Former Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nation, Curtis Ward has urged the Jamaican Diaspora to form partnership with the Government of Jamaica to help improve the educational system.

Delivering the keynote address at the third annual dinner and dance of the Holmwood Past Student Association, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Chapter on Saturday April 14th, 2007 at the Martins Crosswinds in Greenbelt Maryland, Ambassador Ward said, “The reality is: no government in the history of Jamaica has ever been able to provide all of the resources needed to create the standard of education required to fulfill the educational needs, and to take full advantage of the potential of Jamaica’s youth.” The Ambassador said there is an urgent need for the Diaspora to join hands with the Government to seriously look at ways to support the educational system which in the long run will be beneficial to our country.

Ambassador Ward lorded the Washington Chapter and similar organizations throughout the Jamaican Diaspora, for their important contributions to the welfare of our children and the development of the learning environment from which the future of leaders of Jamaica must emerge to the development of future generations of Jamaicans.

He commended the alumni’s for the work they have done, in assisting their schools to help current and future students. He encouraged the alumni’s to redouble their efforts as the needs are great but not insurmountable.

In his message, Jamaica Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley, applauded the Association for its outstanding contribution to their alma-mater. “It is in deed gratifying to note that you, who have been the beneficiaries of one of th most respected technical high school in Jamaica have chosen to give back of your talent and resources to this venerable institution. Your active involvement in your alma-mater and Jamaica by extension is even more significant in light of the government commitment to make strategic engagement with the Diaspora one of its foremost policy objectives. “Professor Shirley said.

In her remarks, the President of the HPSA Washington Chapter, Merva Crawford said the association is dedicated and determined to make a differences in the lives of present day students at Holmwood Technical high school. She pointed out that over the past three years; the Washington Chapter has demonstrated a commitment to provide financial assistance to several students making it possible for them to attend classes regularly and getting meals to sustain them. The DC chapter, she added, also provided financial assistance to the school athletic program and further assist the athletic team when they travel abroad to compete in international events. These small gestures, she said, have made significant impact on the lives of many students at Holmwood.

Environmental engineer, entrepreneur and past student of Holmwood Technical High School, Mr. Courtni Logan-Iman Afari, received the HPSA 2007 Outstanding achievement Award.


JIS, Washington, DC
Derrick A. Scott