Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
OCHO RIOS: St. Ann
CHRISTMAS DAY is a day that will live in the memories of the 100 residents of the St. Ann Infirmary because they had the rare pleasure of sharing the joys of Christmas with internationally acclaimed recording artiste Burning Spear.
Spear, whose real name is Winston Rodney, along with his wife, Sonia and other close associates spent Christmas Day at the infirmary where they not only provided the Christmas dinners for the residents and members of staff, but most importantly, they have decided to play an instrumental role in the institution's future.
Burning Spear said his relationship with the institution will go far beyond the provision of much needed equipment because he also intends to assist some of the inmates in earning an income.
CRAFT ITEMS
Through the efforts of his wife, arrangements will be made through Burning Music Produc-tion to purchase craft items such as knitted tams, belts, shoes and clothing from the residents to sell on Mrs. Rodney's popular online store.
According to Mrs. Rodney, who took time to admire some of the work done by the residents, the sale of the goods will generate an income for both the institution and the manufacturer.
"We plan to do other things for this place which we know everyone will appreciate," Burning Spear said. Burning Spear is a Jamaican roots rock reggae singer and musician who is one of the strongest proponents of Marcus Mosiah Garvey's theories of self-determination and self-reliance for all African descendants. He recently won a Grammy for his 21st album, Calling Rastafari.
He said the decision to assist the infirmary came out of a discussion between his wife and radio personality, Elise Kelly, while they were trying to find a charity in St. Ann to support.
According to the artiste, the St. Ann Infirmary may expect to be a beneficiary of the Rebel Salute show, a show which Burning Spear will headline next year.
FUNDS TO PURCHASE NEW STOVE
The funds from the show will go towards purchasing a new six-burner stove for the kitchen and a television set to be placed in the main public area for the residents.
The artiste also agreed to assist in the purchase of a washing machine to ease the pressure on the laundry staff who now do all the washing by hand.
The need for these and other items was brought to the attention of the artiste by acting assistant matron, Yvonne Ferguson, during a tour of the institution on Sunday.
Burning Spear originates from the town of St. Ann's Bay and the infirmary is located in the adjoining community of Priory. He said he sees the infirmary as "a fitting charity" to offer his support to and that he will be there for the long haul.
In expressing her appreciation for the visit and commitment by Burning Spear to assist the infirmary, acting assistant matron Ferguson said the visit had made the Christmas enjoyable for everyone at the institution and that she and the inmates look forward to more exciting times with the artiste.
