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Message Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper www.cadnews.orgSunday, April 20, 2025Serving the Caribbean American communities of MA, CT, NY and NJVol. 1 No. 4 The Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper (CADN) is Your Community Newspaper Serving Your Interests and NeedsThe Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper (CADN) is published monthly, with physical distributions made in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. The paper is committed to journalistic integrity and retains membership with the National Association of Black Journalists (www.nabj.org) and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The CADN Publisher shall not be held liable for any inadvertent omission in whole or in part, of any advertisement or for any typographical error. Opinions expressed by contributing writers or columnists are their own and CADN shall not be held liable for their expressions. Submit articles and Advertisements to: cadnewspaper@outlook.com. Phone no. 860-9367548. Online website CADNEWS.ORG; Publisher/Editor Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBA, Associate Editor,Violette Haldane, Contributing writer, Lance Gordon Jr., InDesign/Software Specialist. John S. Milward. CADN contents are copyright 2025. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.FREEFREECaribbean American Heritage Month (June 2025) Caribbean immigrants have been contribut-ing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Sec-retary of the Treasury was from the Caribbe-an island of Nevis. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few. ICS’ eort began in 1999 with a petition to Presi-dent Bill Clinton for the recognition of a Carib-bean American Heritage Month.In 2000, ICS began lead-ing activities in celebra-tion of June as Caribbe-an American Heritage Month in Washington DC, building on eorts started by a now defunct ad-hoc group of Wash-ington DC residents to have a Caribbean Heri-tage Month designated in Washington DC in 1999.The ocial campaign for a National Caribbe-an American Heritage Month began in 2004 when a legislative bill was tabled in Congress by Congresswoman Bar-bara Lee. Language was provided by ICS Founder and President Dr. Claire Nelson. The Bill was reintroduced and passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate in Febru-ary 2006. A Proclamation making the resolution ocial was signed by President George W. Bush on June 5, 2006.In 2006, actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and basketball great Rick Fox were named ocial spokespersons for Na-tional Caribbean Amer-ican Heritage Month. Learn more at www.caribbeanamericanheri-tage.org.Each year, ICS works with our partners at a number of organizations to present a parade of events for varied palates. Learn more about this year’s events at www.caribbeanamericanheri-tage.org.Caribbean American Legislative Forum (June 2025) The Caribbean American Legislative Forum is an annual event that edu-cates Caribbean-Amer-icans on policy issues that aect the Caribbean American community. At-tendees hear from elect-ed ocials and are given an opportunity to network with business lead-ers, policymakers, and advocates. It includes a roundtable as well as short presentations. The event is free and open to the public but pre-regis-tration is required.BackgroundIn 1999, under the patronage of Con-gresswoman Donna Christensen (D-V.I.), the Institute of Caribbean Studies hosted the rst annual US-Caribbean Legislative Forum at the Rayburn House Oce Building of the U.S. Congress. The goal of the Forum is to explore legislative and policy issues of importance to the Caribbean American community, with the goal of aecting policy that considers our perspec-tives.Dr. Trisha Bailey Honored at University of Connecticut with Hall of Fame Induction and Board of Trustees AppointmentJune is National Caribbean American Heritage MonthBy C. K. MulfortInstitute of Caribbean Studies (ICS)Trailblazing Alumna Cel-ebrated for Her Impact in Business, Philanthropy, and Community Empow-erment.This past weekend marked a historic and emotional return to the University of Connecticut for Dr. Trisha Bailey, PhD as the distinguished alumni, entrepreneur, and philanthropist was honored with two presti-gious recognitions from her alma mater.Jamaica-born Dr. Trisha Bailey, and former Hart-ford resident considered the wealthiest woman from the island nation, was ocially sworn in before the Connecticut legislative board as the newest member of UCo-nn’s Board of Trustees. The appointment comes as a signicant acknowl-edgment of her lifelong commitment to excel-lence and service — a role she steps into with grace and vision.The following evening, Dr. Bailey was inducted to the University of Con-necticut School of Busi-ness Hall of Fame during a stunning black-tie gala. The event, held on April 11, recognized the extraordinary achieve-ments of the UConn alumni who has made enduring contributions to the business world.Dr. Bailey, founder and CEO of Bailey’s Pharma-cy & Medical Equipment & Supplies, oversees a multi-million-dollar healthcare empire that spans across several U.S. states. With more than 500 employees and over 16 thriving compa-nies under her leader-ship, her inuence in the medical and business sectors is unmatched. As a nalist for the HME Woman of the Year Award and the rst Black individual to have a building also named in her honor at UConn, Dr. Bailey has consistently shattered barriers and redened success.Her impact extends far beyond boardrooms and business metrics. Dr. Bailey has made one of the largest individual donations in UConn’s history — a contribution exceeding $10 million dollars — dedicated to supporting student athletes for generations to come. She has also donated millions to the United Foundation Central Florida, opening college doors for hun-dreds of underprivileged students.With over 40 family members and closest friends by her side, Dr. Bailey took the stage to reect on her journey, expressing heartfelt grat-itude to UConn for the opportunity that changed her life. “UConn saw the light in me when others didn’t,” she shared. “I was told by my high school guidance coun-selor that I wasn’t college material. But here I am, proof that dreams are real and obstacles are meant to be overcome.”In a deeply moving moment, she dedicated her induction to Black and Brown girls across the country, urging them to see themselves in her story — to rise, to dream, and to achieve beyond the limits placed upon them.A powerhouse in busi-ness, a beacon in philan-thropy, and a nurturing mother of ve, Dr. Trisha Bailey lives a life rooted in purpose and kindness. Her presence this past weekend was more than a celebration of personal success — it was a decla-ration of what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity. They tried to count her out, but she never stopped counting her blessings — and to-day, she’s one of them.The Weaver High school graduate and former UCONN national track star in middle distance running is also a book author. Her book “Un-broken” is a testament to her fortitude and strength in character to overcome tremendous obstacles. Dr. Bailey has given her support to many organizations through-out the United States, Florida, Jamaica and Hartford, oering 4-year scholarships to Weaver High School graduates, supporting organizations devoted to helping single mothers, and sponsor-ing STEM initiatives in Jamaica are a few to mention.For an insightful look at Dr. Bailey’s early begin-nings growing up in rural St. Elizabeth, Jamai-ca to her migration to Hartford and the pres-ent, watch her interview on HPATV at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3YWPLlqw. KC Celebrates 100 years; Pg. 2
International News Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , April 20, 2025 Page 2Errol A. SmithFmr. WISC ChairmanIn 2025, Kingston Col-lege proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary—a remarkable milestone for one of Jamaica’s most iconic and inuential high schools. From its hum-ble beginnings in 1925 to its evolution into a powerhouse of academic and athletic excellence, Kingston College has remained steadfast in its mission: to uplift and empower young men, particularly from underserved communi-ties, through discipline, scholarship, and spiritual grounding. To note, a number of KC grads and associates are current Hartford residents.e Humble BeginningsKingston College (KC) was founded on April 16, 1925, during a period when access to quality secondary education in Jamaica was largely reserved for the priv-ileged. The Anglican Church, recognizing the urgent need for broader educational opportuni-ties, took action. The Most Reverend Dr. Enos Nuttall, then Archbishop of the West Indies, had envisioned a school for boys from poor but aspiring families. This vision would come to life under the stewardship of Bishop Percival William Gibson, the school’s rst headmaster and one of Jamaica’s most revered educational pioneerThe initial location of Kingston College was a modest house at 114 ½ East Street in downtown Kingston. There, the school opened its doors with just 49 students and four teachers. The condi-tions were far from ideal, but what the school lacked in infrastructure, it made up for in vision, spirit, and determination.e Role of Bishop GibsonBishop Percival Gibson was more than a head-master; he was the heart and soul of Kingston Col-lege in its formative years. A brilliant educator and Anglican priest, he believed deeply in the transformative power of education, particular-ly for Black Jamaican boys who were too often denied a fair chance at success.Gibson instilled a culture of excellence, discipline, and moral integrity that would become the hallmark of KC. His ap-proach was holistic—stu-dents were expected to be scholars, gentlemen, athletes, and leaders. Under his leadership, the school grew rapidly in both enrollment and reputation.In 1937, Kingston Col-lege moved to its new location on North Street, where it could accommo-date more students and oer improved facilities. The school continued to expand with the acqui-sition of the Melbourne Park campus, allowing for further development in academics, sports, and extracurricular activ-ities.Academic and Athletic TriumphsBy the mid-20th century, KC had rmly estab-lished itself as a beacon of academic excellence. Its students routinely achieved high marks in national exams and secured scholarships to prestigious universities both locally and abroad. The school became known not just for its academic rigor, but also for producing leaders in elds such as law, medicine, politics, and the arts.In sports, Kingston College became a dominant force, particularly in track and eld. The school’s success at the annual Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships—known as “Champs”—is legend-ary, with numerous titles won over the decades. The purple and white have also shone brightly in football, cricket, and other disciplines, with many of its athletes going on to represent Jamaica on the interna-tional stage.A Legacy of Leadership and ServiceBeyond the accolades, the true impact of Kings-ton College lies in the lives it has shaped. The school has always emphasized character development and service to others. Through initia-tives like the KingstonCollege Chapel Choir, the Cadet Corps, and numerous outreach pro-grams, KC students have long been encouraged to give back to their com-munities.The legacy of Bishop Gibson lives on in every corner of Kingston Col-lege. His statue stands proudly on the school grounds, a constant re-minder of the values on which the institution was built: faith, discipline, and perseverance.100 Years On: e Future BeckonsAs Kingston College marks its centenary, it stands as a living testa-ment to the power vision, leadership, and commu-nity. From its origins in a small downtown house to its current status as one of Jamaica’s most respected high schools, KC has remained true to its mission.The school’s centen-nial celebration is not only a time to reect on past glories but also an opportunity to chart a course for the next 100 years. With invest-ments in infrastructure, technology, and student development, Kingston College is poised to con-tinue producing genera-tions of young men who are not only academical-ly accomplished but also morally grounded and socially responsible.In the words of Bish-op Gibson, “We must provide a school in which boys of ability—especially poor boys—can receive a sound secondary educa-tion, whatever the social condition of their par-ents.” That vision, forged in 1925, still resonates a century later.Fortis Cadere, Cedere Non Potest—The Brave May Fall but Never Yield. A Century of Excellence: The History of Kingston College on its 100th Anniversary e school in its rst term 1925Kingston College 1950 Winners of the Manning Cup and Oliver ShieldStanding: (L-R) Mr. Fred Gree (coach), A. Facey W.W. Alexander, M. Murdoch, Rev. P.W. Gibson, (Headmaster), G, Francis, H. Neita, , E. Watson, Mr. W.Roberts. Sitting: (L-R) A. Francis, L. McCarthy, G. O. ompson (i.e. 1st cousin of WISC member, Mark Milward), L. Douglas (Capt),(holding Oliver Shield), D.Forrester, C. Belnavis, K. Reece.Form 1F - September 1974 Errol A. Smith - Middle Row - 5th from LeBishop Percival William Gibson b. 1893 - d.1970
London: British Black HistoryCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , April 20, 2025 Page 3The Windrush Generation: Share Similar Experiences to US Caribbean Migration during WW II Book Authors:Eckiesha Bedward-BuckleKeona Buckleis inspiring children’s book tells the story of a shy little caterpillar who struggles with self-doubt as she watches her friends showcase their talents. Feeling ordinary and unsure of herself, Clarissa wonders if she will ever be special.But everything changes when she meets Mrs. Wingston, a wise but-tery who reassures her that transformation takes time. Clarissa soon embarks on an incredi-ble journey—wrapping herself in a cocoon and emerging as a stunning buttery, realizing that true beauty comes from within.With themes of self-con-dence, patience, and embracing one’s unique journey, Clarissa the Caterpillar’s Big Trans-formation is a must-read for children and parents alike. It encourages young readers to trust in their own growth, reminding them that everyone has a special moment to shine. Avail-able on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback editions, this upliing story is already touch-ing hearts and helping young readers discover their own special gis.Rudi Page, from London, created “Windrush An-chor Heritage Education Programme, a commnity-focused intiative and fa-cilitating events, festivals and educaton workshops to celebrate cultural pride amongst Black British communities.Rudi, took his Windrush Generation presentation and brought it to Hart-ford, Connecticut and the West Indian Social Club on February 23, 2025 to share this Black British history during our US Black Hstory monthcelebration.Rudi is an award winning Leader-ship and Management Consultant specializng in the design and delivery of micro and macro-level change management pro-grammes and projects. He has a proven track record of professional achievements providing eectiveness, competen-cies, and cultural under-standing based on high standards and systems performance.His award winning Windrush Gen-erations programmes to provide status informa-tion, advice, guidance and support at local and national levels has been a signicant contribution to British society. It has resulted in him receiving the “Points of Light Award” given annually by the UK Prime Minister for outstanding contributions to the country.The Windrush Gener-ation and their descen-dents arrived in Britian before and after World War II, with the most signicant migration occuring between the 1950s and 1960s. During this period, an estimated 500,000 people from the Caribbean settled in the UK.This migration took place during a period of high labor demand in the public which included the National Health Service (NHS) where 75,000 Ca-ribbean migrants worked by the 1970s.For decades the story of the Windrush Pioneers and their descendents have been narrated through the media fo-cusing on migration and the resilience of these pioneers.Despite facing numerous challenges their strength tenacity, perserverance, creativity, humanity and spritually have empow-ered them to endure and make positive contribu-tions to British society and beyond. The story of Windrush mirrors the story of the migration that occurred during this same period to Hartford and other parts of the US to ll the labor shortages created here also due to World War II. Our own city and state saw Caribbean and Jamaican farm workers working in the Connecti-cut tobacco Valley and facing the same chal-lenges, discrimination, racism and prejudices from the white communi-ties in Connecticut. These same challenges served to strenghten the resolve and characters of the Caribbean immi-grants migrating in the US and UK and Rudi’s visit was a shared experi-ence greatly appreciated. Clarissa the Caterpillar’s Big TransformationRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgBy Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBAEstate Planning is as vital as family planning. Yet, there is a popular misconception that only the rich deal with estate planning. Ironically, many families enter pov-erty or remain stagnant due to a lack of estate planning. The rich use it as a tool to maintain wealth and avoid taxes. As vital as money is, one of the main tools of estate planning is to pre-serve life—which is more costly than money. As something as recent as the guardianship ght for Wendy Williams is a ght for her life. Not having a suitable guardian chosen by her or the inability of the family to agree on her care has compelled the Court to appoint a guardian at her expense. The consequence, according to Wendy Wil-liams, is that she is living in a prison. Imagine you having children, and you and your spouse died and your $80 million, as in Gene Hackman’s Estate, will instead likely go to charity. These are small examples of the power of a Trust or Will, Power of Attorney or Living Will in place. There are several statistics regarding the percentage of Americans that have some sort of estate planning—some say 26%, some say 32%, but either way, all can agree that most Ameri-can do not have a plan in place. According to Urban Institute, 70% of African Americans do not have any estate plan-ning, but the percentage of Caribbean Americans is too low to measure. However, it has been proven repeatedly that generations of communi-ties lose wealth through a lack of estate planning. Not having a Will or Trust, for example, will cause families to lose at least 3-6% of the value of the assets in attor-ney fees in an attempt to seek rights over the Estate through the Court process. The lack of es-tate planning also gener-ates stress when families lose the right to care for the elderly or make de-cisions on behalf of their loved ones in precarious situations. “Only put o until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” — Pablo Pi-casso. Tomorrow is not promised and sometimes one of the most powerful actions of love is to do something today. I am Attorney Racquel Brown, and this is my plea to “Document Up.”Contact infomation:Racquel D. Brown, Esq.Attorneyrbrown@gmail-com The Urgency of Estate PlanningRacquel Brown, Esq.Photo with WISC members and Rudi Page Rudi Page delivering Windrush presentation, 2/23/2025 at WISC
Health, Wellness & ScienceRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , April 20, 2025 Page 4MELANIN: (Part III) SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR SKIN PIGMENTATIONWelcome to our third article in out series on Melanin. Included in the discussion about Mela-nin in this article is the controversy surrounding the melanin topic.It is a fact that Medical science tells us that melanin is a pigment that makes our skin, hair and eyes brown or black. Melanin is a biochemical (living) substance found in all human beings in-ternally and externally. It is pigmented molecules that can be found in the atmosphere, parts of the earth, and also in the universe. Dr. Llaila O. Afrika says, “It is the chemical key to life.” In a book written by Shaneequeewa Sam-uels, We Are Not the Same: e Melanin Lifestyle Guide for Nutrition, Mental and Spiritual Well-Being, the Melanin subject matter is covered from yet another perspective. This book reects on how people of color are more prone than peo-ple with less melanin to illness and disease when following a standard Western diet. It teaches how to perform a full body cleanse to rid the body of chronic disease and oers many more discussions that examine lifestyle change require-ments that enhance and promote the physical mental and spiritual health of melanated people. Controversy arises when claims are made within the book about Europe-an Melanin conferences that include Japan and the US that never invite black researchers or scientists to these conferences. The book author Samuels states, “I nd it very interesting that no black scientists or melanin dominant countries are invited to a meeting where they are trying to learn about the main element in people of color. Or is it that they know how important mel-anin is, and how it aects us; but don’t want the information distributed worldwide?”Such a profound claim requires some investi-gation and that which the author of this article chose to explore further. During investigative research the author of this article found that the Melanin confer-ences being conducted in Europe were being done by The European Society for Pigment Cell Research (ESPCR) and other similar pigment cell research societies. The ESPCR is a scien-tic society founded in Italy in 1985, It aims to promote interdisciplinary knowledge and research on the pigmentary system, including both normal and pathological conditions. The society provides the forum for interactive discussions by bringing together basic researchers and clinicians from various disciplines, including developmental biology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, immu-nology, pharmacology and toxicology, chem-istry and physics. This body is more focused on developing medicines for treatment of dermatologi-cal related abnormalities. Summation on the Con-troversy:The controversy sur-rounding melanin is a reection of the vast areas of research being undertaken on the sub-ject matter. There are numerous areas in which research is being done on this single molecule and from that perspec-tive there are many more areas remaining to be explored and discovered. Pigment cell researchers are seeking cures and treatment methods due to melanin abnormalities in the skin which lead to skin cancer, albinism, and other dermatological diseases, such as psoria-sis, eczema, warts, acne, vitiligo, urticaria, etc.Melanin is the most fascinating and amazing molecule in all aspects. It does so many dierent things and functions in so many dierent ways its as though it represents supernatural properties inherent the physical, spiritual and mental realms while at the same time manifesting itself within the universe to exist as an entity which dominates, inuenc-es and controls all of existence be it organic or inanimate objects.A primary aim in this article was to show the dierent focus areas in melanin research and contrast especially the focus areas of the Euro-pean research interests which are very important for dermatology medicine and the establishment of sound medical treatment plans. By Mark D. Milward, MfgE, MBAAnn-Margaret LimOn April 22, 1993, 18-year-old 2nd Generation Jamaican youth Stephen Lawrence was attacked and stabbed to death in an unprovoked hate crime by a gang of white boys as he waited at a bus stop in London. His murderers were acquitted and allowed to walk free for 18 years, until two of his six killers were convicted of murder in 2011.For Stephen Lawrence (September 13, 1974—April 22, 1993) One SummerIn the dream, Ste-phen you’re thicker than when we were young but thoughtful, as a rst kiss. We had one summer in Kingston before England’s white boys kicked, clubbed, knifed you. Too brief again, this August light its hours shifting. And hate, a hungry animal that only takes. The day your family stood above your grave, swept by coco-nut palms and a small bird orchestra I smashed the shut-tlecock repeatedly against my backyard wall my grief knock-ing back against the day’s blunt silence. What loves still lives, transforms my days, each night each decade passing — I follow you, and return to the gate you tow-ered over that care-less summer when you were just a boy laughing against the sky and I still believed in the light and what it makes of us.Copyright © 2021 by Ann-Mar-garet Lim. Originally published in Poem-a-Day on October 21, 2021, by the Academy of American Poets. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ann-Margaret Lim, was born and lives in Jamaica. She was one of three judges for poetry category of the 2024 Bocas Prize and also a judge for the 2022 Bocas Emerging Writers Fellowship. In 2022, she facilitated the creative writing (poetry) course at her alma ma-ter, the University of the West Indies, Mona.Lim’s second poetry collection, KINGSTON BUTTERCUP (Peepal Tree Press: 2016) made the poetry shortlist of the Bocas Prize. Her rst collection, THE FESTIVAL OF WILD ORCHID, (Peepal Tree Press:2012) was nominated for the UK Guardian First Book Prize and received Honorary Mention in the 2013 Bocas Prize. Following her 2014 Cal-abash Literary Festival debut, Lim was featured in the Ebony Magazine, alongside ve other Caribbean Writers. Her poems have been in the Academy of American Poets Poem a Day Series*, the Orion Magazine, Wasari Magazine, the Caribbean Writer and other literary journals and maga-zines, worldwide. A Calabash Fellow, Lim was part of the Jamaica Calabash oering featured in the 2020 Bergen International Litera-ture Festival titled “Literature Around the World”. She has participated in Poetry Festivals in Colombia, Venezuela, St. Martin, the 2020 Bocas Lit Fest (online) and other internation-al events. She had, in 2005, copped both the Red Bones Poet and Poem of the Year.One Summer: A Poem by Ann-Margaret Lim
Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper, April 20, 2025 Page 5Art Education: A Fundamental Catalyst for Creative Learning in Jamaica’s Educational TransformationPhilanthropy & ArtsDriven by a Desire to ContributeDr. Clovis B. Nelson EdDThe Government of Jamaica has taken a commendable step to-wards educational trans-formation by focusing on STEAM education—the integration of Science, Technology, Engineer-ing, Arts, and Mathemat-ics—a holistic approach that addresses the needs of the 21st century. This approach is designed to equip our youth with the essential tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world, while also nurturing creativity, critical think-ing, and problem-solving skills that are vital for success in today’s global landscape. As an educator deeply invested in the trans-formative power of art education, I rmly believe that integrating arts education with a cul-ture-centred pedagogy will signicantly enhance this STEAM initiative. It will create a richer, more inclusive environment for our young learners, helping them express themselves creative-ly, think critically, and connect their learning to real-world problems and solutions.e Importance of Creativity in EducationAt the core of the STEAM framework is creativity, an essential component for fostering innovation and problem-solving. As Sir Ken Robinson (2011) argues in his work on creative schools, creativ-ity is just as important as literacy and should be treated with the same priority. For Jamaica, integrating creativity into the learning process through art education is invaluable. Art education, by allowing students to experiment, express, and solve problems visually, plays a central role in nurturing this creativity. One such concept I have developed is "visual mathematics"—the pro-cess of calculating, mea-suring, and understand-ing things contextually by looking and understand-ing what is seen propor-tionately through eyes and brain coordination. This approach allows students to visually in-teract with mathematical concepts, such as ge-ometry, proportions, and symmetry, linking the world of art and mathe-matics intuitively and en-gagingly. By visualising abstract mathematical ideas through creative expression, students can develop a deeper, more intuitive understanding of both subjects. This con-cept aligns perfectly with the STEAM goals, where the arts are not seen as separate but as inter-woven with science and mathematics to foster a more comprehensive learning experience. In an era where creativity is considered one of the most vital skills in the workforce, especially in the creative econo-my, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally (UNESCO, 2015), art education becomes indispensable. For Jamaica, embracing art education as a core component of STEAM can prepare our youth for the future, ensuring they are equipped not only to succeed but to innovate and lead. Art and Interdisciplin-ary Learning in STEAMAt its heart, STEAM edu-cation is about fostering interdisciplinary learning, and art education plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between science and technology. As Be-quette & Bequette (2012) suggest, incorporating the arts into STEM sub-jects enhances student learning by encouraging them to view problems from multiple perspec-tives, thereby fostering critical thinking and cre-ativity. In Jamaica, where creativity is integral to social and economic progress, art educa-tion oers students the tools to connect artistic endeavors with scientic principles and technolog-ical advancements.Conclusion: A Vision for Jamaica’s STEAM FutureBy embracing the gov-ernment’s STEAM initia-tive and integrating cul-ture-centered pedagogy, we can create an educa-tional environment that empowers students to express their creativity, solve complex problems, and develop the neces-sary skills for global suc-cess. This approach not only nurtures creativity and innovation but also ensures that students are emotionally intelligent, socially responsible, and culturally aware.The Campion College Crimson Crocs Robotics team, winner of the FIRST Tech Inspire Award in Jamaica, won the JUDGES CHOICE AWARD in Houston, Texas at the 2025 FIRST Tech Challenge ROBOTICS Conference, April 16-19, 2025.During the uncertainties that plagued the entire world due to the Covid19 pandemic in 2020, the non prot organization of Bless Back Jamdown Missions was launched to be a beacon of hope to those who are in need and underserved popu-lations on the island of Jamaica. The Organization's mis-sion was birthed out of the desire that founder, Sherlene Templeman had to give back to her beloved homeland. At the tender age of 15 years old, Sherlene migrated to the Unit-ed States, leaving her family behind in order to nd a better path in life all while working with the intention of helping those who were left back 'a yaawd' - back home. Templeman’s motto is, "We can't forget the land of our birth."Over the years as she worked her way through challenges and circum-stances, she never forgot where she came from. It has been a long time coming, but today Tem-pleman's dream of giving back to Jamaica is slowly coming to pass as her vision has grown to help underserved communi-ties across the island. In the locations of Kings-ton, St Catherine and St. Thomas, she has man-aged to cater to those in need by providing food, clothing and personal items. Her personal experiences of knowing what it is like to be in need, as she was a part of the underserved com-munity has been one of the driving forces behind her desire to serve the Jamaican society in this way. Since 2020, Templeman and her team have man-aged to distribute many barrels of clothes, food items and other personal items in the various loca-tions that she serves. Through generous do-nations and fundraisers, Sherlene will continue to serve the Jamaican community in love. Templeman’s faith in Christ has also been a primary drive behind the organization's mission to help those in need, as Sherlene and her team seek to follow the exam-ple of Jesus' command in caring for those in need. As time progresses, it will continue to be the desire of BBJD Missions to touch thousands of lives in Jamaica as they seek to expand their outreach by providing for under-served populations in all 14 parishes. Who would have thought that beauty could come out of ashes; light could come out of utter gloom and darkness? Well, it's not impossible… Bless Back Jamdown Mis-sions has proven so as Sherlene and her team work towards their goal of helping those in need. The driving force behind all of this is the desire to make a dierence and inspire change, one meal at a time. CONTACT INFO Rene L. LambertPhone: 860-335-4849Email: bbjdmissionsinc@gmail.comWebsite bbjdmissions.org. Philanthropy VersePhilanthropy is com-mendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circum-stances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary. ~ Martin Luther King ~By Rene LambertSherlene Templeman Robotics conference
AnnouncementsCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , April 20, 2025Read the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.orgRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper online at cadnews.org Page 6
Entertainment NewsCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , April 20, 2025 Page 7Read the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper at cadnews.org
WISC Celebrating 75 YearsCaribbean American Diaspora Newspaper , April 20, 2025Read the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper at cadnews.orgRead the Caribbean American Diaspora Newspaper at cadnews.org Page 81950 2025