Jamaica Ex-Police Association of South Florida offers scholarship

For yet another year, the Jamaica Ex-Police Association of South Florida has returned to the island to assist in several areas of the society as part of its annual outreach project.

This year, the team of around 30 former cops spent time in St Ann, where one of the highlights of their visit was the donation of a scholarship to Shantoy Howard, an 11-year-old student of Steer Town Primary and Junior High School in the parish.

Of significance, the association called on Asif Campbell, the first scholarship recipient in 2006, to present the cheque to Howard, which will cover her expenses for one year. She is expected to begin high school in September.

Campbell, who was attending Wolmer's Boys School at the time, has gone on to a successful career in finance after completing his degree in actuarial science at the University of the West Indies.

In presenting the scholarship, he congratulated and encouraged little Howard to continue doing well in school.

AWARDS & DONATIONS

At the handover, which took place at the St Ann Police Divisional Headquarters in St Ann's Bay, Paul Brown donated a gas stove to the Discovery Bay Police Station, which Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Michael Smith accepted and expressed delight.

The association also made a donation to retired officer Astley Smith, who was injured while on duty several years ago. Retired Inspector Orville Forrester of the association also made a personal contribution to him to help cover travelling costs from St Thomas to St Ann.

The visit also saw the team partnering with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and the business community to give a facelift to the St Ann's Bay Police Station and donating supplies to the St Ann Infirmary, among other contributions.

Member of the association Radcliffe Guy told The Gleaner that this is the 20th year the members were coming to give back to Jamaica.

"And we've visited all the parishes. It's for a worthy cause, so we're fine with it," Guy said.

The group raises funds through several events, including an annual fundraising ball in April.