Meals On Wheels

  Press Release - April 8, 2025

 

 

From left to right Seniors and volunteers who served the meals, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security (centre), Ms. Morrison, Director of NCSC (far right).

 

As Jamaica's population ages, the importance of taking care of our seniors cannot be overstated. The National Council for Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels Programme plays a vital role in providing daily sustenance to approximately 100 food-poor, shut-in older people in the corporate area, and a monthly food package to 500 needy older people across the island.

The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) this morning partnered with Food for the Poor to host a unique food sampling event, "Mission Manna Pack – Jamaican Style," showcasing the creativity of Jamaican senior citizens who have been adding local herbs, vegetables, and spices to the Manna Pack rice meal, provided through the NCSC's Meals on Wheels Programme.

"This event highlighted the critical need to support our senior citizens, who have contributed so much to our society," said Minister Charles. "We are grateful for the partnership with Food for the Poor and FMSC, which enables us to provide essential support to our seniors."

Minister Charles Jr further emphasized that the event also underscores the importance of food security and healthy ageing. "Our seniors deserve to live with dignity, and access to nutritious food is a fundamental aspect of that dignity."

The Honourable Minister of Labour and Social Security attended the event, endorsing the long-standing partnership with Food for the Poor and its donors.

The event took place on the NCSC grounds (11 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10) and brought together representatives from Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), Food for the Poor, and the NCSC to:

-   Sample unique Jamaican-style versions of the Manna Pack meal prepared by senior citizens

-   Launch a recipe book featuring these recipes, highlighting the creativity and resourcefulness of Jamaican seniors

-   Promote healthy eating among older people, even on a budget

  

 

 

From left to right: Marsha Burrell-Rose -Food for the Poor head of Marketing and PR,  Dave Gunnlaugsson- Mobile pack -Feed my Starving Children (FMSC), Hon Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security (centre), Javier Ramirez - senior director of procurement and fulfillment of FFP Florida, Ms. Morrison, Director of NCSC.

 

 

Hon Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Labour and Social Security enjoying his first taste of the Manna Pack Rice Meal.  

Health Ministry Responds to Water Quality Concerns

 

Press Release From The Ministry of Health - April 8, 2025

Kingston, Jamaica. Tuesday, April 8, 2025: The Ministry of Health & Wellness acknowledges the recent public discussion regarding water quality in Kingston and St. Andrew. The Ministry confirms that while some water samples from systems operated by the National Water Commission (NWC) tested positive for E. coli, there is currently no cause for alarm, and no Boil Water Advisory has been deemed necessary.

Occurrences such as these are not unusual, particularly during drought conditions, following pipe breakages, heavy rainfall, or other environmental contamination events. In such instances, the Ministry, through its established protocols, initiates an investigation to determine the cause, assess the extent of contamination, and guide the necessary corrective actions. This process is carried out in partnership with the NWC, Municipal Corporations, and other water providers.

It is important to clarify that a Boil Water Advisory is a public health precaution issued solely by the Medical Officer of Health (MO(H))—the authority responsible for safeguarding public health within each parish. This advisory is issued when there is an imminent risk of waterborne disease and typically applies to a specific geographic area affected by compromised water supply systems.

Boil Water Advisories are localized and not parish-wide, except in the case of major natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, or earthquakes that significantly impact water quality.

The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens

Rojjah - Jamaica's Sensational Artiste Ready For The World!

Rojjah is now the lead singer for the Obessa band, the band which used to back the internationally known dynamic singer Toots Hibbert. All is now set for Rojjah and Obessa to take off from where Toots left off, touring the world.

I hope more Jamaicans and people across the world will recognize artistes like Rojjah. His songs will definitely have a positive impact on our youths.

I interviewed Rojjay after the Jazz & Cabaret in the Gardens recently.  Click on the icon below to listen to the interview.

 

Click to play video.

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When The Moon Shone Brightly in The Sky and The Stars Twinkled on Stage

While the moon shone brightly in the Pegasus Gardens, the stars of Jazz & Cabaret in the Gardens were creating their heaven on earth. The show, which always starts on time, certainly delivered in terms of showcasing top-class Jamaican talents. The theme of the show on Sunday, April 6, was 'The Best From the West.'

Nexus hit the stage with a medley of folk songs, which brought back memories to many in the audience. They were beautifully decked out in colourful costumes, wooing the captive audience with their melodious voices and well-choreographed movements.

Nexus

Diamara has a simple look, but her creative way of engaging her audience to be a part of her show was well done. Her religious set sparked a lot of spirit in the audience.

Diamara

The girl with a powerful voice and versatility performed oldies, Jazz, and recent songs, transitioning between them with skill and musical dexterity - Emanuel. Emanuel is a sweet, genuine soul. She engaged her audience and had them singing along while she jazzed up some musical numbers. She shocked the audience when invited her famous dad Count Owen, pioneering ska, mento and rocksteady singer, to join her on stage

Emanuel

Count Owen and his daughter Emanuel

Nicole Simone also gave an excellent performance. A member in the audience remarked, "Why we don't see more of these talented Jamaicans in the media?" I said to him, "Good question."

Nicole Simone

Rojjah is always a sensation at Jazz & Cabaret in the Gardens. His dazzling foot movements and his commanding use of the stage are worth studying. A handsome and seasoned performer who is at home on the stage had the ladies guessing his age. Many were amazed at his agility on stage.

 

Rojjah

Alex is the big man on the show with the velvet voice. He touched the heart of the audience when he invited his little daughter to join him on stage. That little cutie is the most beautiful little girl I have seen in a long time. She sings also!

Alex

The Fab 5, with decades of experience, expertly supported the artistes. A band with numerous hit songs, and they have travelled worldwide as Jamaica's musical ambassadors.

Casanova

Fab 5 Band

The audience, hungry for top-class entertainment, was given a musical feast, and they made sure to take a bite of everything with no leftovers. It was a night to remember under the moonlight at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

I will be approaching members of the private sector to sponsor young Jamaicans to see shows such as Jazz & Cabaret in the Gardens. Young people need to be exposed to uplifting music, which can positively influence them. It was a beautiful night when the moon shone brightly in the sky and the stars twinkled beautifully on stage. 

Add your comments at the bottom of the blog and share the blog.

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• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar so you can see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles.

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Why Do You Spit On The Floor - By Dahlia McDaniel

Why do you spit on the floor?

You’re the car driver in front of me

Traffic stops at a light or it’s peak hour

I’m stuck behind you, you open your front door,

And just like that, “Splat!”, you’ve spat out your stuff on the floor. 

Why do you spit on the floor?

Who does that? 

Every substance that leaves my body - poo or wee or tears or snot,

I want to keep it private, in my personal space,

While you in front of me, want to showcase your waste. 

Why do you spit on the floor? 

Sometimes I’m in my car munching, enjoying a snack, 

When out of the blue, You open your door and spew, Then I can no longer chew, 

In all my horror, I cannot swallow, 

I have to do what you do, 

I spit it out, but in a paper, or rag or plastic bag. 

Why do you spit on the floor?

Who taught you that!!!

Aren’t you thinking of me, and that I don’t need to see, 

The white, frothy, gooey stuff, full of bubbles, ejected with gumption,

Deposited on the asphalt just for my consumption. 

Why do you spit on the floor?

It is the new norm!!

I become the audience for your production, 

When I’m behind your car in traffic, And you have the nerve, the urge, to purge. 

Phlegm, cold, mucus, saliva, spit,

Honestly, Sir or Ma’am,

I don’t need to see it. 

Why do you spit on the floor?

I’m your captive audience in the traffic line when you just stop and open your door, 

It’s not just a tablespoonful of the stuff, 

It’s a whole lot more, 

Like a cupful or a mouthful, this is yuckiness galore,

An initial big spit and then, as if that wasn’t enough for me, 

You show me with a second or third gape, what you have in store. 

Why do you spit on the floor?

When there’s something called toilet paper and paper towel and rag and handkerchief and empty plastic bottle and anything into which you can pour. 

 

I have never written a poem, 

This is my first, 

But the spitting on the floor is getting from bad to worst

A change for the better is what I thirst 

I’m seeking a cure 

For the selfish act of spitting on the floor.

Contributed

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