Given the challenges it faces, any goodwill that comes the way of Marcus Garvey Technical High School is welcome. On December 12, their sports programme got a helping hand from a famous son of the soil.

Reggae legend Burning Spear donated sports kits and blazers for the school’s sports teams during a presentation at its St Ann’s Bay campus.

The gesture was like music to the ears of Annonia Hunter-Jones, principal at Marcus Garvey Technical High School since 2018.

“We hope it’s the start of a long-lasting partnership with Mr Rodney. He’s also looking forward to supporting our music programme,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Hunter-Jones revealed that the institution has 1,734 students from grades seven to 13. She added that Marcus Garvey Technical High School — which has two campuses in Ocho Rios and St Ann’s Bay — is “extremely in need”.

A considerable chunk of its welfare programme assists students who find it difficult getting to school, purchasing shoes or hygienic products.

Burning Spear (real name Winston Rodney) was born in St Ann’s Bay. That region was the background for much of his early recordings which were based on the legacy of pan-African icon Marcus Garvey, who was also born in St Ann’s Bay.

His 1975 album, Marcus Garvey, is Spear’s signature work. The 77-year-old singer/songwriter has won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album; this year, he made a successful return to touring after a 10-year break.