Marks praises Jamaican Women of Washington

The Washington-based organisation Jamaican Women of Washington (JWoW) is getting high praise from Jamaica's ambassador and DC's mayor for its significant effort to help charitable groups in Jamaica and Washington to the tune of US$75,000.

Audrey Marks, the Jamaican ambassador to the United States, was joined by Mayor Adrian Fenty in recognising JWoW at the organisation's annual Christmas appreciation reception at the Embassy of Jamaica on Friday, December 3. JWoW has supported 59 charitable groups over the past eight years. The mayor presented JWoW's president, Dr Jacqueline Watson, with an official proclamation in appreciation of its outstanding charitable outreach and contribution to the nation's capital.

Speaking at the reception, Marks described JWoW's contribution to charitable groups in Jamaica and Washington, DC, as no small feat. "Through their generosity they have positively impacted the lives of scores of underserved Jamaicans," she remarked.

Marks commended JWoW on its unstinting work and service to Jamaica, saying it "stands as a clear testament to the organisation's love and commitment to our country".

The ambassador singled out what the women of JWoW were doing to help the homeless, especially with this approaching holiday season, which is characterised by the spirit of love and giving.

She identified among the beneficiaries of JWoW's contributions over the past eight years, organisations such as Combined Disabilities Association, the University of the West Indies Development and Endowment Fund, Jamaica Aids Support, Mensana Community for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill and Westmoreland Association of Street People.

Last year, Montego Bay's Cornwall Regional Hospital received neonatal equipment valued at $1.78 million from JWoW, the ambassador noted. The equipment included infant warmers; bilirubinometers, used to test infants for jaundice; and pulseoximeters, which measure blood oxygen levels.

Noting JWoW's theme for this year, 'Homelessness: It Takes a Village to Shelter the Vulnerable', was no less important.

Marks pointed to the blighting effect of the scourge of homelessness in every society.

"Your focus on homelessness is both timely and inspirational," said Marks. "While we normally view the homeless as persons who are destitute and without shelter, might I suggest that being forced to live without the protection of the state, and having your freedom and the ability to decide your destiny on your terms within the norms of a civilised society severely curtailed, could be viewed as being destitute and lacking in hope for a better tomorrow."

JWoW's Watson said the mission of the organisation was to provide support to improve the health and quality of life of women, children, and families in Jamaica as well as in Washington, DC.

She announced that the annual Tea-Off for Good Health Golf Tournament will be staged in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 2011 for the second time. Funds raised will go towards Jamaican charities. Over the past eight years, JWoW has contributed over J$4 million to a number of charitable organisations in Jamaica.