Duke of Earle delivers hope, again

WESTERN BUREAU:

For nearly four decades, Christmas Day in Barnett Town has meant more than celebration. It meant preparation, hope, and a fresh start for hundreds of children in the St James-based community.

This year was no different, as more than 100 children were gifted new stationery and other essential supplies ahead of the Easter term, thanks to philanthropist and radio broadcaster Dr Bevan Earle, also known as ‘The Duke of Earle’.

“This event started over 39 years ago and every Christmas, the Sandals Foundation has been supporting me,” Earle told The Gleaner during the treat, held at the Barrett Town Police Station. I bring school bags, pens, pencils and other essential items for the children here in Barnett Town and other adjoining communities.”

Earle is known throughout South Florida in the United States as the founder of Jamaica National Flag Day, a patriotic event celebrated on August 6 to mark his homeland’s Independence. He also hosts ‘Hot Talk’ – a radio show on WAVS 1170 AM – and is the publisher/editor of the Caribbean Voice newspaper.

Raised in Barrett Town by his stepfather, Peter Forbes, and his mother, Ethlyn May Powell, Earle joined the Jamaica Defence Force after leaving Mount Zion All-Age School, and after six years in the military, he enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, where he served for 20 years.

His annual initiative has grown far beyond its roots, now drawing children from Spot Valley, Rose Hall, Cornwall Courts, Ironshore and Flankers, underscoring its reach and relevance.

Earle said his motivation has always been clear, which is to ensure that children are not left behind, regardless of the circumstance.

“I was here during COVID-19 to make sure these kids could go back to school. This time, we want to make sure these children return in January with a fresh start, especially now, after Hurricane Melissa,” he said.

For many families still recovering from the hurricane’s devastation, the back-to-school support provided critical relief at a time when resources are stretched thin.

Earle also credited the strong support network that has sustained the initiative over the years, singling out WAVS Radio 107.9 FM and 1170 AM, the diaspora, and the wider Jamaican public.

“I have to thank the listening audience of WAVS Radio because they made a lot of contributions to this event. We have foreigners who donate, but Jamaicans are the bedrock of my foundation,” he said.

With more than 30 years on Caribbean radio in South Florida, Earle has remained closely connected to the Jamaican diaspora, using his platform to mobilise support for causes in Jamaica. His folksy, relatable style has made him a trusted voice within the West Indian community.

That lifelong service was recently recognised on the international stage when the St James-born philanthropist received the United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award at a ceremony at City Hall in Miramar, Florida, a city with a large Jamaican population.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com