Tuesday, August 11, 2020

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020 6 Messages OPTIMIST CLUB OF KINGSTON 40TH ANNIVERSARY AS GOVERNOR of the Optimist International Caribbean District, I extend congratulatory greetings to the members of the Optimist Club of Kingston as you celebrate 40 years of spreading the fire of op- timism across Jamaica. August 10, 1980, will forever be etched in the history of Jamaica as the dawning of a new philosophy of optimism. Since then, the tentacles of opti- mism have spread far and wide and enveloped other islands in the Caribbean region. OPTIMISM IS not the absence of negativity, worry or doubt. It is an attitude of positivity that embraces failure and setback as part of the journey towards better outcomes in life. As a Caribbean District, we are proud that the service projects initiated by Optimist clubs continue to inspire hundreds of individuals, young people and communities to embrace hope, optimism and positivity. This 40th anniversary of the Optimist movement in the Caribbean is, therefore, a milestone deserving of celebration. At present, our Caribbean region is significantly affected by the coro- navirus pandemic, and the hope of our people is at its lowest. It falls to Optimist clubs in the region to impact our people’s way of thinking Forty years of spreading the fire of optimism across Ja I TAKE great pleasure in congratu- lating the Optimist Club of Kingston (OCK) on the milestone achieve- ment of its 40th anniversary. As a service organisation, we have come a long way on this awe-inspiring journey that began four decades ago on August 10, 1980.What began with the grit of two Jamaicans has today become a formidable source of Optimism and service, and in this the Imagine year, we have renewed our pledge of continued service to the welfare of youth. As the first Optimist Club to be formed in the Caribbean, the work of the OCK has stretched beyond the confines of our shores, having an impact on the wider region, which today boats a growing total of 73 clubs, inclusive of 58 that have been established in Jamaica. The role of Optimism in supporting social development, education, and in promoting the philosophy of vol- unteerism remains indelible. TheOCKowes its success to thewis- domand foresight of its leaderswhile our members form the bedrock of all wedo,making itpossible toundertake theworkthatsupportsalastingimpact of the club on boys and girls across Kingston. The unstinting support of current andpastmembershas created a robust platform for mobilising tal- ents, time, and resources tocontribute to the development of youth. The full breadth of plans we in- tended to implement this year was curtailed by the COVID-19 pan- demic; however, we prevailed, as a time of crisis is when our service is most needed. To date, we have engaged in 23 projects, including those undertaken within the con- straints of the pandemic. The focus of our efforts has included children’s homes; children in educational in- stitutions; the environment; the Caribbean District flagship pro- gramme - learning disabilities; as well as at the individual level. Over the years, we have estab- lished partnerships and collabora- tions that have facilitated fulfilling the mandate of the Club in being a “Friend of Youth”. I wish to express deep appreciation for this lasting support. To Optimist International, “our parent organisation”, I convey deep gratitude for the sound guidance and leadership over the years and particularly as we continue to man- age the fallout from the global pan- demic. To our Caribbean District, we thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years. My best wishes for the continued growth anddevelopment of the club. As we imagine another 40 years and beyond, we are going to “Promise yourself to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to ex- pect only the best”- Extract from the Optimist CreedbyChristianD. Larson. PATRICKAWIGGAN-CHAMBERS President Imagine, 40 years and beyond • Local & Imported Meats, Seafood, Poultry Chicken, Oxtail, Mutton, Pork, Beef, Fish • Victoria Farms Processed Meats Hams, Bacon, Sausages, Pickled Meats • Grains, Beans, Vegetables Rice, Flour, Peas, Frozen Veggies • Groceries & Bulk Items Sugar, Cooking Oils, French Fries • Fresh Produce Onions, Potatoes, Garlic Proudly serving wholesalers, supermarkets, restaurateurs, households & communities in Jamaica for over 60 years SPANISH GRAIN STORES Telephone # 595-5095/595-5031/537-9535/537-4934/533-8303 Email: spanishgrainstore.sales@gmail.com PLEASE SEE FIRE , 15