Division 23E:

Lieutenant Governor Clive Grossett meets with Governor Gary Levine and Julia at the beautiful and historic Devon House.

Kingston, Surrey South

There are many faces of Jamaica. These are represented in our four distinct Divisions. Division 23 East encompasses most of the capital city, Kingston, and is certainly the most urban on the island. Plagued with violence, and an escalating murder rate that rivals the worst of our third world countries, the need for Kiwanis and for the caring servant leadership of Kiwanians has never been greater. Time and again, we saw inspirational examples of how the men and women of Kiwanis are changing this city, one community service project and one child at a time.

Our visit began at the Terra Nova Hotel where we were warmly greeted by Lieutenant Governor Clive Grossett and a delegation of Division 23 West and Division 23 East Kiwanians. It was Valentines day, and LG Clive presented Julia with a lovely bouquet of flowers. This was especially appreciated for they were, I am embarrassed to say, the only flowers that our first lady received that day (this was one time out of many that this LG came through for his Governor).

Former Governor Carlton Levy, SLP Administrator Lloyd Davis, PLG William Reeson and Governor Gary.

We had a quick stop at the beautiful and historic Devon House. This Heritage Site is one of Jamaica's leading national monuments and a symbol of the cultural diversity which makes this island so unique. This 127 year old, 11-acre site, located in the heart of Kingston, offers a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.

That evening, our Kiwanis International Foundation representative, Lloyd Distant hosted a gala reception at his house. Division 23 East is a large Kiwanis division with 17 active clubs. Leadership from all over the division came to celebrate the Governor's visit under the warm Jamaican skies.

The next day began early with an appearance on the live Jamaican television show, Smile Jamaica. Lg Clive and District Secretary Shirley had mapped out an activity packed agenda. They knew would be difficult (if not impossible) to cram it into a single Kingston day. The only way that they could make it happen was to secure the services of an Outrider: a police escort.

Meeting at the Pegasus in Downtown New Kingston.

The motorcycle police woman took us on the ride of our life: zigzagging through rush hour traffic, cruising through red-lights and completely ignoring the many one-way streets. LG Clive, following her as closely as he could, was not the only white-knuckled person in our car that day. Still, with her help, we were able to visit all of our many planned events.

Leaving the television station we visited first with the Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen. A former educator, we talked extensively about young people and the island's many Service Leadership Projects.

Leaving the Governor General and King's House, we visited with the Canadian High Commissioner. Seeing unrest and "need" in Jamaica, the High Commissioner suggested that we organize a summit meeting of service clubs; a meeting that would bring together all leadership (Rotary, Lions, etc.) to begin working together on the nation's problems. LG Clive jumped at this opportunity, committing to work with the High Commissioner's office and make it so.

Kiwanis handed out small toys, books and goodie bags to young children attending the Ferny Community Centre.

We joined the Downtown Kingston club for lunch at the Pegasus Hotel and then visited a basic school and health project that the Division's clubs support. In one of the poorest areas of Kingston, surrounded by the tin huts of a shanty town, medical services were being provided while Kiwanians handed out small treat bags, books and toys. Kiwanian Julia led the youngsters in high-spirited songs, bringing a smile to their (and to their parent's) faces.

That evening we held a caucus meeting for the Division's Presidents and Secretaries followed by a well-attended DCM. In addition to leadership awards and committee reports, we were happy to take part in the induction of 22 new Kiwanians! That's more Kiwanis hands for more Kiwanis service, and "service" is so vitally important in Jamaica.

Twenty-two new Kiwanians were inducted at the Division 23 East DCM.

The following day we toured the Lister Mair/Gilby High School for the Deaf. This is the only high school of its kind in the Caribbean. Students come from far and near to attend the speciality classes.

The Kiwanis Club of Liguanea-St Andrew, led by President Kelvin Kerr is constructing a library for the students. Footings were being poured while we were there. A large shipping container will be used for the building itself.

In addition to a formal "ground-breaking" ceremony we planted shrubs and trees that Kiwanians had purchased. Eventually these will provide a much needed retreat from the hot Jamaican sun, for the school's students.

LG Clive and President Kelvin go over construction plans with Governor Gary.

We toured the school of Hope, a project that the Kiwanis Club of Constant Springs and President Nola Mignott support. Here, books were donated and stories were read to the students.

That lunch, we met at the Hilton Hotel that afternoon for an All-Clubs meeting.

"Young children" are our principle focus for service and fund-raising, but in under-serviced communities the elderly often find themselves just as needy. The Kiwanis Club of Liguanea-St Andrew helps sponsor an old age centre. Today, they were meeting to repaint two of buildings in traditional Kiwanis colours: gold and blue.

Everyone got a turn at painting. A good time was had by all as the appreciative residents looked on.

LG Clive helps motivate the painters of the Kiwanis Club of Liguanea-St Andrew.

The following day we met with Key Clubbers and helped them clean up and repaint (must have been because of the practice we got at the old-age centre) their school.

This was followed by a tour of the island's only maternity hospital, the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Here, more than 9,000 babies are born every year.

In addition to much needed medical equipment, which the Kiwanians are actively fund-raising for, the hospital is in dire need of paint, ceiling tiles and privacy curtains for the mothers and children. Here again, Kiwanians were making plans to step up to the plate and offer their services.

The Bustamante Hospital for Children Chief of Staff tours Kiwanians, pointing out areas of need.

Our visit to Division 23 East was as inspirational as it was eye-opening. It proved, once again, that throughout the world, where children go to bed hungry or the elderly sit, seemingly forgotten, men and women with large Kiwanis Hearts are there to help.

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