The 2006 'Comedy Buss' winner, Rohan Gunter (left), whips the audience into a frenzy of laughter at the recent health fair organised by the Welfare Office, held at the Central Sorting Office, on Thursday, December 7. He is a member of the Accounts Unit staff at CSO and is frequently caught making the ladies laugh. Is that a good thing? Obviously it 'paid off' for him this time. Congrats, Gunter!

Last year's health fair at the Central Sorting Office was a blast! The sponsors made it happen, and the Jamaica Post team says, "Thanks, from all of us." The Norman Road community turned out in large numbers along with staff and customers.

A wide range of activities allowed full participation for everyone with a choice of:

Watching that nerve-wracking tale of 'life with HIV infection' (a video):

Health-screening tests and information;

MiPhone sales and giveaways;

Dance contests;

'Crazy' prizes (such as 'first cross-eyed person to reach the stage');

'Hands-on' with Motor Sales' cars and SUVs that were on display;

Information on Fidelity Motors' wide range of Nissan vehicles;

Nail art demonstrations;

Comedy hour featuring 2006 'Comedy Buss' winner, Rohan Gunter;

Fire safety tips and demonstrations.

The event's primary focus was the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and diverse attractions proved a drawing card to get everyone involved. The event, held last December in the car park at the Central Sorting Office, was staged to encourage harmony among persons from different political areas in proximity to the postal service's headquarters.

Main sponsors were: Fidelity Motors, Motor Sales and Services, LMH Publishing, Maddens' funeral home and Tetley Tea. Special thanks to Desmond Bailey, councillor for Allman Town division, as well as Ronnie Thwaites, candidate for Kingston Central, for their generous contributions and help in sensitising the surrounding communities to the event and generating their interest.

A number of organisations participated, some establishing booths, others providing a promotions team to interact with the attendees and provide health-screening tests, product information or advice. These included the National Environment and Planning Agency, Fire Prevention Division, Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs Commission, National Council on Drug Abuse, Jamaica AIDS Support, Abbott Nutritional International and Hope Worldwide Jamaica.

Happy with the turnout

Welfare Officer Marcia McDonald, a registered nurse and midwife, who spearheaded planning for the health fair, commented: "I am especially happy with the turnout from the citizens, and the fact that they opted for free health-screening tests, but am disappointed that so few persons opted to get tested for HIV.

"This indicates the persistent testing reluctance as stated by senior officials in the health authorities. I implore everyone to seek to know their HIV status so that they can either breathe a sigh of relief, or start to be treated early," McDonald said.

She added, "The event goes a far way to break down the 'political zone' concept, and must also help our neighbours to generate an interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Given the level of interest, the CSO health fair is here to stay. The planning committee comprised Marcia McDonald, Constable D. Crossman of the Elletson Road Police Station, Councillor Desmond Bailey, Mark Henry of LMH Publishers, Fabian Madden of Madden's funeral home, and Myrna Bernard, a CSO staff member who represented the community.