Tenk Yuh! Thank You! Tenky! Merci! Give Thanks!

We returned to Jacques Road today, and arrived at the renovated Homework Centre that visiting Canadian sailors had worked on with such tremendous enthusiasm and efficiency, just two weeks ago. The ackees were ripening on the tree at the front of the building. The block-making operation over the road was in full swing; the workers’ backs were shiny with sweat and the concrete mixer was rattling furiously. Two men leaned across the back of a pick-up truck, watching us with friendly curiosity.

It was a cloudy morning, with the kind of smothering heat that has quite a different feel from the brazen heat of the sun. Jamaicans and Canadians were there to express their appreciation for work well done, and for the fruitful partnerships that they shared throughout the project.

I hope that the photos below give you some feel for the warm, informal exchanges among us. Some of them are mine; the best ones were taken by Kate Chappell, the amazing Cuso volunteer who quietly pulled everything – and everyone – together. Many congratulations to her, to the residents of Jacques Road, and everyone else involved!

Please see my blog post on the Jacques Road project: https://petchary.wordpress.com/2013/10/12/jacques-road-working-together-for-peace/

“Likkle but tallawah,” the lady who makes things happen: Pastor Francena Pryce, looking chic with a new short haircut, 70s style dress, dark grey clutch and super-high metallic shoes. But mark my words – she is style AND a great deal of substance! (Photo: Kate Chappell)

Jacques Road line-up: (l-r) Samantha Harvey, Andreen Richards (Vice President of the Jacques Road Parenting Association) Percival Hayles and Francena Pryce. (Photo: Kate Chappell)

Percival Hayles, Jr. with the CSJP’s Samantha Harvey, who has been volunteering in the area for the past seven years. (My photo)

Public Relations Officer for the Jacques Road Parenting Association and Senior President of the Amy Jacques Youth Club Percival Hayles, Jr. browses through the book with Francena Pryce. (Photo: Kate Chappell)

(l-r) YOU’s Georgia Scott, Joanne Ready, High Commissioner Robert Ready, Francena Pryce and Samantha Harvey of the Citizens Security & Justice Program (CSJP) chat after the presentations. (Photo: Kate Chappell)

The High Commissioner presented an illustrated book highlighting the beauty and diversity of Canada and its people. (My photo)

(l-r) Alastair Wallbaum of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); and Tarik Perkins, Cuso International Country Representative, who expressed his appreciation for supporting the community’s capacity-building efforts. (Photo: Kate Chappell)

Executive Director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Georgia Scott expresses her appreciation for the Canadian support. (Photo: Kate Chappell)

Canadian High Commissioner Robert Ready and his wife Joanne Ready present a gift to Francena Pryce. (My photo)

Community organizer extraordinaire Francena Pryce prepares to hand over a plaque of appreciation to Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready. (My photo)