nutten nah gwaan yah suh". Airlines do not work. We spend on airlines for ego and consumption. Now let's ship goods to make money. Traders want our products, but Barbados cannot absorb a container at one go. We could sell a little of a lot, but we need open seas. Cabinets are concerned about phone, energy monopoly, but shipping is not on their radar. Logistics is a big barrier to trade. Could the Caribbean Maritime Institute crew dry-lease vessels? The EC countries trade daily by boat, so we are the odd one in any economy integration. We just do not fit. Caricom, yes! Integrate our economy with others thousands of miles away? No way! Peter Phillips's "Declaration of Mile Gully" is huge. He is shaping to be the best finance minister ever. No one plans history. Welfare and free education in the UK exist because millions of the working class laid down lives for country in the great wars, and the Lords who run things could not deny the socialists. A finance minister who speaks education? "Education will... command the highest share of the budget after debt." An unprecedented avowal - history! IMF, take note. Sir Aub would be proud, but let us keep his feet to the fire. Parents, business and the church must now raise their game and Peter must help them. Big Public Private Partnerships (PPP) investors are welcome. What about small ones? Last week finance ideas for education excited some, so let's up the ante. First, hard issues. Faith and for-profit schools outperform state ones, so why should the state run schools? If it must, which types? The case to divest school operations is made. All parents must invest in education. Banks must create the products - savings, shares, bonds, loans, legal partner, and Peter must incentivise parents to invest in community schools. Kids leave Clarendon every day for North Street. Imagine four hours on a minibus and three contact hours with a teacher. Cruel. Better to let teachers drive minibuses and increase contact time. There is a big market for education bonds and shares, so if Peter agrees for MOE to pay interest on education bonds or quarterly dividend on ordinary shares, billions in taxes would be freed up. Jamaica Institute of Management was the first education institution to float affinity bonds to finance its buildings. Most people could not donate a thousand, but invested five. Peter must deepen the market for education investments by incentivising investors. Can he entice the $25 billion spent on remediation into investment in new schools and quality? Big

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USA education groups as De Vry and Apollo are listed on NYSE as are China's Xueda, Tal and AMBO with portfolios of primary and secondary schools (K to 12), learning centres, after school tutoring and English. Some parents can't invest regularly, but may buy shares in Munro and Hampton or education bonds when they "get a money". The finance regulator and US Department of Education keep tabs on for-profit education and in the last quarter over 100 schools were sanctioned for failing the metrics they live by. We can do the same. Our education stocks and shares would sell and if CXC or Prof Ying's OEC or Fritz's CMI were to list on the Junior Market, buy. We must create a suite of education financial products PPPs, bonds, ordinary shares, loans, co-op shares. Parents must have no problem buying into education. Even as we deploy new entities our advances are behind modern, flexible, parent-driven, child-centred, fungible education. An investment-driven environment would push education and schools to high quality and cutting-edge innovation with the state as regulator, not main operator. A few e-mails expressed fears that shareholders might "milk schools" and harass principals to get profit. This is ludicrous. Do shareholders harass firms? Coffee Co-ops? Credit unions? School standards and financial products are under law and regulation. Invest in a building society to get a mortgage later. Invest in an education group as in a few years your child will have a place in one of their schools. Buy into an education portfolio - property or lease-backed and affinity bonds, PPP shares and firms with IP selling content, curriculum, ICT systems for school management, inspection, to Africa, locally or Latin America. As long as children exist, investment in education will be "Blue Chip". Peter's PPPs presage a new genre of products for investors and parents and quality schools. Go for it! The colour of homophobia: The 44 Commonwealth countries in which homosexuality is illegal are black, poor, very religious, mainly illiterate, violent and mostly corrupt. Is this conundrum a coincidence? Does God have a sense of humour? Stay conscious, my friend! Dr Franklin Johnston is a strategist, project manager and advises the minister of education. franklinjohnstontoo@gmail.com

What of Manley's legacy?

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Manchester residents irked by failure to preserve heros birthplace BY RHOMA TOMLINSON Sunday Observer writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, July 08, 2012

WOULD Norman Manley be proud of Jamaica if he were alive today? It was a question that weighed on the minds of some civic and political leaders who journeyed to the National Hero's birthplace high in the lush hills of Manchester to mark the 119th anniversary of his birth on Wednesday, July 4.

Children from Mount St Joseph Preparatory School in Mandeville performing We speak to Nations during Wednesdays civic ceremony in honour of the 119th anniversary of the birth of National Hero Norman Washington Manley. (Photos: Gregory Bennett)

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There, speaker after speaker paid glowing tribute to one of the country's brightest sons, but they couldn't help but juxtapose the vivid dreams for prosperity Manley harboured against current realities. Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay believes the late statesman would be somewhat disappointed with Jamaica as it is, because the charge he advanced in his final speech to the Jamaican Parliament has not yet been achieved. In that speech, Manley is quoted as saying: "I say that the mission of my generation was to win self-government for Jamaica. To win political power which is the final power for the black masses of my country from which I spring. I am proud to stand here today and say to you who fought that fight with me, say it with gladness and pride: Mission accomplished for my generation. "And what is the mission of this generation?... It is... reconstructing the social and economic society and life of Jamaica". "I believe he would've been proud of many things," ventured Ramsay. "He would've been proud of our educational achievements, our intellectual development, and the sports; he would've loved that. But I think the economic independence... he would've been somewhat disappointed with that. We're not there yet. We're in deep, deep with the debt... we're really working on that. So, he would've been disappointed." Norman Washington Manley was a brilliant scholar, an outstanding athlete, a valiant soldier, an erudite lawyer, a visionary politician, and a respected statesman. His scholastic prowess earned him a Rhodes Scholarship to the prestigious Jesus College, Oxford University in Britain. His athletic feat at Jamaica College, as one of the finest athletes the school has ever seen, is still talked about today. The country's only law school is named after him, so is the country's major international airport. The former signifies his sterling contribution to the legal fraternity and the other marks his desire to see his country rise to prominence on the international stage. But more than all of that, Norman Manley was a co-founder of the People's National Party, the foremost leader in the country's fight for political independence, the country's first Premier and later, one of its seven national heroes.

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It is his legacy, and to some extent that of his son Michael, that has made the Manley name synonymous with Jamaican politics, and with international political affairs as well. But 43 years after his death on September 2, 1969 and 50 years after the independence he fought so hard to attain, some Jamaicans feel the country has failed to live up to the potential Manley envisaged. Reflecting on the National Hero's resilience, even from Manley's early days in his birthplace Roxborough, Member of Parliament for South Manchester Michael Peart said Jamaicans today have much more resources at their fingertips than they did in Manley's days, yet they were not making the best use of them. Pointing to education, he said teachers are far better qualified than those in the past, "yet we complain that the quality of education is going down. "We have not made the best use of the educational transformation. Maybe if we'd gotten lessons in our schools about where we're coming from, we'd appreciate education more. We need to reflect more on where we're coming from. Norman Manley was a part of that...," Peart said Wednesday. Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous agrees that Manley was a great Jamaican. She said that though the world in which Manley lived and the one with which we contend today are quite different, the life of the National Hero must be a point of reference. "I think his life needs to be studied in schools. I really do. It should be made compulsory... We need to study the life of persons such as these," she told the Jamaica Observer after the ceremony. But even as Jamaica celebrates 50 years of the political independence Manley helped win, there is still dissatisfaction with the way his legacy is being honoured. There is still no official word out of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) about how the Roxborough site, which suffered from a fire several years ago and is just a facade, is to be developed and preserved. According to Chairman of the Manchester Cultural Development Committee, Dorothy Miller, recommendations made by her committee seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

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"I believe it's a lack of will... where there's a will there's a way. This place should be somewhere that people can come to... Even something as basic as signage, there's not one sign on the way here. It's the JNHT's responsibility; it cannot be left to the community..." And what if the JNHT continues to do nothing? Will the Manchester Committee act? "We can do nothing," she told the Sunday Observer shortly after Manley's birthday commemoration. "It's their site; without them we can do nothing." The call for Roxborough to be developed is not new. In 2006, People's National Party (PNP) caretaker for Central Manchester Vando Palmer chided his own party for not paying enough attention to Manley's legacy and called on them to develop the National Hero's birthplace. But since then, neither the PNP or the Jamaica Labour Party administrations have done much to improve the property. There has been talk in the Manchester Parish Council about the need for a statue of some sort to be erected in the parish to honour Manley. Mayor Ramsay told the Sunday Observer Wednesday that plans to erect the bust, "were being actively pursued". She however did not give a timeline. The most recent call to honour Manley's legacy has come from another member of the party he founded. A week ago week the Jamaica Observer Central reported that PNP Councillor for the Mile Gully Division Fairbourne Maxwell called for a university to be built at the National Hero's birthplace as a part of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence celebrations. "With the mannerism, image and persona of Norman Manley it will take on, we will be teaching all foreign languages there. It would be a niche market that we are talking about that would attract a lot of persons from all over the world," he said.

Honour Manley's memory with university, says councillor Observer Central BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com

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Monday, July 02, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Manchester councillor Fairbourne Maxwell (PNP, Mile Gully Division) says a university built at the birthplace of National Hero Norman Washington Manley would be a fitting tribute in this Jamaica's 50th year of Independence. Manley, a key figure in Jamaica's political history, was born in the community of Roxborough in Central Manchester, several miles south of the Mandeville town centre.

The birthplace of National Hero Norman Manley in Roxborough, Manchester.

1/2 "With the mannerism, image and persona of Norman Manley it will take on, we will be teaching all foreign languages there. It would be a niche market that we are talking about that would attract a lot of persons from all over the world and become a melting pot (of cultures)," he told the Jamaica Observer Central.

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Maxwell argued that for the next 50 years "true" advancement should take place in Jamaica and that the expansion of educational opportunities should be part of the platform. "My 7/9/2013 is 2062. We need intellectual revolutionaries in Jamaica to take charge. We need a consensus of ideas from our two main political parties for true development," he said. Roxborough is designated a heritage site. However, Maxwell believes that more can be done to honour the memory of Norman Manley and other national heroes. On July 4 every year, the anniversary of Manley's birth is celebrated with a civic ceremony in Roxborough hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and facilitated by the Manchester Parish Council. A proposal has been drafted for a bust of the national hero to be erected in the park in the Mandeville town centre. Maxwell's idea for the construction of a university in Roxborough is in line with increasing calls for Mandeville and its environs to be recognised as a university town. Post-secondary academic and skills training institutions in Mandeville include Northern Caribbean University, the expanding Catholic College of Mandeville which offers a Masters degree through Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Church Teachers' College, Knox Community College, the University of the West Indies Open Campus, Jamaica Bible College, University College of the Caribbean, Southwest TVET Institute, Vocational Training and Development Institute the tertiary arm of HEART Trust/NTA and the Management Institute for National Development.

Mile Gully sweeps entrepreneurship awards Tuesday, June 05, 2012

MILE Gully High School in Manchester walked away with three of the six awards at the I Am The Change Young Entrepreneurs Expo last Thursday at the Mona Visitors Lodge.

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The expo and awards ceremony came as a culmination of a year-long businesspractice programme in six rural high schools across Jamaica.

Best Business Facilitator was Camille Hutchinson (left) and the students and teachers of Mile Gully High School collect their prizes from Kimala Bennett (second left), managing director of The Business Lab, and Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager of MBSF (fourth left).

1/2 The day-long conference which is sponsored by The Business Lab, Centres of Excelence, Digicel Foundation, Jamaica National Foundation, Mutual Building Society Foundation, Victoria Mutual Building Society and the Jamaica National Building Society catered to 150 students, who not only displayed their products, but also presented their business plans to a panel of judges. The student establishments ranges from a revolving locker rental service, at the Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland; a monthly student-centred magazine called McGz, at McGrath High in St Catherine; stationery supplies operations at Porus and Green Pond high schools in Manchester and St James; a healthy foods, fruits and supplies entity, at

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Mile Gully in Manchester; to a snack shop at Seaforth, St Thomas. The list of awards and winners are: Best Booth (presented by The Business Lab) Mile Gully High School; Best Operation (presented by Jamaica National Building Society) Godfrey Stewart High School; Most Innovative Team (presented by Digicel Foundations Kerry-Jo Lyn) Godfrey Stewart High School; Best Business Report (presented by the JNBS Foundation) McGrath High School. Best Presentation (presented by The Victoria Mutual Building Society) Mile Gully High School; Best Business 2011-2012 (presented by Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager of MBSF and Kimala Bennett, managing director of The Business Lab) Mile Gully High School. Additionally, the Best Business Facilitator was Camille Hutchinson from Mile Gully. Chief judge Dr Kadamawe K,nIfe, in giving his overview of the presentations, explained that all the students gave very effective presentations and accounted themselves well. What these students showed was the idea did not have to be new, but it had to bring a solution to a problem, Dr K,nIfe said. And that was exactly what the overall winners Mile Gully did. Mile Gully created a fruits and supplies entity to supply students with a nutritious breakfasts, of fruits and healthy sandwiches, before school begins. Hutchinson said that although the business as school was hard work, the 25 students and three teachers will be ecstatic with the win. We operated our business for five months and made a profit of $89,000, even though we started with one bag of credited oranges, she explained.

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This ingenuity is one of the reasons that Bennett said she is extremely proud of the outcome of the programme. It was a great programme. It goes to show that entrepreneurship can taught to third and fourth formers, which is what we cater to, Bennett said. The programme pulls from all subject areas be it math (for stock), accounting (checking and balancing the books); art, which includes branding everything has to make sense, she added. Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager of MBSF, expressed that she is very proud of the growth in the students. What it has done is built pride in the students and the schools. Many of them will begin to think of how they can create business of their own, Dr Rattray said.

Accept GSAT placements, Thwaites tells parents DENISE DENNIS Career & Education reporter dennisd@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, June 03, 2012

AHEAD of the release of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) results this month, Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites is cautioning parents to accept the schools in which their children are placed. Please dont go rushing for the transfers to the namebrand schools, he said.

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Jamaica National General Manager Earl Jarrett interacts with students of Mile Gully High School whose fresh fruit business, branded Gully Pride, won the award for best business at the I am the Change expo on Friday. Digicel Foundation Chairperson Lisa Lewis (second left) and EduFocal CEO Gordon Swaby (second right) look on. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

1/1 The minister was speaking at the I am the Change schools business expo and competition at the Mona Visitors Lodge on Thursday. I am the Change entrepreneurship programme, an initiative of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), the Business Lab and Digicel Foundation, is a comprehensive leadership training initiative to promote new thinking and innovative approaches to business education and career options. The six participating schools: McGrath High, Porus High, Mile Gully High, Godfrey Stewart High, Green Pond High and Seaforth High schools, showcased business ventured that they have been successfully running at their respective schools. Thwaites lauded the organisations and schools for the programme, saying he believes it will provide students with valuable skills.

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This is a stroke of genius that this exhibition has been centred around the nontraditional high schools because they [have been] getting a bad rap, he said. I think we ought to use the excellence that you have exhibited here this morning as a very clear testimony to the fact that there is good and excellence in all of our secondary institutions. He said there are inefficiencies in every school in Jamaica and the damage must be corrected by stopping the abuse of calling the schools failures. To be able to conceive of a business idea and to move it to fruition is a very important skill. Part of the definition of excellence is the commitment that is engaged in this, the bringing together of human wit, of limited capital, of mentoring, of encouragement and stimulus, Thwaites said. The schools business ventures range from offering locker services for Godfrey Stewart High, to starting a newspaper, in the case of McGrath High. Mile Gully, which operates a fresh fruit stand, took home the award for Best Business 2011-2012. They were also awarded for having the best booth and best presentation, while Godfrey Stewart took home the award for best operation and most innovative team. McGrath High was awarded for having the best business report. The entrepreneurship programme was launched April last year with a Young Entrepreneurs Camp, which brought together some 150 students from said schools. The students were provided with seed capital by the partners and the Jamaica National Building Society, which they used to kickstart their operations. Keynote speaker at the expo, the 21-year-old CEO of EduFocal, Gordon Swaby encouraged the students to pursue their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. Be realistic about your goals; dont say youre going to do x thing without being realistic about it. You can never be too detailed. Write all your figures down and calculate the viability of what youre doing and get advice, he told them, giving anecdotes of his own experience with his online business which he started at age 15. The young entrepreneur gave the students several pointers, including: If you can, do it while youre young.

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Swaby also encouraged them to develop a good support system with people to whom they can talk and who can lead them in the right direction and offer mentorship. He also told them to remain focused and believe in themselves. Even when no one else believes in you. Youre never too young to be great, youre never too young to do great things, he said.

DQuan looking to make inroads Saturday, May 26, 2012

FOR as long as he can remember Damian 'DQuan' Staple has always had a fascination for music. The up-and-coming artiste credits his grandmother for sparking the musical fire in his life as she took him to church and encouraged him to be a part of the choir. Now signed to Florida-based Most Wanted Records, the singer is determined to make a difference.

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DQUAN... determined to make a difference

1/1 "It seems as if we are not progressing. Most of the songs that are being released today are lacking feelings and natural feel in the riddims that made our music stand out," DQuan said. This year DQuan has been busy in the studios where he recorded songs such as Swagg, Open Up Your Arms, Money Maker, and Too Much Suffering featuring Da Professor. Hailing from the community of Green Vale in Manchester, DQuan attended Mile Gully High before migrating to New York City at age 18 in the late 2000s where he attended Career Institute of Health and Technology. As he looks to make deep inroads in the dancehall, he said he is "going to give the fans lyrics and melody that they can relate to, play in their homes and cars while driving".

Leading from the back

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Goalie inspires New Green RSPL thrust BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Monday, May 21, 2012

Yesterday, fans in Manchester were sitting on a knife's edge as New Green were due to kick-start the final lap in their quest to bring Premier League football back to the midisland parish. Manchester has been without a top-flight side since the decline of Mile Gully in the late 1990s, so the emotions of hope and anxiety are understandable.

WILLIAMS has so far kept nine clean sheets in 10 home games this season. (Photo: Oshane Tobias)

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But, should goalkeeper Levar Williams continue his heroics, pride and joy might just be the only sensations seeping through the town of Mandeville when the Red Stripe Premier League resumes in September. Williams, 25, has so far played a starring role in New Green's trek to the South Central Confederation Super League crown, with crucial saves against Meadows FC and Rivoli United in the semi-final and final, respectively. Another match-winning performance against KSAFA champions Cavalier at Brooks Park in the opening game of their four-team National Premier League play-offs will set the stage for New Green to earn a seat at local football's top table. Standing at just 5ft, 6 inches, Williams will not excite the most conventional goalkeeping scouts at first glance, but a close-up of this diminutive keeper at work will quickly reveal that he is not short on talent. What he lacks in height he certainly makes up for with confidence, tremendous footwork, and seemingly safe hands. "He's vitally important to us in terms of how we play and the type of goalkeeper he is," New Green coach Andre Swaby said. "He's very talkative and he gets things done. He assesses situations very quickly and once the ball touches his hands it won't drop out; it sticks like glue," Swaby added. A physical education teacher by profession, Williams started his goalkeeping career at the Mandeville Primary and Junior High School after being told by the coach that he's not good enough to make as an outfield player. He went on to represent St Elizabeth Technical High School at the daCosta Cup level, before closing out his student career at GC Foster College, where he shared goaltending duties with national player Duwayne Kerr, now at Strommen in Norway, at the InterCollegiate level. Not a bad CV for a player who was also told by national coaches that he is "too short to be a goalkeeper." "Taller goalkeepers tend to take their height for granted, so they don't jump that high," Williams said recently. "I don't have the height, so I have to jump to make up for that.

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"I used to play basketball, so that helps me with my elevation. I'm 5ft 6inches and I can jump my height, so that gives a lot of advantage." Plagued by a spate of injuries throughout his career, Williams flirted with the idea of swapping his gloves for a striker's boots, but a call from Swaby at the start of the season to join the revolution at New Green changed his mind. Now settled at the North West Manchester club, Williams has provided stability to the defensive unit with assured performances throughout the season. He has so far kept nine clean sheets in 10 home games, with the only blot on his report card being the goal conceded in their first-leg semi-final defeat to Meadows at Kirkvine Sports Club. "I am very confident knowing that he is in the goal. He's excellent," said Kashwayne Miller, team captain and central defender. "He has made a big difference since joining the squad at the start of the season." Despite his small frame, Williams is commanding, agile and seems to thrive under pressure. He knows exactly when to punch or collect a cross and when to launch a quick counter attack. Having played as a striker on numerous occasions, Williams is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, which often times makes him a valid option for a back pass. "Whatever situation we find ourselves in he's always able to adjust to it," Swaby said. "He's always ready." True, Williams is only one of 11 players who make up a team, but judging from his displays so far this season he could very well be the player in whose hands Manchester's Premier League future rests.

MP urges more private sector help for education BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer staff reporter sutherlanda@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, May 21, 2012

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MILE GULLY, Manchester Member of Parliament for North West Manchester Mikael Phillips wants private sector companies to seek to fix Jamaica's development challenges by making more investment in the education sector. Phillips, who was addressing a recent town hall meeting of the Centres of Excellence (COE) programme at Mile Gully High School, said that without greater investment in education the country would not make progress.

Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager MBSF, in discussion with North West Manchester Member of Parliament Mikael Phillips at a Centres of Excellence town hall meeting at Mile Gully High School recently. (Photos: Urijah Deacon)

1/2 "Education, I am sure, to all of us is paramount; not only for our children but for our country. I always say that no matter how we can fix the macroeconomic side of our country, if we do not fix our education and educational structures we will be perpetually going around

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in circles in trying to fix our country. If we don't get the education of our children right, Jamaica will suffer in the long term for it," he said. The Centres of Excellence initiative was created through a partnership involving the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) that formed the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). The MBSF aims to "implement social development projects which serve as models for effective partnerships that lead to sustainable national development". The four-year Centres of Excellence programme is the premier activity of the foundation. Mile Gully High School is one of two Centres of Excellence in Manchester. The North West Manchester MP said that the programme is meaningful for the school and community and he was saddened that it is coming to an end. "I got a little piece of sad news... that this programme comes to an end next year," said Phillips. "I think that we should send a cry out to our private sector companies to join Jamaica National and Victoria Mutual in believing in our children, in believing in education. Not only for us to buy into the schools that we are past students of; but for the schools that are worse off than those on top, for us to try to save them." The other participating schools are: Porus High in Manchester; McGrath High, St Catherine; Godfrey Stewart High, Westmoreland; Green Pond High, St James; and Seaforth High in St Thomas. Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager at the MBSF, told Observer Central that the schools were selected based on criteria such as the vision for the school as demonstrated in a business plan, their needs and rural setting. She said that these schools can be considered as the pilot project and are all improving. "Mile Gully is so small but so powerful. It is the smallest amongst the six, yet Mile Gully always shines and surprises," said Dr Rattray. "I am honoured to be a part of it (the programme) because it shows that private sector companies do have real interest in making education better. Jamaica National and Victoria Mutual have a vested interest because they are going to be receiving students that Mile Gully produces," she added.

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Through the Centres of Excellence programme, the science lab at Mile Gully High was equipped. The school has benefited from a reading specialist, a three-week summer intervention programme in mathematics and English for the incoming grade seven students, a study tour at Jamaica College, a behaviour modification camp, an entrepreneurship camp, a professional development camp for heads of department and other teachers and leadership activity for the principal and the school board. It was revealed at the meeting that an increasing number of students at the school are sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and that the Parent/Teachers' Association is now more engaged. "Since the MBSF, Mile Gully High School is a better school. There will be no turning back for Mile Gully High School. It only will be forward, forward, forward," Principal Ulit Brackett said with conviction.

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Sport New Green aim to quench Manchester's Premier League thirst Oshane Tobias Thursday, April 26, 2012

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MANCHESTER'S New Green will carry the burden of a Premier League starved parish on their shoulders when they host Meadows in today's (Thursday) South Central Confederation Super League semi-final first-leg at Kirkvine Sports Club. To say they are the underdogs is an understatement, but that has not stopped the Manchester faithful from believing that New Green could become the parish's fourth premiership team. "When I came to office the plan (was) to get a team into the Premier League and (this) is the closest we have come to realising that (vision), so we will support them with the hope they can get past the semi-finals and into the final," Manchester FA president, Dalton Wint said recently. Should they get by their St Catherine opponents, New Green will need to beat either Rivoli United or Newlands in the final, then negotiate their way through a tough home-andaway premiership play-off, which will include KSAFA's Cavalier, plus the winners of the Eastern and Western Confederations. It is now 14 years since Manchester last had a premiership team following the relegation of Mile Gully in the 1997/1998 season. "It was a real disappointment when Mile Gully got relegated because they were the standard-bearers at the time," said veteran sports administrator Pat Anderson. "We lost Kirkvine and Los Perfectos before that, so Mile Gully gave us the opportunity to go out and watch football again. A number of us old-timers were really sad." One of four promoted outfits at the start of the competition, New Green were never expected to be challenging for a place in the final, especially given the mediocre performances of Manchester teams in Confed football in recent times. They, however, defied the odds to beat off the likes of Bodles, Monymusk and Dela Vega City in a tricky Group A to join Rivoli in the last-four with a 1-0 victory over newcomers Royal Lakes on the last day of the preliminary round.

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Now, beating the highly-fancied Meadows over two legs will be a harder task, but given the momentum with which they qualified for the semis, it is not impossible for Andre Swaby's side to spring another surprise. Unlike the last two seasons, Meadows are not at their best -- winning just half of their 16 regular season games to top Group B on 30 points, while failing to beat New Green in their cross-zone fixture. When Mile Gully clinched Premier League qualification in 1997, it was greeted with much fanfare, and Barron Watson, who still coaches the team, reckons the mood in the parish is pretty much the same ahead of New Green' clash with Meadows, who are hunting a third successive appearance in the final. He said: "The people of Manchester are really excited about it, especially in the north west part of the parish. They are hoping that New Green can go on to win the Super League because it is over 10 years since Manchester really have a chance like this to reach the Premier League."

Schools struggling - Inspectorate reports dismal performances Wolmers High for Girls gets high marks from inspectorate BY CONRAD HAMILTON Observer senior reporter ?hamiltonc@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, April 16, 2012

THE National Education Inspectorate (NEI), in its latest assessment of performance standards at the countrys public schools, has indicated that the state of affairs at many primary and secondary schools leaves much to be desired. While not publishing its own summary of the situation, the NEI last weekend posted on the education ministrys website, the individual reports on more than 130 schools inspected last year. According to the NEI, each inspection focused on eight key indicators of school effectiveness; leadership and management, teaching and learning, students performance in regional and national examinations, students progress, personal and social development, human and material resources, safety and security and well-being.

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A look at the reports relating to the 31 high schools on the list revealed that one institution the St Ann-based Marcus Garvey High has been classified as a failing school, while the Kingstonbased, Wolmers High School for Girls has been rated as exceptionally high, in terms of overall effectiveness. Of the other high schools, 12 have been rated as unsatisfactory, nine as good and eight satisfactory. The NEI said its inspectors made judgements based on a five-point scale, where a level five denotes an exceptional school and level one represents the ranking for failing schools. The inspectorate said all schools should strive to achieve no less than a good rating. The 12 high schools where the overall effectiveness has been deemed unsatisfactory are Albert Town High, Clan Carthy High, Trench Town High, Vere Technical High, Ferncourt High, Godfrey Stewart High, Green Pond High, Kingston High, Knockalva Technical High, Mavis Bank High, Mile Gully High and Seaforth High. Those rated as satisfactory are Port Antonio High, Porus High, St Andrew Technical High, St Mary Technical High, Haile Selassie High, Kingston College, McGrath High and William Knibb Memorial High. Troy High School, Titchfield High, Westwood High, Wolmers Boys, Holy Childhood High, Immaculate Conception High, Jamaica College, and Meadowbrook High have been rated as good. In its overview of activities at the Trelawny-based Albert Town High, the NEI described teaching methods, as well as teachers understanding of how students learn as unsatisfactory. Many lessons are dull and do not cater to the learning styles and ability levels of students, said a section of the report which also pointed out that Albert Town High has not ensured satisfactory progress in English and mathematics over a period of time. In its assessment of the Kingstonbased Clan Carthy High School, the NEI said most teachers have a sound knowledge of the subjects they teach, but some do not display satisfactory understanding of how best to teach, and are not sufficiently knowledgeable of the learning styles and ability levels of the students. The school, though, has recorded improvements in the number of students passing five subjects and more, including mathematics and English, but performance continues to fall below national averages, the report added.

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For the St Ann-based Ferncourt High, the leadership and management of the institution were described as unsatisfactory. Progress in English and mathematics was also rated unsatisfactory. At the Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland, the report described the quality of teaching, as well as teachers subject knowledge as satisfactory. However, teaching methods were described as unsatisfactory, so too was progress in mathematics. Progress in English was, however, dubbed satisfactory. The Kingston-based Haile Selassie High School received a favourable assessment in terms of overall effectiveness. Teaching and learning is satisfactory and most teachers have satisfactory knowledge of the subjects they teach, the report stated. However, the report pointed out that many students at the school perform poorly in English and mathematics, when compared with other schools. Among the schools classified as good is the Holy Childhood High School. Teaching and learning are good. Most teachers at the school plan their lessons well and use a variety of teaching methods to make their classes interesting, the report stated. Another school where the overall effectiveness was said to be good is Immaculate Conception High School. Leadership and management of the school is good as well as the quality of teaching provided by the school. Students perform significantly above the national averages and pass rates are in the 90s, the report stated. However, in its inspection of the school, the NEI said it identified instances of teachercentred lessons, where teachers spent too much time talking to or reading to students from textbooks. In its assessment of Jamaica College, the NEI said: Leadership and management at the institution are exceptionally high and teaching is satisfactory and supports students learning. However, like Immaculate and a few other high schools, the inspectors pointed out that very little effort is made by teachers to cater differently to high performing as well as, below average students. For Marcus Garvey High, the inspectorate painted a dismal picture. Leadership and management are failing and most of the school staff is very disgruntled with the management style and characteristics. Teaching and learning overall is unsatisfactory and

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most teachers reflect minimally on their teaching, so in most cases, lesson delivery lacks depth and fails to stimulate active interest, said the NEI report. Based on the NEIs assessment, standards at the Wolmers High School for Girls are exceptionally high. The report made note of the effectiveness of the leadership and management, teaching, as well as students performance in national and regional tests. According to the NEI, 96 per cent of students at Wolmers Girls pass at least five subjects, including mathematics and English in the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate examinations at the end of fifth form.

Brenda Ramsay returned as Mandeville mayor Friday, March 30, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Councillor Brenda Ramsay (PNP, Bellefield Division), was returned as chair of the Manchester Parish Council and mayor of Mandeville at the official swearing-in ceremony of councillors in Mandeville yesterday. Councillor Erwin Facey (PNP, Spur Tree Division) was returned unopposed as vicechairman of the council.

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1/1 The five new councillors who have joined the Manchester Parish Council are Fairbourne Maxwell (PNP, Mile Gully Division), Jones Oliphant (PNP, Mandeville Division), Burton Wright (PNP, Walderston Division), Cleon Francis (JLP, Knockpatrick Division), and Muriel Swaby (PNP, Porus Division). The People's National Party won 11 of the 15 seats in the Manchester Parish Council in the March 26 Local Government Elections, leaving the Jamaica Labour Party with four seats. Some councillors were sworn in to cheers from supporters watching the ceremony on television screens outside the Parish Council building. Principal Returning Officer Garth Smith, who chaired the ceremony, said that Ramsay, as the first female mayor of Mandeville, "has rewritten the history books". He urged the newly elected councillors to carry out their duties "equitably and impartially" as the effective functioning of central government is dependent on the "cohesive" functioning of local government. Member of parliament for Central Manchester Peter Bunting said that during the campaign the PNP tried to make it very clear that local government is a critical component of the governance structure and democracy.

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He added that the roles of councillors and that of member of parliament should be clearly defined. "As we put more responsibility, more resources, more accountability at the level of the local government representative we need to, as a society, make a clearer distinction between the responsibilities of members of parliament and of the local government councillors," he said. "Oftentimes, voters don't have a clear distinction, and I think it is something we need to work on. A proper division of labour, not doing the same things and overlapping but complementing each other in the whole governance structure," Bunting added. Audley Shaw, member of parliament for North East Manchester, charged the councillors to look at every opportunity to serve the people well. "Too often we look at the same doors. As councillors, make yourselves aware of the many agencies. Use yourselves as a catalyst. Seek to widen the effectiveness of your representation," he said. Bunting and Shaw noted that the Manchester Parish Council has a "long tradition" of providing "excellent service to the people". Shaw said that with that reputation the council could take the lead in using solar power to generate street lights and avert the cost of using power from the Jamaica Public Service. He said that by going this route, more funds would be made available to more effectively address the other areas of concern. Mayor Ramsay, in her address, disclosed that the council has already embarked on a "wind energy project" which will enable it to be 100 per cent self-sufficient when completed. She added that it is time that the talks about local government reform be more than just ideas on paper. "Civil society wants to have a voice in governance. We owe it to them to be open, transparent and inclusive," said Ramsay. She also told guests at the ceremony that she plans to meet her obligation to the Manchester community through team effort.

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Brenda Ramsay returned as Mandeville mayor By ALICIA SUTHERLAND Thursday, March 29, 2012 | 5:58 PM

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Peoples National Party (PNP) Councillor for the Bellefield Division, Brenda Ramsay, was returned as chairman and mayor of the Manchester Parish Council at the official swearing in ceremony in Mandeville today. Councillor Erwin Facey (PNP-Spur Tree Division) was returned unopposed as vice chairman of the council. The five new councillors that have joined the Manchester Parish Council are Fairbourne Maxwell (PNP- Mile Gully Division), Jones Oliphant (PNP-Mandeville Division), Burton Wright (PNP- Walderston Division), Cleon Francis (JLP) Knock Patrick Division and Muriel Swaby (PNP- Porus Division). The PNP won 11 of the 15 seats in the Manchester Parish Council in the March 26 Local Government Elections, leaving the JLP with four seats. Some councillors were sworn in to cheers from supporters who gathered on the outside of the council to witness the occasion, chaired by Principal Returning Officer Garth Smith.

Discourse-driven math teaching needed educators Sunday, February 12, 2012

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LOCAL expert math educators are emphasising a more discourse-driven approach to the teaching of the subject, which many students continue to dread. Data based on performance in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) show that student scores declined in 2011 after a slight improvement in 2010, with only 32 per cent of students passing the subject in 2011 compared to 40.9 per cent a year earlier.

Pauline Thames-Baker, senior math educator, helps a group of math teachers as they develop an activity to help students understand fractions. The math teachers all of them drawn from the six high schools under the Centres of Excellence programme were participating in a workshop organised by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew.

1/3 Dr Tamika Benjamin and Pauline Thames-Baker, consultant mathematicians to the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), has argued that the approach of most teachers to the subject is rigid; and this leaves students without a clear understanding of important mathematical concepts.

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They were facilitating a capacity-building workshop for math teachers from the six rural high schools under the MBSF's Centres of Excellence programme, held at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew recently. "Children don't necessarily fear math at the early stages. However, their early experiences influence the extent to which they are able to grasp more difficult concepts, particularly if they are taught in a very rigid way with no relationship being made between what they are taught and their everyday experiences," said Benjamin. "Teachers often teach concepts in an abstract manner and generalise or teach rules which sometimes are not always true," she added, noting that it complicates the learning process as students discover that rules do not apply to all concepts. Using the concept of fractions as an example, both Benjamin and Thames-Baker took teachers through a comprehensive practicum on how to prepare activities using simple manipulatives. They demonstrated, for example, how fraction strips or circles can be used to introduce the topic of equivalent fractions to students, instead of using the algorithm process. The duo noted further that students should also be engaged in discussion to help them identify the patterns and relationships between the activity and the concept. According to Benjamin and Thames-Baker, while there are many teachers who use activities to explain concepts to students, the activities often lack interrogative discourse. "The activities must be driven by question-led discussions. Failure to use this approach will result in the activities just being something done in class with little or no meaning. It is also important that we ask the students the right questions; failure to do this will also result in students not benefiting from the activity," Benjamin stressed. Judith Sedi, a math teacher at Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland, one of the six Centres of Excellence schools, agreed with the senior educators. She maintained that rigorous discussion helps teachers to identify misunderstanding or disbelief among students. "Often students believe the rules they are taught at the early (primary) stages and so they are often reluctant to let go because holding on to it makes them comfortable," she commented.

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Thames-Baker recommended that students be allowed to come to their own understanding and not simply be fed rules. "When children come to an understanding by themselves whether right or wrong they become attached to it emotionally; and that's why it's very difficult for them to let go. It is, therefore, very important that we use practical examples in class so that the correct foundation is laid at the outset," she said. Benjamin, for her part, noted that if discourse is employed vigorously at the primary level, it will enrich learning and improve performance in secondary schools as well as at the tertiary level. The $100-million Centres of Excellence programme was created and is managed by the Jamaica National Building Society and The Victoria Mutual Building Society through the MBSF to build leadership capacity and channel resources to six underperforming rural high schools. In addition to Godfrey Stewart High in Westmoreland, the high schools in the programme are McGrath High in St Catherine; Porus High and Mile Gully High in Manchester; Green Pond High in St James and Seaforth High in St Thomas.

PNP courting Daren Powell Cricketer being considered as candidate for local gov't poll BY GARFIELD MYERS Editor-at-Large, South/ Central Bureau Wednesday, February 08, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Former West Indies fast bowler and recently elected president of the St Elizabeth Cricket Association Daren Powell is being considered by the ruling People's National Party (PNP) as a candidate in local government elections due by the end of March.

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Chairman of the PNP's Region Five Senator Wensworth Skeffery told the Observer Monday that Powell was on a short list of three candidates under consideration to represent the party in the Malvern Division, South East St Elizabeth.

POWELL... on a short list of three candidates under consideration

1/1 The others being considered are the incumbent caretaker Barbara Gayle and salesman/farmer Kingsley Palmer, Skeffery said. Malvern is the only one of 30 divisions in Region Five (Manchester and St Elizabeth) for which a PNP candidate is yet to be decided and Skefferey said a final decision will be made by today following further "soundings" and meetings in the division. He explained that the delay had resulted from the PNP's resolve to select the best possible candidate. "Malvern is a division the PNP must win in order to make sure we take the St Elizabeth Parish Council," he said.

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"We will not be emotional, we will be totally objective in making sure we select the best person to not only win the division but provide quality representation," Skeffery added. The JLP currently controls the St Elizabeth Parish Council eight-seven an exact reverse of Manchester where the PNP controls. Myersville, the strongest division for the PNP in SE St Elizabeth, will have Layton Smith as the PNP candidate replacing former councillor Richard Parchment. The latter was elevated to Member of Parliament for SE St Elizabeth after defeating Frank Witter of the JLP in the December 29 general election. The other PNP representatives in SE St Elizabeth are caretakers Lilieth Clacken (Southfield Division) and Jasett Schaffer ( Junction Division). In North East St Elizabeth incumbent councillors, Everton Fisher (Balaclava), Audie Myers (Siloah), Donovan Pagon (Braes River) will all be contesting the elections while Maureen Thompson will contest the Santa Cruz division currently held by the JLP's Stallyn Brown. Skeffery said problems involving party unity in Balaclava had been resolved. "The comrades in Balaclava are now like peas in a pod - fully behind Comrade Fisher," claimed Skeffery. Errol Hummingbird, incumbent councillor for Ipswich will seek to retain the only division currently held by the PNP in North West St Elizabeth. Other PNP candidates in NW St Elizabeth are journalist and marketer Andre Gordon (Lacovia Division) and businessman Cyril Martin (New Market). Incumbent councillors Mordant Mitchell (Black River Division) and Sandra Whyte (Brompton Division) are both returning for the PNP in SW St Elizabeth. Rankin Watson (Pedro Plains Division) and Frederick Gayle (Mountainside) will be seeking to unseat JLP incumbents, council chairman and mayor of Black River Jeremy Palmer and Derrick Sangster respectively. Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsay will lead the charge for the PNP in Manchester, seeking to succesfully retain the Bellefield Division in Manchester Central. Donovan Mitchell (Royal Flat Division) and Goyfield Harrison (Knockpatrick) will all be seeking to retain their council seats while Jones Olliphant will be bidding for the Mandeville Division recently vacated by new custos of Manchester, Sally Porteous, formerly of the JLP.

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In North East Manchester where all three council seats are held by the JLP, the PNP will be trying to turn the tables through Fidel Palmer (Craighead Division), Burton Wright (Walderston) and Stacey Ann McConnell (Christiana). In North West Manchester, former councillor and businessman Fairbourne Maxwell will contest the Mile Gully Division, currently held by businessman Timothy Scarlett of the JLP who lost to member of parliament Mikael Phillips in the December 29 poll. Incumbent PNP councillors in NW Manchester Faith Sampson (John's Hall Division), McArthur Collins (New Green) and Erwin Facey (Spur Tree) are all down to contest. In South Manchester, incumbent PNP councillors Anthony Bryce ( Newport Division) and Dalton Brown (Alligator Pond) will bid to retain their seats while Derrick Sanderson (Grove Town) and Muriel Sanderson- Ferguson (Porus) will bid for divisions currently held by the JLP. -- Garfield Myers

More exciting prizes for Yummy Bakery School programme winners Tuesday, January 31, 2012

YUMMY Bakery promises bigger and more exciting prizes this year for students and the more than 200 schools which will be participating in the Yummy Bakery School Programme . Under the programme, the participating schools receive rebates from Yummy Bakery based on the amount of products bought, while students who purchase at least three products can use the wrappers from those items to enter a competition for a variety of prizes.

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Winner of the Kingston region Ashley Salkey (second right) gets her prize from Richard Green (right), sales supervisor at Yummy, while Dave Lee (left) trade development manager at Yummy and Ashleys father Neville Salkey (second left) look on.

1/2 "We are so pleased that the rebate cheques which we handed out to the participating schools last year were well received and were used to retool the institutions," said Janice Lee, business development manager for Yummy Bakery. However, this term she and her team intend to encourage greater spending at each school, so the amounts given back to each institution will be greatly increased. Last year Edwin Allen School, in Frankfield, Clarendon received the largest rebate from among participating schools islandwide which was used for sports development at the institution. The winning students of the regional grand draws in December, 2011 were: Romario Brown, Steer Town Academy; Shanill Reid of Mile Gully High School; Romaine R Pottinger, Hopewell High School and Ashley Salkey of Swallowfield Primary School.

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Lee also noted that the main prize for the winning student from each school in the end-of-term draw for 2012 will include a tablet a digital gadget which each student would be excited to win. Last year the student winners received: MP4 players, mobile phones, phone credit, school supplies and gift baskets. "The most rewarding aspect of the programme has been the forging of a mutually beneficial relationship between the company and the schools, as well as the development of a better understanding of the needs of the students and school administrators," Lee said. This year, Yummy Bakery will be adopting a school in Manchester and will also be working with the Manchester Parish Council on a beautification project. As part of Yummy Bakery's overall community outreach programme in the parish, the students of Ward Basic School in Hatfield, Manchester benefitted from a Christmas treat, at which the new Yummy Bakery mascot was unveiled.

Shanna Campbell ready to get on with life Wednesday, January 18, 2012

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Seventeen-year-old Shanna Campbell is now experiencing significant improvements after spending most of last year battling a stage two brain tumour. She is eager to return to school after undergoing radiation treatment. The Observer highlighted Campbell's plight early last year and since then family, friends, community members from Lyndhurst in Mile Gully and the Ministry of Health rallied around her in funding her $1.5-million medical bill and related expenses.

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Brain tumour patient Shanna Campbell in better spirits than last year. (Photo: Gregory Bennett)

1/1 "I feel strong enough to go to school," a recovering Campbell said last week. To help her achieve her dream, Campbell now needs tested glasses at the cost of $14,000 as the tumour affected her vision. "If someone is at a far distance I can see them but it is only when they come close I would know who the person is...," Shanna explained. She is hoping to have the tested glasses before returning to school. "She is not seeing properly from the left eye and we are afraid if she goes without the glasses it would (put) pressure (on) the right eye and it would go bad too," said Shanna's sister Heather. Shanna holds firmly to her dream of becoming a teacher of mathematics and said she would do six subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) level mathematics, accounts, economics, principles of business, English Language, and integrated

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science and then pursue tertiary studies at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville or at any teacher-training college that offers secondary education. Former Minister of Health Rudyard Spencer had committed to assisting her with backto-school expenses. "We will follow up with her and as soon as she is able to, we will assist her in going back to school," Spencer said at the time. Spencer had intervened and made arrangements with the Radiation Oncology Centre in Kingston where Shanna was referred to for Radiation Therapy. Officials from the Health Ministry formalised their intentions by meeting with the family shortly after the Observer story was published. They absorbed the discounted cost of $1 million. "It really touched my heart to see a young girl about to do her exams and has this serious condition...we spoke with the service provider and they have knocked off $500,000... a letter of commitment was sent to the private institution," Spencer told the Observer then. New Member of Parliament for North West Manchester (then caretaker) Mikael Phillips had also contributed $10,000 to her medical treatment. Now, Shanna, who is doing much better than she was when the story was first carried last year, is counting the days to getting back to her normal life.

NWC, Scotiabank sign US$115-m contract to improve water supply BY TANESHA MUNDLE Observer staff reporter mundlet@jamaicaobserver.com Saturday, December 17, 2011

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THE National Water Commission (NWC) and the Bank of Nova Scotia have signed a US$115-million contract for funding of the second phase of the Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project (JWSIP), which is expected to put an end to regular water lock-off in the Corporate Area and sections of the St Catherine. Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government Dr Horace Chang, who signed the contract with the bank's president and chief executive officer Bruce Bowen, said that the move by the local bank was an indication of its faith and confidence in the management and operation of the commission.

Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government, Dr Horace Chang (right) shares a laugh with Scotiabank president and chief executive officer, Bruce Bowen during the official signing of a contract for a US$115-million loan to fund the second phase of the National Water Commissions Jamaica Water Supply Improvement Project at the ministrys office in New Kingston on Thursday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

1/1 "This US$115 million is significant because it's coming from the local financial market led by Scotia. It is easily the largest commercial loans by the banks in recent times, both to

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public and private companies and it signals not only our commitment to investment in the water commission but the fact that we have made changes to improve the quality and management of the commission to ensure that banks will feel comfortable in lending the institution money," said Chang. "It is also a satisfying moment because we have taken a long time to get here," he added. The minister explained that discussions for the loan started about three years ago with an expectation to get the loan from the bank with a guarantee from World Bank. However, he said after the Jamaica Debt Exchange Programme the World Bank indicated that Jamaica did not qualify for the guarantee, which delayed the project and caused Government to rethink its approach. The loan, he said, is part of a commitment of almost US$300 million, which is being spent on the water supply improvement programme aimed at improving efficiency, quality and sustainability of the potable water services in the Kingston Metropolitan Areas as well as increased access in selected urban centres. Under the agreement with the bank, the principal loan will be repaid by the NWC by way of 18 equal quarterly instalments of US$1.916 million, following the 30-month moratorium period, with a final payment of US$80.5 million. The interest rate is 5.80 per cent, per annum. The money will be used to construct a water treatment plant in Spanish Town, which is expected to improve water supply in the old capital, Portmore and the Corporate Area. The loan will also be used to replace old pipelines in the Corporate Area and in sections of St Catherine. Thursday Bowen said that the company is happy to lend the money to NWC as it will contribute to the development of the country and is confident about the ability of the entity to repay the loan based on its management. "The market feels comfortable taking the seven-year commitment for the funding...," Bowen said, adding that what was significant was "that in the past we would just lend to the Government but now we are lending the NWC as a commercial entity."

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The programme, which is expected to end in the next 18 months, includes six major rural projects in Albert Town, Trelawny, Mile Gully in Central Manchester, New Market in St Elizabeth and Mason Hall and Agualta Vale in St Mary, rehabilitation of the Stony Hill, Constant Spring and Seaview treatment plants and drilling of new wells in Hall's Green in Golden Spring for the Stony Hill area. Divided into segments A and B, the $17-billion JWSIP is the single largest project ever undertaken by the water company. On completion, JWSIP will bring an additional 20 million gallons of water to residents in Kingston and St Andrew, St Catherine and other parishes.

Like a family fun day Nominations smooth in Manchester, St Elizabeth Tuesday, December 13, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester There were traffic snarls and inconveniences for ordinary folk, but otherwise Nomination Day activities went well in St Elizabeth and Manchester, returning officers and members of the police high command said yesterday. Smooth was the term used by most returning officers to describe the nomination of 16 candidates in eight constituencies across the two parishes.

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Returning officer for Central Manchester, Roderick Harley, shakes hands with the Peoples National Partys Peter Bunting after he was nominated yesterday at the Mandeville Courthouse. (Photos: Gregory Bennett)

1/2 And while thousands of people turned up at nomination centres to support their candidates, police reported no unsavoury incidents. Not a stone throw in St Elizabeth that I have heard about, declared St Elizabeths police chief, Supt Maurice Robinson. It was just people having good exchanges. It was like a family fun day across the parish, he said. After nominations closed in early afternoon Manchesters police chief Superintendent Lascelles Taylor claimed the only problem was traffic congestion, particularly in Mandeville. In fact, traffic was brought to a virtual standstill in Mandeville for close to three hours on either side of noon, as hundreds of party supporters joined their Central Manchester candidates, Peter Bunting (PNP) and Danville Walker (JLP) at the historic Mandeville Courthouse for nomination proceedings.

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Bunting arrived at approximately 10:50 am, accompanied by the required 10 electors which included Mandeville Mayor Brenda Ramsay, the PNPs Region five Chairman Wensworth Skeffery and campaign director for Manchester and former MP for Central Manchester John Junor. Bunting paid the fee of $3,000 in $1,000 bills which bear the likeness of legendary PNP leader and former prime Minister Michael Manley. Before departing on a constituency tour, Bunting told the media that he had absolutely no concerns about retaining his Central Manchester seat. The PNP had tun up the ting in Central Manchester and people are excited, people are having fun and people are going to send a resolute message that Peter Bunting will still be the member of Parliament come December 29, he said. Amidst a drizzle, the JLPs Danville Walker arrived with his entourage at 11:57 am. He took a little longer to clear his representatives with the security at the gate. Having arrived inside the nomination centre, he paid his fee in one hundred dollar notes bearing the likeness of the late prime minister of a JLP government of the 1960s, Donald Sangster. Walker dismissed suggestions that his entourage seemed smaller than Buntings, saying his supporters were in different areas of the town as they could not all fit into the compound of the nomination centre. He said he was very pleased with the turnout and that in just a few weeks we have closed the gap and actually inched ahead of Peter Bunting. Walker expressed concern about what he claimed were intimidatory tactics by the PNP. This is not the kind of leadership that Jamaica needs now, he said. Our main issue would be to organise to get the voters out and get the ballots into the box if we have no intimidation of our electors in those crucial JLP areas then we will win the day, Walker said. In North East Manchester, Finance Minister and the incumbent Audley Shaw was nominated to represent the JLP. He will be challenged by the PNPs Val Wint, a businessman. It has all gone very well, I have thousands of people here with me in a motorcade, Shaw told the Observer by telephone after nomination. In North West Manchester, Mikael Phillips, son of PNP heavyweight and campaign director Peter Phillips, was nominated by the PNP to replace incumbent MP Dean Peart who

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is retiring from active politics. Phillips will be challenged by the JLPs councillor for the Mile Gully Division, Timothy Scarlett. Dean Pearts younger brother and PNP incumbent Michael Peart was nominated in South Manchester. He will be challenged by the JLPs Colin Virgo. In South West Elizabeth, Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister and JLP incumbent Christopher Tufton will be challenged by the PNPs Hugh Buchanan who is the son of the late Danny Buchanan, a former Cabinet minister who held the seat for the PNP for 18 years, ending in 2007. In SE St Elizabeth, the JLPs incumbent Frank Witter will face the PNPs Richard Parchment. In the parishs North West, veteran JLP politician JC Hutchinson will seek to hold off the challenge of the PNPs Richard Rowe, while in NE St Elizabeth, Raymond Pryce will seek to retain what has traditionally been a safe seat for the Opposition party in the face of challenge from the JLPs Corris Samuels. Pryce, took over less than a month ago from Basil Waite who was dropped by the PNP.

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News Battle for Central Manchester heats up JLP poll suggests Walker making inroads, PNP canvass says Bunting has a clear lead

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BY JANICE BUDD Associate Editor Sunday buddj@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, December 04, 2011

NOT three weeks after formally announcing his candidacy as the JLP's man in Central Manchester, Danville Walker is said to be making serious inroads into the constituency which has been held by the PNP's Peter Bunting since 2007. It was a flu-plagued Walker who spoke to the Sunday Observer over a week ago, his illness, a testament, he claimed, to the fact that he hasn't left the constituency since his formal entry to politics and that he had been trodding the hills and valleys of the cool climes of Manchester continuously.

Danville Walker campaigning in Manchester last week.

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1/2 "My job is to run as hard as I can and don't look back. I just run the race and hope that I win when I reach the finish line," said Walker. That race, according to his party, is paying dividends already. The results of an internal poll conducted early last month by the JLP claim that more persons in key sections of the constituency, including traditional PNP strongholds, are showing strong support for the JLP newcomer compared to the PNP's Bunting. The survey, a copy of which was obtained by the Sunday Observer, was conducted between November 5 and 9 across 22 communities in all four electoral divisions in the constituency, namely: * Bellefield - 5 communities - 86 interviews; * Knockpatrick - 5 communities - 112 interviews; * Royal Flat - 5 communities - 126 interviews; and * Mandeville - 7 communities - 126 interviews Commissioned pollster, Mark Wignall, used a team of five interviewers and interviewed a total of 450 voting age adults in the constituency. Those interviewed (52 per cent male, 48 per cent female) were said to be a close match in terms of the age and occupational profile of voters in the constituency. According to the survey, the sample margin of error was plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The survey shows that in Knockpatrick, 42 per cent of voters said they would give their vote to the JLP, while 40 per cent said they would give it to the PNP. Twenty-one per cent refused to say. In Royal Flat, the breakdown, according to the JLP internal poll, was 44 per cent in favour of the JLP and 40 per cent for the PNP, while 16 per cent refused to say.

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In the capital of Manchester, the PNP appeared to have a slight lead in terms of support, with 41 per cent of voters saying they would give the nod to the Opposition, while 40 per cent said they preferred to vote for the ruling JLP. Nineteen per cent declined to state who their preference was. In Bunting's stronghold of Bellefield, the JLP appeared to have made the least inroads, garnering 32 per cent of voter support there, compared to the PNP's 47 per cent. Walker admitted during a subsequent interview with the Sunday Observer that his plan for this particular area had not been as successful as he had wished, but nonetheless declared he had significant support even there. "The polls show in the PNP stronghold of Bellefield, they (the PNP) are a little stronger than us, but we don't care, we will work hard in Bellefield also," said Walker. "Support is there too, the support is growing. The trick is to get them to the polls," said the JLP challenger for the Central Manchester seat. "Mr Bunting clearly believes he is the only person with common sense. The electorate are not as dumb as he feels they are," said Walker derisively. He insisted that most of the grave problems facing the electorate in the constituency he seeks to lead failed to improve under Bunting who, he suggested, needs to have his hand held by more experienced PNP officials. "After four years in the seat, you have to go for John Junor... to run for your mama, John Junor, to come hold your hand while you walk through your constituency...," Walker taunted, alluding to claims that the MP has not been a regular sight in some areas; something the JLP internal poll also points to: "His (Bunting) performance ratings are consistent with MPs who fail to visit their constituencies often. His 'good' ratings are 38 per cent while his 'poor' ratings are 49 per cent. It ought to be said that Bunting's good ratings are somewhat better than this researcher has seen in polls in three constituencies," read the JLP survey summary. But Bunting, when contacted for comment, dismissed Walker's statement about needing Junor's help.

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"That's just petty. John Junor maintains a practice in the constituency, has maintained one for the last four years. He is the parish campaign co-ordinator for the PNP and that's why he is there," said Bunting. "I welcome his participation in the campaign and we work together as a team and that is how the PNP operates." Junor corroborated this in a subsequent call to the Sunday Observer, comparing his role with Bunting to that being played by former JLP general secretary Karl Samuda for Walker in the constituency. Walker also took additional shots at his opponent declaring that Bunting seemed to be in a race to ascend to the leadership of the Opposition party, with the constituents suffering as a result. "Mr Bunting is in a leadership race. I want to make sure he has all the time in the world to concentrate on that leadership race," he said. But Bunting dismissed the assertion. "That is just a shallow attempt to create some division within the PNP and I won't dignify the comment with a further response," he said. However, Walker said the difficulty his opponent has is trying to convince the constituents that another four years with him at the helm will be any different than the previous years. Plus, he said, Bunting is up against a candidate that knows how to work, harkening back to his public sector stints as director of elections and commissioner of customs and his image as a man who gets the job done. The survey also indicated that "35 per cent of respondents see it as a 'good move' for Walker to be running on a JLP ticket. This is supported almost equally by swing voters, the uncommitted, and likely JLP voters. Twenty-four per cent see it as a 'bad move', but expected. That is mostly supported by those likely to vote for the PNP." The survey seems to back Walker up on this with 31 per cent of those polled in the constituency recorded as having a favourable view of him as a former head of the Electoral Office of Jamaica. Overall, 31 per cent of respondents have a favourable view of him. Thirtysix per cent of the uncommitted have a favourable view of him, while 40 per cent of JLP voters have similar views.

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Although Walker enjoys a high profile nationally, the jury is still out in the constituency in terms of making a definitive judgement of him, the survey said. Those who have expressed an unfavourable view of him (11 per cent) are, in the main, strong PNP voters/supporters who allege that he assisted in stealing the election for the JLP in 2007 and that he is untrustworthy. Bunting was confident that he has every possibility of eradicating any bounce the JLP may have recently seen. "The Labour Party in the constituency would have got their bounce from two things from the changing of the prime minister and the getting of a candidate which they hadn't had for some time," he said. "Those two things would have given them a bounce in late October, whenever those changes took place. My expectation is that by the time the elections are held that would have dissipated... I don't think there is much more bounce that they are going to get. He sought to pour cold water on the JLP's mass meeting planned for this evening in Mandeville square where Prime Minister Holness is expected to announce the election date. "This meeting is just about the JLP trucking in or busing in a whole heap of people from across the island, so really this is not going to reflect the Central Manchester crowd," he said. In the meantime, Walker has expressed reservations that with his perceived progress, his opponent's supporters might resort to more serious deterrents than before, referring to the vandalism of his billboard within days of its erection in Mandeville. "The one concern I have is their desperation, which, in the past, has led them to do desperate things. They started with my billboard," Walker said. But this elicited a swift retort from Bunting. "When the Labour Party came though on Wednesday and they destroyed Mykael Phillips' billboard in Mile Gully, why didn't he demand that his side replace the billboard? he asked. "I think he is being hypocritical and that he is being irresponsible with his statements about expectation of sabotage, and I can't help wondering if this is the pretext for more to come.

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"We saw what happened in 2007, where my campaign vehicle was riddled with AK-47 bullets and four of my supporters around me were murdered. So I beg him, please don't start creating the environment for that," said Bunting. The JLP survey, though concluding that the party had great potential to meet its target of digging the incumbent from his seat, also warned the party that it cannot take for granted that the PNP's support in the key constituency has stalled. "While general polling over the last year would tend to support that trend, in the Central Manchester constituency, the high-profile incumbent in Peter Bunting will be pulling out all stops to retain his seat," the survey said. That is something that Bunting himself told the Sunday Observer. "The team that is going to be more effective campaigners between now and the election, and that has the more efficient organisation, will win," he said. "I think we have done our work in terms of building our organisation. Mr Walker has been on the ground now without my being able to be there full time, because I have Parliament, I have the electoral commission, I have committees of Parliament, (plus) all the other responsibilities I have. "But you know, when I get on the ground when the formal campaign has started, I am going to try to ensure that the people get the message hold those accountable for issues that are important to them, those who have done nothing to create jobs in the country. Those who have mismanaged the spending, why the roads are bad. All the issues that people have pointed out in the poll. My job is to ensure that I communicate to them that this Government is responsible for that and that is who they must pass judgement on," he said. Bunting's successes also cannot be dismissed, the summary offers. "Those who say they intend to vote for him cite 'it's my party', 'tradition' and, to a much lesser extent, Bunting's likeability. In that judgement, he doesn't bring much to the table in terms of his personality's likely influence on the final vote," the survey summarises, noting that organisation and funding will be key, and that these are areas Bunting is noted for. Junor, as the PNP's campaign director for the central region, said the PNP has completed its own internal canvass of the seat, which shows a clear lead for its candidate.

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"We are now in the stage where the analysis indicates a clear lead for Bunting in the constituency, and I'm not talking a clear lead anywhere near his margin for the last time (2007 elections). I'm talking over 1,000 (votes)," said Junor. "Canvasses done in that constituency have been remarkably accurate," he insisted, asserting that the party has never been as organised in the constituency as it is at this point prior to Nomination Day. He said the PNP had been able to "predict its results within margins of 14-28 per cent". Notwithstanding the PNP canvass, the JLP internal survey concludes that Walker's perceived competence as a public servant, his ability to get the job done, and the need to give the new Prime Minister Holness a 'try', are essentially the factors that the JLP needs to exploit, along with a superior organisational machinery, if it wants to wrest the Central Manchester seat from the PNP. The survey team concludes it is a winnable seat for the JLP.

JLP takes message into Manchester's hills and valleys BY INGRID BROWN Senior staff reporter browni@jamaicaobserver.com

Friday, December 02, 2011

A day after the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) kicked off its election campaign in St Mary, party officials and supporters undertook a 10-hour-long road tour through the hills and valleys of Manchester on Wednesday, to shore up support in three People's National Party (PNP)-held constituencies.

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The convoy, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, accompanied by a large throng of bell-ringing, pot cover knocking, branch-waving supporters, meandered through dirt tracks at times and wide expanses of empty land at others, covering close to 30 communities.

Spirited supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party wave fistfuls of green branches as they travel in the trunk of a car that was part of the partys tour through Manchester on Wednesday.

1/7 From our position in the long queue, the Observer was unable to gauge the interaction of the prime minister with persons who stood along the road with tree branches as a signal of support for the party, even in some traditionally strong PNP enclaves. However, in areas where he stopped briefly, both the young and old crowded around to touch and talk with him. Onlookers who did not get the chance to touch and hug him as he waved from the sun roof of a sport utility vehicle, eagerly accepted hundreds of posters depicting highlights from the JLP's 68th annual conference and armbands which were distributed freely.

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New candidates for Central and South Manchester Danville Walker and Colin Virgo respectively tossed arm bands as they, too, smiled and waved to supporters from the sun roof of their vehicles. In some communities the reception was, however, not as welcoming as a few comrades staked their claim in areas such as Cross Keys. "Unnu go through. Go through because dah area ya ha fi Michael Peart," one very vocal PNP supporter shouted. Just outside of Plowden one little boy who was among a group of children took off his orange shirt to wave it wildly in the air while pointing to a street sign which read Portia Simpson Miller Drive. In other communities, the motorcade was met by supporters who did not allow the absence of a green shirt to hinder their show of support as they broke huge branches from the trees to wave. "Teck it to dem Danville," one man shouted as he heaved his branch high in the air while shouting "shower" (the JLP catchword counter to the PNP's "power") The motorcade grew in numbers as it went through communities, and before long the sound of horns and bells were the only ones to be heard for miles. When the convoy pulled into Alligator Pond, there was an immediate press of greenclad supporters anxious to hear from the leader and other JLP officials. Standing in the bed of a pick-up truck, Holness addressed the crowd which hung on to his every word before erupting in wild jubilation. With the hours ticking away, given the two-hour late start, the motorcade pressed on in a bid to cover as much ground as possible. The warnings given by deputy leader Desmond McKenzie to the labourites to be on their best behaviour and not hang from vehicles, was lost on the group as young men and women skilfully balanced on every section of some moving vehicles. Police in service vehicles with emergency lights flashing, stuck close to the officials in the motorcade, seemingly unmindful about traffic management. With no police outriders on

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the tour, motorists had a free for all on busy thoroughfares, turning dual carriageways into one-way streets. By the time the motorcade rolled into Mile Gully, it was way after 8:00 pm. Here, the small town square was filled to overflowing with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Again, Holness addressed the gathering, this time confirming that the election gate will fly at the mass meeting scheduled for Mandeville square this Sunday evening "Sunday in Mandeville you will hear the date and you will get the green light," he said. With several more communities to cover, the speeches were short, as the motorcade pressed towards the finish line for the final meeting. After traversing a few more communities, the tour made its way along a pitch black road to Swaby's Hope for the conclusion of what officials dubbed a successful tour. Walker, in his address to the labourites, said Jamaica needs the JLP to move it to a place where the PNP can never destroy it again. "This is our destiny, and our time and we must do it for Jamaica," he told them. Moments later when Finance Minister Audley Shaw took to the platform, it was a riled up group of supporters who responded to his instructions to call the PNP "hypocrites". "I have never seen a set of people hypocritical like the PNP, and I hear that since they heard about Henry's resignation the ole vultures dem ah call for my resignation," he said in reference to the resignation Tuesday night of Mike Henry as transport and works minister. "You want man ah yaad fi resign?" he asked to a resounding "no!" from the labourites. Shaw said the PNP have never resigned over the handling of a number of road projects which resulted in significant overruns. "So I say to you, what a set of ole hypocrites dem. So when you see them ah pass you fi say ole hypocrites, weh unnu a go," he advised. South Manchester candidate Virgo also wasted no time in further riling up supporters as he accused the sitting MP, Michael Peart, of neglecting the constituency for far too long.

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"South Manchester has suffered for far too long because the outgoing MP is too disrespectful, rude, unapproachable and doggone lazy," he said. Sometime after 10:00 pm, when Holness took to the platform, he wasted no time in launching a broadside against the media which he accused of not reporting the truth and of having agendas. That aside, Holness said JLP politicians have set a new standard for governance. "Today, we make a decision regarding one of our ministers and the decision was taken because we decided the party will be one to set standards of new governance in Jamaica," Holness said. "Mike Henry knows and understands what that standard is about. It is about responsibility." He said there will always be issues of corruption in Government, but the test is how it is dealt with. "We will take action necessary within the law. We will be fair to all parties involved, but at the end of the day the country's interest must be protected," he said.

Mikael Phillips billboard defaced in Mile Gully Wednesday, November 30, 2011 | 9:23 AM

MANDEVILLE, Manchester People's National Party (PNP) candidate for North West Manchester Mikael Phillips has condemned the vandalising of a billboard promoting his campaign located in Mile Gully Square. "When we going to mature politically?" Phillips asked while on the telephone with the Observer early Wednesday.

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The billboard with the image of PNP candidate Mikael Phillips, which was defaced in Mile Gully, Manchester.

1/1 When you see activities like this you have to wonder if it is really coming from within the constituency or from people from outside because my experience is that this is not how people in North West Manchester conduct politics, he added. Locals say they awoke today to find the billboard vandalised with the photograph of Phillips cut out. Phillips, the son of the PNP's campaign director, Peter Phillips, is replacing longstanding Member of Parliament Dean Peart as the PNPs standard bearer in NW Manchester. The latter will retire from representational politics come the next parliamentary elections. Phillips is being challenged by the Jamaica Labour Partys (JLP) Timothy Scarlett, a businessman and parish councillor for the Mile Gully Division. Scarlett, who made waves by walking into a PNP public meeting in Mile Gully two years ago, embracing comrades and even delivering a brief speech, could not be reached for comment.

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Earlier this month, a billboard bearing the likeness of new JLP candidate for Central Manchester Danville Walker was also defaced in Mandeville. - Garfield Myers

Water lock-offs could be a thing of the past Friday, November 25, 2011

REGULAR scheduled water lock-offs in the Kingston Metropolitan Region during periods of drought will be a thing of the past when the water system improvement programme is completed, according to minister with responsibility for water, Dr Horace Chang. "By next year this time we expect to have no water lock-off at all, even if we have a severe drought," Chang told the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

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CHANG... admitted that government was significantly behind in addressing the rural water woes

1/1 This will be a result of Parliament's approval of a Government Guarantee for loans totalling US$248 million to finance the Jamaican Water Supply Improvement Project (JWSIP). Cabinet sanctioned an amendment to a previous loan agreement between the National Water Commission (NWC), the implementing agency for JWSIP, and the Bank of Nova Scotia in the amount of US$115 million; and a loan of US$133 million between the NWC and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The JWSIP is aimed at improving efficiency, quality and sustainability of the potable water services in the Kingston Metropolitan Areas as well as increased access in selected urban centres. According to Chang, the water rehabilitation project will see to the rehabilitation of 29 functioning wells, changing out of a significant amount of leaking lines in residential areas as well as improvements to the water systems in Old Harbour, May Pen and Mandeville. "In the earlier phase of this programme we are rehabilitating both the Mona and Hope water treatment plants and a significant amount of sewer collection systems downtown that leads to Soapberry," Change said. He said that by the end of the IDB-funded project, the entire Corporate Area water supply system would have been rehabilitated. Meanwhile, Chang admitted that government was significantly behind in addressing the rural water woes as only 50 per cent of these areas have access to potable water. "Urban water supply reaches about 90 per cent of the people, not necessarily in their houses but they have easy access to it, but we are still significantly behind in rural reach," he said.

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He explained further that the NWC has just completed a parish demand plan for the entire island and this is where the agency is looking at a potential expenditure of almost $80 billion. However, the loan will also make it possible for work to be done on six major rural projects in Albert Town, Trelawny, Mile Gully in Central Manchester, New Market in St. Elizabeth and Mason Hall and Agualta Vale in St. Mary. Addressing the worrying issue of the NWC not repairing roads dug up to install pipes, Chang said provisions were in this programme to address this vexing issue. "The projects have finance in there for road maintenance," he said. He explained further that under the restructure of the NWC management, the portfolio of one of its vice-presidents deals specifically with reinstatement of roads. Additionally, there are engineers who are responsible for monitoring of these repairs to ensure the road is restored to a good quality. The failure to repair the roads in past, he said, was initially a question of finance. "When it is done out of the NWC's cash flow, which is severe, you may end up laying the pipes but don't have the money to do the roads and so end up with a long period of the road being exposed," he said The minister also argued that it is not fair to require the NWC to spend billions in repairing roads which were already in a state of disrepair. In the meantime, Chang said new technologies which would eliminate the need for massive disrepair to the roadways are currently being looked at with discussions already taking place with engineering partners in Japan and the United States. "There has been introduced for residential areas, a thing called a non-trenching technology to install water pipes. It is not inexpensive but given the magnitude of the work we are doing it may justify us getting that kind of machine," he said. Chang also promised that mechanism would be in place to ensure there are no cost overruns at the commission.

Champions win as Busta second round kicks off

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Both urban defending champions in the ISSA/Busta football competitions, Excelsior and Jamaica College, won their opening games as the second round got underway. Under-16 kingpins Excelsior, playing before a vociferous away crowd, had to fight tooth and nails before getting the better of Greater Portmore 1-0. The 'Aggies' will next host Holy Trinity today. In another significant game in that age group, one of the favourites Jamaica College brushed aside Camperdown 2-0 to stay unbeaten. Bridgeport also got off to a positive start with a 1-0 win against Norman Manley. Hydel drew 0-0 with Tarrant and Wolmer's tied Holy Trinity 1-1. Today's schedule sees Tarrant facing Camperdown, Jamaica College tackling Hydel, Wolmer's hosting Greater Portmore, Bridgeport against Edith Dalton and St George's College against Norman Manley. Under -14 champions Jamaica College, playing at home, dominated Holy Trinity and came away with a 3-0 win. JC have been cruising through the competition and are considered by many as favourites to repeat. Another of the top teams in the division, Kingston College, started the second round impressively as they have done all season. On this occasion they routed Dunoon Technical 4-1 at Dunoon. Hydel drew 1-1 with Haile Selassie, Wolmer's beat St George's 1-0 and Tivoli Gardens lost 1-4 to a good Norman Manley aggregation. In today's round of games, Jamaica College will be away to Tivoli Gardens, while Kingston College will walk across the road to greet neighbours St George's College. Other match-ups see Haile Selassie facing Camperdown, Calabar against Hydel, Wolmers hosting Dunoon and Holy Trinity hosting Norman Manley.

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In the rural Under-14 competition, St Thomas Technical beat Spaulding 4-0, Old Harbour routed Bog Walk 5-0, St James beat Munro 2-0, Cornwall stopped Black River 2-1 and Manchester high and Green Island drew 2-2. In the rural Under-16 category, selected results saw Munro beat William Knibb 3-1 and Mile Gully stopping St Thomas Technical 1-0. The rural competitions also continue today.

JIIC sponsors JIS heritage essay competition Tuesday, November 15, 2011

THE Jamaica Information Service (JIS) hosted an essay competition targeted to Primary and Preparatory School students across Jamaica in observance of this year's Heritage Month celebrations. Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) was onboard to sponsor the event. JIIC was invited to support the Heritage Essay Competition by way of providing gifts for the winners. The insurance giant was proud to be a part of the competition.

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Their Excellencies the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen (centre), are pictured with the Marketing Manager of JIIC, Elizabeth Chung and Operations Manger, Chaluk Richards and the top 10 students in the inaugural Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Heritage Essay Competition following the awards ceremony at Kings House on Tuesday, November 8.

1/1 Marketing manager Elizabeth Chung states, "We welcomed this opportunity to support the education of our children especially that specific to knowledge about our heroes. We are pleased to be associated with this initiative and applaud the JIS for developing this concept. The quality of the essays written by the children is heart warming. As with our support of the creative arts, JIIC is keen on contributing to preserving our culture and heritage, and ensuring that the people and events that form our legacy as a nation is not forgotten." Entrants were asked to write on the topic: Who is your favourite National Hero or Heroine and why? Entries came from all the parishes in Jamaica. The competition was started on September 19 and ended on October 28. Prizes were awarded to the eligible students who wrote the essay which best explored the topic. The essays were read by a select committee not limited to persons within the JIS, but included individuals with a background on the topics being discussed. Emphasis was placed on originality of thought, including a clear statement of the student's own assessment of the issue. Ten primary school students were recognised for outstanding performance in the competition. Kathryn Gooden, a nine year old from St Hugh's Preparatory copped the top prize. Gooden walked away with several prizes, including a JIS first place trophy, a weekend for four at Franklyn D Resort, Sangster's Book Store voucher, an MP4 Player and $10,000 cash. Rounding off the top three were: 10-year-old St Hugh's Preparatory student, Matthew Irons, who finished second; and 11-year-old, Tajrakae Bryson, who copped the third prize. Irons, the only male in the top 10, was awarded $6,000 cash, a digital camera, a flash drive, Sangster's Book Store voucher and a JIS trophy. Tajrakae, a student of Corinaldi Avenue

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Primary School in St James also received a JIS trophy, a flash drive, a printer, book voucher and $4,000 cash. There were also a number of sectional prizes, including the Best Entry in the nineyear-old category, which went to Kathryn Gooden. Ten-year-old Kori-Ann Hermitt of St Richard's Primary School received the award for the Best Entry in her age group, while Tajrakae Bryson got best entry in the 11-year-old section and 12-year-old Sudandiee Stewart, of Marie Cole Primary in St Elizabeth, received the prize for her age group. The prize for Best Use of Language went to Ashli Francis of St John's Preparatory in St Ann. Best Researched Entry was awarded to Tajrakae Bryson and Most Creative Entry went to Jenieve Malcolm. Three students also received the Judges' Special Award. These were: Elizabeth Benjamin, St Andrew Preparatory; Jhonalee Gardner, Inverness Primary and Infant school in St Ann; and Tomoya Palmer, Mile Gully Primary School.

Downs open Manchester KO with shoot-out victory BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Saturday, November 12, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Downs kicked off the defence to their Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knockout competition on Thursday with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Porus at Downs. The South Central Super Leaguers were held goalless after full and extra-time, but steadied their nerves in the dreaded shoot-out to book their place in the last eight of the competition. Downs, who also needed penalties to defeat Mile Gully in last season's final, will now await next week's quarter-final draw.

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Meanwhile, the competition continues on Sunday with two games. Last year's beaten finalists Mile Gully will host Georges Valley at the Mile Gully Community Centre, while promoted Super League outfit New Green tackle Star Liner at Brooks Park. Action is scheduled to get underway at 3:00 pm at both venues.

Grange Hill snatch Francis KO spot BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Sunday, October 16, 2011

BELLE ISLE, Westmoreland Grange Hill High snatched the Ben Francis Knock-out spot from Zone C on a dramatic and rain-affected final day of the regular season in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup. Despite rainy weather that affected most of the island and washed out 16 of the 34 games scheduled, four schools managed to earn their place in the next round.

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Randy Thorpe of St James High (left), and Oshane Brown of William Knibb negotiate a loose ball during their daCosta Cup Zone A match at Jarrett Park yesterday. The game ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. (Photo: Paul Reid)

1/1 Grange Hill won a competitive Zone E after a 1-0 win over longtime leaders Mannings, while Petersfield grabbed second place with a massive 11-0 thrashing of Little London. Knox College in Zone G and Tacius Golding in Zone J also got the runners-up spots in their respective groups. Meanwhile George Forbes, competitions secretary of organisers ISSA, told the Sunday Observer yesterday that all games that were not played yesterday, including Manning Cup matches, would be played on Tuesday. This includes the decisive Zone A game between Cornwall College and Spot Valley and matches in Zone C and I, forcing the first round of the Ben Francis KO to be shifted to Thursday. At Belle Isle in Westmoreland, Romaine Nelson's second-half goal gave home team Grange Hill a revenge 1-0 win over Mannings to improve to 24 points and zone honours.

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Petersfield, who won their last six matches, hammered hapless Little London, 11-0, with Romario White scoring four times and Glenford Henry twice to finish on 23 points for an Inter-Zone berth. Knox College blanked Bellefield High, 3-0, to take second place behind Manchester High in Zone G, while Tacius Golding edged Dinthill Technical, 1-0, in Zone J to join group winners Old Harbour in advancing. St James drew 3-3 with an under-manned William Knibb at Jarrett Park to stay atop Zone A on 24 points, one ahead of Cornwall and Spot Valley, who meet on Tuesday. Cornwall won for the fifth straight time and extended their unbeaten run to six games with a 3-1 win over Green Pond, the last team to beat them. Spot Valley edged Irwin, 1-0, with both teams now on 23 points, setting up a decisive game on Tuesday. Meanwhile, defending champions Rusea's completed a perfect regular season with a 3-0 win over Anchovy, while Frome rebounded form their upset against Knockalva on Thursday to beat Merle Ottey, 5-0, and confirm their place in the next round. Marcus Garvey lead Zone C after a big 8-1 beating of Albert Town, but Cedric Titus can clinch the group on Tuesday with a win over Browns Town. St Elizabeth Technical, who had won Zone F earlier, finished their regular season with a 12 -0 drubbing of Newell, with Davin Ash scoring four times and Khisanio Hall a hat-trick. Yesterday's Results: Zone A Green Pond 1 Cornwall College 3 St James 3 William Knibb 3 Irwin 0 Spot Valley 1 Zone B Anchovy 0 Rusea's 3

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Frome 5 Merlene Ottey 0 Green Island 2 Knockalva 0 Zone C Marcus Garvey 8 Albert Town 1 Browns Town vs. Cedric Titus-rained out York Castle 0 Ocho Rios 6 Zone D Iona vs Tacky - rained out St Mary Technical vs Brimmervale - rained out Zone E Petersfield 11 Little London 0 Grange Hill 1 Mannings 0 Maude McLeod 4 Godfrey Stewart 1 Zone F Newell 0 STETHS 12 Black River 3 DeCarteret 1 Lacovia-0 Munro-4 Zone G Bellefield 0 Knox 3 Spaulding 1 Mile Gully 0 Manchester High 4 Christiana 2

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Zone H Alston vs Porus - rained out Lennon vs Clarendon College - rained out Edwin Allen vs Claude McKay - rained out Zone I Glenmuir vs Kemps Hill - rained out Bustamante vs Garvey Maceo - rained out Central vs Vere - rained out Zone J Tacius Golding 1 Dinthill 0 Old Harbour vs Charlemont - rained out McGrath vs Bog Walk - rained out Zone K Fair Prospect vs Port Antonio - rained out Buff Bay vs Annotto Bay - rained out Titchfield vs Happy Grove - rained out Zone L Robert Lightbourne vs Paul Bogle - rained out Seaforth vs. Morant Bay - rained out

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15 teams chase nine spots as preliminary rounds end today BY PAUL A REID Observer writer Saturday, October 15, 2011

MONTEGO BAY, St James Today will be Decision Day for up to 15 teams that are chasing nine available spots in the Inter-Zone round of the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup football competition as the regular season comes to a close. Today's round of matches is expected to be intense with four zones A, E, K and L still to decide even one qualifier and it could take a rescheduled match next week to confirm the second team from Zone A.

York Castles Chevrado Cole (foreground) shields the ball from Cedric Tituss Junior Samuels in their ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup Zone C game played in Clarks Town on Wednesday. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo: Paul Reid)

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1/1 Defending daCosta Cup and Ben Francis KO champions Rusea's High and St Elizabeth Technical, respectively, have already advanced to continue their defence and are among 11 schools that have qualified to the next rounds. In the Ben Francis KO the qualifiers are STETHS, Rusea's High, St Mary Technical, Manchester High and Old Harbour. The other qualifiers for the Inter-zone round are Cedric Titus, Marcus Garvey, St Mary High, Munro College, Clarendon College, Denbigh and Glenmuir High. Also today will be at least two titanic clashes that anything but a win could doom the losers to waiting until next season to pay football again. Three teams separated by one point are chasing the two spots in Zone E with Grange Hill on 21 points facing Mannings on 20, while Petersfield, who are also on 20 points, will play out of contention and winless Little London High. Clarendon College, who already are assured of a spot in the Inter-zone with 29 points and need just a point to secure their zone honours and a place in the Ben Francis KO competition, will face Lennon High, who could still lose and advance ahead of Edwin Allen, due to a massive lead on goal difference. Lennon have a plus 35 goal difference, while Edwin Allen are on 19. In Zone G three schools are chasing the runner-up spot behind Manchester High, who clinched the Ben Francis KO spot earlier in the week. A revenge win over Mannings would be sweet for Grange Hill, who would win zone honours over Petersfield, who are expected to beat Little London and improve to 23 points. A draw would still see Grange Hill advancing ahead of Mannings, who must win to advance. Clarendon College need only a point to take zone honours in Zone H and a draw would also benefit Lennon, while Edwin Allen, who led for a long time and were unbeaten through

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their first nine games must win big against Claude McKay and hope Clarendon score a heavy win over Lennon to have any hopes. Three schools, Knox College (19 points) and Spaulding and Christiana on 17 points are seeking to take the runner-up spot behind Manchester High. Knox will face Bellefield, Spaulding meet Mile Gully, while Christiana will face Manchester High. St James High, who have won once in their last five games, can secure their fifth straight Inter-zone spot with a win over William Knibb Memorial at Jarrett Park. St James, who edged Muschett High 1-0 on Thursday, lead with 23 points, but are battling Cornwall College and Spot Valley, both on 20 points and a game to go against each other and long shots Green Pond High, who are on 17 points. Today Cornwall College are away to Green Pond, who humiliated them 4-1 in the first round, while Spot Valley will play away to Irwin High. While both leaders Cedric Titus and Marcus Garvey have secured Inter-zone spots, Zone C honours will still be at stake when they face Browns Town and Albert Town, respectively. Cedric Titus, who missed securing their first Ben Francis KO spot in five years on Wednesday when they were held 1-1 by York Castle at home, lead with 22 points, two more than Marcus Garvey. Frome Technical can advance as the runners-up from Zone B even with a loss to Merlene Ottey High due to massive goal difference as long shots Anchovy would then have to beat Rusea's by an unlikely 28 goals. Red hot Glenmuir High, winners of their last six straight, should win Zone I with a win over Kemps Hill, while a point from Dinthill should be enough to see Tacius Golding High advance ahead of Ewarton on goal difference from Zone J behind winners Old Harbour. In Zone K, Port Antonio High and Buff Bay, both on 16 points, need wins over Fair Prospect and Annotto Bay, respectively, as Titchfield on 14 points could advance with a win over Happy Grove, should any of the others slip up.

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In Zone L, St Thomas Technical have completed their schedule on 15 points and are being chased by Paul Bogle who can go to 17 points with win and Seaforth who can pass them on goal difference with at least an eight-goal winning margin against Morant Bay High.

Happenings - October 12 Wednesday, October 12, 2011

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 Weddy Weddy @ Stone Love Headquarters, 41 Burlington Avenue, Kingston. Featuring: Stone Love Time: 11:00 pm. SFW: Sucker Free Wednesdays @ Escape 24/7 Bar & Grill, Knutsford Blvd, New Kingston, Time: 9:30 pm HPNOTIQ Luxury Wednesdays with ZIP @ Quad Night Club, New Kingston Time: 9:30 pm Medusa Wednesdays @ Medusa Bar, 97 Hope Road, Kingston

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Time: 9:30 pm Static Wednesdays @ Club Envy (Indies), New Kingston Time: 9:30 pm Brand New Machine, BNM @ Fiction Lounge, 67 Constant Spring Rd, unit 6, Kingston Featuring: VIP Table Service, outrageous themes, CD giveaways, groundbreaking DJ's Time: 8:30 pm LIV: Ladies | Indulge | Vibez Wednesdays @ Club Privilege, New Kingston Time: 9:30 pm Happy Hour On The Waterfront @ Pier 1, Montego Bay, St James Time: 9:30 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 Merritone All Inclusive Weekend @ Sunset Beach Resort Spa & Waterpark, Montego Bay Featuring: Merritone Music FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 Polo The 2nd Edition @ Village Blues Bar, Barbican

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Time: 9:30 pm She Say Is Her Destiny @ Party World HQ, lower Maryland, St Andrew Featuring: Snipa International, Quality International Time: 9:30 pm Impy Skimpy tha Playboy's Club @ Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios Featuring: Renaissance, ZJ Chrome, DJ Timeless, Coppershot, Hyperactive Time: 10:00 pm Double Trouble, Back to Basics 90s and Beyond @ Miguel's Cafe, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth Featuring: DJ Smurf, King Ghetto, Jax International Time: 10:00 pm Red Carpet @ Metro Lawn, Beach Road, 9 Miles, Bull Bay Featuring: Metro Graphic, DJ Smiley, Tender Touch Lovements, DJ Volcano, Baby Trish, Bamma among others Time: 9:30 pm Tipsy @ Pearly Beach, Ocho Rios Time: 9:30 pm

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Impy Skimpy, Tha Playboy's Club @ Turtle River, Ocho Rios, St Ann Featuring: ZJ Chrome, Renaissance, DJ Renegade, Coppershot, Timeless, Hyperactive Sound Time: 9:30 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 Heroes Weekend Sunset Cruise @ Mahogony Beach, Ocho Rios Time: 10:00 pm So Rificial @ 54 Lyndhurst Road (beside Lyndhurst Plaza) Featuring: Boom Boom and special guest artistes Time: 9:30 pm Ruption @ Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios Featuring: I-Octane, Firelinks, Tony Matterhorn Time: 10:00 pm Ms Conduct, Sexy When Wet Pool Party @ Chisolm's Retreat, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth Featuring: Code Red, ZJ Wa Wah, DJ Sani Time: 10:00 pm

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Sunkiss @ Negril Beach, Westmoreland Time: 3:00 pm Tantrum All White @ Ruins, Ocho Rios Time: 9:30 pm Inna My Crew Everyone A Star @ Eclipse Lawn, Litchfield, Mile Gully, Manchester Featuring: Bass Odyssey Let's Go Dancin for Charity @ Pimentos Restaurant and Bar, Upper Bogue Main Road, MoBay Featuring: Michael Barnett, Full House Disco of New Mills (Hanover) Time: 7:00 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 Ultimate Addiction @ Chocolate Villa, Junction, St Elizabeth Featuring: Coppershot, ZJ Chrome, DJ Kentucky, Kingston All-Star, Ratty & Bones, DJ Fresh Time: 2:00 pm Pre Heroes Day Fete @ Linval's Lawn, Port Morant

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Featuring: Quench Aid, Prince Khandid, Silverstones, Louie Culture, Courtney Melody, Junior Cat, Pinchers, the Mighty Killamanjaro featuring Fadda Jare and the Crew, German Starline Sound System with Patrick Andy and the Crew Time: 9:00 pm

Draw today could propel Manchester into 'Francis' KO BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Tuesday, October 11, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester DaCosta Cup Zone G leaders Manchester High School could be the first team to book a spot in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Ben Francis Knockout today if they can avoid a loss against Inter-Zone aspirants Bellefield High today in Mandeville. Manchester High, a semi-finalist in the Ben Francis KO last season, lead Zone G with 24 points from 10 games seven more than second-placed Spaulding and a point would be enough to see them topping the zone. The Ben Francis KO is contested between the 12 zone winners. Manchester, who are also the only team yet to concede a goal in the competition, had beaten Bellefield 4-0 in the first round and lead the group with 26 goals scored. Despite being idle, Munro College could also join the other six schools that have already qualified for the Inter-Zone round, if Zone F leaders STETHS beat Black River in Santa Cruz.

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Munro are in second place on 22 points, three behind STETHS while Black River are on 15 points and must win all their remaining three games and hope Munro lose for them to advance along with STETHS. Meanwhile, a win would take STETHS, the Knock out champions last year, to within a point of securing the Ben Francis KO spot. Yesterday, Clarendon College surged to the top of Zone H on 26 points after dumping Alston High 9-0 in their rescheduled game with a mostly reserve team. Dwayne Townsend made full use of his first start scoring four times, while Kyle Cummings and Rashidi Jacobs both scored two goals each for Clarendon College, who were scoring 20 goals in a three-day span after beating the same opponents 11-1 on Saturday. In Zone I, Glenmuir edged Denbigh High 2-1 to improve to 25 points and all but seal Garvey Maceo's fate of not advancing to the Inter-Zone round. Garvey Maceo are on 19 points with two games to go, while Glenmuir have three games to secure the one point they need to accompany Denbigh to the next round. Marcus Garvey Technical beat Ocho Rios to improve to 17 points, four behind leaders and Inter-Zone qualifiers Cedric Titus and one point away from a berth in the next stage. Meanwhile, the race for valuable points will continue in four other zones today as the return-round winds down. St James High (20 points) won their first seven games and appeared well set to run away with Zone A honours for the fourth straight year until they hit a skid and have failed to win their last three. Today they will face a big test away to Spot Valley High (16 points), one of three schools within four points and must win to get their season back on track. Cornwall College, who are on 17 points and coming off a morale-boosting 2-1 comefrom-behind win over St James High on Saturday, will host an inconsistent Irwin High who must win to stay in contention.

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Frome Technical on 21 points and Anchovy on 18 will continue their battle to join Rusea's High in the next round and will face Green Island High and Knockalva Technical, respectively. Old Harbour High have been picking up steam in Zone J and will seek their fourth win on the trot today when they face McGrath who held them to a 1-I draw in the first round. Old Harbour lead with 18 points from eight games, five more than Tacius Golding who have played nine games but have not won in their last three outings. Yesterday's results Zone C Marcus Garvey 2 Ocho Rios 0 Zone H Alston High 0 Clarendon College 9 Zone I Denbigh High 1 Glenmuir High 2 Zone L Morant Bay 2 Robert Lightbourne 1 Today's games Zone A Spot Valley vs St James William Knibb vs Muschett Cornwall College vs Irwin High Zone B

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Maldon vs Merlene Ottey Anchovy vs Knockalva Frome vs Green Island Zone F DeCarteret College vs Lacovia STETHS vs Black River Balaclava vs Newell Zone G Manchester High vs Bellefield Christiana vs Holmwood Mile Gully vs Knox Zone J Ewarton vs Charlemont Tacius Golding vs Bog Walk Old Harbour vs McGrath

Race on for Inter-zone, Ben Francis KO spots BY PAUL A REID Observer writer Saturday, October 08, 2011

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LUCEA, Hanover The rush for places in the Inter-zone round as well as the Ben Francis Knock-out competition should intensify today as the return-round of the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup schoolboys' football competition continues with 34 games across all 12 rounds. While two schools, defending champions Rusea's High and St Mary Technical, have already secured their places in the Inter-zone round, another five schools could secure their places today. Former champions St James High, Cedric Titus and the winner of the St Elizabeth Technical vs Munro College Zone F game secure their places. Meanwhile, Manchester High, Denbigh High and Buff Bay High could advance with a win, coupled with the result of other games in their zones. Additionally, two Ben Francis KO spots could be secured by Rusea's and Cedric Titus with wins. The Ben Francis KO competition is contested by the 12 zone winners only. Eighteen schools have already been eliminated from Inter-zone consideration and are playing out the remainder of their schedules. To add spice to today's round of games, there will be five derbies. While both Rusea's High and Frome are expected to advance from Zone B, the champions are seeking a place in the Ben Francis Knockout and will take a perfect nine-win record into today's game at the Collin Miller Sports Complex in Lucea as well as a seven games unbeaten streak over the Westmoreland school. Rusea's are off to the best start ever and have scored 56 goals with one against, and after beating Frome 2-0 away, will fancy their chances of scoring their 10th straight win today. Brian Brown has been on a goal-scoring spree and has 21 to his credit already and will lead the charge again. Cedric Titus are also off to the best start ever with seven straight wins, while conceding one goal and a win over Marcus Garvey again today would see them secure their spot in the knockout competition in at least four years.

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At Jarrett Park, unbeaten Zone A leaders St James High have drawn their last two games and will host second-placed Cornwall College who are coming off two wins and are unbeaten over their last three games conceding just one goal over the period. St James had won the first round game 2-1 to extend their winning streak against Cornwall to four games, but have looked out of sorts over their last four outings, edging lastplaced Irwin 1-0, coming from behind to draw 1-1 against Green Pond then drawing 0-0 against Irwin on Wednesday. STETHS, meantime, were held 1-1 by Munro in the first round, but will hope home field advantage in Santa Cruz will tilt the scales in their favour in the Zone F top-of-the-table clash. Both schools are on 22 points, but STETHS have played eight matches, one less than Munro and boast a much better goal difference of 45 to Munro's 21. STETHS's Kevon Farquharson has also scored in all eight games his team has played so far and will be seeking to extend that run today and add to his 15 goals. Manchester High (21 points) have a four-point lead at the top of Zone G over Spaulding, who they will visit today, but even another win this season would not secure their place just yet unless Christiana High (10 points) beat Bellefield High (12 points) again. A win for Denbigh High (24 points) over Kemps Hill in Zone I and a win for Glenmuir over Garvey Maceo would see Denbigh advance past the first round for the first time since the 2006 season. Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo are tied on 19 points each, but the latter have played two games less and had won the first round game 3-1. In Zone K, leaders Buff Bay High (16 points) can earn a spot with a win over Happy Grove, but only if Titchfield (10 points) can at least earn a draw against Port Antonio High, who are on 12 points. Today's games Zone A St James vs Cornwall College

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Muschett vs Spot Valley Irwin vs Green Pond Zone B Merlene Ottey vs Green Island Rusea's vs Frome Maldon vs Anchovy Zone C Ocho Rios vs Brown's Town Cedric Titus vs Marcus Garvey Albert Town vs York Castle Zone D Brimmervale vs Iona Tacky vs St Mary High Zone E Petersfield vs Godfrey Stewart Grange Hill vs Maud McLeod Little London vs Mannings Zone F STETHS vs Munro Newell vs Black River Balaclava vs Lacovia

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Zone G Holmwood vs Mile Gully Bellefield vs Christiana (1:30 pm) Spaulding vs Manchester Zone H Claude McKay vs Lennon Clarendon College vs Alston Porus vs Thompson Town Zone I Vere Tech vs Bustamante Garvey Maceo vs Glenmuir Kemps Hill vs Denbigh Zone J McGrath vs Tacius Golding Bog Walk vs Ewarton Charlemont vs Dinthill Zone K Titchfield vs Port Antonio Happy Grove vs Buff Bay Annotto Bay vs Fair Prospect Zone L

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Morant Bay vs Robert Lightbourne Paul Bogle vs St Thomas Technical

50th birthday gift keeps on giving Benefactor changes maritime student's life BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Sunday Observer senior reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, October 02, 2011

WHEN a cruel drought destroyed the crop Zackenio Dixon planted to pay his first year's tuition at the Caribbean Maritime Institute, his dream of becoming a ship's captain dwindled to just a distant speck on the horizon, until one man's unusual choice of "birthday gift" changed his fortunes. The stage was all set for Lloyd Barton's 50th birthday celebration, but a moment of introspection resulted in a decision which knocked Dixon's world back into orbit.

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Zackenio Dixon and his benefactor Lloyd Barton share a moment of mirth at the Observer, hours after meeting for the first time. A scholarship from Barton has financed Dixons degree programme at the Caribbean Maritime Institute.

1/2 "The plans were all made for the party, but I thought who would remember that? This is more like it," Barton told the Sunday Observer in a recent interview. "This", was his mission to make a difference in the life of someone who really needed help. Smiling vaguely at the memory of telling his wife that there would be no 50th birthday bash after all, Barton, who now resides in the US, said he set out on a mission to find that needy person. "I thought why not make a contribution to someone? I called Fritz Pinnock and told him how I felt. I said, 'tell me what I need to do'?," Barton recalls. Pinnock, Barton's long-time friend and Executive Director of the Caribbean Maritime Institute, (CMI), said he had heard young Dixon deliver the vote of thanks at the graduation of the National Youth Service in Cobbla, Manchester, some years before and was struck by his ambition. He was also aware of Dixon's desire to pursue a career in the maritime field

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and that this dream was being thwarted by financial troubles. He lost no time in making the pitch which marked the start of what is now shaping up to be a modern-day fairy tale. That was 2008. Fast forward three years and Dixon is in his final year at CMI, courtesy of Barton, who is the operations manager for an oil refinery in New Jersey. In all that time at school, the young student never once set eyes on his mysterious benefactor until fate intervened and there was a chance meeting early this month. "The funniest thing happened. My wife and I just came back from vacation and I had two more weeks left, so I said I would just come down and hang out with Mr Pinnock and his family because we are very close, and he says, 'why not come to work with me?' So I said OK, and this thing just took on a life of its own," Barton tells the Sunday Observer. "I came in on Saturday and he (Zackenio) had no idea I was coming in, and the morning when I visited the school and I was announced, that's when he said, 'I know that name'. So we met for the first time," Barton says. Up till then the two had only communicated via e-mail and the telephone. At their first meeting, they took turns telling the story which had seen Dixon, who hails from the farming community of Mile Gully in Manchester, being given the chance to live his dream even earlier than he had planned. During their interview at the Observer's Beechwood Avenue offices on that same day, one could not tell they had only just met for the first time, given the great rapport between the two, who incidentally, could pass for father and son at first glance. "I feel excellent. If it wasn't for him (Barton), I wouldn't have gotten the chance. Initially, I planned to do some farming. I actually started out, but dry weather caused everything to crash. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have been able to pay for first year or be at this stage," Dixon recalls, grinning despite the worry he must have experienced when he applied to the school without "knowing where the money was coming from". "After applying, I remember talking to Mr Pinnock and I was going to ask for assistance for boarding... he told me he got a scholarship for me. That was one of the most enjoyable moments I have ever had, because for everything to happen like that, it was so good," he says. But even then he was quick to point out that for him, going the farming route to get to his dream was not a step down but only a "slight deviation".

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"I have never thought negatively (looked down) on farming," Dixon shares. "I always look at it that it doesn't mean because I am doing this now then I cannot achieve what I intended. I can always use this as a stepping stone and branch off and I can always have two careers," he says, easily drawing a chuckle from Barton. In fact, to keep his journey through High School from being derailed, the determined youngster, who seems mature beyond his years, took the fight to another level. "Going through high school (Mile Gully High School in Manchester) I never had the financial background so I normally sold things on a Saturday in Mandeville like shoe polish, toothbrushes, combs and household stuff and I would save enough money to go to school the next week and have a portion to restock," he says. Always at the forefront of his mind is the reason he must succeed. His family. "I am the role model, they are looking for me to achieve so I can go back and help," says Dixon, who is one of four children for his mother, a domestic helper. He has no doubt the co-ordinates of his journey which led him to Pinnock, Barton and the maritime school were divinely plotted as he had even applied for the University of Technology but ended up at CMI. Dixon, who had always had a love affair with Geography, had dreamed of touring the world when he "had money". But his stint at CMI has catapulted him to places his bank account would not have been able to send him for many years. "I have been to India, China, Singapore, Vietnam, places I never dreamed of going," the confident 22-year old, who is the standard bearer for his family, says happily. Now almost at the end of his stint, the dreams haven't ended. "I want to be captain of a maritime vessel ultimately. When I graduate I will be a third officer, I have to gain some experience and then I will be moving on to second officer and then Chief Officer and finally a captain," he says confidently. It's those qualities that Barton says makes his 50th birthday, now long past, one of the best ever, and a "gift that keeps giving".

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"When he went to sea, I would send him mail to encourage him, but the level of encouragement and maturity that came back from him jumped at me. This guy sounds like a mature 40-year-old," he laughs. There are similarities between Barton and the youngster who could easily be the child he has never had. "I also had a background in agriculture, I went to the Jamaica School of Agriculture and then the UWI and never 'looked back'. I see him as a carbon copy. He's moving through. Another thing that struck me about him, is he is very concerned about his family and I can identify. "He says he wants to be a captain, he will be a captain," he says resolutely. For Barton it has never been about giving to receive. "He's not the only person I am helping, there are other persons in the States that I help, but I believe the need here (Jamaica) is greater," he notes. Dixon is part of that legacy and a landmark for a man who believes in making meaningful contributions throughout one's life. "The worst thing that can happen to someone is that you pass through this life and you die and nobody remembers you existed. I don't have kids, but I guarantee you 20 years from now he'll be telling his kids, 'you know where I am today, somebody helped me'. I don't need accolades," Barton says reflectively. "I am big on legacies. All I am asking him is if he should get an opportunity to help somebody, please do. If everyone in this world were to start doing that you would be surprised. That's all the return I am asking," he continues. Never one to back down from a challenge, his grinning charge replies with a promise of his own, "I sure will, that has been part of my plan."

Many primary-level students lack parental support at school Sunday, October 02, 2011

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SIX out of every 10 primary school students do not have adequate parental support in their bid to get the most out of their educational experience at that level. This is according to a recent assessment conducted by socio-economic analyst Dawn Sewell Lawson in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. The sample was comprised of 300 students from primary schools which feed into the six high schools under the Centres of Excellence programme of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). The schools are McGrath High, Mile Gully High, Godfrey Stewart High, Green Pond High, Porus High, and Seaforth High. Only 43 per cent of the 300 students sampled were classified as having adequate parental support, which was measured using four indicators. Those indicators include parental attendance at parent-teacher association (PTA) meetings; attendance at other meetings; parents initiating meetings with teachers to discuss their child's performance; and parent's accessibility by telephone. The assessment also revealed that approximately 50 per cent of parents have never attended PTA meetings while 65 per cent have never initiated nor met with a teacher in regard to their child. At the same time, the assessment revealed that in many instances, teachers did not know the level of parental involvement. "This is a clear indication that schools are not putting enough emphasis on parental involvement in school-based activities," Sewell Lawson said. However, she was quick to add that it was not an indictment on either parents or educators, but an indication of the need for the situation to be aired and addressed. "The reluctance of parents to participate in school-based activities may be due, in part, to the level of competence they feel in manoeuvring the school environment," she

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opined. "Schools, therefore, need to make the climate more welcoming and accommodating to parents, so that they will feel comfortable to initiate meetings and attend PTA." As a result, the MBSF is encouraging the high schools under the Centre of Excellence programme to develop more robust strategies to strengthen parental school support for students. "We are not seeing the support of parents in many crucial areas and this is not necessarily because they don't want to be involved. But there seems to be factors within the schools that do not consistently encourage their involvement," said Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager for MBSF. As such, she said that in line with its mandate, the Centres of Excellence programme is working closely with each school to develop positive school/home partnerships and parenting programmes. Sewell Lawson said this was especially important since the data had also indicated that students with parental support perform better than other students. Sixty-two per cent of students who had supportive parents scored in the top half of their class compared to only 38 per cent of students without supportive parents. "We need to partner with parents and communities to improve our schools. Their support is critical to developing our institutions into Centres of Excellence," she said. To date, all schools in the Centres of Excellence programme have developed parenting programmes with the assistance of guidance counsellors. These programme are being implemented during the current school year.

Rusea's, Cedric Titus look to extend impressive run BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Saturday, October 01, 2011

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GREEN ISLAND, Hanover Defending champions Rusea's High School and Cedric Titus High, two of three teams with perfect win records in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup competition, will seek to extend their impressive runs when return-round action continues today. Thirty-four games are scheduled to be played across all 12 zones, weather permitting, as Munro College and Paul Bogle will also seek to avenge first-round losses. In the opening game three weeks ago, Rusea's had swamped Green Island High 10-0 at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, but today Green Island will hope home field advantage will level the playing field to some extent and give them hope of at least a smaller margin. Since then Rusea's had gone on to win five more games, scoring 28 more goals and have yet to concede, while Green Island have scored eight goals in their subsequent games, while conceding just nine more. Brian Brown, who leads the goal-scoring race with 14 strikes so far including six in his last three games, will lead the Rusea's attack that should also include Jovan James, Anthony Walker and Demar Dohman. Cedric Titus are off to their best ever start with five wins, while conceding one goal and will host last-placed and pointless Albert Town in a Zone C game in Clarks Town. Led by Ojay Smith, who has scored six goals, Cedric Titus have opened up a five-point lead over Ocho Rios High, who will be away to Marcus Garvey Technical with whom they drew 1-1 in the first round. In Zone F, Munro College will seek to atone for their first round 2-0 upset loss to Black River when they meet at Munro. The Alrick Clarke-coached Munro are tied on 16 points with St Elizabeth Technical, who have played one game less, while Black River are four points adrift on 12. STETHS have been on a tear until last weekend when they were held 1-1 by Munro, then saw their game against DeCarteret College in Mandeville rained out on Wednesday and will seek to start a new winning streak when they host Balaclava in Santa Cruz.

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After a slow start, Paul Bogle High, last season's beaten Ben Francis KO finalist, have won their last two games and will seek to avenge their 1-0 loss to Morant Bay in a game between teams tied for second place on seven points each. Meanwhile in Zone J, Bog Walk and Charlemont, as well as Old Harbour and Ewarton, will be meeting for the first time this season after the first round games were rained out. Today's clash will be the first of two between the teams in three days as the firstround games have been rescheduled for Monday afternoon. Fresh from their 1-0 win over the previously unblemished Grange Hill on Wednesday, Zone E leaders Mannings School will travel a few hundred metres to meet neighbour Godfrey Stewart High, who they beat 4-0 in the first round. Grange Hill should rebound against Little London, who have yet to pick up a point, while Petersfield, who can catch one of the two top teams, will seek to continue their fourgame unbeaten streak when they take on Maud McLeod. Five points separate the top four teams in Zone G and today second-placed Knox College on 12 points and third-placed Spaulding on 11 points will meet in a crucial game after playing out a 0-0 draw in the first round. Either team will be seeking to make up grounds on leaders Manchester High, who will take on lowly Mile Gully, while Bellefield and last-placed Holmwood Technical will meet. The lead in Zone J could change as with present leaders Tacius Golding not in action, Ewarton High, who are also on 12 points, will face off against Old Harbour, winners of their last two and who are looking more ominous as the competition continues after a slow start. Old Harbour are in third place on nine points, three behind the leaders, but from five games, while Tacius Golding have played seven and Ewarton have played six.

Happenings - September 30 Friday, September 30, 2011

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SPLASH PICK OF THE WEEK Saturday, October 1 Stir It Up, The Ultimate 80s 90s mix @ Go-Kart Track, Palisadoes, Kingston Featuring: Renaissance, Kurt Riley Time: 9:00 pm FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Ladies of the Night - Audrey Reid Birthday Bash @ Vegas, Flamingo, Montego Bay Featuring: Lady Saw, Audrey Reid, Spice, Pamputtae Time: 9:30 pm Irattion Ites - Redbones edition @ Red Bones Blues Cafe, 1 Argyle Road, Kingston Featuring: The Uprising Roots performing songs from their album Skyfiya album Time: 9:30 pm Certified Diva @ Cookies Roof, Portmore (Port Henderson back road) Featuring: Flava Unit, Bumpy Cash, Six Killa, Blue Steel, Chris Dymond Time: 9:30 pm

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Let's Get It On @ Quest Night Club, lower Maryland, St Andrew Featuring: Snipa International Time: 9:30 pm True Frenz @ Sugarman''s Beach Club, Hellshire, Portmore Featuring: Tony Matterhorn, DJ Naz, Krazy D, DJ Famous, Beenie Man, Determine, GWhizz, Lutan Fyah, Food Kartel, Professor Nuts, Zamunda among others Time: 9:30 pm Heather's Enchanted Fridays @ Heather's, 9 Haining Road, New Kingston Featuring: Khool FM's Michael Barnett Time: 6:00 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 Girls Gone Wild @ Nite Traxx, Hatfield Plaza, Manchester Featuring: Niney Badness Time: 10 pm The Monsignor Gladstone Wilson Awards Banquet @ The Mona Visitors Lodge, UWI Awardees: Laurie Fogarty (Deceased); Noel Hall; Basil Lue; Lascelles Williams

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Special Honourees: Class of 1986 Time: 6:30 Fashion Diary, The Ultimate Diva Doll Experience @ Club Riddim, New Kingston Featuring: Foota Hype, Tony Matterhorn, Coppershot, ZJ Liquid among others Time: 9:30 pm Nex Level Beach Party @ Aquasol Beach, MoBay Featuring: Brite Lite Intl, Insoniak with TC, DJ Jagga, DJ Boogie, Chromatic, DJ Kentucky Time: 2:00 pm - 2:00 am Champelle @ Constant Spring Golf Club, 152 Constant Spring Road Time: 9:30 pm Rendezvous @ Police Officer's Club, 34 Hope Road, St Andrew Featuring: Kurt Riley, ZJ Chrome, Sanjay from Coppercat Time: 9:00 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 Merritone's First Sunday on the Deck @ Trafalgar Road, New Kingston Time: 8:00 pm

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Beach Vybe Sundaze @ Barbican Beach Club, St Andrew Time: 2:00 pm Mahima Music For Life Benefit Concert @ Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston Featuring: Chalice, Proteje, Roots Underground, Cherine Anderson, Fahrenheit Time: 8:00 pm An Evening To Remember @ St George's Church, 83 East Street, Kington Time: 4:00 pm THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 Flamingo De Andalucia @ Courtleigh Corporate Centre Auditorium, 6-8 St Lucia Avenue, New Kingston Time: 7:00 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 Cook Out Roll Out @ Kno Limit Sports Bar, 1 Hillview Avenue Featuring: 007, Foota Hype, Boom Boom, Chris Dymond Time: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Remembering the Songbird ... Cynthia @ The Gardens, Jamaica Pegasus, New Kingston

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Time: 8:00 pm Praises for Charity @ Emmanuel Apostolic Church, 12 Slipe Road, Kingston Featuring: Prodigal Son, Harmonic Praise, Hands In Praise, Minister Elijah, Minister Andrew Simon among others Time: 8:00 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 Curtis Dymond Birthday Bash @ Water Falls, 160 Old Hope Road Time: 9:30 pm Merritone's 'Return to Roots' @ VIP Lounge, Prospect, St Thomas Time: 7:00 pm Retro Glow @ Flava's Night club, 581/2 Mannings Hill Road, St Andrew Featuring: Stokey Love, DJ Denvo Time: 9:30 pm Wolmers Girls & Queen Double Reunion @ 2A Chelsea Avenue, St Andrew Featuring: DJ Fresha Don, DJ Mario, Charisma, DJ Rooney, Flaba Dabba among others Time: 9:30 pm

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Erotic Desires, The Lingeries and Heels Edition @ Frenz Sports Bar, 15 Constant Spring Road Featuring: Black President Sound, DJ Flabba Dabba Time: 9:30 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 Memories of Copa @ Wicky Wacky Beach, 8 Miles Bull Bay Featuring: Merritone Music Time: 7:00 pm A Gift For Mom @ Little Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue Time: 8:00 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 Merritone All Inclusive Weekend @ Sunset Beach Resort Spa & Waterpark, Montego Bay Featuring: Merritone Music FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 Polo The 2nd Edition @ Village Blues Bar, Barbican Time: 9:30 pm She Say Is Her Destiny

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@ Party World HQ, lower Maryland, St Andrew Featuring: Snipa International, Quality International Time: 9:30 pm Let's Go Dancin for Charity @ Pimentos Restaurant and Bar, Upper Bogue Main Road, MoBay Featuring: Michael Barnett, Full House Disco of New Mills (Hanover) Time: 7:00 pm Impy Skimpy tha Playboy's Club @ Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios Featuring: Renaissance, ZJ Chrome, DJ Timeless, Coppershot, Hyperactive Time: 10:00 pm Double Trouble, Back to Basics 90s and Beyond @ Miguel's Cafe, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth Featuring: DJ Smurf, King Ghetto, Jax International Time: 10:00 pm Red Carpet @ Metro Lawn, Beach Road, 9 Miles, Bull Bay Featuring: Metro Graphic, DJ Smiley, Tender Touch Lovements, DJ Volcano, Baby Trish, Bamma among others Timne: 9:30 pm Tipsy

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@ Pearly Beach, Ocho Rios Time: 9:30 pm Impy Skimpy, Tha Playboy's Club @ Turtle River, Ocho Rios, St Ann Featuring: ZJ Chrome, Renaissance, Dj Renegade, Coppershot, Timeless, Hyperactive Sound Time: 9:30 pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 Heroes Weekend Sunset Cruise @ Mahogony Beach, Ocho Rios Time: 10:00 pm Ruption @ Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios Featuring: I-Octane, Firelinks, Tony Matterhorn Time: 10:00 pm Ms Conduct, Sexy When Wet Pool Party @ Chisolm's Retreat, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth Featuring: Code Red, ZJ Wa Wah, DJ Sani Time: 10:00 pm Sunkiss @ Negril Beach, Westmoreland

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Time: 3:00 pm Tantrum All White @ Ruins, Ocho Rios Time: 9:30 pm Inna My Crew Everyone A Star @ Eclipse Lawn, Litchfield, Mile Gully, Manchester Featuring: Bass Odyssey SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 Ultimate Addiction @ Chocolate Villa, Junction, St Elizabeth Featuring: Coppershot, ZJ Chrome, DJ Kentucky, Kingston All Star, Ratty & Bones, DJ Fresh Time: 2:00 pm G-Strings So Soaking Wet @ Pearly Beach, Dunns River, Ocho Rios, St Ann Featuring: ZJ Ice, X-Factor, Killa Milla, Coppershot, Black Chiney, Stone Love, Chromatic, Code Red, Tony Matterhorn, Illusion, Timeless Time: 2:00 - 7:00 pm Levels, Mardi Gras Madness @ Club Privilege, New Kingston Featuring: Coppershot, ZJ Ice, Kingston All Star, DJ Ali Patch Time:m 9:30 pm

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Paparazzi in the Building @ Rondiquet Plaza, 20 Barbican Road (behind Tiger Market) Featuring: Thuggy Thuggy from Bodyguard, DJ Fire T Time: 9:30 pm After Dinner Sundayz @ Tuff Gong Recording Studio, 220 Marcus Garvey , Kingston Featuring: Rassarella, Fyan Dean Time: 5:00 m - midnight Yellow and White, Bus Ride Style @ Lisa and Donovan Place, Lodge Green, Clarendon Featuring: Metro Graphic, Tender Touch, DJ Volcano, Star Blaze Time: 9:30 pm Barely Legal @ My Beach, Prospect, St Thomas Featuring: Nitro Music Machine, Mello Construction among others Time: 7:00 pm MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 Meltdown @ Marley Beach, Boscobel, St Mary Featuring: Dj Narity, Code Red, Chromatic Time: 7:00 pm

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Anesthesia, Bikini Edition @ Fantasy Beach, Priory, St Ann Featuring: Real Child, ZJ Wa Wah, Illusion Sound among others Time: 8:00 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 Grave Yaad - The Mask-A-Raid Ball Edition Venue: To Be Announced Featuring: DJ Ali Patch, ZJ Chrome, Deadlien Sound Time: 9:30 pm Thriller @ Constant Spring Golf Club, 152 Constant Spring Road, St Andrew Time: 9:30 pm Scorpions Rude and Nude Party @ Irie Beach, Exchange, St Ann Featuring: DJ SMurf, DJ Ashile, DJ Andrew, DJ Razor Time: 8:00 pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 SURREAL All Inclusive - All White Couture @ Police Officers' Club, 34 Hope Road Featuring: ZJ Liquid, Renaissance, Coppershot Time: 9:30

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Theatre Scene God's Way @ Theatre Place, Haining Road Featuring: Gracia Thompson, Sabrena McDonald, trudy Campbell, Ainsley Whyte Time: Wednesday - Saturday - 8:00 pm Sunday - 5 and 8:00 pm Charlie's Angels @ Centrestage, New Kingston Featuring: Glen 'Titus' Campbell, Camille Davis, Sharee McDonald-Russell, Teisha Duncan Time: Tuesday - Friday - 8:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday - 5:0o and 8:00 pm Acts of the Apostles @ National Arena Time: Saturdays - 7:00 pm; Sundays - 2:30 and 6:30 pm At The Movies Abduction 50/50 What's Your Number Warrior I Don't Know How She Does It Colombiana

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Ghett'a Life

Rusea's blank Frome in D'Cup feature BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Sunday, September 25, 2011

FROME, Westmoreland Defending ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup champions Rusea's High romped to their fourth straight win in Zone B by blanking Frome Technical, 2-0, at Frome Sports Grounds yesterday. Brian Brown broke his three-match drought by scoring both goals for Rusea's to snap Frome's three-game win streak and give his team a three-point lead atop the group. Frome's second-half substitute Norval James suffered a fractured leg within three minutes of entering the fray and was due to undergo surgery last night. After being put under pressure in the first half, Rusea's rebounded decisively in the 43rd minute when Brown latched onto a ball outside the box and fired high into the net. Brown added a second in the second half to take his tally to 10 for the season -behind St Elizabeth Technical's Kevon Farquharson. Meanwhile, St James, Grange Hill, Buff Bay and Cedric Titus all extended their winning starts. St James edged William Knibb, 1-0, in a Zone A game at Martha Brae; Grange Hill assumed the lead in Zone E after beating Godfrey Stewart, 1-0, while Mannings drew 2-2 with Petersfield. Cedric Titus blanked Browns Town, 2-0, in Zone C.

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STETHS had their five-game win streak snapped through a 1-1 draw at Munro College, while Shamario Mullings scored twice for Black River in a 5-1 win over Newell High. Edwin Allen rebounded form Wednesday 0-0 draw with Clarendon College to beat Claude McKay, 3-0, and stay atop Zone H, while Clarendon College and Lennon drew 1-1. Denbigh stayed on top of Zone I with a 3-0 win over Kemps Hill, while Glenmuir edged past Garvey Maceo with a 3-1 result. Denbigh lead with 15 points, two more than Glenmuir, with Garvey a point back. Green Pond scored their first win of the season a come-from-behind to beat Cornwall College, 4-1, at Jarrett Park after a 1-1 half-time scoreline. Yesterday's results Zone A Cornwall College 1 Green Pond 4 William Knibb 0 St James 1 Spot Valley 3 Irwin 1 Zone B Green Island 2 Merlene Ottey 1 Frome 0 Rusea's 2 Anchovy 3 Maldon 2 Zone C Albert Town 0 Marcus Garvey 2 Cedric Titus 2 Browns Town 0 Ocho Rios 1 York Castle 0

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Zone D St Mary High 1 Tacky 0 Zone E Little London Maud McLeod 3 Grange Hill 1 Godfrey Stewart 0 Petersfield 2 Mannings 2 Zone F Munro 1 STETHS 1 Black River 5 Newell 1 Lacovia 0 Balaclava 2 Zone G Mile Gully 1 Holmwood 0 Christiana 3 Bellefield 1 Manchester High 1 Spaulding 0 Zone H Clarendon College 1 Lennon 1 Claude McKay 0 Edwin Allen 3 Zone I Bustamante 0 Vere 1 Glenmuir 3 Garvey Maceo 1 Denbigh 3 Kemps H -0

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Zone J Dinthill 2 Tacius Golding 2 Charlemont vs Old Harbour -- water-logged field Bog Walk 1 McGrath 0 Zone K Port Antonio 1 Titchfield 1 Buff Bay 3 Happy Grove 1 Fair Prospect 2 Annotto Bay 1 Zone L Robert Lightbourne 0 Morant Bay 2 St Thomas Technical 1 Paul Bogle 2

STETHS hit Lacovia for six in D'Cup BY PAUL A REID Oberver Writer Friday, September 23, 2011

BODLES, St Catherine Tacius Golding High maintained their lead in Zone J of the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup schoolboy competition yesterday after blanking Charlemont High, 3-0, at Bodles.

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The Brown's Hall-based boys were winning their third straight game after an openingday draw and increased their tally to 11 points with goals from topscorer Kason Sutherland in the first half and Keneil Newell and Gary Francis in the second. Tacius Golding are coming off three straight dismal years while playing in Zone I, scoring just four points in 2008, none in 2009 when they managed just three goals and one point last year to dominate Zone J so far. Ewarton stayed in second place on nine points after a 2-1 win over Dinthill Technical, while Old Harbour scored their first win of the season, blanking Bog Walk, 3-0, to leap two places into third on goal difference over Dinthill and McGrath. The high-flying St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) continued on their merry way with a 6-0 rout of Lacovia for their fifth straight victory, with Carl Campbell scoring four goals on his debut. Kevon Farquharson took his tally to 12 for the season with one goal, while Donjay Smith got the other for STETHS, who lead Zone F with 15 points and are yet to concede a goal. Munro College and Black River were also winners to move past DeCarteret College into second place on nine points each. Black River snapped their two-match skid with a 2-1 win over Balaclava, while Munro beat DeCarteret, 2-0, in Mandeville. In Zone G, Knox College joined Manchester at the top with 11 points after edging Holmwood Technical, 1-0. Bellefield returned to winning ways, blanking winless Mile Gully, 2-0, while Spaulding were 2-0 winners over Christiana High.

STETHS cruise to fourth win BY PAUL A REID Observer writer Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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FORMER champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) became the second school to win their first four games in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup after turning back Black River High, 2-0, in a Zone F game at Black River yesterday. Kevon Farquharson converted two penalties in either half for the Andrew Edwardscoached STETHS to join Edwin Allen in this category and eased their way to 12 points -- four more than DeCarteret College, who have played a game more. DeCarteret and Lacovia drew 1-1, as did Newell and Balaclava. Meanwhile, Knox College blanked Bellefield, 3-0, to move to second in Zone G behind Manchester High on nine points. Manchester were held 0-0 by Christiana, while Mile Gully and Spaulding ended 1-1. Tacius Golding assumed the lead in Zone J after a 3-1 win over Bog Walk to improve to eight points, three more than Dinthill Technical. Ewarton moved to six points with a 3-2 win over Charlemont, while McGrath are also on six after their 1-1 tie with Old Harbour. Today, Edwin Allen and Clarendon College, who are unbeaten after three games, will meet in the Zone H feature game, while another 24 matches are scheduled in 10 groups.

Denbigh, Lennon score big wins BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Tuesday, September 20, 2011

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DENBIGH, Clarendon Denbigh High and last season's beaten finalists Lennon High scored big wins yesterday as the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup football continued. While the games featuring Clarendon College and Glenmuir High, both chasing a fourth straight win were rained out, Denbigh and Lennon stole the spotlight along with Thompson Town, who scored a big win. Akeem McLean scored a three-timer to lead Lennon to a rebound 6-0 win over Claude McKay in Four Paths after they were beaten 1-0 by Zone H leaders Edwin Allen High on Saturday. Rushane Goodley also scored two as Lennon improved to nine points, same as Clarendon College, who led 1-0 at Alston when that game was called off after 20 minutes due to rain and lightning. Thompson Town won their first daCosta Cup game since 2007 and their biggest ever when they trounced Porus 5-1, thanks to a three-timer from Tajay Reid. Denbigh created space between themselves and Glenmuir High with a 5-1 win over Vere Technical, who slipped to their fourth straight loss. Garvey Maceo, who were stunned 5-3 by Denbigh on Saturday, rebounded with a 2-0 win over Kemps Hill with Rushane Spence scoring both goals. The win moved Garvey Maceo into second place on goal difference over Glenmuir, both on nine points. Today STETHS go in search of their fourth win when they take on Black River in Zone F. STETHS have rode roughshod over their opponents, scoring a league-high 27 goals, including 17 against Newell High on Saturday and will be seeking another win when they take on Black River, who are in fourth place tied with Munro College on six points. After back-to-back wins to start the season, including a upset win over Munro, Black River went down 0-2 to DeCarteret on Saturday. DeCarteret will play away to Lacovia, while winless Newell and Balaclava will meet in another game.

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Zone G leaders Manchester High (10 points) will be away to third-placed Christiana High (five points), while second-placed Bellefield, who lost their first game on Saturday, will travel to Knox College. Tacius Golding High and McGrath could move past Zone J leaders Dinthill Technical, who will idle, when they take on Bog Walk and Old Harbour High, respectively. Games today. Zone F -- Lacovia vs DeCarteret; Black River vs STETHS; Newell vs Balaclava. Zone G -- Knox vs Bellefield; Mile Gully vs Spalding; Christiana vs Manchester. Zone J -- Charlemont vs Ewarton; Bog Walk vs Tacius Golding; McGrath vs Old Harbour. Results from yesterday: Zone H -- Lennon 6 Claude McKay 0; Alston vs Clarendon College was rained out; Thompson Town 5 Porus 1. Zone I -- Glenmuir vs Central was rained out; Denbigh 5 Vere 1; Kemps Hill 0 Garvey Maceo 2.

Manchester, a heritage gold mine? BY RHOMA TOMLINSON Sunday Observer writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, August 28, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester The country is being robbed of millions of dollars in potential tourist earnings in the heritage-rich central parish of Manchester, because of neglect.

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At least, that is what officials in this parish believe, and even as Jamaica prepares to celebrate its rich and diverse heritage with 50th anniversary celebrations next year, they are adamant that Manchester remains a veritable "heritage gold mine" simply waiting to be tapped. The parish's heritage site list is a lengthy one. There's Resource, the south Manchester community which still houses the remains of a home once occupied by national hero Marcus Garvey, and is home to one of the island's first Liberty Halls. There's Roxborough the celebrated birthplace of former Premier and national hero, Norman Washington Manley; and Canoe Valley which is said to have been a popular haunt of the country's original indigenous Taino population and even a possible ancient Tsunami site. The list also includes the Maidstone, Medina and Oxford communities in north-west Manchester, known for their planter-class dominance and slave resistance during the era of slavery. There's the infamous Duppy Church in Mile Gully which, according to legend, became so haunted by ghosts that worshippers had to flee, leaving the old Victorian church building desolate. This site alone, some Manchester hoteliers say, could rake in thousands in foreign exchange, as what has been dubbed "duppy tourism" is on the rise internationally. In addition to these age-old heritage sites, the Manchester Golf Club, the oldest golf facility in the western hemisphere and the fourth oldest in the world, is still up and running and the parish's Horticultural Society is the oldest in the western region. Officials from the Manchester Parish Development Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Caribbean University and others have long been calling for the sites to be developed, but they say little has been done to transform the central Jamaica region into the heritage mecca they believe it could be. Hotelier and community tourism proponent, Diana McIntyre-Pike says heritage enthusiasts are even more annoyed because the concept of community tourism, of which heritage tourism is a part, was born in Manchester in the late 1970s. Back then, McIntyrePike and then-director of tourism, Desmond Henry, pioneered the concept which went on to become an international phenomenon. But places such as Resource, they say, have been largely neglected by state officials. Residents say though Garvey lived there for a short time, little has been done to preserve his legacy and save his former home.

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When the Sunday Observer visited the site of Garvey's house some time ago, the structure had collapsed and its remains, barely visible, were covered in debris. Residents in the community say as far as they were aware, nothing had been done to save this important historical site. Months after the house collapsed, officials in the Archaeological department of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust admitted they had no clue that Garvey's house was in the area, and knew nothing of its demise. They told the Sunday Observer, at the time, that Resource was not on the list of heritage sites because the Trust had received no public request for it to be declared as such. "Normally, we'd get a requisition or we may be interested in the site and we would make a visit, do a recommendation, then it goes to the board," one official from the Archaeological department told the Sunday Observer. Heritage enthusiasts say Resource's Liberty Hall, one of the first of its kind in the country, was established by Garvey as a meeting place for members of the United Negro Improvement Association. Its preservation has been largely the work of the community. Besides trying to keep his name alive, Resource residents have also managed to preserve other aspects of the country's heritage, namely the ancient African cultural dance, Runcus, and the old method of producing Jamaican bammy. But the only tourism benefit to the parish is the small tour groups that visit the community facilitated by hotelier Diana McIntyre-Pike and heritage tourism proponent Valerie Dixon. McIntyre-Pike said her organisation, Country Style Tourism, recognised Resource's importance years ago, and even took international hotelier Gordon "Butch" Stewart to the area to share the community tourism concept with him. Academics from Northern Caribbean University's History Department also recognised the area's potential years ago. In 2006, the university launched a project in Resource to help develop the area as a major cultural centre. At the time, the institution spearheaded a massive Garvey exhibition, sent in students to do storytelling, oratorical presentations and cultural dances, and donated two busts of Marcus Garvey to the community's Youth Club. However, university historians say a number of challenges in the area, and a lack of unity among interest groups, caused the project to stall. But Resource is not the only site yearning for development. Head of the Parish Development Committee, Sam Miller said he's been pushing for development in the Mile

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Gully end of the parish but has been hampered by a lack of finances. Plans announced last year to develop the Maidstone, Medina and Oxford communities into an international heritage trail have still not got off the ground. He said it would take between $4-6 million to kick-start this project, which is expected to draw tourists who are interested in more than the country's sun, sea and sand, and heighten the parish's move to sell itself as a prime heritage tourism destination. "We've had the Institute of Jamaica do a study and we've received a draft copy of that. We've asked Jamaica Social Investment Fund to fund it. We want to do it in stages, some sections can be used as is, but we'd need funding to build an art and craft display centre," he said. The plan is to take tourists on a journey across the three communities which are rich with stories of the atrocities of slavery, the resilience of Jamaicans in the past in fighting this monster and the influence of the Moravian church in shaping the future of the ex-slaves. He said Maidstone was one of the parish's first free villages, but it was not until emancipation celebrations started there a few years ago, and history enthusiasts saw the wealth of artifacts on display in the community, that the area began to take its place as a respectable heritage site. He said if the authorities were to really develop heritage tourism in the Mile Gully area, "it would be worth a heck of a lot. I can't put a figure on it... but we're losing out on a lot of dollars. We did a marketing survey about two years ago that took in the North Coast tourism area. When these sites were mentioned, there was a 60-70 per cent interest... that's a big interest. Even to take tours from there (North Coast) to here. We need to move on it fast", he said. Diana McIntyre-Pyke agrees. She says people don't understand that foreigners will pay a lot of money to come into their communities to enjoy the heritage sites and experiences of the local people. "People need to understand that your village is your business, that we have a valuable asset around us..." she said. She believes the authorities have been going about it all wrong, hence the reason neither community tourism nor heritage tourism has made any headway in the parish. "The powers that be don't really understand community tourism. It's not a niche market, this is the mistake people are making. Everybody can be involved... it's a mindset

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change that has to take place in the planning of tourism... You need to focus on training the people... to let them know what is valuable around them... that the church down the road is an income-earning facility and they mustn't just see it as, 'that is old, and why you don't tear it down and build a shopping centre, not understanding that visitors will come to a country or community to enjoy them and their heritage," she said in a recent interview. "The valuing of the heritage has to come from the people, they have to buy into it... Now if you do not go with this approach... they'll allow people to come and bulldoze it and they'll damage it as well," she said. The Manchester hotelier said the development of the sector has also been hampered by Government not following the Tourism Master Plan. "If we'd just stuck to the Master Plan, we wouldn't have a problem. Politicians, they come and they go, something happens and they change up the plan and they don't come back to us and say 'Well, we want to change the plan'. 'How you feel about making this change?' They just go ahead," she said. McIntyre-Pike said she's working through the Western Hospitality Institute and the International Community Tourism Institute to train residents in community tourism, "because we recognise that it's not going the way it's supposed to". But while financial investment is needed, both Miller and McIntyre-Pike believe the parish's biggest problem is the lack of support among the locals for the development of heritage sites. "Communities need to own the projects, but it seems we have a problem with building capacity in the communities. We may have to target individuals who're interested and have them help us spread the word," Miller said.

Men accused of murdering teenager remanded Thursday, August 11, 2011

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BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth THREE men charged in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Rochelle-Renee Chin in Junction, South East St Elizabeth, in late July were remanded in custody when they appeared in the Black River Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. The three are Dwayne Powell, 22, of Comma Pen, South East St Elizabeth; Jermaine Channer, 25, of Mile Gully, North West Manchester; and Oneil Sheckleford, 33, of Barnbstable, Central Manchester. Chin, a recent graduate of the Manchester High School, was shot dead just metres from her home in Junction at about 9:35 pm on the night of Monday, July 25.

Bryce shines as Manchester take charge Sunday, July 03, 2011

NAIN, St Elizabeth Opener Damion Bryce smashed 99 and two 15-year-olds, Tristan Coleman (62 not out) and Sherdon Allen (25 not out), shared an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 53 as Manchester fared well against St Elizabeth on day one of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Senior Cup final at Alpart Sports Club yesterday. Sent in, defending champions Manchester reached 292-6 in 75 overs with 25 overs lost in mid to late afternoon because of rain and bad light. The 24-year-old left-handed Bryce got a reprieve first ball when he was caught at slip off a no ball from former West Indies pacer and St Elizabeth captain Daren Powell. He immediately set about ensuring St Elizabeth paid dearly as 21 runs came off that first over from Powell and 41 off his first three.

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Bryce was forced to retire hurt on 41 after being hit in the face by a rising delivery from medium-pacer Damion Ebanks, but returned at the fall of the first wicket to continue his plunder. By the time he fell one short of his second century of the season to the tall leg-spinner Cassius Burton, Bryce a past student of Mile Gully High, had hit three sixes and 10 fours and faced 124 balls. Former Jamaica Under-19 opener Zeniffe Fowler with a 95-ball 40 (two fours and two sixes), Ziggy Levy, 20, and captain Gary Graham, 14, provided support for Bryce. The wicket-takers for St Elizabeth so far are Burton (2-21), pacer Mark Gordon (1-26), Ebanks (1-48), off-spinner Howard Powell (1-54) and Powell (1-74).

16 teams return to daCosta Cup BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Sunday, June 26, 2011

SIXTEEN schools which did not take part in last season's ISSA daCosta Cup schoolboy football competition have registered their interest for next season. The competition kicks off on September 10 in Montego Bay. Despite this there are 79 teams taking part this season, just nine more than last year's as a number of schools did not register for the competition at the deadline. The list was announced at Friday's annual daCosta Cup meeting held at Manchester High in Mandeville.

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While the season will kick-off in Montego Bay, Competitions Co-ordinator for the InterSecondary Schools Sports Association, George Forbes, said they will make an announcement after a tour of the Montego Bay Sports Complex. Both the Sports Complex and Jarrett Park are options, he said, adding that the decision would be made soon. Among the schools returning next season are Knockalva Tech, Green Island and Merlene Ottey in Zone B; Tacky will replace Annotto Bay in Zone D; Black River in Zone E; Newell, Balaclava and Belair return to Zone F as DeCarteret College and Mile Gully move to Zone G which sees the return of Bellefield and Holmwood Technical. Alston and Porus will be in Zone H as Vere Technical moves back to Zone I that will see Bustamante High returning. Tacius Golding return to Zone J, while Seaforth take the place of Yallahs in Zone L. Forbes told the well-attended meeting only players in the 22 registered would be eligible for games. In the past, he said, teams used players on the 25-man list, but this would not be allowed anymore. Rusea's are the defending champions and will play in the traditional opening game on September 10.

Diaspora must have stake in governance Monday, June 20, 2011

Dear Editor, It is my considered opinion and I make bold to say that members of the diaspora should be allowed to have representation in parliament. These seats should be awarded on a proportional basis where, for example, for every 10 seats the diaspora would be awarded

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one seat. The MPs for the diaspora would be nominated or voted for by separate overseas ballots to be placed at our missions abroad.

Representatives of the diaspora meeting in Ocho Rios, St Ann, June 16.

1/1 Diaspora MPs would have to be men and women who can bring a breath of freshness and newness to our political and democratic life in the area of harnessing resources, both human and financial, to enhance and bring Jamaica to a winning position for the future. The new seating arrangement for parliament after the next parliamentary elections are called would be 63 seats shared between the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, and six seats to diaspora MPs. Diaspora MPs would at all times, whether it be a PNP or JLP government, be placed in critical ministries to provide a balance and give guidance for continuity. This strong call for diaspora MPs is based on fact and without malice towards any of our political leaders, and I hasten to say maximum respect to Sister P and my friend, Bruce, but they have allowed some of this current set of parliamentarians to mislead and deceive themselves, their constituents, the Jamaican people, and hide the fact that they had dual citizenship and were not genuinely loyal to their oath of office.

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It is such a pity that the Holy Bible did not run from those men and women when they reached for it. What hypocrisy, dishonesty and skulduggery. Are they really honourable? They all should be made to repay their salaries and perquisites and those who were provided with personal security should be made to refund salaries paid to any security detail. In addition, they should be banned for life from political representation; then, as a country, we would be sending some right signals. We cannot, if we are reasonable people, expect the diaspora to invest widely in this country, no matter their patriotism, if they do not have a stake in governance. We may very well have more honourable men and women in the diaspora than we currently have in our parliament, and as such, I further advance the argument and position that two Senate seats be allocated to diaspora members. I invite readers to start the debate and the management of our election matters, especially those in the diaspora. Civil society, nationalists and even those parliamentarians who feign loyalty to our people and the constitution of Jamaica, I have thrown down the gauntlet. It's yours for the taking. Fairbourne GS Maxwell Mile Gully, Manchester winningjamaicasfuture@yahoo.com

Downswell selects final 21 for Mexico ...No reason given for omission of Spain-based Beckford Howard Walker Saturday, June 04, 2011

NATIONAL Under-17 head coach Wendell Downswell says he believes he has selected the best crop of youngsters available to the country in his final 21-man squad to represent Jamaica at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Mexico, beginning on June 18.

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"This is the best possible squad we could have selected right now based on the players available. Exams was a real challenge going in and if we had gotten at least three international games, it would have put us in good stead," Downswell said yesterday.

National Under-17 coach Wendell Downswell (right) instructs his players at a training session. (Observer file photo)

1/1 "When we play international games, it gives you a true reflection of their game and it is a better assessment of the players than when you play local teams," he noted. Missing from the squad is left sided midfielder, Valencia-based King Kya Beckford, who took part in the qualifiers in Montego Bay and was expected to make the cut, but Downswell would not speak to the reasons for his exclusion. "His omission is a combination of things and the federation will make an announcement soon regarding that," said the coach. Meanwhile, the 21-member squad is made up of mostly players who took part in the six-week training stint in Brazil between December and January.

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But there will be three new faces in stocky striker Anthony Walker of Rusea's High School, towering defender Jason Wint of Portmore United and Excelsior student Zhelano Barnes, who doubles in defence and midfield. The Young Reggae Boyz will travel to Toluca on Tuesday, June 7 for a seven-day preWorld Cup camp where they will play two practice games. They will then open their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 18. Squad Goalkeepers: Odean Clarke, Holland United, Muschett High; Richard Trench, unattached, Rusea's High; Nico Campbell, Cavalier, St George's College. Defenders: Alvas Powell, Portmore United, Paul Bogle High; Quante Smith Brampton United, Silverhorn (Canada); Patrick Palmer, Cavalier, Wolmer's Boys; Kemo Wallace, Harbour View, Wolmer's Boys; Oshane Jenkins, Cavalier, St George's College; Jason Wint Portmore United' Zhelano Barnes, Cavalier, Excelsior High. Midfielders: Omar Holness, Real Mona, Wolmer's Boys; Romario Jones Cavalier, St George's College; Andrew Lewis, Cavalier, St George's College; Cardel Benbow, Waterford FC, St George's College; Shawn Lawson, Ajax Strikers; J Clarke Richardson (Canada); Melvin Blair Frome FC, Mannings High; Troy Moo Penn, Mile Gully, Manchester High. Forwards: Jason Wright, Cavalier, Wolmer's Boys; Jevani Brown, MK Dons, Lea Manor High (UK); Romario Williams, Cavalier, Kingston College; Anthony Walker unattached, Rusea's High.

Lawrence Tavern hosts Digicel's Community Day Out today Saturday, May 14, 2011

COMING off a very successful 'Day Out' in Mile Gully, Manchester, three weeks ago, telecommunications company Digicel Jamaica will be making its third stop for the year in Lawrence Tavern today as part of its Community Day Out initiative.

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The day's activities will be held at Oberlin High School playfield, beginning at 10:00am. Residents from surrounding towns such as Golden Spring, King Weston and Brandon Hill are expected to attend the event. For this stop, the University of Technology's (UTech)Students' Union has teamed up with Digicel to ensure a fun-filled day. Digicel and the Students' Union have enjoyed a long-standing relationship through the company's five-year sponsorship of the Union. "The Utech Students' Union and Digicel have a lot in common; the Digicel Community Day Out initiative is very similar to a programme that the Union does in the Papine area annually for the summer holidays called 'Teach the Youth'... we really look forward to spending time with the community members of Lawrence Tavern in a bigger better way," said Jheanell Johnson, who is president of the union. The Digicel team consists of over 30 staff members who are involved from the planning stages right to the execution on the ground. "It's the spirit of giving back that is so deeply ingrained in us at Digicel that makes the staff members so excited and committed to helping to further connect with our communities", said Shelly-Ann Curran, senior sponsorship manager at Digicel.

The EARNERS CAMP BY O'NEIL GRANT Tuesday, May 10, 2011

THE Digicel Foundation, the Centre of Excellence Programme -- an initiative of Jamaica National Building Society and Victoria Mutual Building Society and The Business Lab held for the first time ever the Centres of Excellence I AM THE CHANGE Entrepreneurship Camp.

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Moorlands Camp site, in the cool hills of Mandeville, housed 102 campers from Porus High, Godfrey Stewart High, Mile Gully High, McGrath High, Seafort High and Green Pond High schools. The aim of the camp? A five-day crash course on how to create a business, conceptualised by Kimala Bennett of The Business Lab. TEENage got a chance to experience the rigours of the camp at the invitation of JNBS, through the Centres of Excellence Programme. This camp was focused on non-traditional students, as it is felt that those students have less opportunities for formal employment in rural areas. The campers, between ages 15 and 17, experienced five days of guest speakers from all areas of manufacturing and services. They also had to do market research, create a business plan and present their "products", on the final day of the camp. In other words, they were required to do all the key things that an entrepreneur would need to do to start a business. Shortly after arrival, each student was placed in groups named Persistent, Driven, Passionate, Innovative, Confident and Creative, which should all be attributes of an entrepreneur. By day four, campers had seen presentations from Jukie Chin, owner of one of Jamaica's best fast food chains, Juici Patties; Robert Levy, CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies; Christine Azan, a successful 17-year-old entrepreneur; Tyrone Wilson, owner of eZines Limited (a publisher of three electronic magazines) and many others. The speakers spoke about the struggles they had to go through, and that nothing is gained without hard work, determination and knowing when to take risks. TEENage spoke to a few of the students to find out how the camp has helped them. "Being on this camp has inspired me a lot. It has motivated me on the path of being a good entrepreneur. I am eager to go home and start my own business," said Alicia Williams, 16, from the Porus High School.

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"My experience thus far at the camp has been quite exciting. I have learnt alot, I have learnt how to co-operate in groups and how to think wisely," said 17-year-old Sasha-Gaye Lawrence, of the Green Pond High School. TEENage also spoke to 17-year-old Shannakay Barriffe of Seafort High School. "My time spent at this camp so far has been very rewarding. I must say, it has far exceeded all my expectations of what the camp would have been like. During the time here, I have been inspired by guest speakers, whose journey to success is now a motivation that drives me towards my journey," she said. The groups were asked to pitch their business ideas to a group of successful business men and women, and they would chose who had coame up with the best business idea. Best Business Idea went to Team Driven with their digital family colouring book FMACO, Best Marketing Campaign went to Team Passionate with "Real Fude In A Tin". Most Engaging went to Team Persistent, Best Knowledge of Product went Team Creative. There was even a special award which went to the top entrepreneur of each team. From Team Confident was Shontell Thomas, Team Creative was Nicole Campbell, Team Persistent Shanna-Gaye Barriffe, Team Passionate Anna-Kay Black, Team Driven Johnoi Shaw and from Team Innovative was Adrian Allen. The award for the Best Business Plan went to Team Passionate with their "Real Fude In A Tin" business. When the students first arrived at the camp they only knew what the word entrepreneur meant, they didn't know what it took to start and operate a successful business. At the end of the five days, all the students knew what it took to become successful, they all left with the frame of mind to start and maintain successful business. They all went through the process of doing all that it takes, they all know that without hard work no one can achieve success. Even at the end of it all the children didn't want to leave, and without a doubt anyone can say that the camp was a success, it would not have been possible without the aid of all the sponsors and especially to Kimala Bennett from the Business Lab and Dr Renee Rattray, Programme Manager for the Centres of Excellence project.

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New Green, Hillstars for Manchester Major League final Sunday, May 01, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester New Green and Hillstars advanced to the final of the Captain's Bakery and Grill Manchester Major League following semi-final wins over Comfort and Porus last Thursday. Kenroy Mullings' double piloted Hillstars past Porus, 4-2, at Brooks Park, while New Green rallied for a late 2-1 triumph against Comfort at Mile Gully. Mullings gave the former Super League campaigners the lead on 12 minutes, but Mark Thompson restored parity with a goal for Porus five minutes before half time. Hillstars regained the lead three minutes after the restart, as Mullings notched his brace, before Romaine Williamson effectively sent through to the championship decider with his 52nd-minute strike. Porus did harbour thoughts of a late rally through Thompson's 81st-minute goal, but Oshane Daley's stoppage time finish dashed any hopes of any late drama. At Mile Gully, Lancel Smith gave Porus the lead on the hour, but only for Comfort to hit back twice within five minutes to clinch a place in the final. Raymond Hamilton notched the equaliser in the 78th minute, while Norman Wright added the knockout punch on minute 83. Hillstars and Porus will now meet in Sunday's final at Brooks Park for a place in next season's South Central Confederation Super League.

Entrepreneurial training critical for students Reid

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Sunday, May 01, 2011

SPECIAL advisor to the minister of education, Ruel Reid, has said the local school curriculum needs to be more responsive to the increasing global demand for entrepreneurs. "Creativity, entrepreneurship and self-employment are far more emphasised in the 21st century than at any other point in educational development and global economics," noted Reid, who is also principal of the all-boys school Jamaica College. Reid was speaking at the recent launch of the 'I am the Change' entrepreneurship programme, held at the offices of Jamaica Trade and Invest in Kingston. He noted that he was not advocating that the existing curriculum be fixed, but rather that it be redefined to meet current demands. "The curriculum needs to be responsive to changing times," Reid said. "It is not just about accessibility or equity, but also relevance. Hence the question: Should our education system be only for knowledge and skills or should character education and entrepreneurship be included?" The 'I am the Change' entrepreneurship programme co-sponsored by the Digicel Foundation is being facilitated by the Kimala Bennett-led The Business Lab, and was launched by the Centres of Excellence programme, which is powered by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF). MBSF was established by the Victoria Mutual Building Society and Jamaica National Building Society. According to Reid, the programme is timely and supports Government efforts, through the Career Advancement Programme, to "fuse entrepreneurial training into the school curriculum". The 16-month-long initiative will cater to 4,000 students from six rural high schools under the Centres of Excellence programme. The schools are Porus and Mile Gully high

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schools in Manchester; McGrath in St Catherine; Seaforth in St Thomas; Green Pond in St James, and Godfrey Stewart in Westmoreland. Meanwhile, Reid said encouraging entrepreneurship will impact more meaningfully on "equity re-distribution... and empower more Jamaicans". At the same time, he urged the private sector to help lay the ground work by "encouraging a developed capital market to aid research and development in this regard". "The environment of low interest rates should be a time for investment. We can't wait on all the variables to be perfect because entrepreneurship must look to the future, and... our collective actions is what will lead to changes we want in the future," he said, emphasising that Jamaica will continue to export its expertise until it produces a cadre of entrepreneurs who create jobs. His remarks were supported by Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Michael Stern, who said that while close to 80,000 jobs were lost during the recession, more than 6,000 entrepreneurs had emerged in the last three months, particularly in the small business sector. "Jamaica continues to score high in various areas of entrepreneurial activities, but we still need to translate these positives into more start-ups, more jobs and more growth," he said, embracing the developmental role the entrepreneurship programme will play in this regard. Earl Jarrett, general manager of JNBS and chairman of MBSF, echoed his sentiments. "The 'I am the Change' programme reinforces the call for a shift in the existing paradigm in the approach to education and how we empower our students by teaching them policies and strategies that can grow wealth through the application of sound financial literacy principles," he said. "It is planting the seeds to accomplish the goal of Vision 2030, which is to make 'Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business' by transforming potential job seekers into potential job-creators young business people, who will employ best practices and contribute to economic growth across the island," Jarrett added.

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He also maintained that the programme was in keeping with the objectives of the MBSF, which promotes community engagement and participation as a critical plank in the educational advancement and success of students.

4,000 students to gain business skills BY AINSWORTH MORRIS Career & Education writer morrisa@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, April 24, 2011

FOUR thousand students will, over the next 16 months, be taught entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy. The opportunity has been made available to them through the $100-million Centres of Excellence initiative of the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF) a collaboration between Victoria Mutual Building Society and Jamaica National Building Society under a programme dubbed "I am the Change".

Michael McMorris (right), chairman of VMBS,

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talks with (from left) Major General Robert Neish, executive director of Digicel Foundation, Llewelyn Bailey, assistant general manager of Jamaica National Building Society, Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager for the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), and students Trevoy Cole, of Godrey Stewart High, and Cassandra McLean of Porus High School. The occasion was last weeks launch of the MBSFs I am the Change programme.

1/1 The concept for the programme was developed by Kimala Bennett, managing director of The Business Lab, and Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager for MBSF. "The 'I am the Change' initiative is a programme geared at empowering students to use their knowledge to create their own businesses and create businesses in their schools and communities, instead of joining the line of job-seekers when they leave school," noted Rattray at the launch, held Wednesday at Jamaica Promotions' office in Kingston. Bennett, for her part, said she is eager to share her knowledge of entrepreneurship with the students. "The ultimate goal of the programme is to produce a cadre of young Jamaican's prepared to enter the labour force and positively impact Jamaica's economy. I hope this programme will plant seeds to achieve the 2030 vision," she said. "We hope this programme will inspire and give these students the necessary tools to assist them to create their own businesses so that years from now, they are either starting their own (entrepreneurship) programme or speaking as a CEO of their own business," Bennett added. The programme will begin its first of six phases with a camp that will run from April 26 to April 30, having already trained the teachers. Some 90 students from six schools McGrath High in St Catherine; Mile Gully High and Porus High in Manchester; Seafort High School in St Thomas; Green Pond High in St

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James; and Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland will be transported to the camp at Moorlands in Manchester. There, participants will engage in four days of transformative workshops designed to equip them with the promised entrepreneurial skills. "At the camp, the students will engage in life-changing exercises that will not only be beneficial to them, but the communities within which they live and will serve," noted Rattray, adding that the students will also be educated in leadership. An additional number of students will gain similar exposure in the coming months. Later, they will be engaged in the creation of business clubs within their respective schools, before being allowed to enter their communities with the products and businesses they have created to realise profits. They will thereafter showcase the work they have done at a two-day expo to give them access to prospective investors before they are paired with successful and willing business people. Bennett noted that the main objective of pairing is to create networks and make available positive social, professional and academic influence for the students who will participate.

HELP! - 16-y-o needs $1.5-million brain tumour treatment BY ALICIA SUTHERLAND Observer writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com Monday, March 28, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester At the start of the school year last September, Shanna 'Sally' Campbell was a relatively healthy 16-year-old preparing for the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate at Bellefield High School.

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But today, almost seven months later, a brain tumour diagnosis has left her life and her plans to become a teacher of mathematics hanging in the balance.

Shanna Campbell (centre) is flanked by her nephew Daylan Findley (left), sister Heather Campbell, PNP candidate for North West Manchester Mikael Phillips and the girls mother Norma Campbell at their house in Lyndurst, Manchester last Tuesday. Phillips made a donation towards the girls treatment. (Photo: Gregory Bennett)

1/1 Friends, family members, public and private donors are now trying to pool funds to cover the treatment she requires, a cost currently estimated at $1.5 million. "She was normal up to November when she started vomiting, losing weight and having fainting spells," a family member told the Observer when we visited the rustic community of Lyndhurst, Mile Gully, last week. Her symptoms intensified with constant headaches, temporary speech loss and the weakening of one of her arms. The results of a subsequent CT scan confirmed the family's worst fears a stage-two brain tumour.

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Shanna has since undergone an operation at the Kingston Public Hospital, but her symptoms have persisted and worsened largely because the family has exhausted its personal savings. The Victoria Mutual Building Society and People's National Party (PNP) representatives in the North West Manchester constituency, as well as friends of the family, are among those who have so far contributed funds so Shanna can access the medical care she so badly needs. But they are still way off the mark. The family is planning a tag drive as well as a fund-raising barbecue which is scheduled for May 13 at the Mile Gully Community Centre. "The treatment has to be done privately as it is not readily available at any of our public hospitals. Hence the $1.5-million medical bill," said PNP candidate for North West Manchester Mikael Phillips, who himself has made donations to the family. "This has taken a toll on our life," said Shanna's 47-year-old mother Norma Campbell, who has suffered a mild stroke since her daughter's diagnosis, rendering her dependent on family members. "She (Shanna) has never been sickly from she was a baby," she disclosed, clearly grappling with the reality of the current situation. But Campbell is not giving up and harbours high hopes for her daughter's academic future, claiming that she was a "brilliant girl from primary school". An account for Shanna will be set up at the National Commercial Bank later this week.

Porus High on course to improving discipline Sunday, March 20, 2011

AS the clock nears 8:30 am students increase their pace, hurrying down the narrow rural street to get to classes at Porus High on time.

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The schoolyard is abuzz with activity as teachers and administrators alike go through their early morning rituals, and the learning community catches the rhythm of the new school day.

Gillian Chambers (standing), consultant to the Centres of Excellence programme, engages teachers at Porus High School during a leadership workshop held at the institution recently. Building leadership is one of the core features of the Centres of Excellence programme sponsored by Jamaica National Building Society and Victoria Mutual Building Society.

1/3 Three female students scurry through the school gate. They are a little late, but pause when they discover a photographer behind his lens, capturing images of the beautiful high school compound. "Take a picture of me please, sir," the three girls chime politely. To demonstrate their interest, the trio immediately pose in front of a banner declaring 2011: 'The year of honesty, peace, love and tolerance'. The photographer moves into action and captures their tableau.

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In capturing that moment in time, the photographer also records the essence of principal Michael Stewart's programme to enhance the values and attitudes of his school community and place the institution on a path to excellence. "Indiscipline has been a major challenge for us," Stewart admits. "Therefore, we have introduced this values and attitudes programme to raise consciousness and to encourage everyone to do better." He explains that the drive to improve performance will be maintained throughout the school year and is one of several initiatives that the school introduced to improve standards. "Since last year, our school has been one of six high schools to receive support from the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), which supports these institutions to increase performance, under its Centre of Excellence programme," Stewart says. The objective is to transform Porus High into a centre of excellence, paving the way for similar schools to boost school management and academic programmes, and transform the learning environment into one where students excel. "We want to make an example of Porus High and the other five schools under the Centres of Excellence programme," comments Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager for MBSF. The foundation is a joint initiative of the Victoria Mutual Building Society and the Jamaica National Building Society, which provides support to six high schools -- Mile Gully, Godfrey Stewart, Green Pond, McGrath and Seaforth, as well as Porus. "We are providing guidance to enhance the management of these schools; and workshops to highlight leadership, training in math, science and literacy, as well as mentorship. The support includes expert interventions, as well as material support-such as computer software and equipment; and involves the communities in which the schools are located," Rattray says. Stewart notes that since the inception of the programme a year ago, they were beginning to see "pockets of change". "Recently, we started to use the AutoSkills software, for example, and we see where students are responding positively to the tool," he says.

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The AutoSkills computer software is designed to help struggling students of all ages and abilities to master the fundamental skills of reading and numeracy, using several different methods to assist with retention and understanding the subject matter. The educational institution also benefits from the implementation of the school management software called, Complete SMS. This software produces a range of data, which teachers and school administrators can use to track trends in student performance to determine their progress, and to develop corrective strategies. "The teachers are excited about the benefits of the software, although some are still a bit nervous about using computer technology," says Stewart. "But, so far, we can identify where students are underperforming in subjects, such as English, and can take steps to address their problems." In addition, to the computer software, the Centres of Excellence programme has established an institutional framework to improve performance. The school's teachers and principal have also attended capacity-building workshops to develop their leadership skills. In the last three months, the workshops have focused on boosting teaching and learning strategies and practices. "The goal is to encourage principals and teachers to view their institutions using business concepts, where the principal is the chief executive officer," Rattray explains. "What we impress on the teachers and principal is that education is a business, and we must ensure that quality education is delivered, despite the circumstances in which the school exists," adds consultant to the Centres of Excellence programme, Gillian Chambers, who conducted workshops at the school last month. "The workshops have improved what I already do," Beverley Daley, senior teacher at Porus High, says further. She declares that she will do some things differently. "I will be looking at ways to motivate staff under my supervision and to improve accountability, to ensure that the students are receiving value," Daley says. Joy Clarke, head of the school's business department, supports that objective, and notes that she will also pursue new initiatives to produce better outcomes.

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"We recognise that excellence is not something that we can talk into being. Rather, it is something that we do. Therefore, I will use the resources and time efficiently, to ensure that we give our students the best education possible," she affirms. Seaforth High tackles indiscipline Sunday, March 13, 2011

INDISCIPLINE is a problem plaguing many Jamaican schools and Seaforth High in St Thomas is no different. "We have our day-to-day problems. We have quarrels and fights, which often reduce quality learning time... Students often run behind the fights, and that takes away from the teaching time, as you try to get them back in classes," said Neisha Buckley-Ford, a senior teacher at the school. "Discipline could be much better than it is now."

A student of Seaforth High makes a point to PALS Jamaica trainer Daphne Reid while another listens in, during a peer mediation training workshop at the school recently.

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1/2 And Seaforth, as noted, is not alone in its struggle. Some 8,600 students are, on average, suspended nationally each year, while data from the Ministry of Education reveals that about 168 of them are expelled due to overwhelming disciplinary challenges. However, all is not lost. According to Buckley-Ford, many of the problems that arise can be dealt with by the students themselves thereby eliminating the need to have them all referred to the highest levels for arbitration. It is with this in mind that Seaforth selected 66 students who are now in training to become peer mediators with the assistance from the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), an organisation established by the Jamaica National and Victoria Mutual building societies. Seaforth is one of six rural high schools under MBSF's Centres of Excellence programme, which aims to build capacity at all levels of the educational system to develop the teaching and learning process. "Discipline has to be a prime characteristic of a Centre of Excellence," said Dr Renee Rattray, programme manager at the MBSF. "There can be no effective learning in an environment where there is tolerance for indiscipline and violence." The peer mediation programme, meanwhile, was been launched in time for Safety and Security Month, which is now being celebrated in schools across the island. According to Rattray, at the end of the programme, which is being implemented in conjunction with PALS Jamaica, students are expected to benefit from a more peaceful environment and should have acquired tools to help with character development. "The students will complete 20 hours of training after which they will be certified and then they will be rostered for duty on a daily or weekly basis," noted PALS trainer Sybil James. "They will deal with only simple everyday conflicts, such as quarrels, name calling and rumour-mongering. Major issues such as drugs, sex, and violence will be dealt with by the Dean of Discipline." The students will also maintain a record of each mediation session so that the programme can be monitored effectively. A teacher/co-ordinator is also assigned to the programme to guide students as it is implemented in five other high schools under the

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Centres of Excellence banner McGrath High in Linstead, Porus and Mile Gully High Schools in Manchester, Green Pond High in St James, and Godfrey Stewart High School in Westmoreland. "The students chosen to become peer mediators are not necessarily students who have a record of conformance to school rules and discipline," noted Buckley-Ford, who is also a teacher/co-ordinator guiding the programme at Seaforth High. "However, the students selected are all influential leaders in their own ways." Reid, for her part, said the programme will train the students, so that they will be able to assist other students. "But first, they need to learn positive ways of dealing with their own problems, and then become examples to students with whom they are working; that works to improve the school environment," she said. Students Abigail Thompson and Broxey Reid are excited about the mediation programme. They were both selected to join because of their strong personalities and it is their hope that the programme will result in major attitude changes. "So far, I have learned how to resolve problems in a peaceful way," said Abigail, a third former at Seaforth. "And it will allow teachers more time to teach the class and the principal will spend less time enforcing discipline," added Broxey.

Williams urges schools to maximise assets Monday, February 14, 2011

SCHOOL boards should maximise school assets to raise the income they need to operate an efficient education plant, insurance executive and chairman of the board of Jamaica College (JC) R Danny Williams has said.

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"Some schools have resources that, if fully utilised, could shore-up shortfalls from tuition and subventions," Williams said in an address to board members and principals of the six rural high schools participating in a Centres of Excellence programme workshop held at The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston recently.

Dr Renee Rattray (centre), programme manager at the Mutual Building Societies Foundation (MBSF), makes a point during a discussion with Radley Reid (left), former principal of Campion College, and R Danny Williams, chairman of the board of Jamaica College. Both Williams and Reid were presenters at a workshop hosted by the MBSF for board chairmen, board members and principals of six rural high schools under the MBSFs Centres of Excellence programme at The Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston recently.

1/1 The programme is sponsored by the Victoria Mutual and Jamaica National building societies. The schools McGrath, Porus, Mile Gully, Seaforth, Green Pond and Godfrey Stewart are being upgraded under the $100-million Centres of Excellence programme being managed by the Mutual Building Societies Foundation established by the building societies.

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"There are these resources in the schools, such as the Parent Teachers Association, past students, and a canteen, which can earn you money," Williams advised and pointed out that every school had physical facilities that can be maximised to facilitate extension classes and courses during the summer and other holiday periods. Therefore, these should be fully utilised throughout the year, he said. "This is what we set out to do at Jamaica College," he said, explaining how JC used its assets, such as the football field, by renting it to persons and entities to generate additional income. "We started to look at all the income-generating opportunities to maximise on all the facilities, and looked for income potential, because one of the biggest problems is finding the money to do what you need to do," said Williams. "And, therefore, you have to look at what you can do with the canteen, or how to rent the facilities or run special courses or summer schools." He noted, for example, that schools could establish a concession arrangement with a business entity preferred by students, adding that such an arrangement may be significantly more beneficial to a school than one run by the school itself. Williams pointed out that school boards could also consider establishing properly run foundations to which stakeholders, well-wishers, past students, and members of the community can make contributions as they provide a pool of tax-free funds that schools may draw on to carry out various projects, based on their own preferences. He also urged boards to, "simply network, and to ask for money, particularly from people who have benefited from the school". "If you ask people for money they will give you money," he said. "We received donations from people who have not been back to Jamaica College from the day they left school." He also advised the schools to invite good business people with relevant competences within the community to sit on the boards, or otherwise contribute to the school. "Very often the community owns the school and very often you are not getting much support from the community because you don't go and sit down with the merchant and

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show them: 'This is what I need.' If you can engage them, you can make up for what is a lack of a past students' associations," he said. Williams further illustrated that by implementing some of these initiatives, JC was able to raise enough funds to complete 85 per cent of its major infrastructural projects, including the building of an auditorium; mending the perimeter fencing; repairing roofs, refurbishing sporting facilities, and modernising the computer labs. JC has also put incentive programmes in place for teachers from these funds. "So by employing these measures, we have been able to motivate our teachers; and we have done what we can to upgrade the physical and social aspects of the school, and bring it into the new world," the JC chairman said. The MBSF's Centres of Excellence project, which is in its third year, is seeking to upgrade the administrative and educational programmes at the six rural high schools, in concert with the Government's Education Transformation Programme. The Centres of Excellence programme will end in 2012.

We have to keep trying' Manchester police chief wants citizens groups to help with community development programmes Friday, January 14, 2011

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Chief of police in Manchester Superintendent Lascelles Taylor is urging citizens' groups such as the Manchester Chamber of Commerce (MCC) to assist in the development of community programmes to reduce conflict and gang activities. Speaking against the backdrop of an increase in murders in this south-central parish in 2010 over the previous year with most being the result of domestic and gang disputes

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 Taylor said there was a clear need for conflict-resolution education and projects aimed at strengthening and enabling communities.

TAYLOR... we can't give up

1/1 "I am suggesting to the chamber that every meeting you attend to speak to people, you talk about conflict resolution," Taylor told a regular monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville recently. He urged the "adoption" of places like Greenvale, just outside Mandeville where gang activity in recent years has effectively split the community between "top" and "bottom". Citizens groups could help by entering such communities to assist in the setting up of "homework centres" and skills training among other initiatives, he said. Told by members of his audience that such efforts in the past had often shrivelled and died because of a lack of co-operation from host communities, Taylor was adamant that "we have to keep trying, try and try again, we can't give up". But he too spoke of his frustrations in Greenvale in particular. "I have gone over there and had two well-attended meetings with the 'top' and two meetings with the 'bottom' and when I am ready to have one in the middle now with everybody from both sides, nobody

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turn up just the police alone, although everybody had agreed that they would come... but we have to keep trying," he said. Noting that Greenvale is a small community with the "best view in Mandeville", Taylor confessed to being baffled by the reasons for the long-standing tensions that have split the community. "We have to find out the causes... what is preventing top from merging with the bottom? ... Nobody wants to leave Mandeville, all of us need to live here so come, let's do something about it...," he said. The MCC has worked closely with the police in recent years most notably in leading an ongoing project to establish an anti-crime surveillance camera system in Mandeville. In a context of a reduction in murders islandwide, Taylor said there were 48 murders in Manchester in 2010 up from 42 in 2009. Thirteen were motivated by domestic disputes involving a souring of personal relationships, 10 were the result of gang conflicts and seven people were killed during robberies. Of the 18 murders in the parish capital of Mandeville, six were gang related, he said. The Christiana police division in northern Manchester had 11 murders, while Spaulding also in the north on the border with northern Clarendon had three. Three murders in Porus, south-east Manchester were all classified as domestic, including the alleged killing of one brother by another following a dispute over an inherited house. Williamsfield, Cross Keys and Alligator Pond had three murders each in 2010. However, the largest police division in Manchester Cottage, which includes Mile Gully in the parish's north-west had no murders. Taylor said 25 of the 48 murders had been "cleared up", meaning "persons had been arrested and charged" and were before the courts. Six "persons of interest" are being sought by police in connection with murder investigations. The "cleared up" included the murder of former People's National Party member of parliament for Western St Mary Dr Neil McGill, who was shot dead in Manchester last August. Taylor said three men had been arrested and charged in connection with the killing while a fourth suspect remained on the run.

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The increase in murders apart, Taylor said the police high command in Manchester was very concerned about robberies "particularly of laptops and cellphones". He suggested that the high tertiary student population in Manchester meant there was a great demand for laptop computers and high-end cellphones. "Everyone has to exercise the greatest care when you have such equipment in your car or on your person, they are very much in demand," he said. Reported robberies in Manchester had increased by 29 to 245 in 2010 "mostly laptops and cellphones" compared to 2009, he said.

'Principals are like CEOs' Sunday, January 02, 2011

SCHOOL principal turned business executive Dave Myrie has urged headmasters and headmistresses to adopt more corporate-like principles into their management of educational institutions. According to Myrie, there are more similarities than differences between the CEO (chief executive officer) of a private company and a school principal.

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MYRIE... you must see education as a product and the quality of that product will determine who wants to come to that school

1/1 "They use the same principles," said Myrie, the deputy CEO and chief operating officer for the H&L Group, a subsidiary of GraceKennedy. "As the principal, you are the CEO of that school and as the CEO, you are responsible for everything within that sphere." The former Wolmer's Boys headmaster was speaking to principals of six high schools under the $100-million Mutual Building Societies Foundation Centres of Excellence programme. The six institutions were: * McGrath High in St Catherine; * Porus High in Manchester; * Mile Gully High, also in Manchester; * Seafort High in St Thomas; * Godfrey Stewart High in Westmoreland; and * Green Pond High in St James.

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The occasion was a recent workshop held at Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew. Meanwhile, Myrie said that similar to a CEO, a school principal must set a clear vision and articulate it in such a way that it is well understood by the majority, including parents and the communities in which the schools are located. "A critical skill that any leader must have is (the ability) to set the culture of the school, and how you present yourself and how you dictate it will determine that," he said. "Therefore, if you are not going to tolerate lateness and you set that up from day one and it flows down to all of your people, then that culture is going to be embedded in your school." Myrie added that a principal must also strategically determine how the school's resources are to be used in the best interest of the institution, and to develop the highest quality product -- as is required of a CEO. "You must see education as a product and the quality of that product will determine who wants to come to that school," he said, while carefully noting that the quality of the educational product had less to do with the quality of students the schools received and more to do with the quality of education delivered. Myrie was quick to add that the quality of education their schools deliver will be determined by how they implement their respective visions for their institutions. "If the board members are the ones who set that focus for you, I think you have lost the plot because the board should not be micro-managing you as the principal of the school. You are the ones running the schools on a day-to-day basis, therefore, you are the ones who have to set the vision," he said. However, he charged that as officers at the helm, principals must monitor carefully and take responsibility for the "goings on" in their institutions. "As a principal, you have to delegate a lot. However, you cannot delegate and leave it like that. You have to retain some of the responsibility to ensure that what you are delegating is being done," he advised. Myrie also urged that they identify a mentor who can provide guidance to them in carrying out their duties.

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"That mentor does not have to be a head teacher, but somebody who you can talk to about a number of things -- someone who can actually help and guide you," he said. In addition, Myrie encouraged the principals to be diligent and to allow their work to speak for itself. "When your work speaks, it should speak so loudly you should not even have to open your mouth," he said.

Masters clinch exciting Claro/INSPORTS win Wednesday, January 05, 2011

MASTERS notched an exciting 2-1 victory over Hasty Good in the feature match of a triple-header in the Claro/INSPORTS All-Island Community Football Championship at Mile Gully, Manchester on Sunday. It was a thrilling day at the Mile Gully Community Centre, which saw 11 goals being scored.

Queensboroughs Devroyd Purrier (right) attempts to make an interception, as Kemar Thomas of Mannings Hill United tries to dribble away during

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their Claro/INSPORTS All-Island match at Golden Spring Community Centre on Sunday. Mannings Hill won 3-0. (Photo: Devon Chin)

1/1 Border kicked things off and outshone Lynhurst Luminers 2-0, before defending parish champions New Green and Greenvale played to an exhilarating 3-3 draw. It gets the tone for the main event which featured two teams from the same Mile Gully community. Masters took an early lead, but Hasty Good drew level shortly afterwards. Tensions mount as the game drew to a close, but a strike 'at the death' gave Masters maximum points. At the New Market Oval in Westmoreland, Young Strikers slammed White Plains 3-0; Belgium drew 1-1 with 12th Street, while Desta and Bath played to a 0-0 draw. In the Corporate Area, Riverton came away 4-2 victors over Kingston and St Andrew Vikings; Nannyville crushed Dallas Castle 6-0; Bournemouth Gardens drew 0-0 with Conscious; Top Range were held 0-0 by Ayrshire United; Strikers stopped Special Unit 1-0; Delacree Park blanked Amy Jacques YC 2-0; McGregor clipped Spoilers 1-0; Duncaster drubbed Boys' Town Youth Division 3-0; Ranch Twelve beat Bridge Side SC 1-0; Mannings Hill whipped Queensborough 3-0; New Creation edged Drama United 2-1, while St Patrick Rangers lost 1-2 to Hagley Park All Stars. In Portmore, Gregory Park got the better of Little Lion by the odd goal in the a sevengoal thriller; defending champions Portmore Gardens beat Greater Portmore All Star 2-0, while Westchester and Silverstone played to a close 2-2 tie.

Downs steal KO title with shoot-out victory BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Saturday, January 01, 2011

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MANDEVILLE, Manchester Downs FC rallied to snatch the Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knockout competition with a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Mile Gully in Thursday's final at Brooks Park. Omar Pascoe converted the winning spot kick in a sudden death shoot-out following an exciting 2-2 stalemate in full and extra-time.

Downs captain Gary McDonald (left) accepts the Manchester KO trophy from FA president Dalton Wint while Mark Cole of sponsors Locker Room Sports looks on. Downs defeated Mile Gully 5-4 on penalties in the final on Thursday. (Photo: Oshane Tobias)

1/1 Jason Johnson who notched a brace lobbed Downs goalkeeper as Mile Gully led 10 at the break, but quick-fire efforts from Delvin Cornwall and Deshorn Brown appeared to have gifted Downs the title late on.

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Johnson, however, popped up with a rasping 35-yard free-kick that sent the game into extra-time, where the teams failed to sparkle. Downs, who were lifting the trophy for the fourth time, earned for themselves $35,000 and will now represent Manchester in the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) All-Island Knockout championship. The victory was an upset of sorts as Mile Gully, who received $15,000, entered the match wearing the favourites tag and even looked the part up to the hour mark. But it was Downs who started the game with much urgency as target man Brown bulldozed his way into the box twice before being forced wide on both occasions. Their hearts were, however, broken moments later as they fell behind against the run of play when Johnson raced onto a neat through pass and outmuscled his marker before knocking it over the advancing goalkeeper with seven minutes gone on the clock. The goal was just what Mile Gully needed to settle their nerves as they began to stroke the ball around the park with much confidence, but failed to add to their lead. Downs' best chance for an equaliser before the interval was expertly palmed around the post by Michael Parcells after Brown a former daCosta Cup star hit a fierce 30yarder. The second-half introduction of Cornwall significantly improved Downs' game as the nippy player made the left flank his own, while Brown continued to cause trouble through the middle. Their wait for the equaliser would soon be over as a goal-line clearance fell nicely for Cornwall and he made no mistake with a one-time shot in the 71st minute. And five minutes later, they were sitting pretty with a 2-1 lead when Brown blasted home his own rebound after his shot from a solo effort was blocked by Parcells. More drama would unfold two minutes later, as Johnson's left-footed free-kick flew over the wall and nestled in the upper right-hand corner of the goal to delay Downs' victory.

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Mile Gully cruise into Manchester KO final Oshane Tobias Friday, December 24, 2010

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Mile Gully advanced to the final of the Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knock-out competition with a 2-0 win against New Green in Tuesday's semi-final clash at Brooks Park. After a goalless first half, Mile Gully took the fight to their Major League counterparts and fittingly went ahead through a neat build up. Former Manchester High daCosta Cup captain Baron Watson Jnr, on break from school in the United States, was on hand to tap in the opener on 67 minutes. The Super League returnees, however, had to wait until the last minute of the contest to seal their berth when Andre Beckford rounded New Green's goalkeeper and fired home. The former Premier League contenders now await the winners of the Downs/Porus semi-final game in next week's championship decider, also to be played at Brooks Park.

Mile Gully tackle New Green in KO semis BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Tuesday, December 21, 2010

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MANDEVILLE, Manchester The first finalist in the Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knockout competition will be decided today when Mile Gully face New Green at Brooks Park in semi-final action. All being well, Mile Gully, who returned to Super League football on Saturday with 2-2 draw against highly-fancied Newlands FC, should start favourites against their Major League counterparts. The Baron 'Barry' Watson-conditioned unit, of mostly Manchester High daCosta Cup players, advanced to the semis after dethroning George's Valley 2-1 last Thursday, while New Green drew a bye. The other semi-final match-up, between Super League contenders Downs and Major League side Porus, will be contested tomorrow at the same venue. Match time is 3:00 pm on both days.

Mile Gully oust George's Valley from Manchester KO BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Saturday, December 18, 2010

MANDEVILLE, Manchester A new champion will be crowned in this season's Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knockout football competition after Mile Gully dethroned George's Valley in quarter-final action on Thursday. Mile Gully, who have returned to the South Central Confederation Super League following a four-year hiatus, clipped George's Valley 2-1 at the Mile Gully Community Centre with goals from Junior Neil and Wavell Blythe. In the other quarter-final game played at Kendal, Downs were also 2-1 winners over the hosts. Randy Bartley and Delvin Cornwall were on target for the Super League team.

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Mile Gully will now face New Green in one semi-final on Tuesday, while Downs go up against Porus in the other on Wednesday. Both games will be played at Brooks Park.

Mile Gully, Kendal seal KO quarter-final berths Oshane Tobias Saturday, December 11, 2010

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Mile Gully and Kendal booked quarter-final spots in the Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knockout competition following respective second-round victories over Comfort and Young Diamonds at the weekend. Manchester High schoolboy Shane Cousins scored a hat-trick as Mile Gully stopped Comfort 3-1 at Mile Gully, while Dean Gayle hit a brace in Kendal's 3-0 win over Young Diamonds. Mile Gully, who will be campaigning in this season's South Central Confederation Super League, now meet defending champions Georges Valley in the next round, and Kendal play Downs. Porus and Old England complete the line-up for this weekend's quarter-final matches, while Major League outfit New Green drew a bye.

Earthquake Unit confirms 3.8 Manchester tremor Magnitude 3.8 earthquake also felt in St Bess Jamaica Observer Wednesday, December 08, 2010 | 2:44 PM

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THE Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona has confirmed an earthquake of magnitude 3.8, which occurred in Manchester at 1:31 pm this afternoon. No damage has yet been reported. According to the unit, the epicentre was located near Mile Gully in the Rio MinhoCrawle River Fault Zone Sub-area in the parish and had a focal depth of 10 kilometres.

Map showing today's earthquake and its epicentre near Mile Gully in Manchester. (Source: University of the West Indies, Mona Earthquake Unit)

1/1 Effects of the tremor were alsp reported St. Elizabeth. The tremor reportedly lasted several seconds. An employee at the Observer reported hearing the roof of her home shake in Mandeville, Manchester. She also heard screams from neighbouring homes. The Observer has received reports of the effects being felt in Spauldings in the north of Manchester and as far south as Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth.

Porus, Mike Town clash in Manchester KO Oshane Tobias

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

PORUS, Manchester Porus FC will meet Mike Town today at the Porus Community Centre in a 3:00 pm kick-off as first-round action in the Brumalia House/Locker Room Sports Manchester Knockout competition continues this weekend. In other games tomorrow, Mandeville United host Old England at deCartet College, while Comfort and Villa United square off at Comfort. Both games will also begin at 3:00 pm. Meanwhile, in the competition's opener on Thursday, Starliner defeated Tri-Star 2-0 and will now await their second-round opponents. Super League outfits Downs FC and Mile Gully, along with defending champions Georges Valley and three other teams will enter the competition at a later date.

Wint wants Manchester clubs to soar again BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Friday, October 22, 2010

MANDEVILLE, Manchester Worried by their 13-year absence from the Premier League, Manchester FA president Dalton Wint is striving for the return of top-flight football to the parish. Speaking at the FA's annual awards ceremony last Wednesday, Wint expressed sadness at the Manchester's inability to put together a quality team to make it past the South Central Confederation Super League, but in the same breath, said reversing that scenario will be the mandate of his tenure.

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"When I took office I said I wanted to help the parish return to the Premier League and I'm going to work hard towards it," a passionate Wint told the audience at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville. "St Ann is back in the league and I hope they stay there and achieve all the benefits that it has to offer, but I believe it will be our time next," Wint said. "We just need to support Downs and Mile Gully in the South Central Super League." Manchester has produced three Premier League teams in Kirkvine SC, Los Perfectos and Mile Gully -- the last of the bunch to campaign in the nation's top football league (1997). And Wint, who also serves as general secretary for the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) South Central Confederation, said if they are to repeat that feat, they will have to start preparing from the youth level. "A number of our youngsters have not been representing the parish in the Confed Youth competitions and that must change if we are to become successful," he charged, while encouraging clubs to adopt a collection culture as they look to become professional outfits. Longtime sports administrator, Pat Anderson, was among a number of the veterans who bemoaned the parish's inability to return to the top football competition in the island and called on the stakeholders to unite for a common goal. "What we the old boys are worried about is the fact that we don't have a team in the Premier League," said Anderson, a former president of the JFF. "When we want to watch a match we have to travel to other parishes." "I see we have Manchester High, who went to the final of the daCosta Cup last year; there is Knox and deCartet College, who are also doing (well). "We have a youngster name (Jason Johnson), who made the national senior team and played against Argentina, so it can be done," he said. "We just need to work together." Meanwhile, Captain's Bakery Major League champions Mile Gully were the talk of the town at the presentation ceremony.

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They took home awards for the top goalkeeper (Michael Parcell) and defender (Blake Thompson), cash prizes and trophies for being the mid-season and overall champions. Starliner also pocketed cash and a trophy for winning the Power Services Division Two title; the President's Cup Knockout champions were George's Valley, while Porus Academy topped the Power Services North Manchester Under-17 competition. Manchester High's Shenaldo Parkes was named Youth Player of the Year, while O'Niel Watson was referee of the year.

Never Allow This To Happen In The Mile Gully- Bethany Region! 'Do better,' Bartlett tells parents Horace Hines Thursday, July 11, 2013

MONTEGO BAY, St James Member of Parliament for East Central St James Edmund Bartlett is calling on parents to behave responsibly and to instruct their children in proper values in order to prevent tragedies such as the recent fatal stabbing of a St James student by her peer. "I don't want to have to bury another child who was murdered by another child in this parish, in this constituency, again," Bartlett told an annual GSAT scholarship ceremony on Sunday.

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Member of Parliament Edmund Bartlett is flanked by Tian Brown (left) and Chad Clarke, both of Irwin Primary School, who were the top boy and girl from the East central St James constituency in the recent GSAT. They were each awarded scholarships of $5000 during Sunday's annual East Central St James Educational Council GSAT scholarship awards ceremony

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held in Montego Bay.

1/1 "Yes, you must pause, you must be silent. Yes, you must take in this one seriously, because we are not giving the attention to our children as we must as parents," said Bartlett. "Don't come to me and band your belly and weep because you didn't do what you were supposed to do or you gave bad example to the children which they followed," the MP added. Bartlett was addressing the annual East Central St James Educational Council GSAT scholarship awards ceremony for 122 students, a day after the memorial service for 13-yearold Jamellia Dawkins, who was from the community of Putosi, Johns Hall. Last month, Dawkins, a student of Anchovy High School in St James was fatally stabbed during a fight near her school. The accused, a 14 year-old female classmate of the deceased, was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 when she appeared in the Montego Bay Family court last month. The accused is booked to reappear in court on Wednesday, August 7. Bartlett bemoaned the loss of the young student's life. "I feel that we lose the return on investment on education when ... something (tragedy) happens at a school ... And we had to bury a child at Putosi yesterday," he said. For the past 15 years, Bartlett, through his East Central St James Educational Council, has provided over 2,000 scholarships for students in his constituency from early childhood to tertiary level. "It is now in its 15th year and it has been for us a most rewarding experience. Over the period we have been able to graduate what is now a little over 2,000 students of East Central St James, who have gone either through the high school system, the university

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system, the teacher's college system, or any other tertiary institution," Bartlett bragged during the function held at the Montego Bay Civic Centre. The MP, who is celebrating 37 years of political life, congratulated those who did well in the recent GSAT. In the constituency, 22 students averaged between 90 and 95.6 per cent, while 96 achieved between 80 to 89 per cent in their GSAT results. Two Irwin Primary students came out as the top girl and boy. They are Tian Brown, who amassed an average of 95.6 per cent and Chad Clarke, with 93, respectively. They both received $50, 000 scholarships for their efforts. Guest speaker at Sunday's ceremony, principal of Jamaica College, Ruel Reid suggested that MPs in other constituencies across the island should take a leaf from Bartlett 's book. "If all the other MPs in the other 62 constituencies were to follow your lead, sir (Bartlett), I believe we would be rivalling Finland by 2014," Reid remarked

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/regional/-Do-better---Bartlett-tellsparents_14662770#ixzz2YrFh9rXm

End of Exacts

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