Laura Tanna

The American Friends of Jamaica's (AFJ) spring gala in Miami proved so successful in raising funds for Jamaica's educational, health and economic needs that it is now a permanent addition to the AFJ's calendar, along with the gala held every fall in New York City. May 19 at the Coconut Grove Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the date and venue set for 2007 and the individual and organisational awardees have been chosen.

Tony Hart

Tony Hart, better known as 'Mr. Montego Bay', has been selected by the American Friends of Jamaica to be honoured with its prestigious Individual AFJ International Humanitarian Award for his life-long dedication to the development of Jamaica and its people. His participation in creating the Montego Freeport helped transform the economy of the Second City, his promotion of Seawinds, his term as president of Air Jamaica, and the restoration of Good Hope Estate and more recently Doctor's Cave Beach bolstered the tourist industry. Hart's service on the Jamaica National Investment Company (JNIC) and his involvement in fish and cattle farming also helped to develop agricultural properties throughout the island.

An anonymous benefactor to numerous projects and mentor to many people throughout his career as an entrepreneur, Hart has most recently supported the Montpelier School in St James. In this endeavour he has been greatly aided by Food For the Poor.

Food For the Poor

The American Friends of Jamaica has chosen Food For the Poor to be honoured with its prestigious Company AFJ International Humanitarian Award for their incredible economic and social assistance to thousands of Jamaicans whose lives have been improved significantly by their aid.

Since 1982 when Jamaican Ferdinand Mahfood conceived the idea of creating Food For The Poor, his family's dedication to the cause of constructively assisting their fellow Jamaicans has grown into an international organisation transforming countless lives, not only in Jamaica, but in 15 other countries in the Caribbean and Central America as well. His brother, Robin Mahfood, carries on as the president and CEO of this international Christian aid organisation.

More than US$3 billion in food, housing, medical, educational and small business supplies have been provided since its conception. Food For the Poor acts as a safety net, securing many of the economic and social needs the Jamaican Government is unable to provide, all through the vision of one man and the hard work and contributions of many.

Though the AFJ began as a way for Americans who love Jamaica to contribute to its development, Jamaicans are welcome to attend the Miami Gala on May 19. Log on to info@theafj.org, call 212-626-6883 or visit www.theafj.org for information on tickets to the Peacock Ball.

Rheima Hall

Most of you know that we have a new Governor-General, but you may not know that his better half, Rheima Hall, is a vibrant activist on behalf of many causes. Her impact will be felt increasingly as their term of office continues, especially her support for educational and social projects.

But today I want to remind you that while King's House is the official residence of the Governor-General of Jamaica, the Government does not always provide sufficient funds in the budget to maintain the historic structure, which is why the King's House Foundation was formed under the leadership of Dennis Lalor during the Michael Manley administration. Visiting heads of state, as well as Jamaican citizens from all walks of life, have occasion to enter the residence, so its upkeep is essential.

Mrs. Hall is both an accomplished painter and a former principal of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. She conceived the idea of holding an exhibition of fine art in the ballroom of King's House, a venue open only occasionally to the general public, with a portion of the art sales being donated to The King's House Foundation.

Wine and cheese will be served as guests enjoy the ambience. So save the date, March 1, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A tax-deductible donation of J$1,000 will allow those wishing to support an historic part of Jamaica's heritage to also enjoy an evening in a very special setting. For information on how to obtain an invitation to this event, watch the press or call Bell Clarke at 927-6424, ext. 2032.

Malcolm Armstrong

Malcolm Armstrong is someone you probably wouldn't know. A Rastafarian fisherman resident in a violent garrison community, he nonetheless managed to live a life of dignity and warmth, giving assistance to many researchers, writers, filmmakers as an unofficial guide to those who sought to learn about Jamaica's traditional culture.

Cited in books read throughout the world as a resource person, he has not yet been given the recognition he deserves, something I, and others who loved him, will change, soon enough. His death in 2005 hit me hard, so hard I haven't yet written of him, though I will. His funeral was out of town, so far his family finds it hard to visit.

But Rosie McIver, assisting the Nature Preservation Foundation, gave me a way to honour him in Kingston. For J$9,500 you can pay to have a concrete park bench constructed in The Royal Botanical Gardens, better known as Hope Gardens, with a brass plaque engraved with the name of a loved one. Visitors have a place to sit and enjoy the gardens, and family and friends are reminded that their loved one is still with us in a meaningful way. Contact Claudia Brown-Panton at 970-3504/5 for further information.

Rheima Hall greets two-year-old Marvin Clarke during a tour of the Cornwall Regional Hospital's paediatric ward, in Montego Bay, last December. - Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer