Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
LEFT: During a motivational talk with the girls at the home, Chef Cole hands out slices of the newly-carved ham. RIGHT: Nicole Davidson and chef Brown share out the cake. - PHOTOS BY ROSEMARY PARKINSON
WHILE MANY of us are enjoying the Yuletide season, there are so many devoid of these luxuries. I have said on many occasions, if each of us would take the time to give a little more to those in need, there would be no need in the world. There is enough in this country to go around, spreading a little of our wealth can make our future look a lot brighter.
Jamaica is a wondrous land and while many say 'the problems are far and wide and can't be resolved', I rather take my late father's advice: "There's no such word as can't, child."
So when Executive Chef Mark Cole of Hedonism III, and his team invited me to take part in spreading some Christmas joy at the Windsor Home for Girls in St. Ann's Bay, I readily agreed. I did not realise what a difference this visit would make in my life.
The road to the Windsor Home is in dire need of repair and when I first glimpsed what must have been once a majestic great house, now faded and slightly dilapidated, my heart felt a twinge. The locked gates and patched up fence with barbed wire - both obviously tampered with - gave me an ominous feeling of despair. Chef Cole, however, assisted by Chef Keith Browne and Nicole Davidson (Spa manager), seemed quite unperturbed as they unpacked the cars. I later found out why; Hedonism III is no stranger to this home for, once every month, a different department of the hotel visits with the children and staff, giving demonstrations in all aspects of the hospitality business. Is that not impressive?
Windsor Great House became a home in 1977 under the management of the Children's Services Division reporting directly to the Ministry of Health. It is licensed to house some 60 girls ranging from the ages of 12-18 but right now only 50 can be accommodated in the cramped dwellings they call home. Although the staff here live up to their promise to inspire, teach by example, affirm, devote time, talents and resources to these children - there is no doubt this enormous task is made even more difficult by the home's obvious needs.
EMOTIONS
"Miss, why you trembling so?" asked one child, her huge eyes showing care. Ready to burst into tears, I held her tightly in my arms, compassion oozing out of my pores. I blurted out: "Oh! I am just very tired at the moment . Come, let me show you how to set up a camera," and right away began to explain to a few eager girls all about the technology of the digital camera. Talk about my emotions - I could feel the suffering of children who have been through some of the most degrading of abuses.
Windsor Home is the last bastion - the last chance to rectify the horror, the terror of their torn lives. It is here they must remain until age 18. There have been many successes - girls becoming social workers, computer scientists and university graduates - but the number is just not enough. The reason? The facilities are just not there and this is a crying shame.
The photos will show what a wonderful day we all had. Miss Hood, the headmistress (newly appointed in September) spoke at length about the home and its needs. I immediately pledged to:
a) Help them to achieve the goals they have set themselves and
b) Visit, give art and writing classes and sessions in anger management (there is a lot of anger here) in 2006. Through my own experiences, I want them to know there is hope for every one of them.
Within a few minutes on the phone, I got other pledges: Phillip Ramson, Ramson's Montego Bay, promised 10 cases of Foska Oats; Jimmy Joseph, Joseph's King Street, Kingston and Ocho Rios, clothing; the managers of Hedonism III, a television set; Kamal Azan, Azan's Supercentre, Kingston, a set of pots for the home economics room; Eladio Walker, Quality Dealers Roofing, Kingston, a roof between the main building and the girls' dormitories - no need to get soaked anymore children! Blessings and big ups to all.
But there's more required. Here's the list:
Proper road; razor-wire fencing for security; renovations to the dormitories; A gym equipment specialist to reassess aged equipment; gym equipment; 20 computers (old or new); DVD player with selection of teaching, motivational, documentary-type films.
There is much, much more. Pick up the phone now. Call Ms. Hood: (876) 972-2707. I appeal to those who can provide. Come forward. Help us, the friends of Windsor Home, to provide a good working and living environment for these children. You can make a difference.
One should take a child's philosophy to heart - when a bubble bursts, just immediately set to work to blow another one! - Edge Keynote.
