Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson could not hold back her tears as she visited children at the Blossom Gardens Children's Home in Montego Bay, St. James, on Monday.

"I am crying today," the ambassador admitted to journalists, after mingling with the children and being deeply touched by the invaluable work the 33-member staff had been doing.

"Praises need to be given to the workers at the home for what they have been doing. It is really emotional to be here."

Voluntary work

Blossom Gardens Children's Home is also benefiting from a series of voluntary work by members of the navy vessel, USS Carney (now docked in Montego Bay). The crew members will be working at the facility over the next few weeks.

She is urging other organisations globally to join in undertaking similar children's projects.

"It is very emotional to see that these children are so well cared for. That is the best part. The staff is doing such a marvellous job with the children who have been abandoned by their families," said Mrs. LaGrange Johnson, admitting it was her first time visiting a children's home since her tenure in Jamaica.

Manager at the home, Paola Genus-Brown, said Lisa Gallimore-Hyde, consular agent at the U.S. Consular Office in Montego Bay, had introduced the navy team to the children's home.

Challenges

She cited the challenges facing the home as the need for trained persons to give therapy to some children.

"Getting the physically challenged children into homes where they can be adequately cared for is a challenge because we only have the West Haven Children's Home. If they do not have the space, we have to keep them on a long-term basis," Mrs. Genus-Brown stated.

A block is currently being added to the facility, which will house a multi-purpose hall, a staff room and a sick bay. The institution receives funding from the Ministry of Health and the Child Development Agency (CDA).

However, it is now seeking assistance to raise $2.3 million to complete the building for its 50 wards.