MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE LIFE AT A TIME - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 10
The U.S. Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country by living and working in developing countries to promote world peace and friendship. Today, more than 100 volunteers are spread across the island, assisting local communities in a variety of projects from the conservation of Jamaica’s natural resources, eco-tourism and education to the promotion of healthy living.
It is said that a tour with the Peace Corps is an experience to draw on for the rest of your life. In the last 46 years, more than 3,400 Peace Corps Volunteers have served on the island of Jamaica, helping individuals build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. Clearly, it takes a special kind of person to join this altruistic organization working to create world peace one life at a time. Talking to some of the members of the philanthropic organization who are currently serving on the island, we learned that the chance to make a difference in other people's lives and the lust for Adventure are the main reasons most volunteers choose to serve in the Peace Corps.
Volunteers receive pay and living expenses that enable them to live in a manner similar to the local people and two vacation days per month of service, a total of 48 days over two years. Many use this time to travel to nearby countries, expanding their opportunities for adventure and cross-cultural experiences. Transportation to and from the country of service is provided and student loans are deferred for the duration.
Explains Howard Anderson, Country Director of the U.S. Peace Corps in Jamaica, who has been with the local chapter since October 2006: “For me, it was about seeking adventure as much as anything else, but the motivations of our volunteers are many, from wanting to serve and help others, to learning a second language or preparing for a career in international development.”
Anderson, whose favorite areas on the island are Port Antonio and Treasure Beach, advises visiting tourists to get out and travel the back roads of the island. Says Anderson: “Jamaica offers a rich and continuously changing culture. It has the obvious development problems of an island nation, but the people of Jamaica possess a special spirit of energy.”
Based at the Peace Corp headquarters in Kingston, Anderson and Programming and Training Officer Ginni Wilderson are supported by a local team of medical staff, nurses, program managers and administration tallying 20. Says Anderson, a Seattle native: “We are very proud of the work our volunteers do, particularly within the areas of eco-tourism and traditional tourism. Jamaica relies heavily on the tourist industry, and we are trying to support their efforts. ”
The Jamaican chapter of the U.S. Peace Corps works closely with U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson and once the required training program has been completed, every volunteer is personally sworn in by Ambassador LaGrange Johnson at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. Not even a ‘force majeur’ can stop the ardent ambassador in her support of the program and the labors of love of its many volunteers. “The 2007 swearing in ceremony was carried out at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston during Hurricane Dean!” remembers LaGrange Johnson with a smile.
Says LaGrange Johnson: “Jamaica was one of the first countries to welcome Peace Corps Volunteers and it is now an established 46-year-old tradition.” A true philanthropist at heart, LaGrange Johnson is the ultimate patron of the island’s 100+ volunteers and never misses an opportunity to talk about their many altruistic endeavors. Says the U.S. Ambassador: “Although I serve as the ‘official’ United States Ambassador to Jamaica, the ‘unofficial’ ambassadors are our 100+ Peace Corps volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of ordinary Jamaicans. These volunteers are the unsung heroes and I am proud to know them!”
Ambassador LaGrange Johnson has a longstanding history with the Peace Corps. “My admiration and respect for the Peace Corps started when I met my husband's brother Don. He was part of the original Peace Corps Volunteers who were sent to Nigeria in 1961, long before today’s efficient means of communication with cell phones and e-mails. Off Don went to Africa for two years, during which only a few letters were sent home.”
The Ambassador particularly highlights the local chapter’s “Over 50” Volunteers program, a pilot effort for older volunteers which has proved a huge success. States the Ambassador: “Soon 50+ year old Volunteers will be a normal part of all Peace Corps programs, so for all of you who missed out on volunteering in your youth, here is your chance!”
JENNIFER BERT (26) FROM LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
PROGRAM: ENVIRONMENT, CASTLETON GARDENS
Jennifer Bert’s interest in the Peace Corps was ignited by her high school French teacher who had been a volunteer in Cameroon, Africa, and the teacher’s many stories struck a chord with the young student. After graduating in political science, Jennifer decided to join the Peace Corps.
The young adventurer has worked with the Castleton Development Committee for two years, developing the visitor attraction Castleton Gardens into a public garden, a project which recently received a small project assistance grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “We decided to concentrate on plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and we also have two specimens of Jamaica’s national bird, Doctor Birds, in the garden so that people can see it.”
When we spoke to her, Jennifer was returning to school to get her MA in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. “I have gotten so much out of my tour in Jamaica, working with the Development Committee,” said the volunteer. “And I am really going to miss the mangoes and the breadfruit!”
BROOKE ANDERSON (24) FROM WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
PROGRAM: ENVIRONMENT, NEGRIL
After finishing college with a degree in biology and marine science, Brooke Anderson arrived on the island two years ago as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Since then, Brooke has worked as an Environmental Education Officer with the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society (NCRPS), promoting activities to preserve the coral reef among the local population and creating public awareness. “I work very closely with the teachers of 18 different area schools to reach the local school children, and do presentations at the local schools. I also give guided tours at the NCRPS center and tours of the coral reefs in glass-bottom boats.” Recently, Brooke was the coordinator of “Earth Day 2008” organized by the NCRPS around the theme “The Effect of Global Warming on the Reefs of Small Island Developing States.” More than 650 persons participated in the day’s activities.
While in the Peace Corps, Brooke found love with fellow volunteer Donny Comer, another Peace Corps participant working in the area of the Black River. Donny, who hails from Georgio, Oregon, is working on a project with the Southern Regional Health Authority, building basic schools and giving computer classes.
Together, they are hoping to roam the world as Peace Corps Volunteers working as substitute teachers in developing countries. Says Brooke: “I am going to miss the people, the food, the fruits and my beautiful house on the Caribbean Sea.”
SANDY WEST (59) FROM THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
PROGRAM: ENVIRONMENT, NEGRIL
“I waited to join the Peace Corps for a long time, but it was always there in the back of my mind,” explains Sandy West. After raising her children and running four different small businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sandy decided that it finally was time. In six weeks, she sold her house and her businesses, went to Texas to visit her parents and submitted her application to the Peace Corps. Thus, she ended up in ‘The Capital of Casual’ and since then, Sandy has worked with local hotels to promote the Royal Palm Nature Reserve as a tourist attraction. “I didn’t like Jamaica at first. But despite their struggles, Jamaicans are such happy, friendly and vibrant people. I grew to love the Jamaicans, and through them, grew to love Jamaica.” Sandy also runs the Blue Flag project in Negril, monitoring the quality of the beach water every two weeks. If the water is sufficiently clean, member resorts and hotels are allowed to fly the blue flag that represents premier beach water quality. Sandy has been on the island for 13 months, but plans to stay for another two years, extending her stay in Negril by one year. Her ultimate goal is to be in the Peace Corps for ten years. “It is my turn to give back, and I really enjoy using my life experience to make the world a better place.”
HELEN AND MIKE HENRICH (‘OVER 50’ VOLUNTEERS) FROM VIRGINIA
PROGRAM: YOUTH, LUCEA
The Henrichs are part of an older generation of people who are returning to serve in the Peace Corps as ‘Over 50’ Volunteers. As newlyweds, the couple was looking for adventure and joined the Peace Corps to experience another culture. Hence, they spent their first tour together in the Philippines in the 70s. “We lived in a thatched roof hut five minutes from the South China Sea, and have a lot of fond memories from our time there. I worked at the YMCA while Mike worked with sports development,” says Helen. When the couple had a son, Michael, the family settled in Virginia where Helen ran a private social services practice. In 1999, their son Michael joined the Peace Corps and spent two years as a teacher at a boarding school on the island nation of Vanuattu, west of Fiji in the South Pacific “We decided to volunteer again and asked for the Caribbean,” explains Helen. Based in Lucea on the island’s north coast, Helen visits high schools to promote conflict resolution, teach anger management and help reduce violence. “We were looking for a meaningful experience,” explains Mike, who teaches reading and writing to children aged between seven and eleven at Green Island High School. “It has been a very rejuvenating experience, and a strong reminder of what the Third World is. There are still a lot of poor kids.”
ZEBULON TURRENTINE (27) FROM BELL BUCKLE (NEAR NASHVILLE), TENNESSEE
PROGRAM: HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION, ACCOMPONG
“I joined the Peace Corps out of a personal feeling of duty to do something meaningful, adventurous and challenging. I did not specify any geographical area and was assigned to Jamaica,” explains Zebulon. “Zeb,” as he is affectionately called, is a self proclaimed “Jack of all Trades” with a background so diverse that his Peace Corps supervisor thought he would be able to handle the somewhat ‘rough’ environment of Maroon Town.
Zeb’s abundance of ideas soon inspired a new, successful program for Accompong’s unemployed. With a Bachelors Degree in music, the young volunteer used to work as a wood worker in a small guitar building company. “I was trying to create a craft item with a connection to the Maroons and one day, I made a spoon.” The young woodcarver got the local guys involved, and soon they realized that the more spoons they made, the more they could sell. “Realizing that they could make some money, more guys like Dowdy and Bungo got involved and started making and selling spoons,” explains Zeb.
Says Zeb; “We have also developed a website called www.cockpitrepublic.com, appealing to people who want to go off the beaten track, learn about the Maroons and follow their original trails.” With no internet in Maroon Town, Zeb has to travel over one hour to Santa Cruz to access the internet. “I would love to get internet up there so local people are able to manage the web site,” he explains.
Zeb also teaches literacy classes, typing and hand washing and works with the Maroon Council on an on-going beautification program as part of the Health, Water and Sanitation program. According to the young volunteer, the most rewarding part of the experience is to be able to make a difference. Says Zeb; “People need to know that Jamaica is a safe place. There is a whole other world away from the sun and beaches, and I am committed to making sure everyone finds out!” What will he remember most when his tour is over in a year’s time? “I have met some great people and made some real friends.”
It is said that a tour with the Peace Corps is an experience to draw on for the rest of your life. In the last 46 years, more than 3,400 Peace Corps Volunteers have served on the island of Jamaica, helping individuals build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. Clearly, it takes a special kind of person to join this altruistic organization working to create world peace one life at a time. Talking to some of the members of the philanthropic organization who are currently serving on the island, we learned that the chance to make a difference in other people's lives and the lust for Adventure are the main reasons most volunteers choose to serve in the Peace Corps.
Volunteers receive pay and living expenses that enable them to live in a manner similar to the local people and two vacation days per month of service, a total of 48 days over two years. Many use this time to travel to nearby countries, expanding their opportunities for adventure and cross-cultural experiences. Transportation to and from the country of service is provided and student loans are deferred for the duration.
Explains Howard Anderson, Country Director of the U.S. Peace Corps in Jamaica, who has been with the local chapter since October 2006: “For me, it was about seeking adventure as much as anything else, but the motivations of our volunteers are many, from wanting to serve and help others, to learning a second language or preparing for a career in international development.”
Anderson, whose favorite areas on the island are Port Antonio and Treasure Beach, advises visiting tourists to get out and travel the back roads of the island. Says Anderson: “Jamaica offers a rich and continuously changing culture. It has the obvious development problems of an island nation, but the people of Jamaica possess a special spirit of energy.”
Based at the Peace Corp headquarters in Kingston, Anderson and Programming and Training Officer Ginni Wilderson are supported by a local team of medical staff, nurses, program managers and administration tallying 20. Says Anderson, a Seattle native: “We are very proud of the work our volunteers do, particularly within the areas of eco-tourism and traditional tourism. Jamaica relies heavily on the tourist industry, and we are trying to support their efforts. ”
The Jamaican chapter of the U.S. Peace Corps works closely with U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson and once the required training program has been completed, every volunteer is personally sworn in by Ambassador LaGrange Johnson at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. Not even a ‘force majeur’ can stop the ardent ambassador in her support of the program and the labors of love of its many volunteers. “The 2007 swearing in ceremony was carried out at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston during Hurricane Dean!” remembers LaGrange Johnson with a smile.
Says LaGrange Johnson: “Jamaica was one of the first countries to welcome Peace Corps Volunteers and it is now an established 46-year-old tradition.” A true philanthropist at heart, LaGrange Johnson is the ultimate patron of the island’s 100+ volunteers and never misses an opportunity to talk about their many altruistic endeavors. Says the U.S. Ambassador: “Although I serve as the ‘official’ United States Ambassador to Jamaica, the ‘unofficial’ ambassadors are our 100+ Peace Corps volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of ordinary Jamaicans. These volunteers are the unsung heroes and I am proud to know them!”
Ambassador LaGrange Johnson has a longstanding history with the Peace Corps. “My admiration and respect for the Peace Corps started when I met my husband's brother Don. He was part of the original Peace Corps Volunteers who were sent to Nigeria in 1961, long before today’s efficient means of communication with cell phones and e-mails. Off Don went to Africa for two years, during which only a few letters were sent home.”
The Ambassador particularly highlights the local chapter’s “Over 50” Volunteers program, a pilot effort for older volunteers which has proved a huge success. States the Ambassador: “Soon 50+ year old Volunteers will be a normal part of all Peace Corps programs, so for all of you who missed out on volunteering in your youth, here is your chance!”
JENNIFER BERT (26) FROM LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
PROGRAM: ENVIRONMENT, CASTLETON GARDENS
Jennifer Bert’s interest in the Peace Corps was ignited by her high school French teacher who had been a volunteer in Cameroon, Africa, and the teacher’s many stories struck a chord with the young student. After graduating in political science, Jennifer decided to join the Peace Corps.
The young adventurer has worked with the Castleton Development Committee for two years, developing the visitor attraction Castleton Gardens into a public garden, a project which recently received a small project assistance grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “We decided to concentrate on plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and we also have two specimens of Jamaica’s national bird, Doctor Birds, in the garden so that people can see it.”
When we spoke to her, Jennifer was returning to school to get her MA in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. “I have gotten so much out of my tour in Jamaica, working with the Development Committee,” said the volunteer. “And I am really going to miss the mangoes and the breadfruit!”
BROOKE ANDERSON (24) FROM WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
PROGRAM: ENVIRONMENT, NEGRIL
After finishing college with a degree in biology and marine science, Brooke Anderson arrived on the island two years ago as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Since then, Brooke has worked as an Environmental Education Officer with the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society (NCRPS), promoting activities to preserve the coral reef among the local population and creating public awareness. “I work very closely with the teachers of 18 different area schools to reach the local school children, and do presentations at the local schools. I also give guided tours at the NCRPS center and tours of the coral reefs in glass-bottom boats.” Recently, Brooke was the coordinator of “Earth Day 2008” organized by the NCRPS around the theme “The Effect of Global Warming on the Reefs of Small Island Developing States.” More than 650 persons participated in the day’s activities.
While in the Peace Corps, Brooke found love with fellow volunteer Donny Comer, another Peace Corps participant working in the area of the Black River. Donny, who hails from Georgio, Oregon, is working on a project with the Southern Regional Health Authority, building basic schools and giving computer classes.
Together, they are hoping to roam the world as Peace Corps Volunteers working as substitute teachers in developing countries. Says Brooke: “I am going to miss the people, the food, the fruits and my beautiful house on the Caribbean Sea.”
SANDY WEST (59) FROM THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
PROGRAM: ENVIRONMENT, NEGRIL
“I waited to join the Peace Corps for a long time, but it was always there in the back of my mind,” explains Sandy West. After raising her children and running four different small businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sandy decided that it finally was time. In six weeks, she sold her house and her businesses, went to Texas to visit her parents and submitted her application to the Peace Corps. Thus, she ended up in ‘The Capital of Casual’ and since then, Sandy has worked with local hotels to promote the Royal Palm Nature Reserve as a tourist attraction. “I didn’t like Jamaica at first. But despite their struggles, Jamaicans are such happy, friendly and vibrant people. I grew to love the Jamaicans, and through them, grew to love Jamaica.” Sandy also runs the Blue Flag project in Negril, monitoring the quality of the beach water every two weeks. If the water is sufficiently clean, member resorts and hotels are allowed to fly the blue flag that represents premier beach water quality. Sandy has been on the island for 13 months, but plans to stay for another two years, extending her stay in Negril by one year. Her ultimate goal is to be in the Peace Corps for ten years. “It is my turn to give back, and I really enjoy using my life experience to make the world a better place.”
HELEN AND MIKE HENRICH (‘OVER 50’ VOLUNTEERS) FROM VIRGINIA
PROGRAM: YOUTH, LUCEA
The Henrichs are part of an older generation of people who are returning to serve in the Peace Corps as ‘Over 50’ Volunteers. As newlyweds, the couple was looking for adventure and joined the Peace Corps to experience another culture. Hence, they spent their first tour together in the Philippines in the 70s. “We lived in a thatched roof hut five minutes from the South China Sea, and have a lot of fond memories from our time there. I worked at the YMCA while Mike worked with sports development,” says Helen. When the couple had a son, Michael, the family settled in Virginia where Helen ran a private social services practice. In 1999, their son Michael joined the Peace Corps and spent two years as a teacher at a boarding school on the island nation of Vanuattu, west of Fiji in the South Pacific “We decided to volunteer again and asked for the Caribbean,” explains Helen. Based in Lucea on the island’s north coast, Helen visits high schools to promote conflict resolution, teach anger management and help reduce violence. “We were looking for a meaningful experience,” explains Mike, who teaches reading and writing to children aged between seven and eleven at Green Island High School. “It has been a very rejuvenating experience, and a strong reminder of what the Third World is. There are still a lot of poor kids.”
ZEBULON TURRENTINE (27) FROM BELL BUCKLE (NEAR NASHVILLE), TENNESSEE
PROGRAM: HEALTH, WATER AND SANITATION, ACCOMPONG
“I joined the Peace Corps out of a personal feeling of duty to do something meaningful, adventurous and challenging. I did not specify any geographical area and was assigned to Jamaica,” explains Zebulon. “Zeb,” as he is affectionately called, is a self proclaimed “Jack of all Trades” with a background so diverse that his Peace Corps supervisor thought he would be able to handle the somewhat ‘rough’ environment of Maroon Town.
Zeb’s abundance of ideas soon inspired a new, successful program for Accompong’s unemployed. With a Bachelors Degree in music, the young volunteer used to work as a wood worker in a small guitar building company. “I was trying to create a craft item with a connection to the Maroons and one day, I made a spoon.” The young woodcarver got the local guys involved, and soon they realized that the more spoons they made, the more they could sell. “Realizing that they could make some money, more guys like Dowdy and Bungo got involved and started making and selling spoons,” explains Zeb.
Says Zeb; “We have also developed a website called www.cockpitrepublic.com, appealing to people who want to go off the beaten track, learn about the Maroons and follow their original trails.” With no internet in Maroon Town, Zeb has to travel over one hour to Santa Cruz to access the internet. “I would love to get internet up there so local people are able to manage the web site,” he explains.
Zeb also teaches literacy classes, typing and hand washing and works with the Maroon Council on an on-going beautification program as part of the Health, Water and Sanitation program. According to the young volunteer, the most rewarding part of the experience is to be able to make a difference. Says Zeb; “People need to know that Jamaica is a safe place. There is a whole other world away from the sun and beaches, and I am committed to making sure everyone finds out!” What will he remember most when his tour is over in a year’s time? “I have met some great people and made some real friends.”
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