KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Alpha Boys School has advised that the school will not be closing in June as reported in the media earlier today (April 8).

“There is absolutely no truth to a rumour suggesting that the home is shutting down largely due to inappropriate behaviour among Alpha boys,” a statement from the Kingston-based Boys’ Home said late afternoon.

Alpha Boys’ School and the Sisters of Mercy are in fact, pleased to announce the completion of a successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign only just completed yesterday (Monday, April 7). The campaign raised over US$23,000, with the support of an international community of donors to fund the renovation of a room at the old junior dormitory. The room will become the new home of Alpha Boys School Radio for Alpha students to learn audio production and radio broadcasting skills. In addition, Alpha’s music studio is soon to become a reality and the Alpha screen printing program will be unveiling its new facilities on campus in the next month with backing from a variety of local partners, the statement added.

Current bandmaster and a past Alpha student Winston ‘Sparrow’ Martin, is part of a special advisory committee for the school’s organisational planning process. In response to the rumours Tuesday, he gave a firm denial:

“Alpha Boys’ School is not shutting down,” Martin insisted. “Alpha is in fact, taking significant steps to increase and expand the education and vocational programs. I have been a part of the transition process and I am looking forward to these positive developments at Alpha Boys School,” he added.