Labour Day brings new look for Crescent Basic School

May 25, 2011

Dr Andrew Wheatley (right), chairman, St Catherine Parish Council, squares up the
kitchen cupboard at Crescent Basic School to install a new surface.
Looking on are Donna Boothe, principal, and Floyd Williams,
 Flow's senior customer-service agent. 

CRESCENT BASIC School in Spanish Town, St Catherine, established in 1951, received a much-needed facelift on Labour Day.

Scores of volunteers from various community-based and other organisations gathered at the institution, one of this year's 14 national/parish projects. The scope of work carried out on the facility, relocated to its present site, Lot 21 Angel's Inn Drive in 1969, included refurbishing of the kitchen and bathrooms, painting of the ceiling in classrooms and the principal's office, and correction of electrical faults.

Dr Andrew Wheatley, chairman, St Catherine Parish Council, said the school was selected in keeping with this year's Labour Day theme - 'It takes a Village to Raise a Child'.

"The council as one of the lead agencies in the parish recognises the importance of ensuring that we provide for our youths, and through this infrastructural work we are doing here, I believe that it will lay the foundation for the children to learn in a more comfortable atmosphere," Wheatley told The Gleaner.

funding for project

Together with the Labour Day Secretariat, which contributed $100,000 and Flow's donation of $50,000, the council funded the project, which cost approximately $300,000.

According to Floyd Williams, Flow's senior customer-service agent, his company's contribution is in keeping with its corporate social responsibility.

It was an elated Donna Boothe, teacher at the institution for more than 30 years and principal since 2005 who, along with other staff members, witnessed the refit.

"We are here for a long time and we have been waiting for something special to happen, and I am really thankful to all those who are participating here today and especially to those who provide the funds to undertake the work. I feel like we are finally back on the map," a smiling Boothe told The Gleaner.

Equally thankful for the work carried out on the institution, which houses 97 students, was Debbian Thomas, a parent.

"It's a good thing that the school is getting a facelift. I also hope that the relevant persons will now fix the road that leads off the main road to the school because it's in a really bad condition," said Thomas.

St. Ann Parish Council Focuses on Youth for Labour Day

The Beechertown Primary School and The Rhoden Hall Basic School saw much needed upgrades on Monday May 23. This as the St. Ann's Parish Council initiated improvements to the facilities at both schools, in keeping with this year's Labour Day theme "It takes a village to raise a child."

One project saw the completion of a computer lab at Beechertown Primary School, while the other completed the fencing at the Rhoden Hall Basic School.

Her Worship Vinette Robb, Mayor of St. Ann's Bay is particularly pleased with the donation, which Flow initiated, "Flow found us! They just came on board in Ocho Rios and knowing about the Labour Day project, they approached us with a much needed donation of $50,000," Mayor Robb said. The Mayor was also pleased that Flow did not just donate cash, but that the staff joined the labour efforts on Monday.  "The Parish Council and especially the communities of Beechertown and Rhoden are very grateful for Flow's involvement. To me it is tremendous that there is a company that without asking would offer their assistance."

St. Ann is one of six parishes including St. James, St. Mary, Manchester, Portland, and St. Catherine to which Flow donated $50,000 each, in aid of their respective Labour Day projects.  Flow also contributed to the National Labour Day activity.

Most projects were focused on improving the lives of children in the area, focusing on preemptive measures to ensure the educational and physical well-being of the children who attend schools in the area.  "This was very important to us at Flow, says Denise Williams, PR Manager at the Broadband company.  Flow has always maintain a focus on youth in our outreach activities and it is gratifying when we can participate in efforts such as these and be a part of the community that raises a child.  We are very excited to be on board and look forward to the benefits that the children will reap."

Children’s Ward Gets Make-Over By St. Mary Parish Council

On Monday May 23, the St. Mary Parish Council took on a mammoth task for its Labour Day Project. The organization, as its official project, took on the renovation of the Port Maria Hospital Children’s Ward.

Director of Administration at the Council, Myrnel Grant, says that despite the great amount of work at hand, “The Port Maria Hospital Children’s Ward was chosen as it conforms to the national [Labour Day] theme: It Takes a Village to Raise a Child”.

One corporate entity has joined the community effort in aid of children. Triple play digital provider Flow donated $50,000 to the St. Mary Parish Council for work to be carried out at the children’s ward. Public Relations Manager at Flow, Denise Williams, says her entity which began operations in Jamaica five years ago is pleased to partner with the Council.

Ms. Williams explains that, in addition to the St. Mary Parish Council, Flow has contributed to five other councils $50,000 each towards their Labour Day projects. “Flow views this partnership as significant to the overall development plan for Jamaica,” says Ms. Williams , “we are pleased with the response from each Parish Council and we certainly commend them for the dedication to improving the lives of residents in their localities”, she adds.

Confronting the task with gusto, duties at the ward included the painting of security grills, the reconstruction of cupboards in the milk room, construction of a linen cupboard, replacement of a drainage board, replacement of fluorescent light trays, and repainting of the entire children’s ward. The Council also began a mural on the walls of the ward in an effort to uplift the aesthetic environment.

This year’s national theme has resonated throughout St. Mary. Miss Grant says dozens of volunteers turned out to lend their assistance towards the project. Resources and manpower aid were recieved from the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Members of the Jamaica Defense Force were also on location, to prepare the day’s meals and provide technical assistance.

Other organisations which offered their support were The National Youth Service, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the Jamaica Public Service Company, the St. Mary Fire Department, the Social Development Commission and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

The St. Mary Parish Council’s effort will began on the weekend with some eight volunteers on location each day preparing for Monday’s activities. The huge multi-sectoral partnership towards renovating the Port Maria Hospital Children’s Ward was led by Mayor Richard Creary and the hospital’s staff. The Parish Council marshalled all its resources and that of affiliates to make a reality, in enhancing the living condition for inmates of the Port Maria Children’s Ward.

Seaga dedicates Flow Cup victory to Tivoli community

May 10, 2011

Tivoli Gardens Football Club president Edward Seaga said he was very proud of his team this season after they added the Flow Champions Cup to their Digicel Premier League title they won only a week earlier.

With the community still recovering from an excursion by the security forces into the West Kingston enclave last May, Seaga, a former prime minister, insisted that this success was for the people of the community.

"This was all for them and they needed it," he said.

He also pointed out that winning the league and cup double, and the style with which they did it, undoubtedly makes Tivoli Gardens FC the best football side in the country for this season. "Yes, that is correct (Tivoli is the best) and

that is why we won," Seaga said on Sunday after the team defeated Portland's St George's SC 3-0 for the Flow all-island knockout trophy.

"We have been consistent in terms of being in first place, as we have been in first place 28 times out of the 38 games and 24 of those were in one sequence. So with that sort of record, I expected that we would win," noted Seaga who is also chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association.

He added that he would not have been satisfied with a one-goal victory margin in the KO final, but said the players rose to the occasion and ended the game and season in style to take home the $1 million prize money.

"Quite frankly, I was disappointed with when we were ahead by one... but I said we can't leave here with a 1-0 victory, as this is not the type of game we should win one-love and the boys felt that way too, so when they saw time running out they just put on the accelerator and scored the last two goals," beamed Seaga.

Meanwhile, coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey, who is on a one-year contract with the double champions, says he will be savouring the success before he makes a decision on his future with the club.

Bailey, who helped the club to the championship back in the 2003/04, replaced Lenworth Hyde at the helm for this season, and the rest is history.

"Right now I am going to enjoy the moment and rest a little and see how it goes, because the big question is if I am going to be back next season. But I don't know as yet, as this was a one-year contract, so we will get back to the table afterwards and see how things goes," he said.

"But I never like to plan way ahead so quick, and so I am going to use this opportunity to relax... but life is funny and anything can happen, so I will stay focused and positive... and we just want to do things stage by stage and step by step," Bailey explained.


Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Seaga-dedicates-Flow-Cup-victory-to-Tivoli-community_8779135#ixzz1MicgDgtL

Five nominees for Star Baller award

It has come down to this. Five players, critical to their teams' success in the Flow Champions Cup, are in a keen tussle to see who will be named the Red Stripe Star Baller and come away with a cheque for $300,000. That award will go to the player who best demonstrates sportsmanship, camaraderie, teamwork, being there for his peers and, of course, strong skill sets on the field of play.

The award is to be made on May 11 at the offices of the Jamaica Football Federation.

Dervin Campbell is a striker for Sandals Whitehouse, a team that made it all the way to the semi-finals before being eliminated by St Georges. Campbell scored two goals in the four matches and, according to coach and vice-president, Aaron Lawrence, he plays a major role in the team's success.

The club's secretary, Rochelle Forbes, echoed Lawrence's sentiments and revealed that his impact goes well beyond the field of play. "Dervin is very passionate about football," she said, "and he motivates the team." Forbes explained that Campbell never allows his teammates to hang their heads, no matter what the challenge. "You will hear him tell them, 'We play because we love to play, so let's go do this. We want to fight and we want to win'," she said.

Journeyman Demetrio Billet seems to have found a home at Santos. He scored two goals - both against Benfica - during the Flow Champions Cup. Wayne Shaw, a director at Santos, describes Billet, who is better known as Zico, as a player who many of the younger players look up to. "He plays link and centre forward and is very skilful," Shaw said. "So a lot of the younger players look up to him."

In his early 30s, Billet has played for several teams and is a seasoned campaigner who doesn't ruffle feathers. "He is very quiet and gets along with everyone," Shaw said, adding that he is a very dedicated footballer who is always at training sessions.

Two nominees from St Georges

Flow Champions Cup finalists, St Georges Football Club, boast two nominees for the Star Baller Award - Richardo Watson and Romeo Parks. Between them, they have scored five of their club's goals en route to the finals against Tivoli and they will be key to their club's chances of defeating their more fancied rivals Tivoli Gardens.

"Watson is a skilful player with pace," explains Cedric Ormsby, the club's manager.

Ormsby said Watson, who has two goals in the competition to date, is carrying a few injuries, but he is often upbeat and is very much a team man. "He is a team player, he gets along with everyone," the manager revealed. "He has a never-say-die attitude and when the chips are down, he is one of the players who rallies the team."

Unlike Watson, Parks is injury free and according to Ormsby is a dangerous player who has been called to national duty on several occasions. "If you give him a half a chance, he will score," the manager said, adding that it is not unusual for opposing teams to assign two players to him. Just as important, Ormsby explained, Parks is also a team player who possesses a sense of humour.

Last, but certainly not least, is national representative Keammar Daley who represents finalists Tivoli Gardens. Daley has, for years now, been a stand out for his club and is perhaps one of Jamaica's most popular players. He has not scored in the competition to date but his value to the club goes well beyond his goal-scoring abilities. "He doesn't have to be a goal scorer to be outstanding," club manager Brian Rose argued. "He can be a leader and a distributor on the field and those are the qualities that Keammar displays."

Rose also revealed that Daley works hard and displays high levels of good sportsmanship, especially in terms of fair play. "With these skills, he has a good a shot as any at winning the Red Stripe Star Baller Award."

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110507/sports/sports6.html

Tears of Joy Flow for Double Champions Tivoli

Jamaica’s local football season came to end on Sunday May 8, with Tivoli Gardens securing a double league victory, adding the 2011 Flow Champions Cup all island knockout title to the National Premier League title they won last week.

For Tivoli it was destiny fulfilled as the coaching staff, players and administrators dedicated the season’s success to the residents of Tivoli Gardens, who have been through trying times since an incursion last year rocked the community. In May 2010 more than seventy persons were killed and scores injured when the security forces converged on Tivoli Gardens to serve an arrest warrant on Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

For coach Glendon “Admiral Bailey”, Sunday’s 3-0 victory over St Georges to win the Flow Cup, is a fitting tribute to those past and gone. “Right now it is an emotional moment for us. This is what we set out to do - win both competitions for the community of Tivoli Gardens, and we have done that and it is a wonderful feeling.” he said.

Substitute Jameel Hardware who came on late in the second half and scored Tivoli’s second goal, wept openly as he too celebrated another triumphant season for the West Kingston-based team. The player commented passionately, “I am so proud of the guys today and for me as well scoring in the Flow Cup final. This one is for all the supporters.”

The Flow Champions Cup win is Tivoli’s third all island knock out title, having tasted victory in the 98/99 season as well as the 2005/2006 season.

President of the Tivoli Gardens club and former Prime Minister of Jamaica Hon Edward Seaga was overjoyed at the team’s success. “The team delivered for us this year and we are very pleased at the overall professionalism displayed. The hard work that has been put in has paid off” commented the dignitary and well known football advocate.

Keammar Daley received his second Flow Man of the Match award, having done so in the semi finals against defending champions Boys Town.  Daley’s amazing free kick in the 43rd minute put Tivoli ahead. “I knew I could score from that distance; I have been doing it in training and it finally worked out for me in a match situation,” he explained.

Daley received a desktop computer courtesy of Flow from Nasha Monique Douglas, Flow Brand Marketing Manager. She summed up the 2011 season, reiterating Flow’s commitment to the sport.

“Once again the Flow Champions Cup continues to pioneer local football in terms of on the field play and community support. It was evident from the turnout today that the people in Jamaica love their football, and we at Flow will continue to support the development of football in Jamaica.”

Tivoli Gardens walked away with the winner’s cheque of $1 million. Runners up St Georges pocketed $500,000 while losing semi finalists Boys Town and Sandals Whitehouse took home $250,000 each.

YUTE Benefit Increases from Flow Champion Cup

May 3, 2011

The Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) Programme has amassed a donation to date of $114,000 from Flow, Jamaica’s triple play digital provider. The figure, which will be matched by SportsMax, could increase by the end of Sunday’s game, as the two companies have committed $2,000.00 each for each goal scored throughout the course of the competition.

Denise Williams Public Relations Manager at Flow expressed support for the YUTE initiative, saying “Flow is truly proud to be a part of such a positive initiative. With the joint incentives of ourselves and Sportsmax not only are we encouraging excellence in athletic performance, but through YUTE we get the opportunity to give aid to young people across the island.”

Over 50 goals have already been scored in the Flow Champions Cup, and with the final set for Sunday May 8 between St Georges Sports Club and Tivoli Gardens; the charity could be in for more bounty when the final whistle is blown.

Already the donations have been put to good use as all eight inner city communities in phase one of the project have begun their pre skills training programme involving some eight hundred young persons.
The Mentorship programme, which is part of the YUTE Works Employment programme, is also in its advanced stage with some 62 mentors trained and deployed to their respective communities.

Melissa Johnson general consultant at Development Options, the company in charge of overseeing the YUTE programme, says the donations have impacted the mandate of the programme significantly; “Flow and SportsMax have led the way in goals for charity project. With their kind assistance, the programme has begun in earnest. Now underway are the Employment Workshops as well as our re-socialization exercise YUTE U-turn.”

Johnson added that mentors and volunteers are still needed for the programme and pointed to a need for male volunteers, “Presently we have about forty seven percent male and fifty three percent females as mentors, and we want to even things out because a lot of our participants are young men who need the guidance.”

Despite challenges the YUTE initiative continues to gain momentum. The latest venture to come on stream is a five week residential Youth Camp , where youngster from the inner city communities will undergo mentorship and training.

The finals in the Flow Champion Cup 2011 season will see St Georges and Tivoli battle for the championship at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex at 6:00pm.

Tivoli on the double

Tivoli Gardens Football Club captain and goalkeeper, Edsel Scott (centre), lifts the Flow Champions Cup after being handed the trophy by Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain Horace Burrell (left, front), while club president Edward Seaga (second right, front) and Nasha Douglas (right), marketing manager, Flow, look on, during the presentation to the Tivoli Gardens team, following their finals win at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

Premier League champions Tivoli Gardens won their second title of the season when they thrashed St Georges Sports Club 3-0 to capture the Flow Champion Cup knockout trophy, at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

Tivoli, who regained the Premier League trophy last weekend, were led to their victory courtesy of goals from national representatives Keammar Daley (43rd), Navion Boyd (90th) and substitute Jameel Thompson (89th).

The Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey-coached Tivoli, who led the team to their third hold on the trophy, credit his team for an exceptional performance in the second half of the game.

"The first half we were playing very flat because we were playing as if we weren't in a final," said Bailey. "However, in the second half, we moved the ball around very nicely and we scored two very good goals," he said.

Bailey, who had made a return to the west Kingston-based side at the start of the season, added that he was delighted to have copped the double this year.

"I am very happy to know that we have won the double this season because I think that we played well throughout, even when our backs were against the wall," Bailey said.

Tivoli swarmed all over St Georges from the opening whistle, but they were denied early on, as their goalkeeper Randal Huie pulled off two spectacular saves to thwart strikers ,Boyd and Roland Dean.

team dominance rewarded

However, Tivoli were awarded a free kick when the fleet-footed Boyd was brought down deep in the St Georges half, this after eluding two defenders.

Daley then stepped up to rifle home a powerful right-footed shot two minutes before half-time, which went like a rocket past Huie and into the back of the net.

Tivoli stepped up the pace in the second half and created a number of clear-cut chances, but they were unable to capitalise.

However, they were finally rewarded for their dominance when Thompson collected a through pass from Daley out of the midfield on his chest, and eluded two defenders before firing a powerful shot from just outside the 18-yard box past Huie.

Boyd killed off the game for Tivoli when he netted his third goal one minute later from point-blank range.

"We played well up to the first goal. However, with five minutes to go and down one nil, we had to go for the equalising goal and that left holes in our defence and they exploited it," said Raymond Gordon, coach of St Georges.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110509/sports/sports3.html

Tivoli await George's in FLOW KO

OPPOSITES do seem to attract, as recently-crowned Premier League champions Tivoli Gardens will face the relegated St George's SC in the highly-anticipated final of the Flow Champions Cup Knock-out football competition this Sunday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 5:00 pm.

Twenty-six points separated the teams in the premiership, but this is Knock-out football and even if no one else bothers to, the Portland-based St George's will definitely march into the contest full of belief, as they look to round out a generally disappointing year with a historic hold on the All-Island Knock-out crown.

The Geoffrey Maxwell-coached St Georges will be hoping to become the first team from Portland, and in fact the Eastern Confederation, to lift the coveted title — one that would certainly add some gloss to an otherwise miserable season.

Interestingly, the final will be played just three days after the one-year anniversary of St George's last victory over Tivoli Gardens in any competition — a 2-1 triumph at Lynch Park on May 5, 2010, during an unceremonious four-game losing streak by the orange-and-black standard bearers.

League champions or not, it's a result that Maxwell is hoping to replicate and he believes it is definitely possible, once his team approaches the game with the right mentality.

"Though we got relegated from the (Premier) League, the Flow Cup is also a big trophy and the players should have enough motivation," Maxwell said.

"It's all down to the players if they really want to do well. They have to get up and put themselves together. I can only put the tactics in place, but they have to make sure that they are mentally ready for the challenge," said Maxwell.

When asked whether he would have preferred to play Boys' Town — the team that Tivoli Gardens bettered in the semi-final — Maxwell pointed out that he is quite comfortable playing Tivoli Gardens, given their style of play.

"I feel more comfortable playing Tivoli Gardens because they are more technical, they pass and move, while Boys' Town are more direct.

"I'm pretty confident and if we can approach the game in the right condition, anything is possible," Maxwell added.

However, buoyed by their fifth league triumph, Tivoli Gardens are determined to secure their third hold on the KO crown after falling at the final hurdle on two occasions in the last three years.

Tivoli Gardens coach, Alvin Shaw reported that his charges are focused on the task at hand, and removed any suggestion of them possibly taking their opponents lightly. In fact, the West Kingston-based club have postponed all celebrations until after the KO decider.

"It is a tournament that we are taking seriously despite what has happened with St Georges. We won't let our guard down; we will approach the game in a serious manner," said Shaw.

"We are a disciplined team and one of the reasons why we achieve what we have is the discipline that was maintained. They are very focused and we will maintain that," he added.

Winning Team: $1,000,000

Runner-Up Team: $400,000

Red Stripe Star Baller: $300,000

Leading Goal Scorer: $50,000

Winning Coach: $50,000

MVP: $50,000

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Tivoli-await-George-s-in-FLOW-KO_8761216#ixzz1LbG4l7k4

Flow Propels the Business of Sport

May 2, 2011

The Business of Sport conference organizers were delighted to receive a $2 million boost in cash and services from Flow, the nation’s triple play broadband service provider, at the event’s official launch on Monday, April 20.  Denise Williams, Flow’s Public Relations Manager (3rd right), in acknowledging the ‘importance of technology in sports’, says that Flow is pleased to support initiatives such as this, which is geared towards driving social and economic  growth in Jamaica. 

Sports in Jamaica is set to receive another major boost this week with the hosting a special Business of Sport conference which highlights emphasizes the use of sport as a significant economic tool in the region. The symposium is the first of its kind will be powered by Flow, and will take place from Thursday May 5 to Friday 6 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The theme is “Sport, an Economic Driver for the Caribbean."

The event is drawing some of the world’s most prominent sports professionals, marketing executives, government representatives, and academia; including guest speaker Timothy Schneider, President and CEO of Schneider Publishing and coordinator of the biggest sport- expo and conference in the USA.

Attendees will also benefit from the wisdom of a highly experienced panel including Keith Joseph, Olympic Committee Executive from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Remco Tevreden, Executive Director, Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee, and Miami Heat Sales executive Sherry Andre. Other notable persons include Lisa Bell of the EXIM Bank who will serve as moderator for that session.

The region’s most prominent sports media will join with international sports media to voice issues pertaining to broadcast mediums. Presenters will include Ato Boldon of ESPN, and Jamaican media owners Cliff Hughes and Alston Stewart, will be joined by Steve Wyche of NFL TV who will speak on changing technology in sports viewership, including newer technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones.

As the official technology partner of the conference, Flow is leading the drive to showcase the important role technology has to play with the Business of Sports. Some 250 prestigious international guests will be able to access Flow’s blazing speed internet during the conference. The digital leaders have also made significant allotments for streaming coverage of the event thereby garnering greater exposure for the conference.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Public Relations Manager for Flow Denise Williams remarked, “We see this as the coming together of the best internet technology in Jamaica with an unparalleled commitment to sports. Communication technology is a critical component in the business of sport. As we discuss the business of sport in the two day symposium, let us not forget the part that technology has to play. As in any business, we have to be efficient, effective and competitive.” Williams went on to point out the possible impact that the internet, and features such as videoconference can have on issues such as training, information exchange in reducing cost and increasing exposure for Jamaican athletes.

Denise Williams, Flow’s Public Relations Manager, engages conference organizer,
Carole Beckford, at the official launch of The Business of Sport conference. 
On Monday, Flow committed approximately $2 Million in cash and services, to the two-day
symposium which  is a set to take place on May 5th   and 6th.

Carole Beckford who is organizing the vent alongside Samuda and Johnson, foresees good things to come from the much anticipated event, as she commented, “With new processes and technologies evolving every day, it is important that we keep abreast of global changes, and ensure that we remain in a position to compete against more advanced nations, ” the Flow exec went on to say , ”The Business of Sport conference will provide a much needed support structure for Jamaica and our regional peers to discuss the positive impact of sports on our societies, and how we can further our progress as we enter a new age.”

Admission to the conference is US$150 or J$12,750 with a group discount of J$10,000 for registration of five or more persons. Sponsors for the inaugural event, include FLOW, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Observer, Jamaica Pegasus, Wisynco (WATA), EXIM Bank, National Commercial Bank, Gordon Dixon and Company, JAMPRO Mona School of Business, KLAS Sports Radio, Price Waterhouse, First Global, Brand Warriors and LockerRoom Sports.

Flow National Basketball League Players lending their support to National Reading Day - May 3rd

On Tuesday, May 3 National Reading Day, players from the Flow National Basketball League along with executives from its coordinating body Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), will join in a groundbreaking initiative against illiteracy. The members will carry out various literacy exercises as part of the league's Reading is Key campaign launch. Making strides to promote reading as an important life skill tool to kids in the age group of 5-10, representatives from the leagues major sponsors - Flow, Burger King and Malta will head to the class rooms to join forces with several schools across the island.

In an effort to give back to local communities, players will make stops at schools island-wide to enforce their educational message. Within the southern conference, players will visit institutions across the corporate area, including Clan Carthy Primary, Providence Methodist Basic School and Allman Town Primary. From the eastern conference, Port Antonio Primary students will be engaged, while out west the league's players and executives will carry out sessions at Barracks Road Primary. Activities at Mandeville Primary and Junior High School will round out the league's Central conference participation.

“Reading is Key" forms part of JaBA and the league’s overall thrust which is not only to provide a platform through which to develop players' on-court abilities, but critically also to create positive and active community role models. The effort uses the popularity of sports and recognized athletes to stimulate interest in reading among youth.

The day's programme will involve interactive reading sessions including student friendly discussions in hopes that all will experience reading as fun while viewing knowledge as key. Public Relations Manager for Flow, Denise Williams states, “As a part of the Information and Communications Technology sector, Flow recognizes the importance of literacy and education to the development of Jamaica. We are proud to put forward this program, using sports and mentorship as the vehicle to encourage our children to read, and to help them become future agents of progress.”