Medical student Romario Simpson is determined to make a difference in the lives of his compatriots beyond medicine. It’s his reason for becoming a youth parliamentarian.

As his main project, he has launched the Destiny Hope Foundation of Jamaica, which recently hosted a conflict management and feeding session for more than 100 residents of the Open Arms Centre at Windward Road in east Kingston.

“Open Arms is a non-government organisation which is aimed at playing an integral role in the eradication of homelessness in Jamaica,” Simpson told the

Jamaica Observer. “It provides services such as three meals per day, offering spiritual support, basic literacy and skills training, as well as providing personal hygiene and mental care.”

Speaking on behalf of the management of Open Arms, Jim Davies said words could not adequately express the gratitude of the organisation and its beneficiaries whose “spirits have been lifted by this kind gesture”. He was supported by other members of the management team, H Grant and Cerente Melhado.

The conflict management presentation made by Selma Williams, an administrative manager at the Caribbean Maritime Institute, was singled out by the managers for its relevance and usefulness to the residents in attendance.

Foundation Chairman Simpson expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders and sponsors, including Lucalza Caribbean Limited and CN Industrial Supplies Limited, without whom the project would not have been possible.

Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell and Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams sent messages lauding the efforts of the foundation.