| Several
celebrities in music, film and sports attended the
launch of the third Annual Caribbean Classic Golf
Invitational Tournament at the Foot Hill, Los Angeles
residence of Jamaicans, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stephenson
over the weekend.
The sporting event will be held in Montego Bay from
June 14 to 16 this year, 2007, and will bring together
celebrities from the United States and Jamaica competing
for various prizes.
Funds raised from the tournament will
go towards the purchasing of computers and establishing
computer laboratories in various primary schools across
Jamaica.
The celebrities included comedian,
Bill Bellamy; comedian and actor Tommy Davidson; Richard
Roundtree; Boris Kodjoe; Larenz Tate; producer Jeffrey
Anderson Gunter; and Olympic medalist in Volleyball,
Dain Blanton.
Mr. Stephenson, Chairman of the Tournament, said that
last year, a total of 200 new Dell computers valued
at more than US$120,000 were donated to primary schools
in Jamaica and this year they are planning to raise
US$300,000 from the tournament, which will be used
to establish computer laboratories in the schools.
"Most Americans know Jamaica
as a luxury resort destination for vacation travellers
and not much more about this island nation. But there
is another Jamaica where I was born and grew up, a
place where most families still struggle to afford
the most minimal education benefits that Americans
take for granted. When I left Jamaica to start a business
in America, I promised never to turn my back on those
needs," he said.
"Our golf tournament is still
young, but it is a charity on a mission, and that
is to provide the educational tools and equipment
necessary to give Jamaica's children equal access
to the world outside on a level playing field,"
Mr. Stephenson added.
He noted that prominent U.S. comedian, Steve Harvey
has adopted 10 primary schools in Jamaica and each
school will receive US$5,000 for the next two years.
Over 300 guests were treated to delicious
Jamaican cuisine prepared by Norma Shirley.
Among those in attendance were Jamaica's
Honorary Consul to Los Angeles, June Royes; and Mike
Conway, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air
Jamaica.
JIS,
Washington, DC
Derrick A. Scott
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