AGENCIES PROVIDE ADVICE ON A RANGE OF CHALLENGES
BROWN’S TOWN, St Ann; Dec. 18, 2025
Madras Primary and Infant School hosted a Community Social Outreach to address the growing needs of the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane severely impacted health services, destroyed farms, and harmed the community’s primary source of income, placing a significant strain on the overall well-being of students, parents, and residents.
The outreach was held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 despite the absence of electricity, which has still not returned to many communities of West and South St. Ann.
(Area residents listen during an empowerment session)
Partnering Agencies provided vital information, psychosocial support for parents, and motivational sessions for students.
The school’s chairman Ivy Walton, was present along with the President and Vice President of the PTA body.
(Principal S Bryan Campbell is pleased with personal attention)
Over 80 individuals received medical care from Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, including health checks, testing, and a presentation on AIDS awareness and self-confidence. The  Aids Support for Life team was led by Nilfia Hazel-Anderson.
(Corporal Walters making a presentation on violence prevention)
The National Council on Drug Abuse team, led by Taniesha Powell, offered psychosocial support to parents and community members. Individual counselling was provided by Novadeyne Williams.
The RADA area extension officer, Shawn Bravo, conducted an inventory of crops and livestock lost, shared recovery tips and answered questions from farmers.
A team from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (PATH Department) outlined available services, grants, and requirements for accessing recovery support.
(Students express themselves during the empowerment session)
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) team, led by Corporal Narvar Kirkland and Renardo Beckford in collaboration with members from the Domestic Violence Centre — Corporals Rohan Walters and Melisa Anderson shared insights on security matters and child safety, assisting community members with queries.
The team also delivered a presentation on the impact of violence on students and families. The audience was educated on the warning signs of domestic violence and guided on how to access support services.
This outreach initiative was a testament to resilience and community spirit. The team leader from Madras Primary and Infant School was Sashanna Bryan-Campbell, Health and Family Life teacher. The coordinator for the event was Sherika Sewell-Wisdom. Thanks were extended to academic, ancillary and support staff members, retired Nurse Cleonie Wright and retired teacher Doxylyn Jones.
