MANDEVILLE, MANCHESTER:

Parents of students at the Campbell's Castle All-Age School in South Manchester now have a better understanding of their role.

As part of its community outreach initiatives, Jamalco, in collaboration with the Child Development Agency, Rural Agricultural Development Auhority and Ministry of Health in Manchester, organised a fair/expo to commemorate World Health Day on April 7 under the theme 'Caring for our Children'. The forum helped 76 parents.

Highlighting the importance of communication in the parent/child relationship, Sherene Reid, assistant health education officer from the Ministry of Health, encouraged parents to listen to their children. She further implored them to set standards and maintain mutual respect.

At the end of presentations, parents viewed displays focusing on nutrition, mental health and parenting skills. The health fair was one of several initiatives held in neighbouring schools and communities in the company's operating area under the Jamalcoin-schools programme.

OCHO RIOS, ST ANN:

The mass exodus from Kingston and St Andrew to rural Jamaica has happened again. This time, the streets of St Ann are where the crowds will be found, especially tomorrow.

Beenie Man, not known for carnival favourites, save a few controversial numbers a few years ago, will headline one of the events that has pulled the population north, as he and soca queen of Barbados, Alison Hinds, will be the main stars behind Golden Promotion's Carnival Time at Richmond Estate in Priory, St Ann.

Also billed are Oscar B, Gail-Ann (the Spirit of Trinidad), along with Nicky Dillon, Macho Kid and 'Rising Stars' winners for 2006, One Third, all to be backed by Kurfew band.

The vivacious Empress will take time out from the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall to be MC for the show which starts at 7 p.m. Gates open at 4.

Golden Promotions has stepped in to fill the void created after Jamaica Carnival reportedly opted out of staging an event at the venue. It is speculated that the passing of the Dragon, Byron Lee, last year, and monetary problems may have led to the decision.

- Carl Gilchrist

ST ANN's BAY, ST ANN:

A teacher at the St Ann's Bay Primary School recently seized a tube of sour candy spray, with built in flashlight, from a student, as she feared the contents may be harmful.

According to the teacher, just the sight of the item made her wary, as it just did not seem like something to be consumed, especially by children. The label was the shocker.

"There were so many warnings on the label, it's only on tins of insecticide that I see so many warnings," she said.

The product's label warned, among other things, that the product was not for children under three years old and that it should not be sprayed into the eyes.

"How comes an item to be consumed has so many warnings on the label?" the teacher questioned.

When contacted, a spokesperson at the Bureau of Standards told The Gleaner that while certain items which could be deemed harmful to children are usually seized at the point of entry into the island, such items are sometimes included in personal luggage and therefore escape detection. The bureau said it would investigate the matter.

- C. G.

MAY PEN CLARENDON:

Clarendon Lions Club held a free clinic on its premises at Foga Road outside May Pen last Saturday and invited community members to participate.

Blood sugar and pressure checks were done by the Clarendon Health Department and eye exams were conducted by the lions.

Two doctors were on hand to see patients and prescribe medications where necessary. A number of organisations also set up booths on the grounds to share information about themselves. Sagicor(Spanish Town branch), National Health Fund, National Council for Senior Citizens, Immunogizer, Manchester Parish Library, and Red Cross were just some of the institutions on display.

Approximately 100 people participated in the exercise. Periodically, the Clarendon Lions Club also sells eyeglasses for a minimal cost. Prizes were also given out to community members for answering current affairs questions.

KINGSTON:

The National Hazard Management in Urban Coastal Areas project has received $27.4 million in the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives.

The project's overall goal is to strengthen disaster risk management in towns and cities located in coastal areas in Jamaica.

Anticipated targets for 2009/10 include: producing hazard maps using geographic information systems, developing risk-management plans with community participation, developing a telecommunication plan, formulating 10 parish risk-management plans and hosting workshops; and procuring information technology equipment, office supplies and consumables.

Physical achievements up to March 2009 include the establishment of a project execution unit and expression of interest was invited for several consultancies.