In Keeping with the request of the Area Presidency for the countries within the Caribbean Area to carry out an International Day of Service, the branches within Jamaica organized service projects that they considered meaningful to their communities and towns. This report highlights these projects and gives details of how the day was sent by members and volunteers across Jamaica.
This report will contain details of the activities which took place in each Branch represented in text and images.Of the 19 branches within Jamaica only 2 branches were not able to carry out their service acitivities on the appointed day due to circumstances beyond their control. However these two branches, Negril and Yallahs conducted their service projects this week Saturday November 9th with the same Spirit and motivation as was expressed by the other branches.
Highlights:
There were three significant Highlights from the International Day of Service in Jamaica:
1. The Public Affairs Committee was able to secure a contribution of JA $50,000 from the CIBC First Caribbean Bank in Jamaica. This money was made payable to a hardware and items were purchased for projects for 4 branches.
2. The Television Media came to the service project held by the Port Antonio Branch and a report of the event was featured on the Mid-Day News on Monday November 4th, 2013.
3. The Savanna-La-Mar Branch was able to secure excellent organizational/community support for their town Clean-up Project.
SAVANNA-LA-MAR BRANCH
Project: Town Clean Up of the Savanna-La-Mar Town Centre
Members of the Branch Council prayed and sought inspiration about the best Project for the International Day of Services. We felt inspired that cleaning the Town would be a worthwhile Project as it would allow us to give back to the community as well as build unity and relationships in the Community.
Meetings were held with the Parich Council and approval and support was given by the Mayor of Savanna-La-Mar. On the day of the Project members and volunteers were divided into teams, worked started at 7am in the morning and was carried out along the four main roads leading into the Town. Cases of wáter, snacks, paint, and tools were donated by hardware stores and supermarkets in the the town. A chain restuarant after seeing the work being done in the town decided to dónate lunch to the whole team.
Areas in the town were de-bushed, light posts were painted, debris and litter picked up off the streets. The National Solid Waste Management Unit sent a Supervisor to assist and guide the process, the garbage disposal truck pasted every half hour to collect full garbage bags.
Impact of the activity: The drove of Latter Day Saints in their Helping Hands vests made auge impacto n passer-bys many stopped to ask what we were doing and why. Some persons expressed appreciation for the work being done, others asked about the church. Most were impressed with our effort and some businesses that were not on board previously actually donated garbag bags. It was a very meaningful activity because the community was able to see that we believe is service. We were able to build good relationships with public officials and business entities in the community. Participants expressed feel a great sense of peace, accomplishment and unity for being a part of this Project.
HOPETON BRANCH
Project: Beautification of the Wards Park Basic School
The work that was done at the Ward’s park Basic School in Hatfield, Manchester, Jamaica was one of beautifying the surroundings of the school.
The primary children along with a few other young children from the community helped the teachers on the inside to dust, wipe and arrange classrooms to make them ready for the week ahead.
Some adults were busy with repairing fences that have been destroyed or worn with fencing material donated by Mr. Roach of Lascar fencing and Construction limited.
Women and men took turns at swinging the machetes to clear away grass that had grown high at the fences, and at both the front and back of the school. Flower beds were also cleared and weeded. Others used the weed wacker or string trimmer to cut grass at a faster pace. The lawns were left looking neatly trimmed and fit for days of play from 3-5 year olds.
After choosing a suitable spot of land at the back of the school, members and friends prepared the land, and began planting seeds. The crops plated were: sweet pepper, carrots, red peas, pak choi, cucumber, string bean, okra, and corn. All crops when ready for reaping would benefit the school as part of their lunch program.
The strong men and women in attendance tackled the concrete. They mixed marl and cement, donated by Mr. Tyrone James of Mooreland Development, with shovels and used buckets to fix the driveway and make a concrete barrier under the main gate which would prevent dogs from entering the grounds.
Mr. Aaron Coley of Modernized Pest Control was on hand to donate his time and skills. He sprayed the building to minimize the problemof rodents and pests.
Feelings of beneficiaries:
Mrs. Wallace who is the K3 teacher extended gratitude and appreciation for what the church has done. ‘I’m truly grateful”, she said and she hopes that this act will be repeated yearly or be continuous. She acknowledged that now that the grounds are cleared the students can have a safer and more enjoyable place to play. She explained that “children need time to play and now they will have easier access”.
Ms. Thompson who teaches K2 and who also serves as the principal feels happy that the church chose the Ward’s Park basic school and willingly contributed to this work. She pointed out themain priorities were, “the fencing, security and preventing the dogs from entering the compound because of the space under the main gate”. She also hopes this can be a yearly gift to the school and feels confident that parents will also appreciate all that was done and give the school a more attractive look.
Feelings of participants:
Mrs. Belinfante whose daughter started attending the school this September worked hard all day and expressed that it meant a lot to her to get the chance to give back and help her daughter’s school knowing that she will benefit as well. She and other community members and parents were in agreement that it was a good move by the church and are grateful for this day.
“It was a very heartwarming experience and I felt happy to know that I was in the service of the Lord while doing this project and I know that the children will be happy once they see the wonderful job that we did” – Kimorra Lucas
“It was an amazing experience. It was a success. I will always remember the wonderful feeling of giving service to others.” – Jevaughn Richardson
“It felt nice to put into action the principle when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God” – Elder Burrell
“The service project was a wonderful experience to help in the community. Seeing the branch and people from the school come together for a good cause was awesome. It was a great feeling” - Elder Norman
“I loved seeing the branch come together with great unity for such a wonderful cause” – Elder Whipple
“It was a wonderful sight to see the saints gathered together in the spirit of love and service. It not only built us spiritually but as a branch in unity. That was a great example of what the church is really about.” – Elder Shurtleff
“It was a tremendous out pouring of members, teachers and parents of children. Great work was done and the feeling of service was in everyone’s hearts. I could see the gratitude from those we served. It was so good” – Ransford McLeod
“It was a very beautiful feeling! There was a spirit of love and unity that permeated the atmosphere and I was glad to be there.” – Jennifer Richardson.
“It was good, very good” – Sister Audrey Smith
“It was so good” – Sister Hyacinth Reid
“It was a kind of adventure. I liked the unity that the branch had” – Jason Patmore
“It felt so good.” – Sister Arlene Lawrence
“I felt good about the service experience” – Sister Merlin Salmon
“It was a great pleasure for me to participate in the service project and to know that our Lord and Savior gave us the opportunity to serve our fellow men. It was wonderful for me to organize and see this through. I am grateful I was used as an instrument in the hands of the Lord” – President John Richardson
“It was a very good feeling giving service for a change instead of wanting to be served” – Sister Eulaee McLeod
“The service project was uplifting, exciting and fulfilling, I felt joy and am ready to do another service project again” Sister Paulette Bailey
“The service project was one of the best things I have ever done. I enjoyed the company of my brothers and sister. It was good.” - Sister NormaBailey
“I am grateful I participated in the service project. It was fun and it also a spiritual experience as well and I knowthat Heavenly Father is pleased with us when we serve others cheerfully” – Brother Keron Johnson
JUNCTION BRANCH
Project: Beautification of Ballards Valley Primary School
We clean up the playground, and we clean up the outside of the class rooms, we also took away harmful objects from the school ground. We removed broken boards and chairs and desk that are no longer been used.
Impact of Activity: It had a big impact on the members of the school...now they dont have to worry about the students getting injured by harmful objects. It was also had a possitive impact on the church members and it build up thire desire to serve their brothers and sisters in the community. This will give the church a good image and will help us to make a more involved role within the community. It was a great day and everyone had fun and it brought everyone closer in the spirit of love and brotherly kindness.
MONTEGO BAY BRANCH
Project: Beautification Montego Bay Infirmary
Everyone was willingly involved painting the walls, sweeping, cleaning and washing restrooms, hanging out clothes, ironing, cleaning the kitchen washing dishes, mowing the lawn raking and sweeping, feeding the patients, wiping windows and grooming the patients.
Impact of the activity: we have built a genuine reputation and friendship with the staff and patients who will see more of our presence from time to time. Infact one of our faithful priesthood went back 3 days after to finish up some painting duty. We brought a smile to the patients faces and even played games with them.
CONSTANT SPRING BRANCH
Project: Ozanam Home for the Aged
The Home is in within the Constant Spring Branch area, and was in need of immediate attention and repairs which was not being provided otherwise.
The Kitchen area of the Home was painted and cleaned. Members were actively involved in assisting the residents by combing and grooming hair.
Impact of Project:
The members and staff of the home along with our partners and the community are more aware of our Church. The environment was made more conducive to living and working for both residents and workers. Relationships were developed with the Home and also those who partnered with the Church. It also helped to unite the members of the branch.
The Beneficiaries and staff were so happy and appreciative of our work, we became so attached, that we are considering adopting them and continue to do service from time to time.
MANDEVILLE BRANCH
Project: Beautification of Manchester Infirmary & Grooming of Residents
Partnerships: The Secretary of the Manchester Parish Council who gave permission for the Project to be done, the Matron, of the Infirmary, who facilitated the implementation of the work, members , full time missionaries & investigators of the Mandeville Branch of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints.
Purpose of this Project:
To fulfil a commitment to do Community Service and also to satisfy a dire need
Description of Project:
We cleaned and painted the walls & ceilings of the infirmary kitchen, kitchen storeroom and Emergency Examination room. Also helped residents by washing and combing and shaving hair.
Impact of Project:
The matron (Mrs Grant),the entire staff and the inmutes were extremely appreciative of the services rendered and thanked us overwhelmingly. A mood of love, fulfillment & achievement was also observed among those who served.
LINSTEAD BRANCH
Project: Beautification of the Michleton Preparatory School
We cleaned and painted sections of the school, did repairs to damage fences and do landscaping of school grounds. The roof was repaired, class rooms painted, gardens cleaned and replanted, stones and debris removed and burned/dumped, a gate was constructed for an entrance at the back and awnings and grills power washed.
Impact of Project:
The school received a facelift and the Principal and staff members were very grateful. Persons were able to become aware of the church and of our belief in service. Members felt a wondeful Spirit for providing service.
BOULEVARD BRANCH
Project: Beautification CZAR Preparatory School
We cleaned and painted sections of the school, did repairs to damage fences and do landscaping of school grounds. The roof was repaired, class rooms painted, gardens cleaned and replanted, stones and debris removed and burned/dumped, a gate was constructed for an entrance at the back and awnings and grills power washed.
Impact of Project:
The school received a facelift and the Principal was very grateful. The church was able to be seen in a more positive light by persons in the community and the school administration. The members felt happy they had an opportunity to serve.
SANTA CRUZ BRANCH
Project: Clean St. Elizabeth Infirmary
Members helped to clean up the Saint Elizabeth Infirmary in Santa Cruz. They chopped down weeds throughout the grounds and planted a number of cassava shoots, corn, and okra. Five members, three nonmembers and two missionaries came together to help with the work. Work was done in two different parts of the complex. Weeds were chopped down at the front and weeds were chopped and vegetables planted on the side
Impact of Project:
The Matron and workers were happy for the service and the members felt wonderful to be contributing to the community. There was a sense of belonging and passer bys would commend the group on the work.
OLD HARBOUR BRANCH
Project: Beautification and Food Drive Ms. Robby’s Golden Age Home
Members helped to clean up clean up the compound, cleared back yard garden and planted food stuff, cut the lawn and de-bush. Members donated about four boxes of food. Sisters also helped to groom hair of the elderly women and Primary children sang for the residents.
Impact of Project:
Residents and owner of the home expressed many thanks as she was having difficulty caring for everyone who lives there. Members enjoyed the activity and wants to make it an on-going effort.
PORT ANTONIO BRANCH
Project: Beach Clean Up of Folly Oval Beach
Members and volunteers cleaned along the beach shore of the beach picking up debris and litter along the beach
Impact of Project:
The media came and the event was reported on the Mid-Day News on Monday November 4, 2013. Branch members/community was able to meaningfully contribute to the beautification of one of the parish’s prized possession- the beach. This will enrich the experience the community has as they utilize it.
SPANISH TOWN BRANCHES 1 & 2
Project: : Beautification Villa Park Early Childhood Institution
The day’s activity included cleaning and re-arranging of classrooms, erecting of fence for play area and cutting of lawn of school grounds.
Impact of Project:
Our service has helped to enhance the school’s learning environment and recreational space. This will definitely contribute to the improvement in educational outcomes also members experienced the Spirit of service and expressed a continued commitment to assisting the school.
KINGSTON BRANCH
Project: : Walker’s Place of Safety
The Kingston Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, has an ongoing relationship with this children’s home so it was a natural choice plus many of our young women formed friendships with some the girls there and were looking forward to serving them.
General cleaning of facility, wiping walls, cleaning rooms, de-bushing yard also assisting with the grooming of residents.
Impact of Project:
Moroni 7:13 paraphrasing, says “That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually” I was reminded of this verse when the young women were combing the girls hair giving them some awesome corn row styles! When one of them pulled me aside and said “I want to have her she said pointing at the girl whose hair she was combing, to come and spend Christmas with me”. There were several uplifting comments from members and the non member in attendance while we worked in harmonious joy. President Stewart who single handled pressed school uniforms for about 13 or more children and asked if there was any more, when asked how he felt said “I feel good” with a big smile from ear to ear.
It was a blessed and wonderful opportunity not only for the children and adults we served but for all the persons who attendance as well. It was a healing feel good day just forgetting about self and serving others.
PORTMORE BRANCH
Project: : Independence City Community Center Clean Up
A number of members live in this community and noticed that the football field is regularly used by young men in the area but that it was in need of cutting and beautification.
Description of Project:
The activity involved de-bushing, mowing, weeding of the area of the football field.
Impact of Project:
The work was appreciated by the community members especially those who utilize the football field. The church was also more visible in the community and members were thankful for the opportunity to serve.
MAY PEN BRANCH
Project: : Beautification of Clarendon Infirmary
Clarendon Infirmary is a facility for indigent, infirm individuals, both male and female. It is operated by the government of Jamaica but needs private donations to be truly operational.
The members started right away in preparing the walls, mixing the paint and painting the ward. The ward was divided into 3 separate sections and was painted in 3 different colours-- egg-shell, morning glory, and aqua marine. The matron remarked that the colours were so cheerful and bright, it reminds her of her home.
Some young sisters combed the hair of some of the female residents who showed their appreciation with smiles and other gestures. Brethren also cut and groom the hair of male residents. Some residents asked for us to come back and keep church service with them.
Impact of Project:
The work was appreciated by the residents some asked members to come back. The church was also more visible in the community and members were thankful for the opportunity to serve.
OCHO RIOS BRANCH
Project: : Painting of the St Ann Infirmary
The St. Ann Infirmary is home to 320 residents both males and females, it is operated by the government of Jamaica but is in need of a facelift. The aim of the project was
Description of Project:
The members and volunteers washed and painted a 20 x 35 room used as the dining area, gathering area.
The residents were excited and said they felt loved and it brightened up their day. The members were happy and the feeling they got from blessing the life of the other.
YALLAHS BRANCH
Project: Yallahs Primary School Grounds Improvement Project
This project was chosen because it was considered to be beneficial to a large amount of people and it needed a facelift.
Description of Project:
Volunteers, Members and Missionaries, prepared an area for a future addition for the Yallahs Primary school by leveling out dirt inside a foundation which was already laid. Volunteers, Members and Missionaries also beautified the school grounds by picking up garbage, sweeping and raking debris.
In addition to the 1,307 students and 47 staff members, it also benefitted the community by improving their local public school which is also used by others participating in extracurricular activities such as football (or soccer), and net ball teams.