Pearl West, (in cap) a resident of Epsom, St. Mary, shows her skill at embroidery.
Justin Whyte, Entertainment Editor
JAMAICAN-BORN Carl Campbell and his dance company, based in Peckham, south east London, have been stretching their hands across the sea to help the elderly in Epsom, St. Mary.
The group's 'Respect For The Elderly Project' was launched in October last year.
Carl Campbell, leader of the group, was born in St. Mary and on a visit to the parish in 1998 saw the financial need of the elderly in the parish.
"I visited my birthplace and observed the existing poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the area, but this has dwindled badly. Members of the older generation here have no pension, so depend mainly on the church and community leaders for support. And my heart reached out to them," Mr. Campbell told Showbiz on his recent visit to the area.
On his return to London Mr. Campbell spoke with his accountant, Leroy Reid, and both set up a soup kitchen fund for the project with 600 pounds sterling.
Feeding programme
Initially a number of the elderly in St. Mary got one meal each month, but now about 50 shut-ins and their caregivers benefit from a weekly feeding programme, through the meals on wheels concept.
The Carl Campbell Dance Company has teamed up with a number of organisations to move the project to another level. Among them are the National Council for the Elderly, The Association of Development Agencies, Help Age International Partners for Community Change and the British-based Jamaican Department for International Development.
In addition, a temporary building has been put up on land belonging to the Social Development Commission.
"This is an all-purpose building, where parties, birthday bashes, church meetings and other community programmes can be held. We have received the full support of the church and community.
"The centre's organising committee and its chairman, William Plummer, as well as the senior citizens would like to have a permanent building. So we are appealing to the relevant authorities to make the existing arrangement official", said Tate Dillon-White, parish organiser for senior citizens project under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Mrs. Dillion-White said that as soon as the SDC hands over the land officially, then the building of a centre and basic school will begin. It is hoped that at a meeting with Member of Parliament for the area, Harry Douglas, the matter will be ratified.
Talks
Mr. Plummer is also holding talks with a British town with a view to twinning Epsom with that community.
The enthusiasm from community members and support groups has seen the programme taking on a broader vision. Now, instead of just being a feeding location, residents are using their skills in art and craft to earn a living.
To keep the interest of the residents of Epsom, competitions are created for both young and old where they vie for cups and trophies in various disciplines.
"The young people assist in delivering food and plan entertainment programmes for the elderly," Mr. Campbell told Showbiz. And he said the food is donated by various sources and is prepared by members of the community.
While Mr. Campbell is in London, the project is overseen by his mother and evangelist Leonora Campbell, who originally started the project as a church programme for senior citizens.
The dance leader formed the ensemble over 20 years ago having been trained at the New York School of Modern Dance and London School of Speech and Drama.
"We are regarded as leaders in the field of participatory work. This includes working with young people to experience the dynamism of the dance and to express their creative energies to the full. So, the troupe's involvement in the 'Project For The Elderly at Epsom is just another of our humanitarian involvements," Mr. Campbell told Showbiz.
"In London, we have established a performing group comprised of about 25 elderly people which we call 'Recycled Teenagers'. Many of them are from Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean," he said.
Kathy O'Brien, who works with Carl Campbell Dance Company's projects in England, said: "If the arts can be used to change social conditions, then this is fantastic."
