Spread the love

Garry Sinclair, LIME Jamaica’s Managing Director is just one of thousands of Jamaicans who proudly attributes an aspect of his development to the incredible work done by the Kingston YMCA.

Sarah Newland–Martin, Administrator/General Secretary, for the organization that has provided mentorship and educational guidance to over 5000 ‘at risk’ Jamaican boys, said many words of thanks to Sinclair, whose company’s donation of $250,000 has gone a far way in sustaining the ‘Y’s’ Youth Development Programme.

“This is not easy work, but when you look at the results over the years, you can’t help but feeling encouraged to press on,” expressed Newland-Martin. “Some of the boys that we see here give a lot of trouble, but I think in many cases it’s just a cry for a little love and attention” she adds.

Since 1986, the long serving Administrator/General Secretary has been spearheading programmes that assist young boys, some of whom have been expelled, placed in state care or simply walked off the street, with an opportunity to re-enter the formal school system by preparing them for the Grade Nine Achievement Test (GNAT).

“To date we have had 100% passes” Mrs. Newland Martin states proudly. “All we need is a little more funding to expand the work even further”.

“I am very grateful to LIME at this time, because the donation came right in the nick of time when we were going through a very dark period for the programme”.

“As a father of a 12 year old son, I understand the emotional challenges that boys go through growing up and it’s even more difficult for those who come from less than ideal family situations to find their way in the world” says Sinclair.

“Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the YMCA and I feel very proud that I am now in a position to give back on behalf of my company to this very noble and critical institution. LIME has donated before and this is something we will continue to do” he added.

According to Newland-Martin, the YMCA is currently seeking to organize a pledge drive – the main target of which is corporate Jamaica.

“A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting one of our former wards at his home in the United States, I met his wife and his twin boys and believe me, the mile-wide grin on his face was more than enough to keep me motivated” she beamed.