Jonathan Stewart's legacy

It was a quiet afternoon. There was no traffic pile-up as parents lined the driveway to collect their children after a day of learning. The usher at the gate checked her list to ensure only invited guests would be entering the grounds of the prestigious Campion College. The eagerly anticipated event was the groundbreaking for the proposed Jonathan Stewart Library Media Centre held on Wednesday, June 29, for the school where affluent and poor students have one thing in common: brilliance. And members of the Stewart family joined Minister of Education Andrew Holness and the Campion family to turn the sod for the centre that would ensure its continuity.

The speakers were full of praise for the school and Holness said he felt good to associate with corporate Jamaica, philanthropy and the Church in advancing education in Jamaica. Speaking on behalf of the lead donor family, CEO of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart said his brother - for whom the facility will be named - loved Jamaica more than anything in the world and influenced us all to stay here. "This is a dream come true for my brother, my father and me, and I thank everyone for the opportunity to give back."

The brief ceremony was punctuated by prayers, blessing of the soil, musical items from students and gratitude from the principal.

After more than 15 years without a suitable library, Campion College will begin construction on a US$700,000 (J$60.13 million) project to build Jamaica's first modern high school library media centre. The Stewarts have donated US$350,000 (J$30.06 million) to the project, which will be named in honour of Stewart's late son, Jonathan, who graduated from Campion in 1983.