Recent events are a strong reminder that the only way to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 (four years away!) is to go that extra mile.

The opening of Wisynco Group Limited’s US$35-million brewery was big news, but what makes it memorable is that the facility was named in honour of the group’s Director of Production Devon Reynolds, the company’s longest-serving employee. As a young engineer, he joined the company 43 years ago and led the production of its all-Jamaican line of products.

“I’m really excited and very appreciative…” said Reynolds, “I believe that the entire staff in manufacturing has done exceptionally well. They have supported me beyond the call of duty sometimes, and I feel very proud that I’m representing them right now, with the building being named after me.

Of course, this generous gesture is typical of the Mahfood family, founders of Food For the Poor, now the largest charitable organisation in the US, serving some 15 countries. Andrew Mahfood,Wisynco CEO, chairs Food For the Poor Jamaica, and is the first to tackle emergencies affecting our poor. Meanwhile, William Mahfood is passionate about education, setting up one of the most generous scholarship funds, named for the legendary Joseph Mahfood. Whether the assignment is for business or charity, the Mahfoods give it that extra effort to make it happen.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness commented at the opening of the brewery: “Today’s ceremony…is a statement about the direction of Jamaica’s economy, the maturity of our institutions, and the confidence that serious investors now place in our country’s future.”

Visa Restrictions

The very next day, after this vote of confidence at the Wisynco event, Jamaica received the news that we were one of the 75 countries now barred from applying for US immigrant visas. Prime Minister Holness, in responding to the news, gave us a reality check: “The Jamaican public, I think, needs to understand that we are in a different era of geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geomilitary politics, and it requires a certain smart, a certain foresight and thoughtfulness to manage the process to keep Jamaica safe.”

He noted: “We will pursue diplomatic channels, but we are going to pursue, even more, making our country the place of choice to live, work, do business, raise families, and retire in paradise. That is a greater objective, and we must do it.”

I remember waiting to board a flight from Miami to Jamaica when a gentleman struck up a conversation and asked, “So you are going on holiday?” I replied, “No, I live in Jamaica.” He looked surprised and asked, “So you feel okay to be there?” I replied that I felt very okay. Yes, we are in a recovery and rebuilding mode after being hit by the strongest hurricane winds ever recorded in the Earth’s history, but with the support of international friends, the public and private sector of Jamaica we are getting there.

DeafCan! Coffee

Going that extra mile in faith can create miracles. In 2015 teens from the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) went on a field trip to meet Everlin Clarke, a deaf coffee farmer in Top Hill, St Elizabeth. It was there that the idea started to percolate. Clarke told the boys, “Yes, deaf can do anything.”

Blake Widmer, who guided the growth of the organisation, said this was “the seed of affirmation…that has grown into a flourishing, self-sustaining deaf-led business serving hundreds of customers daily across the island.”

The company started with one coffee roaster in 2015. Currently, DeafCan! Coffee has 45 full-time employees across a dozen locations. Their newest location is in New Kingston at 7 Barbados Avenue, which functions as a full-menu cafe, including breakfast, lunch, and light dinner options. They are open 7: 00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays.

Congratulations to the current management team: Seth Kaeb, Javannie Dawes, Wadia Barnes, Yakera James, Carlyle Gabbidon, and Andreen Kaeb.

Besides enjoying DeafCan! Coffee at their various locations, you can also order their roasted coffee beans. I can attest to their deep flavour and aroma — it wakes me up every day.

CCRP in Darliston

Charmaine Allen, Westmoreland representative of CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons), had a frightening experience at her house in Darliston when Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction in the town. She and her sister, who was visiting from abroad, tried to secure the house as much as they could, but as her roof peeled off and her house flooded they had to escape to her car, which had debris around it, but, thankfully, no direct hit.

Two days ago we took care packages donated by Food For the Poor Jamaica to elderly folks in Darliston. Allen, my husband, and I were assisted by officers David Spence and Faye Smith from the Darliston Police Station, also badly damaged by the storm. Although electricity had been restored on Friday to a section of the business area, neither Allen nor the police had power, as many lines were still down.

Despite this, Allen was more concerned about the elderly than for herself. She guided us to their homes, some difficult to access, and gave words of cheer to the elderly, two of whom were bedridden. One of the elderly women had been assaulted two years ago, and it was Allen who had organised with us and her pastor to give assistance and comfort.

A Manning’s School alumna, Allen is hoping that the distinctive spire at the front of the school will be rebuilt. On our drive through Savanna-la-Mar and Ferris, we saw new construction and heavy traffic. However, there are still many missing roofs and battered buildings. We hope that the construction plans announced will help our brave but suffering citizens.

Farewell, Chris Bovell

It is incredible that so many lives have been touched by Christopher Bovell. He could have lived comfortably in his role as senior partner at law firm DunnCox but chose to serve in demanding roles and as a mentor to many. Bovell was a former government senator, treasurer of the Jamaica Labour Party, and member of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) Management Committee. BITU President Senator Kavan Gayle said Bovell was “the embodiment of integrity, professionalism, and quiet strength”.

As a mentor, Bovell believed in gender equality and showed equal respect and opened many doors for men and women alike.

In their tribute, the GraceKennedy Group, on whose board he served for 30 years, wrote of his “steady leadership, sound judgement, and an unwavering commitment to our company’s growth and governance. He was also a strong and consistent advocate for the empowerment and advancement of women”.

Deepest sympathy to his beloved family. Farewell to a great son of Jamaica. May he rest in eternal peace.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV, and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.

Christopher Bovelll

The DeafCan! Coffee team celebrates Christmas at their new Barbados Avenue location recently.