Promoters, PNP politicians donate water pump, tanks to Negril Primary

WESTERN BUREAU:

STAKEHOLDERS IN Negril, Westmoreland, have so far donated three water tanks and a water pump to Negril Primary School after thieves stole the institution’s 1,000- gallon tank.

Party promoter Sean Greenfield, known as one of the most creative and innovative promoters in western Jamaica, especially for his popular Different Strokes retro party series, says he and members of the Negril Entertainment Association (NEA) responded to the appeal from the school in ensuring that children can continue their educational pursuits uninterrupted.

“When we read the article about the theft, as members of the community in which we do business and the fact that many of these children’s parents are our supporters, we saw it fit to replace that tank,” Greenfield, the NEA director, said.

In a brief presentation ceremony on Wednesday to hand over a water pump and tank to the West End Primary School from the NEA, Greenfield told The Gleaner that it was heartbreaking that someone would steal the school’s water tank in the middle of a water crisis.

He said the group of promoters, without having second thoughts, donated the funds to restore the school’s water supply storage system.

“It was so overwhelming that we actually got enough money to purchase a water pump for the school,” the Different Strokes promoter said.

Earlier that same day, Negril Primary School, which is more than 100 years old, also benefited from the donation of two water tanks from Ian Hayles, the opposition People’s National Party’s (PNP) shadow minister of water, and Artnel Colley, PNP Councillor for the Negril Division.

“Myself and councillor Artnel Colley got together and we decided to purchase two tanks. The school needed one, but we decided to purchase two because there is drought and there is a lack of water in Negril,” Hayles said.

“Water is life, and we want to make sure that the young people of Negril All-Age (now primary) and the surrounding communities start off life good,” he said.

PLEASED WITH RESPONSE

Vice-Principal Patrice Phrame said the school family was happy that stakeholders were coming on board in response to their requests for assistance in replacing the stolen water tank.

“We made the appeal, and we are very pleased at the quick responses that we have received. And we are very happy that our stakeholders see education as an important vehicle for our nation’s children,” Phrame said.

“We don’t have to close our doors because we have received the tank that will assist us in getting the water that we need so badly for the full and proper operation of the school,” said Phrame.

Continuing, she said that the students were elated because the school had received a replacement for the stolen tank and the fact that they would not have to stay at home.

“They did not want to go home, so when we told the children that the tanks were coming, they were elated and overjoyed. They screamed and they jumped because they did not want to go back home. Having lost so many hours during COVID-19, they didn’t want to lose any more of their time at school,” added Phrame, who is also a past student of Negril Primary School.

The senior vice-principal expressed appreciation to those who came to the assistance of the school.

“We are happy that out of evil, good (deeds) have actually come,” Phrame said of the stolen tank ... . “We should be getting about four more, which we are very happy for because if this water shortage prolongs, then definitely, we will need more tanks.”

UTTER DISGUST

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday condemned the theft of the water tank from the Negril Primary School over the Easter holidays.

“I know I speak on behalf of all members in this House when I express my utter disgust at those who would’ve perpetrated this act,” Holness said during a statement in the House of Representatives, where he announced the allocation of $150 million to battle drought conditions across the country.

Holness, whose economic growth and job creation ministry has responsibility for water, revealed that the western parishes of Hanover and Westmoreland were the hardest hit from the dry spell.

The prime minister, who is also the minister of defence, told Parliament that the police must thoroughly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“There is no excuse to harm our children’s future. As such, I have instructed the Rural Water Supply Limited to provide and install sufficient water-storage tanks to avoid any further learning loss at this institution. I have further instructed Rural Water Supply Limited to partner with the Ministry of Education to conduct a national assessment of water storage at our nation’s schools, which will guide capital investments in the near future,” Holness said.

He added that the National Water Commission had been instructed to prioritise critical infrastructure, including educational and health facilities.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com