More help for Walker's Place of Safety

May 30, 2018
Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Fire Brigade in dialogue while at the Walker's Place of Safety in January shortly after the fire that resulted in the deaths of two wards of the State.
Rosalee Gage-Grey (left) CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, receives a cheque from Susan Davis (centre) and Hope Bailey.
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Listen, mi know shi nuh love too much attention, but mi have one boonoonoonoos friend name Dr Susan Davis who mi just want to big up today. Born in Britain to Jamaican parents, she spent her impressionable years growing up in Jamaica. And although she has lived most of her life between the UK and USA, her heart is firmly planted in Jamaica.

Under the stage name 'Dr Sue', she's a gifted performer, writer, poet, and educator, known internationally for her body of work and her service and support for children in Jamaica through a range of educational and social service initiatives. So, when she heard that the Walker's Place of Safety, which served as a transitional residence for children who have been abandoned or removed from their homes because of unstable conditions, was destroyed by fire in January, Dr Sue got busy.

And on Saturday, April 21, through her Dr Sue Charitable Foundation Inc (DSCF), in collaboration with Kreative Konnectionz, she organised an exciting and uplifting event called 'An Evening of Comedy and Culture' at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Hosted by the affable pair of David I. Muir and Dr Sue, the event brought attention to the plight of the Walker's Place of Safety for Children and encouraged members of the Jamaican diaspora in South Florida to reach out and provide tangible support to aid with the restoration of the home. It also featured some top-class entertainment.

Yes peeps, accomplished singer/musician Harold Davis had the fair-sized crowd skanking happily down memory lane with a scintillating collection of Jamaican favourites. And saxophonist Randy Corinthian blew his way into the hearts of the people. Then there was singer Kristine Alicia, who I was hearing for the first time, but whose vocal virtuosity left an indelible mark on my soul; and prodigious Adrienne Khouri who danced up a storm, to the delight of the gathering. There was also laughs aplenty, as Ity, Fancy Cat and yours truly delivered healthy servings of side-splitting, yard-flavoured comedy.

On Monday of this week, I had the pleasure of accompanying Dr Sue and Hope Bailey as they presented a cheque for $74,000 to Mrs Rosalee Gage-Grey, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency. I know you wish it could have been more, but every mickle mek a muckle, don't it? Yea man. Respect due, Dr Sue!

box-mi-back@hotmail.com

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