Team Jamaica Bickle exceeds defibrillator goal to mark 25th anniversary

Thirteen (13) high schools; Annotto Bay, Claude McKay, Foga Road, Glengoffe, Glenmuir, Jose Marti, Holmwood Technical, Holy Childhood, Holy Trinity, Kellits, Ocho Rios, Robert Lightbourne, and William Knibb; The National Stadium and The University of the West Indies (UWI) Sports Department were presented with units for a total of 15 and over 50 persons trained in use of the machine and basic CPR during a recent presentation ceremony at the JAMPRO Auditorium in Kingston. Twenty (20) units were presented earlier this year to schools in western Jamaica.

Shullette Cox, vice-president research, advocacy and project implementation, JAMPRO commended the TJB and spoke of the partnership JAMPRO has forged with the organization as one that “leverages Brand Jamaica through sport” and which can propel “economic growth and investment in sport”.

Marie Stewart-Lewin, executive in the office of the CEO, JN Bank, spoke of the importance of AED’s in managing high-risk activities of athletes. The athletes she said are “national treasures” whose health should be protected. She added that JN – which donated 15 AED units – has seen the value in ensuring that AEDS are available in public spaces, having worked alongside the Heart Foundation of Jamaica to make that a reality and emphasized the natural alignment with TJB.  She commended the organization on its recognition by the Penn Relays for 25 years of service to the athletes.

President, Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) Keith Wellington thanked TJB for its generosity to the schools in such a vital area, one in which help was needed.

The Dominic James Foundation which was recently launched was represented by Dominic’s father David James and board member Dr. Lawrence Nicholson.  In his remarks Dr. Nicholson noted that Dominic who tragically lost his life during a Manning Cup match represented excellence. The mission of the foundation he said is to promote integrity, diligence and excellence, all hallmarks of Dominic’s life. The foundation would be granting academic scholarships to three students across the island that embodies those qualities; one from each county.

Elton Johnson, who represented Jamaica’s Ministry of Education Youth and Information, implored school administrators to follow the guidelines on sport and physical education published by the ministry to ensure student safety.  He also commended the TJB organization for the vital step taken to ensure that emergency services are available both in the schools and for the public awareness built by the programme. The Ministry, through Mr. Johnson, reminded the school administrators that AED units should be accessible to the broad school population and should not be locked away, as it is in everyone’s interest that the training received is shared widely with colleagues.

Specially invited guests Fredrick Dacres, Commonwealth discus champion and 2019 World Championship silver medalist and Rushell Clayton, 2019 World Championship bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles were presented with the book “Change of Fortune” authored by TJB’s partner, Vincent HoSang of Royal Caribbean Bakery/Caribbean Food Delights. In making the presentation, Mr. Irwine Clare, Snr., chairman and founder, TJB spoke of Mr. HoSang’s  commitment to the programme and the athletes and of his relentless drive to excel.

Both were guests of TJB in support of Jamaica’s long distance runner Kemoy Campbell who collapsed at a track meet at the Millrose Games in February 2019 and whose emergency treatment included the use of an AED machine.

Other sponsors of units are Dr. Wilbert Warren of Philadelphia; Claudia Deleon, Island Taste Restaurant, New York; and Ann Landel and Family.