Team Jamaica Bickle, UJAA stage benefit for Dominic James Foundation

Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) and The Union of Jamaican Alumni Association (USA) Inc (UJAA) yesterday staged a benefit performance of the Basil Dawkin’s hit play Maas Mat Comes To Town in aid of the Dominic James Foundation at the Little Little Theatre.

David and Denese James expressed gratitude for the gesture.

“The Jamaican Diaspora, through Team Jamaica Bickle, has been demonstrating care for the health of Jamaican athletes by providing defibrillators to schools. We are pleased to associate with this act of bringing awareness to the issue by offering practical solutions. That is why we support this fundraising venture as it will assist with the objectives of the Dominic James Foundation.”

Dominic lost his life tragically in 2016 while representing St George’s College in a Manning Cup match. The lack of emergency resources to offer first aid was cause for concern. Team Jamaica Bickle immediately accelerated its planned defibrillator presentation and training exercise scheduled for later in the year, donating 15 units to high schools across the country. The organisation’s Defibrillator to Schools Programme was initiated in 2014 after the death of Cavahn McKenzie of St Jago High during a cross-country race in Tobago. To date, over 50 schools have received units and staff trained.

“We are overwhelmed, partnering with the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations and playwright Basil Dawkins in this showing of Maas Mat Comes to Town as a benefit for the Dominic James Foundation. This represents a continuation of TJB’s commitment to our athletes. It’s imperative that proper health-care infrastructure be in place to accommodate the needs of our student athletes, who, for many, is a major catalyst for their future,” said Irwine Clare, CEO and founder of Team Jamaica Bickle.

Lesleyann Samuel, president of UJAA (USA) Inc, added: “Our motto – “Education is Empowerment, Only the Educated are Free” – ­embodies our mission to assist where ­possible whether by building schools, donating water tanks, or by providing financial assistance in an effort to empower our ­students to become significant contributors to society. Partnering in this endeavour is another step in assisting the foundation in its objective to address the health issues of students who may not otherwise have access to proper or timely healthcare.”