Dear Editor,

I wish to commend Mercedes Allen-Bunsie, principal of Bethesda Basic School in Port Antonio, Portland, and her team for the excellent work they have been doing at the school over the years.

Their recent 2nd-place achievement in the 4-H Achievement Day Poster Competition for clubbites is indeed commendable. The team at Bethesda Basic School have been excelling against the odds, however they are in need of further assistance to ensure a more comfortable and safe environment for the children who attend the institution.

One such project is the tiling of the main corridor which currently serves as the auditorium. The total project will cost some $250,000.

I am calling on all Portlanders across Jamaica and in the Diaspora to assist in cash or kind to offset the cost. Donations can be made to account # 10164901at Jamaica National Building Society.

I also want to use this public space to encourage the Member of Parliament Dr Lyndale Bloomfield to lend his support to the school which is right next door his constituency office.

Bethesda, keep up the good work. Portland community, past students, parents, let us rally ’round this early childhood institution to help to ensure our next generation of leaders get the right start.

The school’s number is 993-2164.

Doreen Tait

Port Antonio, Portland

dtaitportland@gmail.com