Monday, February 21, 2011
Meatless Monday
Sweet Potato “Pasta” with Tangy Marinara
Sweet potato noodles are nothing more than finely shredded or spiralized raw sweet potato. It has the texture of shredded coconut and makes a good al dente noodle. You can also use a zester to create shorter pieces and use in place of rice. The tangy marinara in this recipe balances the starch present in the raw potato, leaving you with a taste of old-world Italy.
1 sweet potato
2 Roma tomatoes
¼ cup raw almonds, soaked
7 sun-dried tomato halves
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp basil
½ tsp salt
dash of red pepper flakes
water
Place sun-dried tomatoes in warm water to start softening. Set aside. Take care not to use water hotter than 118 degrees.
Choose to peel the sweet potato or leave the skin on (I leave it on).
Shred into lengthy strips using the small side of a standard shredder or spiralizer. Set aside.
Dry presoaked almonds (soak for 2-4 hours) with a paper towel. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend into a flour-like consistency.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. Blend until mixed, adding a splash of water as necessary.
Chop Roma and sun-dried tomatoes and add to the sauce base. Blend into a thick, creamy marinara sauce.
Divide sweet potato noodles into two servings and top with tangy marinara sauce. Garnish with additional red pepper flakes if you wish.
Serves 2. Sauce
Sweet potato noodles are nothing more than finely shredded or spiralized raw sweet potato. It has the texture of shredded coconut and makes a good al dente noodle. You can also use a zester to create shorter pieces and use in place of rice. The tangy marinara in this recipe balances the starch present in the raw potato, leaving you with a taste of old-world Italy.
1 sweet potato
2 Roma tomatoes
¼ cup raw almonds, soaked
7 sun-dried tomato halves
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp basil
½ tsp salt
dash of red pepper flakes
water
Place sun-dried tomatoes in warm water to start softening. Set aside. Take care not to use water hotter than 118 degrees.
Choose to peel the sweet potato or leave the skin on (I leave it on).
Shred into lengthy strips using the small side of a standard shredder or spiralizer. Set aside.
Dry presoaked almonds (soak for 2-4 hours) with a paper towel. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend into a flour-like consistency.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. Blend until mixed, adding a splash of water as necessary.
Chop Roma and sun-dried tomatoes and add to the sauce base. Blend into a thick, creamy marinara sauce.
Divide sweet potato noodles into two servings and top with tangy marinara sauce. Garnish with additional red pepper flakes if you wish.
Serves 2. Sauce
Computer Donation Guidelines
Computer Donation Guidelines
Schools serving student populations and located in Jamaica. Your school service territory are eligible for Bridges to Jamaica Computers For Schools program. To qualify, the school must be accredited, and have received fewer than five Bridges to Jamaica donated computers in the past two years. Public and private schools are eligible to participate, but they must meet all of the aforementioned criteria. Donations are made periodically and are subject to equipment availability.
Schools must submit a letter of request to be considered for the Computers For Communities program. The program accepts requests for assistance throughout the year. Letters should be brief (one to two pages), must be submitted on school letterhead, and must contain the following information:
* A description or statement of the school's need for computer equipment.
* A description of how students and teachers will use the computers.
* The kind of equipment the school will accept (e.g., PC computer systems). Please note: we are unable to honor requests for specific computer models or configurations.
* A description of the school's strategic plan or efforts to support technology in the classroom.
* The school principal's name and phone number.
* Any other information you believe is pertinent to your request. In particular, please mention school efforts that focus on the main areas of education Bridges to Jamaica -supports, including:
o Science and math enrichment.
o Family involvement in education.
o Outreach for at-risk, under served student populations.
o Literacy
o College and university Preparation
The above information will be used to assess the soundness and merit of each school's request. Letters should be submitted to: bridgestojamaica@rocketmail.com
Schools serving student populations and located in Jamaica. Your school service territory are eligible for Bridges to Jamaica Computers For Schools program. To qualify, the school must be accredited, and have received fewer than five Bridges to Jamaica donated computers in the past two years. Public and private schools are eligible to participate, but they must meet all of the aforementioned criteria. Donations are made periodically and are subject to equipment availability.
Schools must submit a letter of request to be considered for the Computers For Communities program. The program accepts requests for assistance throughout the year. Letters should be brief (one to two pages), must be submitted on school letterhead, and must contain the following information:
* A description or statement of the school's need for computer equipment.
* A description of how students and teachers will use the computers.
* The kind of equipment the school will accept (e.g., PC computer systems). Please note: we are unable to honor requests for specific computer models or configurations.
* A description of the school's strategic plan or efforts to support technology in the classroom.
* The school principal's name and phone number.
* Any other information you believe is pertinent to your request. In particular, please mention school efforts that focus on the main areas of education Bridges to Jamaica -supports, including:
o Science and math enrichment.
o Family involvement in education.
o Outreach for at-risk, under served student populations.
o Literacy
o College and university Preparation
The above information will be used to assess the soundness and merit of each school's request. Letters should be submitted to: bridgestojamaica@rocketmail.com
Stepping out to Change Lives
Help within the Community - Outreach
Bridges to Jamaica can provide help directly to groups or individuals through our Outreach Support. we can also provide some help for those who might have difficulty in reaching funding or distribution points themselves or who require extra help beyond that offered through our regular parish distribution.
Island wide efforts:
Bridges to Jamaica's volunteers will canvas targeted neighborhoods in Jamaica, to identify individuals and families who would benefit from our outreach effort. Our volunteers will maintain a database of names, addresses, phone numbers and services requested for follow-up and assistance. Our goal is to locate and assist as many families as we can.
Volunteer with Bridges to Jamaica
Bridges to Jamaica works in partnership with volunteers.
Working in partnership with Bridges to Jamaica, our volunteers experience the extraordinary rewards that come from giving time and talent to help others. In addition, volunteers serve as living proof that "someone really does care" about those in need.
If you are interested in volunteering for Bridges to Jamaica, please contact us at; bridgestojamaica@rocketmail.com .
Bridges to Jamaica Special Events
Volunteer your time and talent for a special event at Bridges to Jamaica. Many volunteers are needed for our events.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a community-based program that assists low-income people and social service organizations with housing improvements. Typically this is a one-day event on the last Saturday in April and involves some modest physical labor in restoring low-income family housing. For more information, send us an email with the Subject Heading: Rebuilding Together at bridgestojamaica@rocketmail.com .
Working in partnership with Bridges to Jamaica, our volunteers experience the extraordinary rewards that come from giving time and talent to help others. In addition, volunteers serve as living proof that "someone really does care" about those in need.
If you are interested in volunteering for Bridges to Jamaica, please contact us at; bridgestojamaica@rocketmail.com .
Bridges to Jamaica Special Events
Volunteer your time and talent for a special event at Bridges to Jamaica. Many volunteers are needed for our events.
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is a community-based program that assists low-income people and social service organizations with housing improvements. Typically this is a one-day event on the last Saturday in April and involves some modest physical labor in restoring low-income family housing. For more information, send us an email with the Subject Heading: Rebuilding Together at bridgestojamaica@rocketmail.com .
Interesting Jamaican Things
Interesting Jamaican things
If you are familiar with Jamaica , I can probably bet you (and win) you never knew half of these interesting facts on Jamaica . I myself was even surprised at some of these findings. Here you go!
* Jamaica has the most "churches" per square mile of any country in the world. Source-Guinness Book of World Records. Over 1,600 "churches" all over Jamaica . That number is growing.
* Jamaica was the first country in the Western world to construct a railway, even before the United States ! This was only 18 years after Britain !
* Jamaica is the first Caribbean Country to gain Independence .
* Jamaica is the first team from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for the Football (Soccer) World Cup. This was the 1998 championship.
* Jamaica stands strong in 3rd place on the list of countries to win the Miss World titles the most! [Hmmm!] The only countries to have won it more than Jamaica is India , Venezuela and the UK , but considering the size of Jamaica , you have to say that this achievement is monumental!
* On his second voyage to the New World in 1494, the tip of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica was the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus.
* Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the Western Hemisphere .
* Jamaica also was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum on a commercial basis.
* The Manchester Golf Club in Jamaica , established in 1868, is the oldest in the western hemisphere!
* Apart from the United States , Jamaica has won the most world and olympic medals.
* 2006-2007: World Fastest man and woman - you bet, are Jamaicans [Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson].
* Jamaica has more multiple (two or more) live births than anywhere else in the world.
* Jamaica was the first country to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa .
* Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean .
* Jamaica was the first Caribbean island to enact legislation, "The Motion Picture Industry (Encouragement) Act" to promote the making of films.
* Jamaica is the first country to sign a Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant agreement.
* Jamaica was the first tropical country to enter the IOC Winter Olympics. The bobsleigh team's efforts inspired the film ‘Cool Runnings’.
* Jamaica was the first colony England acquired by conquest. This was in the year 1655 when the Spanish were driven from the island.
* We have the second largest butterfly in the world? (The Giant Swallowtail).
* Another of the interesting facts on Jamaica is that it was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service (in 1688).
* Jamaica was the first Caricom country to liberalize the telecommunications sector. Since then, other Caricom countries have opened up to competition.
* Another one I found to be one of the most interesting facts on Jamaica is that Jamaica was the first country in the Caribbean region to launch a web site, jamaicatravel.com. This was in 1994!
* And if you know none of the above, (which is fine) I expect you at least know that Jamaica is the birth place of Robert ("Bob") Marley [smile]
* that Port Royal in Jamaica was once labeled 'The wickedest city on Earth'?
* that the Jamaican Flag is the ONLY flag in the world, that doesn't share any of the colors of the American flag?
If you are familiar with Jamaica , I can probably bet you (and win) you never knew half of these interesting facts on Jamaica . I myself was even surprised at some of these findings. Here you go!
* Jamaica has the most "churches" per square mile of any country in the world. Source-Guinness Book of World Records. Over 1,600 "churches" all over Jamaica . That number is growing.
* Jamaica was the first country in the Western world to construct a railway, even before the United States ! This was only 18 years after Britain !
* Jamaica is the first Caribbean Country to gain Independence .
* Jamaica is the first team from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for the Football (Soccer) World Cup. This was the 1998 championship.
* Jamaica stands strong in 3rd place on the list of countries to win the Miss World titles the most! [Hmmm!] The only countries to have won it more than Jamaica is India , Venezuela and the UK , but considering the size of Jamaica , you have to say that this achievement is monumental!
* On his second voyage to the New World in 1494, the tip of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica was the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus.
* Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the Western Hemisphere .
* Jamaica also was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum on a commercial basis.
* The Manchester Golf Club in Jamaica , established in 1868, is the oldest in the western hemisphere!
* Apart from the United States , Jamaica has won the most world and olympic medals.
* 2006-2007: World Fastest man and woman - you bet, are Jamaicans [Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson].
* Jamaica has more multiple (two or more) live births than anywhere else in the world.
* Jamaica was the first country to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa .
* Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean .
* Jamaica was the first Caribbean island to enact legislation, "The Motion Picture Industry (Encouragement) Act" to promote the making of films.
* Jamaica is the first country to sign a Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant agreement.
* Jamaica was the first tropical country to enter the IOC Winter Olympics. The bobsleigh team's efforts inspired the film ‘Cool Runnings’.
* Jamaica was the first colony England acquired by conquest. This was in the year 1655 when the Spanish were driven from the island.
* We have the second largest butterfly in the world? (The Giant Swallowtail).
* Another of the interesting facts on Jamaica is that it was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service (in 1688).
* Jamaica was the first Caricom country to liberalize the telecommunications sector. Since then, other Caricom countries have opened up to competition.
* Another one I found to be one of the most interesting facts on Jamaica is that Jamaica was the first country in the Caribbean region to launch a web site, jamaicatravel.com. This was in 1994!
* And if you know none of the above, (which is fine) I expect you at least know that Jamaica is the birth place of Robert ("Bob") Marley [smile]
* that Port Royal in Jamaica was once labeled 'The wickedest city on Earth'?
* that the Jamaican Flag is the ONLY flag in the world, that doesn't share any of the colors of the American flag?
Constitutional Reform....IF NOT NOW, WHEN? IF NOT US, WHO?
On July 7, 1977 a Constitutional Reform Programme was launched in Morant Bay, St. Thomas. It was scheduled to be completed over a period of 18 months. One year for debate, around 7 subject areas and the other 6 months would address the Parliamentary process required to make it law.
Some three months later on September 12, 1977 a concerned Jamaican who signed their name 'Hungry Belly' wrote the Gleaner under the Voice of the People column stating how strange it was that the Govt would think it timely to start a debate on the Constitution as it would "make you think that the constitution is the root of all our present woes". The article went on to call the process a "masquerade, as we have far more important matters to attend to".
It continued….Our present Constitution is not causing the present shortages, nor is it the cause of our money problems, nor is it the cause of our crime problems, nor is it the cause of our massive unemployment. That was a VERY DANGEROUS & UNFORTUNATE WAY TO VIEW IT. May we share with you why?
Jamaica is the fourth most indebted country IN THE WORLD! For the last 12 years we have been spending more than we earn. So we borrow and keep borrowing to fill the gap. We consume but we don't produce. Decisions are taken by Government every Monday morning at Jamaica House that DIRECTLY IMPACTS on our quality of life. What we can eat, IF we can eat, where we can go, if we can earn, if we are safe, if we are not, do I walk a mile to a spring to bathe or can I turn on a tap take a shower, can I as a retired pensioner live with dignity, can I afford a hospital bed, is one even available….…the list is endless and exhaustive.
Its basically about who makes decisions for our society and how. We don't have to look back far to understand why that 1977 writer was dreadfully wrong and the examples abound. Lets skip the Extradition and MPP as it might be just "white noise" to many by this. In 2009, the Jamaican Govt decided that the IMF was our only way out of our self-imposed crisis. This was an option that was going to undeniably be and has been a source of hardships for 1000s of citizens. Yet this decision was basically taken by a mere 32 deggeh deggeh Jamaicans - 2 women and 30 men - that form the ruling party. Despite the public interest and debate, we were merely 'informed' on the morning of January 14 that "the IMF has approved Jamaica's request for a US$1.3billion under a 27-month standby agreement". Yet the date set for Parliamentary debate was January 19, 2010 when clearly the Agreement would have been a done deal. Its very unlikely that the cause of this was a confused secretary at Gordon House who got the dates wrong.
What makes this a relevant example is that the Constitution of Jamaica allows for that. It makes it possible for the Government of 32-strong to proceed EVEN IF there was a debate and the Opposition and the people of the land disagreed. And while the Opposition was crying FOUL, it is undeniable that they too have made very good use of this legislative shortcoming in the Constitution for their own whims and fancies. So a decision that would determine how many "hungry bellies" went to bed and woke up the same this morning can be directly attributed to what the Constitution of Jamaica affords us.
Now this letter went on to say…….
"The grassroots people will never understand what the whole debate is about and it will only cause confusion with what we already have. Actually I don't understand it myself. Leave constitutional reform to people who understand it and stop this so-called debate because it is only a show to fool the people since the Govt has already decided what changes they intend to have. What the people want to hear about is food, clothing and shelter. Constitutional debate at this time of crisis cannot put food into hungry bellies".
As it is now, so it was then. The ink had barely dried on the recently signed and first IMF Agreement and the general populace was grappling to survive the harsh economic realities facing them. This Jamaican had a legitimate concern but there was also a trap and he/she fell in and from all accounts so did the entire Jamaica.
Mistake #1. With challenges of basic survival that we face, we do not have either the time or energy for such a "masquerade". The writer felt that the reform debate was a luxury and even if done the Government was going to have its way anyway. Jamaica has existed in crisis mode for decades and the argument of waiting til we can afford the debate is diversionary and will only ensure the status quo of the Government by 32 majority. How much more of that can we really afford?
Mistake #2. The "grassroots people" were underestimated. If we stop speaking over their heads in a language designed to obfuscate, you will come to appreciate and admire their capacity for understanding and problem solving. No one surviving in Jamaica today can possibly be called stupid.
Mistake #3. The belief was that the Government was going to have their way anyway so what's the point. Hmmph. Bob said "none but ourselves can free our minds". That is a perception that has enslaved us and the recent Government backpedaling on both the Dec 17 Tax Package and the Extradition Matter should speak more volumes than we can achieve if fueled by consensus and 'people power'.
This is written from a desire to open up a discussion (and perhaps a plan) around an issue that we have been flirting with for some time. Every member of Bridges To Jamaica is here from a clear intent to improve life for Jamaicans living in Jamaica. We are proud of where we are from and we are burning inside to offer meaningful change. We all have different interests but it is being proposed that very little can be furthered in any of those individual causes until we wrestle with collective empowerment. Any fundamental and sustainable change will be thwarted and has been BECAUSE of where the balance of power lies. What is necessary is re-aligning that power and re-configuring it to facilitate releasing the awesome resource that is THE JAMAICAN.
Should Jamaica finish the journey that was started over some three decades ago, on July 7, 1977? Can Bridges to Jamaica be that very BRIDGE between those who laid the foundations 33 years ago and those who are poised to complete it now but need the buttressed support of we, the people. Can we be the spark, to set this change in motion? Members of Bridges to Jamaica, What Say You?
Some three months later on September 12, 1977 a concerned Jamaican who signed their name 'Hungry Belly' wrote the Gleaner under the Voice of the People column stating how strange it was that the Govt would think it timely to start a debate on the Constitution as it would "make you think that the constitution is the root of all our present woes". The article went on to call the process a "masquerade, as we have far more important matters to attend to".
It continued….Our present Constitution is not causing the present shortages, nor is it the cause of our money problems, nor is it the cause of our crime problems, nor is it the cause of our massive unemployment. That was a VERY DANGEROUS & UNFORTUNATE WAY TO VIEW IT. May we share with you why?
Jamaica is the fourth most indebted country IN THE WORLD! For the last 12 years we have been spending more than we earn. So we borrow and keep borrowing to fill the gap. We consume but we don't produce. Decisions are taken by Government every Monday morning at Jamaica House that DIRECTLY IMPACTS on our quality of life. What we can eat, IF we can eat, where we can go, if we can earn, if we are safe, if we are not, do I walk a mile to a spring to bathe or can I turn on a tap take a shower, can I as a retired pensioner live with dignity, can I afford a hospital bed, is one even available….…the list is endless and exhaustive.
Its basically about who makes decisions for our society and how. We don't have to look back far to understand why that 1977 writer was dreadfully wrong and the examples abound. Lets skip the Extradition and MPP as it might be just "white noise" to many by this. In 2009, the Jamaican Govt decided that the IMF was our only way out of our self-imposed crisis. This was an option that was going to undeniably be and has been a source of hardships for 1000s of citizens. Yet this decision was basically taken by a mere 32 deggeh deggeh Jamaicans - 2 women and 30 men - that form the ruling party. Despite the public interest and debate, we were merely 'informed' on the morning of January 14 that "the IMF has approved Jamaica's request for a US$1.3billion under a 27-month standby agreement". Yet the date set for Parliamentary debate was January 19, 2010 when clearly the Agreement would have been a done deal. Its very unlikely that the cause of this was a confused secretary at Gordon House who got the dates wrong.
What makes this a relevant example is that the Constitution of Jamaica allows for that. It makes it possible for the Government of 32-strong to proceed EVEN IF there was a debate and the Opposition and the people of the land disagreed. And while the Opposition was crying FOUL, it is undeniable that they too have made very good use of this legislative shortcoming in the Constitution for their own whims and fancies. So a decision that would determine how many "hungry bellies" went to bed and woke up the same this morning can be directly attributed to what the Constitution of Jamaica affords us.
Now this letter went on to say…….
"The grassroots people will never understand what the whole debate is about and it will only cause confusion with what we already have. Actually I don't understand it myself. Leave constitutional reform to people who understand it and stop this so-called debate because it is only a show to fool the people since the Govt has already decided what changes they intend to have. What the people want to hear about is food, clothing and shelter. Constitutional debate at this time of crisis cannot put food into hungry bellies".
As it is now, so it was then. The ink had barely dried on the recently signed and first IMF Agreement and the general populace was grappling to survive the harsh economic realities facing them. This Jamaican had a legitimate concern but there was also a trap and he/she fell in and from all accounts so did the entire Jamaica.
Mistake #1. With challenges of basic survival that we face, we do not have either the time or energy for such a "masquerade". The writer felt that the reform debate was a luxury and even if done the Government was going to have its way anyway. Jamaica has existed in crisis mode for decades and the argument of waiting til we can afford the debate is diversionary and will only ensure the status quo of the Government by 32 majority. How much more of that can we really afford?
Mistake #2. The "grassroots people" were underestimated. If we stop speaking over their heads in a language designed to obfuscate, you will come to appreciate and admire their capacity for understanding and problem solving. No one surviving in Jamaica today can possibly be called stupid.
Mistake #3. The belief was that the Government was going to have their way anyway so what's the point. Hmmph. Bob said "none but ourselves can free our minds". That is a perception that has enslaved us and the recent Government backpedaling on both the Dec 17 Tax Package and the Extradition Matter should speak more volumes than we can achieve if fueled by consensus and 'people power'.
This is written from a desire to open up a discussion (and perhaps a plan) around an issue that we have been flirting with for some time. Every member of Bridges To Jamaica is here from a clear intent to improve life for Jamaicans living in Jamaica. We are proud of where we are from and we are burning inside to offer meaningful change. We all have different interests but it is being proposed that very little can be furthered in any of those individual causes until we wrestle with collective empowerment. Any fundamental and sustainable change will be thwarted and has been BECAUSE of where the balance of power lies. What is necessary is re-aligning that power and re-configuring it to facilitate releasing the awesome resource that is THE JAMAICAN.
Should Jamaica finish the journey that was started over some three decades ago, on July 7, 1977? Can Bridges to Jamaica be that very BRIDGE between those who laid the foundations 33 years ago and those who are poised to complete it now but need the buttressed support of we, the people. Can we be the spark, to set this change in motion? Members of Bridges to Jamaica, What Say You?
J'can Artist Michael Thompson
Faith travelers head to Great Huts, Port Antonio, Portland
One of the island's unique eco-tourism resorts is encouraging local stakeholders to get serious about tapping into the little known but huge international faith tourism market.
Dr. Paul Rhodes, proprietor of Port Antonio's Great Huts resort says close to 300 million faith-based travelers worldwide spend more than US$18 billion a year.
"Jamaica has a unique and very rich faith tradition which naturally positions the country to host numerous groups of the faith tourism variety," opined Dr. Rhodes, whose resort offers an Afro-Caribbean "roots" alternative to the traditional hotel or villa.
"Some of our hoteliers are active in this market, but we should be doing a lot more to encourage people of faith to visit for their spiritual retreats and humanitarian missions," said Dr. Rhodes, a US-born physician who actively volunteers for the homeless on the island.
He notes that Great Huts which is built upon a four-plus acre plateau on the northeast coast in Port Antonio, will redouble its marketing efforts to capture Christian, Jewish and other faith travelers "who are looking for a quiet location in an earthly paradise to communicate with the Creator."
"We have programs and tours in place to host groups interested in exploring Kingston's Jewish historic sights, Friday and Saturday Shabbath services and church services on Sunday followed by time to unplug at our truly spiritual home in Port Antonio," Dr. Rhodes explained.
The Great Huts resort clusters African style huts and tree houses within a jungle landscape. The huts are perched on cliffs overlooking Boston Bay with its famed traditional jerk cooking and the Caribbean Sea.
Dr. Paul Rhodes, proprietor of Port Antonio's Great Huts resort says close to 300 million faith-based travelers worldwide spend more than US$18 billion a year.
"Jamaica has a unique and very rich faith tradition which naturally positions the country to host numerous groups of the faith tourism variety," opined Dr. Rhodes, whose resort offers an Afro-Caribbean "roots" alternative to the traditional hotel or villa.
"Some of our hoteliers are active in this market, but we should be doing a lot more to encourage people of faith to visit for their spiritual retreats and humanitarian missions," said Dr. Rhodes, a US-born physician who actively volunteers for the homeless on the island.
He notes that Great Huts which is built upon a four-plus acre plateau on the northeast coast in Port Antonio, will redouble its marketing efforts to capture Christian, Jewish and other faith travelers "who are looking for a quiet location in an earthly paradise to communicate with the Creator."
"We have programs and tours in place to host groups interested in exploring Kingston's Jewish historic sights, Friday and Saturday Shabbath services and church services on Sunday followed by time to unplug at our truly spiritual home in Port Antonio," Dr. Rhodes explained.
The Great Huts resort clusters African style huts and tree houses within a jungle landscape. The huts are perched on cliffs overlooking Boston Bay with its famed traditional jerk cooking and the Caribbean Sea.
My Biggest Hero Was Nine Years Old
My Biggest Hero Was Nine Years Old
By: James Garner
When my son was in second grade I was the leader of his Cub Scout Den. Before his third grade school year started, a Cub Scout Pack leader called and asked if I would take on another boy. We had a large group and I knew it wouldn't be easy, but so did everyone else in this age group.
The kicker of the deal was that Tray was a cancer patient and an amputee, one leg at the knee. I had a hard time making up my mind about exposing "my" boys to what I was almost positive would surely end in a lot of anguish and sadness for all of us. I finally decided to take him in, but before I said yes to our Pack leader I called all my parents to let them know what I planned to do and get their feedback.
To a person, they all supported my decision. Only one mother verbalized the fears I had for the emotional well being of my little charges, but she too supported my plan. We felt like it would help teach them compassion and generosity, it did and us too!
When Tray came to us I found out that not only did he have severe health and physical problems, his family was incredibly poor. But they wanted Tray to have all the experiences he could in what would most likely be a short life. His parents did their very best to provide it.
Tray was without a doubt the most enthusiastic member of my scout den. There wasn't anything he wouldn't try to do. When we did the things for all their little badges he was right in there with us, and most often excelling. ALL of my boys encouraged him and helped whenever they could, this carried over into their school life as well.
Even the physical fitness segment of our program he did well in, better than most other boys save for the broad jump. Tray just couldn't get far enough to match the standards the Cub Scout Manual said had to be met to achieve this badge. I passed him on this one because I deduced that the skills were written for boys with two legs and since Tray only had one his goal should only be half that of the other boys. Tray acheived that half and a great deal more, in fact was only just a little short of the minimum anyway.
We all progressed along through Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Lion ranks and went on to Webelos. Over the years our Pack's leadership made sure that somehow Tray had all the hats, uniform parts, etc. that was necessary for him to be just like everyone else. Most of the time I knew that some of the things required weren't in his folks budget but they found ways and when they couldn't we found ways to make sure it just happened.
We all suffered with Tray on days he had just come from chemo and was so sick he couldn't go 10 minutes without a trip to the bathroom. But he was in there with all of us and insisted on coming to meetings when any one of the rest of us, child or adult, would have been too ill to go.
Just before the end of the Cub Scout program I took them all to a Boy Scout meeting to see how it was and help them make the final yes or no decision to continue on in the Scouting program. Tray was ready. I helped him choose a Troop and introduced him to their leader and such to prepare him for the sixth grade year when he would move to Boy Scouts.
My proudest moment was to watch all my boys go through the Arrow of Light ceremony, Tray included. This ceremony marks the transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts if they choose to go on. All my other boys' interests had changed over the years and they were into sports, band and other things; not Tray, he would be my only Boy Scout.
The summer before sixth grade came and went and just before the next school year was to start Tray was taken from us. I like to think he was just asked to join another troop whose leader is far better than I could have ever hoped be.
We all learned a lot from Tray; "my" boys, their parents and me. Yes, there is a plan and purpose for us all and, I think, I am not the only one in my community who has a nine-year-old hero.
Now, when I am in difficult situations I often think of how Tray would have handled it. This makes the going a lot easier because I know he would have tackled the challenge with greater gusto and zeal than anyone else and finally succeed in the end.
Turning Ripples into Waves: A Call to Action
Turning Ripples into Waves: A Call to Action
by Bridges To Jamaica on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 9:23am
The promise that is Jamaica has not been fulfilled and a call has been made to us from our ancestors to complete the business of perfecting Jamaican life and politics. What we must do is live our lives in a meaningful way that is in keeping with our motto "Out Of Many One People". Jamaica must draw from its strengths, we are an island with an abundance of sunshine and fertile soil, our eco-system is relatively vibrant, our people are aggressive and creative, our industries are at an embryonic stage, our society is open to living a civil life, and our tradition of family is still a part of who we are. Jamaica can answer the call, and we must.
Answering the call starts with you and me. It starts from the womb all the way to the tomb. It is the father who choose to remain and be a focus in his families life, it is the mom who chooses to teach her child(ren) the values that are consistent with civility and love of family and country, it is the teacher who tirelessly works with that student who just just cannot get it, it is the police man who will not accept a bribe or willingly be a party to corruption, it is the farmer who has decided to remain in his chosen vocation in spite of the relentless assault on his way of life by the fast food society, it is the pastor who walks his parish and preach the good news, it is also the politician who claim our values as his own and answers the call to action.
This call to action is seen as only a ripple, but we are witness to what is yet to come. The wave is building and our future is calling,our ancestors are also watching. What will we do? We will answer the call one and all, rich and materially deficient, young and old and of course civilians and politicians.We are extending our reach and we are asking you today to answer this call to action.
From ovewhelmed... to awareness... to action!
Feeling low down and heavy
why continue the fight
why push the limits
the doors are always closed
the road just stretches on
the songs we sing are all so sad
our soul stirs and we feel it once more
we feel the glow
we embrace the warmth
this is Jamaica, beautiful...immaculate
windswept and covered with possibilities
mysterious...yet we know you
you cry and our heart breaks
you only wanted to be seen
you only wanted to be heard
You only wanted your children next to you
yes Jamaica...we are here
alive and ready to act
ready to serve
your call to action is well received
yes we hear you Jamaica
overwhelmed no more by the challenges and the setbacks
aware forever more of the solutions and the reasons why we are here
we are here to actively celebrate you and we do Jamaica, yes we do
PRINTED WITH PERMISSION
© BRIDGES TO JAMAICA
why continue the fight
why push the limits
the doors are always closed
the road just stretches on
the songs we sing are all so sad
our soul stirs and we feel it once more
we feel the glow
we embrace the warmth
this is Jamaica, beautiful...immaculate
windswept and covered with possibilities
mysterious...yet we know you
you cry and our heart breaks
you only wanted to be seen
you only wanted to be heard
You only wanted your children next to you
yes Jamaica...we are here
alive and ready to act
ready to serve
your call to action is well received
yes we hear you Jamaica
overwhelmed no more by the challenges and the setbacks
aware forever more of the solutions and the reasons why we are here
we are here to actively celebrate you and we do Jamaica, yes we do
PRINTED WITH PERMISSION
© BRIDGES TO JAMAICA
Thank You
Our first “Fill a backpack – Make an Impact” back to school drive has brought so many people together for our students. We thank all those who have donated to our campaign. Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of many children, we are moved by your willingness to reach out and give to those who are in need.
The spirit of giving is alive and we will continue to reach out and give through many other channels and initiatives. We will not stop building Bridges to Jamaica, our determination remains strong, and our commitment to you will also be reflected through the things we are doing:
- Adopt A School program
- Scholarships
- Jamaica Read n Write Program
- Emergency Assistance
- Annual Toy Drive
- Keep Fit, Stay Active “Donate a Bicycle Program”
- Annual Jamaican Leadership Workshop
- Buy Jamaica…Keep our Farmers Farming Program
- Transition Back – A program to assist our friends in the Diaspora to transition back into the “Jamaican family”.
- Diaspora Investment Program
- Let us get connected! Computer Access Program
We would like to thank everyone who donated to this campaign, we would also like to thank some of our members and groups who have contributed to the planning, execution and promotion of this initiative including, but not limited to:
Jeanette Caulder
Aven Peralto Nichols
Horace Shad Daley
Dahlia Bateman
Winsome Hewitt
Alfred Dacosta
Jam Voice
Maxine Bailey
Carolyn Graham
Kimesha Walters
Allan Jones
Paul Wilkins
Winston Henderson
Curtis Campbell
Dean Peart
Just Phrenchi
Jasmine Mitchell
We would like to thank Professionals Jamaicans For Jamaica (PJFJ) for partnering with us and contributing to the overall success of this initiative.
The students will be greatly served by this effort and once again we thank each and everyone who have in some way contributed to this effort!
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