Negril All-Age tops competition

NEGRIL ALL-Age School last weekend, amidst the challenge of settling into a new school year, distinguished itself by placing first in the International Coastal Clean-up Competition in Negril. The competition, spearheaded by the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society and the Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust, encourages community interests to come together for the purpose of cleaning up Nergril's beach. The students and teachers of Negril All-Age were responsible for Little Bloody Bay. According to principal of the school, Mrs. Beverley Wedderburn, the competition was useful in sustaining the students' interest in the welfare of the environment, and to also develop their growing sense of civic pride. This positive start to the school year was welcomed by all. The principal of the school, which provides for some four hundred and sixteen students, was also confident about many other aspects of the school's preparation for the new year. She felt that despite the limitations of space and inadequate furniture, the school was otherwise equipped with educational materials and supplies. She spoke highly of the school's breakfast programme, a project sponsored by the USAID and the Jamaican government, which aims at improving the performance of approximately eighty students through nutritional health. She is hopeful that the new school year will see greater involvement from the parent community in the preparation of breakfast meals for these students.

The main goals of the school this year, Mrs. Wedderburn said, include a drive for literacy, numeracy and attendance, and the furnishing of the school's reading room. She feels supported by the energetic and motivated team of teaching professionals who, in collaboration with the school's live Parent Teachers' Association, also look forward to a year of accomplishments.

Art and life

If you tell Geraldine Robbins, a distinguished painter from Negril, that the laid-back town is underdeveloped, expect an unbelieving laugh and a defiant shrug of her small shoulders. Geraldine, enigmatic and warm with her waist-length dreadlocks, a symbol she says of the "natural way", recalls a time, some thirty-odd years ago, when Negril was very different from it is today. The beach, she says, was a much larger expanse than now, there were few cars, no phones, and back then, everyone's interest was captivated by a sign that read "Negril Beach Club Condomini-ums ­ coming." It was a beautiful and exciting time. Visitors who came to Negril were younger, more adventurous and were searching for something unique. Her craft as a painter grew through a series of life experiences which were extraordinary. After studying art at Ohio State University and Moore College of Art, she landed a great job as layout and finishing artist at a major department store. She later felt the need to travel the world and develop her talents, since she eventually felt limited in her career. Her arrival in Jamaica signalled a new artistic progression for her, as she developed a keen ability to see beauty in the most unlikely things. While she pursued her goals and painted, Geraldine married, settled in Jamaica and gave birth to her two sons, Ital, now 23, and Iyulli, 20. One of the most important of her memories was setting up shop in the early days at the new Negril Craft Market. "It was the coolest place, lively with restaurants and lovely people. Anyone with any artistic talent or skill could be found there."

Today, she happily paints the world of youthful fun and energy, which is the essence of the renowned Margueritaville Sports Bar and Grill. As the Resident Artist for Margueritaville, she is responsible for creating logos, murals and signage which allows her the opportunity to play with various techniques and innovate what she calls her own "funky" style. She expresses appreciation for the support from owners Brian Jardim and Ian Dear, who recognised her talent. Geraldine's own home carries a collection of some of her best work, inspired by her own life ­ a portrait of mother and child; a tableau of a twilight folk ritual, reminiscent of her years spent in the Maroon town of Flamstead; and a sunny, fun-loving portrait of a young woman, perhaps a reflection of herself. Compliment Ms. Geraldine on her amazing range of work, and she will graciously say, "Thank you, I feel amazing."

Prayer for the bereaved

Our thoughts and prayers are with those families who suffered unbearable loss due to the tragic circumstances in North America last week. We pray that they find grace and strength to overcome this season of grief, and to endure through the difficult days ahead.

Nice Person of the Week

Mrs. Monica McIntosh, principal of Green Island Primary has been inspiring parents and teachers in her community with her single-minded commitment to nurturing children. As a member of the teaching profession for the last twenty-two years, her insights into educating students, as much as to educating their parents are well-founded. Parents have been commenting on her professionalism and seriousness of purpose while she conducted the recent orientation for the new school year.

Mrs. McIntosh is to be respected not only for her capable administration of the school's affairs, but also for her personal interest in students, seen as she makes recommendations to parents about what children should eat, and how homework should be handled. Congratulations to Mrs. Monica for her earnest stewardship in taking care of the young. Many are the parents that trust your wisdom.

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