ROSE HALL, St James — Three years ago members of the Miller family, with deep roots in Barrett Town, planned to make donations to two educational institutions within the community.

However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted those plans and the family had to wait until they got the all -clear before they could pick up where they left off.

On October 4, they finally got their wish. Sisters — Shelia Forte-Trammel, Dr Doreen Miller-Diagne, and Sandra Miller Hall — visited the John Rollins Success Primary and Infant School bearing gifts for that institution as well as for Barrett Town Primary and Infant School. It was their way of honouring their parents, Iris and Dudley Miller, who have a long history of giving back to the community.

Over the years their parents’ efforts included a feeding programme for Barrett Town, along with providing students with lunch, uniforms and others items needed.

“I said to myself we ought to recognise them, not just for ourselves but all the people they have touched,” said Forte-Trammel.

She and her siblings have worked together to put a much-needed fence around the play field at the early childhood section of John Rollins Success. They also provided musical instruments to Barrett Town Primary.

Forte-Trammel promised that their support will be on-going. They all live overseas but said they will be back to help other institutions in the community.

Acting principal of John Rollins, Hervlyn Forbes Williams welcomed the gesture which she said will go a far way in assisting the institution’s younger charges.

“It is one of the requirements of the Early Childhood Commission that infant playgrounds be enclosed for safety. It’s an overwhelming feeling and we are happy to see it happen,” Forbes Williams told the Jamaica Observer.

She said the plan is to expand the playground over time.

“We can accommodate other play items and that is why the area is going to be extended,” added Forbes Williams

Meanwhile a grateful principal of Barrett Town Primary and Infant School, Anthony Murray anticipates that the keyboards, recorders, ukuleles and guitars donated will be a huge boost for its extra-curricular activities.

“When the Miller family reached out to ask what department they can assist, it was easy for us to just say musical instruments because it is a part of our school development plan,” said Murray.