Treasure Beach Women’s Group Benevolent Society held the Grand Opening Ceremony for their brand new Computer Lab, Thursday, November 18, 2010.



This computer lab consisting of ten state-of-the-art desktop computers, a server and a printer, was funded by a generous grant from The Universal Access Fund.

The Universal Access Fund Limited is a government entity, which collects a levy on incoming international calls to Jamaica. The revenue from the charges goes towards financing the implementation of the national e-learning project, which is designed to enhance the education process through the use of information technology.

Treasure Beach Women’s Group Benevolent Society Computer Lab will be utilized to enhance, teach, and promote literacy, number competency, and computer literacy in the greater Treasure Beach and surrounding areas. Training will be open and accessible to all, male and female alike, however there will be additional emphasis on reaching, disadvantaged women, in the Treasure Beach and surrounding areas.

The Computer Lab Grand Opening Ceremony was a magnificent event. Bethlehem Moravian College's Culture Club, under the direction of Mr. Denny Davis, Music Lecturer, opened the celebration with a traditional folk Gerreh selection, mesmerizing and enthralling the audience, even enticing some to get up and dance. The audience could not get enough and promptly invited them back for an encore.

Ms. Fern Luecke, Mistress of Ceremonies, entertained as she seamlessly managed the flow of the proceedings. Ms. Elonie Taylor led everyone in prayer, which was then followed by the Ave Maria (a hymn celebrating woman,) sung by Sharon Martini.

Ms. Celeste Anderson, co-founder and assistant treasurer, shared the story (herstory) of TBWG. Members shimmied and shone brightly in an energetic and engaging performance of "This Little Light of Mine (I'm gonna let it shine)" the Treasure Beach Women's Group Benevolent Society theme song.

Ms. Sandra Grey Emanuel, Parish Manager of the Social Development Commission, whom had in fact introduced TBWG to Universal Access Fund, shared a few words on her organization and its relationship with TBWG.

Mrs. Delmarie Rowe Lewis, Manager, HEART, Black River, informed that HEART, Black River will be providing the computer literacy component of the TBWG Literacy Center and told of the recently signed contract between TBWG and HEART, Black River.

Mr. Hugh Cross, managing director of Universal Access Fund then spoke about his organization and announced, to the delight of TBWG members, that UAF will pay all internet fees for two years. His challenge, “Do what you say you can and we will fund an expansion,” was met with astonished cheers.

Up next was the Sandy Bank Primary School’s Culture Group who made their school and community proud with a performance of their original composition, “Technology,” written especially for this event.

TBWG President, Ms. Estella Ebanks thanked everyone for their support and for sharing in this groundbreaking communal community celebration. Brand new TBWG member, Ms. Theldja Taylor, led the dedicatory prayer. And then it was ribbon-cutting time. Treasure Hunt Craft Shop Manager, Mrs. Susan Ebanks, James family representative, Sharon James Rose, and Mr. Everold Simms, UAF Director of Projects, all had their hands on the scissors and Mr. Simms declared the lab open.

Tours of the lab were conducted, refreshments were served and Bethlemen Cultural Group again shook the rafters this time with a spirited Nine Night performance.

The whole event was filmed by Jamaica Information Service filmed the day and conducted interviews with several Treasure Beach Women’s Group Benevolent Society members and guests.

“Twas indeed a wonderful, wonderful day. Now let the learning begin.

For additional information on Treasure Beach Women’s Group Benevolent Society, and/or to sign up for classes: tbwgjamaica@yahoo.com, or 965-3878.

You can view photos from this event here or by the link in the Photo Gallery

Thanks so much Sharon for your comprehensive report and photos. Sure wish I could have been there but your report made me feel like I was!

Congratulations again TBWG!!

Congratulations to everyone on providing a much-needed service to the community. I love hearing updates from the TBWG and knowing that the money I've donated over time always goes towards a good cause with your organization.

And while the pictures of everyone enjoying and rejoicing are wonderful, where are the pictures of the computers? Us computer geeks are interested seeing the hardware :-)

On a more serious note, have arrangements for actual classes, etc. been made? How does one sign up, etc?

Looking forward to hearing more on this project,
Eric

Thanks Sharon and all who made this happen.

This article was in the Star.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20101129/news/news12.html

Congrats to TBWG. Sorry I missed the opening ceremony. Sounds like it was a lot of fun. Looking forward to hearing of great things happening.

Christine, Two Seasons Guest House

Could someone say what is happening with this computer lab. Is any instruction being provided yet. I think this is such a marvelous undertaking and I would really like to be kept up to date about it.

I think HEART is providing the teaching services.

A list of over 50 names has been collected. The next step is to contact all the names on the list and have them come in to do a test on the computers which evaluates their skills level.

We are working with HEART who is providing the evaluation and teaching services.

Please keep us up to date with developments as they occur. Even little things are important to those of us who care about this lab and what it can do for the residents.