Several members of the public have come forward to satisfy the Christmas wishes of the children highlighted in this feature last week. The Gleaner Company is organising a presentation event for these and other children next week. We would like to thank members of the public for their support.

All I want is:

My own Christmas tree ... with pretty lights

Dalton Laing, Gleaner Writer

Little Anthony Wright of Russia in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. - Photo by Dalton Laing

SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland:

While many children his age would rather have a new toy, a book, or just some new clothes for Christmas, one small boy in the depressed community of Russia, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, would love to have his own Christmas tree.

Anthony Wright, who celebrated his sixth birthday on August 17, said he loves Christmas trees because the lights make them pretty.

The grade one student of the Savanna-la-Mar Primary School says writing is his favourite subject.

"When I grow up I would like to be a doctor," young Anthony told The Gleaner.

According to him, he likes his medical doctor, Dr. Devalla S. Reddie, and wants to be like him when he grows up. But will the influences of life in the inner-city allow him that opportunity?

His mother Jacqueline Sinclair says she will do whatever it takes to allow her son to achieve his dream, despite the challenges of the tough community in which they reside.

As for his tree, Ms. Sinclair is going to grant his request, as she believes it will give him not only Christmas cheer, but also a soothing feeling unlike that of life in his inner-city community.

All I want is:

Less violence at Christmas ... and a computer to improve my school work

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Sanique Jarrett, nine-year-old student of the Howard Cooke Primary School in Montego Bay. - Photo by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

With the growing problems of crime ravaging sections of the island, primarily in inner-city and volatile communities, it is nine-year-old Sanique Jarrett's wish that some day at Christmas there will be no violence.

As I sat with her and her mother, she revealed that her real wish was to obtain a computer to assist her, her 13-year-old sister and nine-year-old brother with their schoolwork.

Still traumatised

Sanique, a student at the Howard Cooke Primary School in Montego Bay, resides in Retirement - about three miles from where four people were recently murdered.

She is among the children and adults who remain traumatised as a result of the incident.

"I wish that Jamaica could become a better place and that the crime and violence could stop. If we have less violence, the children would be able to have a better education," she said.

Shaking her legs continuously and seemingly unaware of it, Sanique glances at me intermittently.

"We would all have a better tomorrow and children would enjoy their childhood much better," little Sanique said.

Elaborating on her wish for a computer for Christmas, Sanique said: "Every time I ask my mother for a computer, she always says 'No, no, I can't afford it.' I know she would love to be able to give it to me but she genuinely just does not have the money. I would really love to have the computer because it would help me when teacher gives us certain projects to work on."

Want to help? Email us at editor@gleanerjm.com or call 932-6055