One recipient of the association's benevolence is Widow's Mite, a home for handicapped and abandoned children in Alexandria, St Ann, that is operated by the Mustard Seed organisation.

"On our previous visit in March, we donated basic items and were accompanied by our in-house physician who conducted ECG exams on 90 per cent of the children," Bobby Thakurani, president of the Ocho Rios Indian Association, disclosed.

The association, whose motto is 'Above All Nations is Humanity', is proud of the annual health fair held for communities in Ocho Rios. "We conduct free mammograms and eye check-ups with the help of FISH clinic, a blood drive, as well as provide other medical services - and free medication. We treated 439 persons last year," Thakurani reported.

yearly donations

In addition, the association makes yearly donations of schoolbooks and accessories to the all-age school in Exchange, as well as to neighbouring schools. The Ocho Rios Indian Association also supports local football club, the Manchester Youth Club.

While it provides useful outreach programmes, the Indian Association also promotes religious and cultural traditions. This includes the annual celebration of the India's Indepen-dence Day featuring the performance of patriotic songs and dances with guests, such as the Indian high commissioner, the mayor of St Ann's Bay, and the custos of St Ann.

festivities

According to vice-president Nancy Chatani, the festivities include the Dandia, Diwali and Holi. Dandia, she says, is a vibrant activity with people dancing to the beat of Indian rhythms under the stars. Diwali is a more elegant affair, beginning with a prayer service to the goddess of wealth, Laxmi.

"At this event, our children perform traditional dances and are recognised with awards," Chatani explains. "And, of course, there is the festival of colours, Holi, celebrated in India since time immemorial," she added.