March 11- For Denver Smith life was a challenge growing up. Denver was once homeless and says that he was able to overcome the struggles he faced through a passion for music and the kindness of others.

“I wanted to do music and my father who is a failed musician wanted me to bake and cook. I got in a little problem and had the option to go to Alpha Boys School or staying out on the street, I chose Alpha Boys’ School” Smith said.

Denver left home at 10 years old due to abuse. After he left home, he started to hustle on the streets selling bag juice. While at Alpha Boys’ School, Denver got the opportunity to be a part of the band and was exposed to several musical instruments which he credits as the reason for his versatility.

“I played in the band and played several instruments including, percussion, drums and trumpet. I was taken out of the band because I got sick and was placed in the choir. I sat on the choir for a few years before joining The Ashe Company. After The Ashe Company, he became a full time musician and started playing for the likes of Jimmy cliff, Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Ky-mani Marley, Luciano and Etana among many others.

Being nominated for a Grammy as a songwriter and percussionist on Jah Cure’s album ‘The Cure’ in 2016 has been one of the highlights of Smith’s musical career. He describes his journey as ‘great’ having survived the trials of his formative years to enjoy his current success. He has never forgotten the kindness that was granted to him and visits the school frequently to give inspirational talks to the boys there.

He has also won two Grammy’s with Stephen Marley’s ‘Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life’ for percussion and ‘Mind Control’ for best acoustic performance.

“I could’ve been another lost child. I thank Alpha for opening their doors for me. Alpha was home, I mean home in the sense of where the heart was. We weren’t lacking for anything. Sister Ignacious, Sister Mary Magdalene and Sister Dorothy were both mothers and fathers to a lot of us as children at Alpha” Smith said.

He laments about the current issues affecting the schools, particularly the removal of beds; however he is hopeful that corporate Jamaica and other good Samaritans will step in to restore the institution to its former glory days saying, “If you check the history, Alpha is now how it was when it started out. It’s just for a time. Some of the boys who are there, some schools would not take them. The fact that Alpha is still opening their doors to them is great. I support what Alpha is doing and endorse them fully. The only difference is that the beds are not there. One of the reasons that a lot of us who went to Alpha came out this good is because of the strong foundation and values of discipline, hard work and determination we received while there. Maybe one day with the help of society again Alpha will be what it once was.”

The Jamaica Hotel Tourist Association, has for the past four years been one of those good Samaritans who have been giving donations through its annual Kingston City Run where part proceeds go to a number of homes including: Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Open Arms Drop in Center, Food For The Poor and Missionaries of the Poor. The Kingston City Run has donated over J$7 million in cash to these charities and hopes to add at least another J$2 million from the last staging held on Sunday, March 13.

In addition, the JHTA through its Kingston area hotels participation in the “Pack for a Purpose” programme has been able to secure schools supplies, toiletries and other much needed items from hotel guests, who pack a little extra and have donated to Alpha.

Director of Music at Alpha, Joshua Chamberlain says that through generous donations received over the years, the school continues to enjoy a thriving music programme “We are always humbled when persons see the educational, social and vocational mission at Alpha and are willing to provide support whether in cash, kind or mentorship. Past students like Feluke are encouragement to the talented young men here now and testament to what is possible with education and the space to pursue one’s passion”

Alpha has produced talents such as Sparrow Martin, Dizzy (trumpeter) Yellow Man and Leroy Smart.

“The best advice you can take from anybody, listen and not hear. We tend to hear and not listen to what they say. When you listen you hold on to it. It is in your System. If you really want to make a difference in society, just listen. Listen to the universe.

“Kingston City Run helps to supports the dreams of boys”