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WHO HAS THE POWER

Who Has the Power

Today I have the power in my hands,

The power to make sure this little island Jamaica

Is given the chance to show us off as a nation

The right to choose who runs this little country,

Today I have the power within my hands.

Did you know everyone eighteen years old and over

Who was smart enough to have his census taken,

Those who were not afraid to stand before a camera

For they had nothing they wish to hide,

Today they grasp the power within their hands.

Citizen of Jamaica by naturalization or by birth, should allow the anthem and pledge to kindle

A patriotic flame, that burns deep within their hearts,

They should never take lightly this task that lies ahead,

Nation building lies within the power of their hands

This country needs,

Good policy makers,

Good Education systems,

Good youth programmes

Serious people

For serious business.

What will be the value of your right index finger?

 That you’ll proudly dip in ink of red ?

 Will it be a piece of codfish or bullets for the dead?

Let it be a better nation, for which

We’ll proudly lift our heads

The true price for the power within your hands.

Election times in Jamaica can be very interesting, This is the day that many citizens realize how powerful they are.

PAUL BOGLE

Citation  to Paul Bogle

Mr. Bogle Sir, because of you,

I stand tall and proud,

Proud to be black, proud to be Jamaican,

I know the blood that ran in your veins then,

  Is now swirling and surging through mine.

You were not afraid to give up your life

So that I and others like me could stand

On this platform this day freeeee!!!,

 Free of deprivation, free from the bondage

 Of the color of the blackness of my skin.

You labored for justice, for human rights,

To be recognized for what you were worth

To be recognized by many, that the power

Of one’s mind is not measured in skin tone

 But by red human blood and integrity.

We will forever be indebted to you.

We have come a long way, determining

Not to turn back the hands of time but

To continue going forward in justice and peace.

Soy Criada

October,7,2008

Retirement Citation for Juliet Christie- Murray

“Look at them standing, sitting there. The present, the past, the future! All wrapped up in these bundles of humanity waiting to emerge.”

In a life lived by her own words, Juliet Christie Murray has devoted all her professional life to the emergence, development and growth of our nation’s youth through her service in the field of education, and her time spent at the Sandy Bay Primary and Junior High School.

Born in the parish of Hanover, she chose to remain loyal to her roots with the bent objective of making a difference in the lives of all those who would eventually cross her path in this journey of life. And like the title of her book – to begin the journey to enlightenment for countless Hanoverians over the years.

With a tenure of almost forty (40) years in the field of education, she grew professionally through the ranks, from that of being a pre-trained teacher when she joined the staff of the then Sandy Bay All Age in 1972. Over the years she served as 4-H leader, part of the S.C.O.P.E. Committee that dealt with the expansion of the physical structure of the school, and was a member of the school board. She completed that phase of the journey as a Vice Principal, and with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at the time of her retirement.

As a Vice Principal, the staff she supervised has many accolades for the time spent with her. They have lauded her as a true leader, a woman with unique spiritual gifts, a woman who is reflective, a firm but jovial and caring person, a tower of strength, a mentor, a mother, a sister; a woman who knows how to speak her mind. She tells it like it is, but without being in any way offensive.

Being a realist, she recognized that education goes beyond the bounds of literacy and numeracy. It engenders values, attitudes, skills, and the development of the total persona. To this end, many avenues were explored by her, and the skills acquired were imparted unselfishly for the upliftment of the Sandy Bay community and its environs. In 1983 the Home Economics Department was opened with her as its head, and for many years the Sandy bay school was the only All Age School in the western region with a Home Economics Department. In order to give quality service to her charges, she enrolled in what was then College of Arts Science and Technology (C.A.S.T) to gain new knowledge and hone her skills in that field of study. Many tailors, dressmakers, great homemakers and reputable chefs were spawned under her care and tutelage in the Home Economics Department. Her perseverance, fortitude and vision have helped to produce many great community citizens in varying professional fields.

For her committed and dedicated service over the years to the field of education, and for sticking to the task despite the challenges she was rewarded with the Golden Torch Award in 2006.

As she helped to open, shape and motivate young minds, in like manner hers was opened, and she discovered the hidden talent of a poet in herself. She has etched her name indelibly in the annals of history with the publication of two books of poetry – Journey to Enlightenment, and Seasons.

As a school family, we salute you Juliet Christie Murray for being an integral part of the successes of the Sandy Bay Primary and Junior High School over the years. You have left indelible prints on the lives of so many. You have given committed and caring service to the profession. Our sincere thanks for all your efforts. We wish for you and your family a very long, happy and successful retirement.

Today, as you stand on the portals of time, one journey completed; another to begin, it is only fitting that we leave with you the words of the great poet Kahlil Gibran – “And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.”