Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has issued a proclamation that, from this year onwards, the week in which September 24, Mercy Day, falls will be National Mercy Week. Here is an excerpt from the proclamation:

“Whereas, at this juncture in the Jamaican society, there is a constant call from citizens for justice tempered with mercy, in this Global Year of Mercy… and for the past 136 years, Alpha has served as a place of safety and refuge, extending Mercy values… and whereas showing mercy will foster a more caring society in the island of Jamaica. I do hereby proclaim the week in which the 24th day of September falls annually, National Mercy Week, and urge all citizens to join with the Mercy Sisters and associates in Jamaica, the originators of this observance, in recognition and thanksgiving for fostering works of mercy in our island, demonstrating the mercy of God to all humankind.”

This was read at the launch of Mercy Week and the announcement of plans for the Alpha Historical Museum on Friday, which was blessed by a distinguished student of the Sisters of Mercy, St Catherine High School graduate Archbishop Kenneth Richards.

Keynote speaker Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner to Jamaica Julia Sutherland, in congratulating the sisters on their project, quoted our own National Hero Marcus Garvey: “A people without knowledge of past history, origin and culture, is like a tree without roots.”

Students from various organisations run by the Sisters of Mercy shared their experiences in ‘Mercy Storytelling’. A retired teacher — Mrs Blake — from Seaford Town recalls how a Mercy sister organised a scholarship for St Joseph’s Teachers’ College when her family was having hard times. Communications guru Berl Francis related how Sister Mary Bernadette’s insistence on her taking French classes led her to becoming a journalist with the prestigious

Montreal Gazette.

Graduate of Alpha Boys’ School and St John Bosco School Devon Gaynor gave a witty account of those days with a litany beginning with, “It was mercy that…” and shared how Sister Ignatius, Sister Magdalene, Sister Regine, and Sister Susan showed them the tough love that made them into good men.

Hugh Douse, founder of Nexus Performing Arts Company and talk show host, related how Sister Mary Paschal Figueroa opened up St Catherine High School to male students, affording him and his brother the opportunity of a fine Mercy education. He reminded us that our prime minister is a St Catherine High graduate, as well as our archbishop.

This week, there will be two panel discussions open to the public with the theme ‘Mercy – the unexpected path to justice”, the first at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Library tomorrow at 5:00 pm, and on Thursday in Montego Bay at Mount Alvernia Conference Hall at 4:00 pm.

In the annual observance of Mercy Week, we draw from our deepest spiritual roots to make us a stronger and more compassionate nation.

RAFA Jamaica – 70 years

The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), Jamaica Branch (580), held an elegant 70th anniversary banquet last Wednesday at Curphey Place at which Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, their patron, and Lady Allen were guests of honour. Sir Patrick hailed the Jamaican World War II veterans who fought with the Allied Forces.

“A resounding message out of the service of the veterans,” the governor general noted, “is that no good cause or just demand should be ignored by those who have the means to make a difference.”

An officer who epitomises the excellence and courage of the Royal Air Forces (RAF) is the retired Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Chief of Staff Major General Robert Neish. His family connection to the RAF dates back to World War I when his great uncle commanded the first contingent of Jamaicans that served in World War I and his uncles were members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. His father served in World War II.

At a young 82, Major General Neish can look back on an outstanding career, having joined the RAF in 1958 and was sent to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England for two years. Upon his return, the Federation was disbanded and, at the time of Independence, the JDF was formed. He was posted at Newcastle as a training officer.

In 1963, the Air Wing Unit of the JDF was formed and Neish volunteered to be trained as a helicopter pilot by a British major at Up Park Camp. Of significance are his participation in the assistance given when Jamaica experienced severe flooding as a result of heavy rains caused by Hurricane Flora in 1963 and daring rescue operations. This earned him enduring gratitude and respect. In January 1964 he received his wings and was pinned by then Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante.

After retirement, Major General Neish took up the challenge of serving as the first executive director of the Digicel Foundation, setting unshakeable standards of dedication and community engagement which still guide the foundation.

The chairman of RAFA is Major (Ret’d) Johanna Lewin, who was Jamaica’s first female flight officer with JDF and the daughter of the legendary folklorist and musician Olive Lewin. Even as she holds a high position at a government agency, this fine leader continues to lend her energy and insight to RAFA. She and RAFA executive committee members have been implementing a series of events to mark this milestone year.

Congratulations, RAFA Jamaica; you all are outstanding volunteers who work to support our courageous RAF veterans.

Lessons for politicians

By the time this column goes to press, the People’s National Party (PNP) would have announced the results of its presidential and vice-presidential elections. It has been a rocky few weeks for the People’s National Party and for those of us who would like to see our country with two strong parties to which we can look for leadership, they should now implement processes for sound governance.

Once viewed as a well-oiled machine, the PNP has been taking brickbats from some of its former supporters. Let this trying phase be a lesson to all politicians who have seen the ebb and flow of their fortunes over the past seven decades. This new world is an open stage, where the spotlights will show every flaw in those who hold public office. May the sincere and diligent ones shine brightly and keep our country confident that, whenever we go to the polls, we know there are certain standards in both parties that will guarantee good governance.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com