Report on President J.C. St. Onges’ tour on

Monday May 6, 2013

The day started off with a visit to the Studios of Radio Jamaica for an interview on the 7:40 am “Guest Room” with Radio Personalities Paula-Ann Porter and Alan Magnus.
President J.C. spoke of his dedication to service to the children. He also pointed out that volunteerism is very necessary in meeting the needs of our children. He noted that he is happy if persons can commit to giving 100% of 60 minutes ;( 3,600 seconds) on a specific frequency to service.  He fielded questions on his early involvement in Optimism and the fact that on stepping up to the office of President he asked to do it “his way” He has put emphasis on growing the movement so that we can have more persons to serve. He also spoke to attracting young persons to the Movement.

Our next stop was at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. CEO Mr. Woods and SMO Dr. Dawson gave us a well informed tour of the facility; highlighting the paediatric cancer patients. The staff including Social Worker Ms. ___  had high praises for Cancer Chair Pat McLean, CP Diana Morrison and GA Rose Medley and the team who have given their support to the Parents Transportation Fund. As noted by the social worker, many of these parents have to stay at the Hospital to lend support to their ward. Frequent visits have a toll on the parents’ limited finances and the Optimists contribution goes a great way. For this year there were 22 new patients who benefited from our funds.
CP presented a creed to CEO Mr. Woods and already the first tenet “Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind” struck home to SMO Dr. Dawson.
Pres J.C. St. Onge suggested that we could approach the Ron McDonald Foundation (of the McDonalds Food Store Chain) to assist with the establishment of a proper stop-over facility for parents. McDonalds construct one such first class facility for a children’s hospital in California. (McDonalds do not currently have a franchise in Jamaica)  
A number of Optimists were present on this tour: Gov Lynden, GA’s Dave Wilson and Rose Medley, CP’s Diana Morrison, Shirley Jarrett, Pat McLean, Valerie Vassell and our photographer Mr. Spauldings. among others??

At approximately 10:35 am we then set off for the Courtesy Call on His Excellency, the Most Honourable Patrick Allen, and Governor General of Jamaica. In attendance with President J.C. and First Lady Marcelle were Governor Lynden, GA Dave and PIP Theodore Golding and Mr. Spauldings (Photographer)  Lt. Gov Maxine Francis-Riley who is a member of staff in the Governor General Office greeted us and joined the visiting party.
We arrived on location some 25 minutes early and had time to admire the lovely Kings House Grounds as we waited on the presence of His Excellency under the guidance of His Excellency’s Aide-de-Camp Major ???

At promptly 11:30 am His Excellency joined us an invited us for a time of discussion. Advisor to Governor General Ambassador?? was also in attendance.
Pres JC spoke of the work of Optimist International and its focus on youth projects over the North America, Canada and the Caribbean. He noted however, that there was limited penetration in Europe and Africa.
President J.C. spoke on the main reason for his visit to the Caribbean at this time being the occasion of the District’s Quarterly Conference.
His Excellency then enquired as to what major projects we were undertaking at this time.  I took the opportunity to outline our focus on the “Bridging the Gap” project. I noted the collaboration with the Child Development Agency (CDA) and their long term role as advisors and administrators in the process. I also indicated that Food for the Poor (FFTP) would be the organization doing the actual construction; The Optimists would focus on raising the necessary funds to get the facility off the ground. I also pointed out that we hope to have HEART/NTA on board with skills training and to have corporate support in a Media Launch we are planning in the near future. I went further to say that Digicel expressed and interest, but stated that we would have to ensure that this was a sustainable venture. With a facility for 40 boys leaving State Care facilities at the age of 18 years old, we were aiming to providing a transitional residence and also to mentor and equip them for life in the wider (real) world.  His Excellency commented that of importance was the actual placement of such young men in a job or better enabling them to create a livelihood for themselves. He noted that Society has fallen short in the past by preparing our youth just for find a job but not to be entrepreneurs so that they can make their own living.
Ambassador ____ noted the His Excellency is currently engaged in the “I Believe Initiative” (see page C7 in Monday’s Gleaner Publication) and was of the view that there were similarities in the intent of both programs and room for collaboration in volunteer work.  After some discussion and the leading of Ambassador___, His Excellency stated that he would definitely play a role in seeing our project through.

Sir Allen made the poignant comment that for such a project as the Bridging the Gap, the four major service clubs in Jamaica (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis and Optimists)   need to pool resources and make this a united effort. He noted that he had met with the leadership of these services clubs some time ago and suggested such an initiative; this issue at that time was that each of  the clubs wanted the lead role, and as such nothing further was done.  
Ambassador ____ promised to research the files and see what could be done to have the Leading Service Clubs meet to discuss the joint approach. The Governor General gave the example of the REACH OUT project undertaken by Rotary International at the Rio Cobre Reformatory/Correctional Centre in Spanish Town. From a recent visit he noted that the Rotarians had a skills training programme for the wards at the facility. By the time they attained the age of 18 they had the opportunity to learn a skill. There are therefore already similarities in our outreach hence room for collaboration.
With the time well spent His Excellency bade us goodbye and wished us success in our plans for the rest of this Optimist year (J.C. and I) and for future developments as we give ourselves in making a difference for the youth in our communities.
International President J.C. St. Onge presented His Excellency with a membership sponsor pin for the 2012/2013 year. The symbol of the boy and girl reaching up to the Octagon logo, would be a reminder to the Governor General of the Optimists International theme of bringing out the best in our children.

Our next stop was at the Brick Oven Restaurant where Pres JC and First Lady Marcelle sampled our delectable “Jamaican Beef and Chicken Patties”

Our final stop was at Devon House where both were treated to complimentary serves of the best I-Scream in Jamaica. Devon House is rated by National Geographic ‘Food Journeys of a Lifetime’ publication in 2011 as the 4th best place in the world to have Ice Cream!!