OF GANGS AND POVERTY IN JAMAICA

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor, Inc., Mr. Ed Raine, on Saturday night, called on a wide cross-section of the Jamaican community in South Florida to join the organization in its efforts to address crime and violence on the island of Jamaica.

In an address to the Friends of Good Shepherd International (FOGS) Fundraising Gala 2023, Mr Raine lamented the influence of gangs on the youths of the nation and appealed for intervention to curtail such practice

Mr Raine urged the over 200 guests who packed the ballroom of the DoubleTree by

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Hilton Hotel in Sunrise, Florida, to assist in breaking the cycle of crimes by first addressing the social conditions that led to young people looking to the gangs as a way out of poverty

Food for the Poor, he noted, was committed to reaching as many youths as possible, through its literacy and skill training programs and by partnering with other charitable organizations, such as the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay

Noting that Friends of Good Shepherd International, Inc was established to support the work of the Montego Bay Charity, Mr Raine lauded the Florida group for its contribution to education and healthcare in Jamaica and other regions of the Caribbean

Mr Raine commended Archbishop Charles Dufour, founder of the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay for his vision and tenacity in spearheading several of the projects supported by the foundation Food for the Poor, he said, was proud of its association with the Friends of Good Shepherd in Florida for the past twenty-seven years, and looked toward their continued partnership

Mr Raine reminded the audience that while a major focus of his organization was building houses for the poor and marginalized in over seventeen countries, it was keenly aware of the importance of also building lives in the process

Major highlights of the gala included presentations of the Meritorious Service Award and the Humanitarian Award (posthumously), to the immediate past President of Friends of Good Shepherd, Marie Buteau, and former Vice Chair of the Good Shepherd Foundation of Montego Bay, Prishotamdas (“Pishu”) Chandiram Chatani, respectively continues on B3 – Breaking the cycle

With the heat advisory issued, MiamiDade County was urging residents to take extra precautions, especially those who are at most risk such as children, infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and pregnant women “We want our residents and visitors to be aware of the potential risks of extreme heat, so that we can all take the proper precautions to stay safe and healthy here in Miami-Dade County,” Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement. “I encourage all residents to do a Heat Check: drink water, rest, and find shade if you are working or playing outdoors this week ”

The county said people without access to air conditioning are strongly encouraged to seek relief with a friend or family member who has air conditioning or in public air-conditioned facilities such as Miami-Dade County Public Libraries, malls, or community recreation centers Employers with workers exposed to heat are encouraged to provide shaded rest breaks with ample drinking water

Dr. Mark Nicely (Secretary General JTA) , Ms Simone Rowe (Administave secretary JTA) , Consul General Oliver Mair at the 8th “Advancements in Educaon” Summit on June 14, 2023, at the Florida Atlanc University, Davie Campus – Contributed

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Johmari Jones, on behalf of Lauderhill Firefighters Benevolent Associaon, donated a large quanty of school supplies in ancipaon of the Back Pack Giveaways later this summer. – Contributed

On Saturday, June 10, Jamaican wellness influencer Kamila McDonald had a Well-Fit Link Up in Miramar, hosted by Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. Mayor Messam and hundreds gathered for an invigorang workout rejuvenang yoga and meditaon session. – Contributed

South Florida-based @vibrantsoulshelly (le) snapped a photo with Jamaican wellness influencer, Kamila McDonald, at the WellFit LinkUp held in Miramar on Saturday, June 10. – Contributed

Teachers from the Caribbean Islands of (L-R) Aruba, Trinidad & Tobago and St Maarten with Mr. Leo Gilling at the “Advancements in Educaon” Summit – Contributed

Dr. Noel Gordon, Dr. Angela Wright, Mr Leo Gilling (Center) , Dr. Sherika Dacres, and Dr. Dianna Davis Smith – Contributed

Gerturde Fraser celebrang her 80th birthday in Pemborke Pines recently. – Contributed