THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM not rewriting the Beatitudes, I am simply saying, blessed are the feet of those who walk into 'Rema' (Trench Town) and its environs and make a positive impact causing warring communities to communicate and interact peacefully; putting light where darkness abounded; building roads where barriers existed; changing battlefields into parks where the young and the young at heart can relax, enjoy freedom and appreciate the beauty of God's creation; and showing great interest in education from basic school to university level.
I speak of none other than the Hon. Dr. Omar Davies, Member of Parliament for South St. Andrew. He can be described as the sower who went forth to sow and has sown seeds of love and togetherness among children by organising the South St. Andrew Under-12 netball and football competitions among schools in and adjoining his constituency.
Each school is given all the gears necessary for the competitions and cash to cover any other expenses the games may incur. Students, teachers, parents and other members of the various communities look forward to these competitions each year. Basic schools are given instructional materials, various clubs receive assistance according to needs. This is one aspect of education being demonstrated through sports.
There is also the academic competition through the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) where the primary and all-age schools compete for the Rosie Davies Trophy. The boy and girl with the highest score in GSAT are recognised and receive cash awards and the students with the overall highest score wins the trophy for the school.
But there is more. Through the Jamaica Association For Children with Learning Disabilities, Dr. Davies became very instrumental in bringing a special reading programme to the Primary and All-Age Schools in South St. Andrew. Indeed there is a great improvement in the students' reading level and the schools are extremely grateful. The results of the Grade Four Literacy Test and the GSAT Communication Task both testify to this fact.
At the beginning of each school year schools receive some furniture to assist with what is given by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The MP takes time out from his busy schedule to visit each school to see the condition of the physical plant for himself. At least twice per year he invites all principals in his constituency to a meeting where they give a brief report of what is happening in the schools, and some of the urgent needs are taken care of by the MP.
Boys' Town All-Age says thank you for the many and varied assistance given.
May God bless you always.
I am, etc.,
LANTHE CHAMBERS
Principal (Retired)
