Chinese gift 10 St James students tablets to mark New Year
Published:Wednesday | February 5, 2025 | 12:06 AMAlbert Ferguson, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Ten students from Albion Primary and Infant School and the Mount Salem Primary School, both in St James, were gifted tablets by the Chinese government on Monday as part of a series of events to mark the Chinese New Year.
Chen Daojiang, the Chinese ambassador to Jamaica, made the presentation to the principals and students during a brief ceremony, which was preceded by a courtesy call on Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Sam Sharpe Square.
“We are here today as recipients of tablet computers for our students. I am indeed grateful because some of our students are not able to acquire these devices, so this will certainly benefit our students,” said Dr Lorane Moodie- Reid, principal of the Albion Primary School.
“I am indeed happy to see the kind of collaboration between Jamaica and China, which sees them giving to education here in Jamaica. This is something that will benefit our students, our city and ultimately our country,” said Moodie- Reid.
Yvonne Thompson-Kerr, student leadership coordinator at the Mount Salem Primary School, says that with technology now at the forefront of development globally, a gift of technology is a welcome boost to education.
GRATEFUL FOR DEVICES
“This is a good gift for our students at this time. They will use them to do assignments as well as in class time. The new curriculum that we have require students having technological devices to work with,” said Thompson-Kerr. “These gifts are timely, and the students are grateful to the Chinese government for supporting education.”
For his part, Vernon lauded the Government and people of China for helping to enhance the growth and development of Montego Bay and the wider Jamaica.
He noted that the Chinese community, with its rich tradition and unwavering spirit, has woven itself into the fabric of the nation, contributing immensely to Jamaica’s development since their arrival in the mid-19th century.
“From the early days of facing harsh conditions on sugar estates to becoming respected business owners, the Chinese in Montego Bay have shown resilience and tenacity. Their contributions to the grocery trade, retail business and professional sectors have played a pivotal role in our economic growth,” said Vernon.
According to Vernon, by 1954, over 1,000 commercial establishments were owned by the Chinese across Jamaica, underscoring their significance impact on the nation’s economy.
“Beyond commerce, the Chinese community has enriched our cultural and infrastructural landscape and their emphasis on education and family, hard work has left an indelible mark on Jamaica, fostering the spirit of unity and mutual respect,” said Vernon.
“It is also, within this context, that I must extend appreciation [for the donation] to our two primary schools in the form of tablets, “ the mayor added.