Businessman gives back to his alma mater

As a child growing up in the community of Pratville in South Manchester, Anthony Isaacs knew what it meant to be poor.

But despite the financial struggles that his family faced, he made a promise that once he was in a better situation financially, he would provide assistance to others.

Now residing in Rosedale, New York, and the owner of an online radio station named JAIRIE Radio, Isaacs is determined to continue helping the less fortunate.

Today, he is one of the faithful benefactors of the Pratville Primary and Infant School in Manchester, ironically an institution from which he was expelled during his childhood.

“Growing up was rough, and being poor is not a nice thing. Through hard work I’ve been able to better myself. Therefore, I am doing everything to help the children in my original hometown. This is my way to help create a better future for the people of Pratville and surrounding areas.”

He continued: “I’ve been making donations in various forms to the school for over a decade now. These laptops for the students, (I have) paid for high-speed internet for the school, and I have also rallied the support of other past students to upgrade the bathroom facilities of the school. Giving back to the school has been an ongoing thing for me,” Isaacs explained.

Isaacs continued, “I am happy that as someone who has endured many hardships early in life, I’m now able to help others, especially the youths, who are the future of tomorrow.” His interests also extend to music and culture, and having always had a deep passion for his Jamaican heritage, decided early on that he would do whatever he could to showcase the music from his place of birth.

Encouraged by a BBC Radio broadcaster, he officially launched JAIRIE Radio in 2017.

“My vision was simple yet powerful: to create an online radio station that brings you 100 per cent Caribbean vibes – from rare tracks and exclusive premières to live DJ sets and personal artiste interviews,” Isaacs shared. He says the online platform targets Caribbean nationals as well as all lovers of reggae, soca and dancehall music.