May Pen celebrates community champions driving grassroots change

Five outstanding community leaders from May Pen, Clarendon, were recently recognised by Project STAR for their pivotal role in mobilising residents, building trust and strengthening participation in key social intervention programmes.

The community champions Kemiesha Chambers, Derrick Johnson, Latoya Coleman Morgan, Andrea Archibald and Dian McClune, were honoured for their unwavering commitment to advancing training, parenting, job readiness and nano-grant programmes, developed in partnership with Project STAR, within their respective communities.

In Treadlight, May Pen, Chambers, a young entrepreneur and community advocate, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Project STAR and residents. Through her outreach, she helped demystify the programme and encouraged wide participation, particularly among young people.

“When Project STAR just came into the community, I carried them to the people,” Chambers said. “We heard about a programme that could help younger youth,. In my days, I never heard about anything like that, so when this came, it was a must to tell everybody.”

Her influence helped lay a strong foundation of trust and participation, particularly in Project STAR’s nano-grant initiatives.

In Havanna Heights, Johnson emerged as a driving force behind the successful rollout of the nano-grant programme. A respected elder and long-time resident, Johnson went door-to-door encouraging residents, especially young men, to get involved.

“From day one, I’ve been a community person. I want to see my community uplifted,” Johnson said. “When Project STAR came in, I just knocked on doors and said, ‘Come be a part of this.’ Especially the youths, put down the violence and live in unity.”

Johnson’s leadership helped dismantle barriers and ensured strong community buy-in for the programme.

Coleman Morgan was recognised for her advocacy and leadership within Project STAR’s Parenting Club and Job Readiness Programme. As a key mobiliser, she played a central role in strengthening family support systems in her community. Under her guidance, the Parenting Club has grown into the most active group of its kind, addressing parenting challenges and promoting healthier family dynamics.

Meanwhile, Archibald was commended for her consistency and reliability across multiple communities. Her work in mobilisation, event coordination and volunteer outreach has provided critical support for Project STAR’s training programmes and encouraged sustained participation at the grassroots level.

In May Pen West, McClune has been instrumental in building trust between Project STAR and residents of the Treadlight community. As the public relations officer for the Community Transformation Board, she facilitated connections, supported training initiatives and helped establish meaningful rapport.

“I feel wonderful knowing a project like this came into my community,” McClune said. “I love volunteering, whether it’s cleaning a road, a park, or working with the youths. That’s just who I am.”

Commending the awardees, Saffrey Brown, Project STAR director, said the champions are critical of the programme’s success.

““These community champions represent the very spirit of Project STAR,” the director said. “Their credibility, commitment, and deep roots within their communities strengthen community ownership and drive the community-led development that is central to our work. Their leadership ensures that residents are not just beneficiaries, but active partners in shaping solutions. Because of their influence, more people are accessing training, support, and opportunities that can truly change lives. Project STAR’s partnership would not be possible without community members like these.”

She noted that the recognition highlights how strong, community-driven leadership is essential to sustaining progress and ensuring initiatives deliver meaningful, lasting benefits for residents.