Jamaicans in Atlanta hosts back-to-school mission in Portland

More than 650 children from Port Antonio and adjacent communities in Portland benefited from a recent back-to-school mission hosted at Carder Park in the parish capital.

The event which was dubbed ‘Portland Paradise Weekend’, was spearheaded by Eunice Rashford, a Jamaican residing in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

She received support from Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Dr Elaine Grant Bryan, through her foundation, along with Delta Airlines, which is headquartered in Atlanta.

The collaboration resulted in the acquisition of notebooks, textbooks, children’s books, backpacks, calculators, and electronic school supplies that were presented to the youngsters.

Grant Bryan said that she was happy to be one of the event’s sponsors and to be able to assist in acquiring school supplies for the children. The diplomat, who was in Port Antonio for the event, said she is planning to help more schools in the future.

“There is a great interest in me helping the schools. A lot of corporations were willing to help me when I told them what I was doing. I then realized that I could do it for many schools. So I am hoping to come back in short order to do more of it,” she said.

Grant Bryan pointed out that schools in other parishes, especially those adversely affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl, can also benefit from future donations.

“So I am going to be talking with some executives when I return, to see how they can help. Together it will be significant,” she stated.

Grant Bryan also praised the Delta Airlines staff for their role in the back-to-school drive.

“They have been very helpful to me for the six years since I have been honorary consul. They have been super helpful,” she said.

Portland Paradise Weekend was launched in 2016 to attract tourists to Portland and create economic opportunities for residents of the parish.