GraceKennedy

The importance of education in taking impoverished Jamaicans out of their current plight cannot be overstated. This was the view of Bruce Scott, Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, who was the guest speaker at the Launch of Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation’s 30th Anniversary celebration held on October 26, 2009 at the Institute of Jamaica.

Mr. Scott, who originally hails from the Central Kingston community of Southside, told the audience that in order to succeed, persons must have a vision of where they want be in life. He added they must be persistent and work hard as well as smart towards achieving their goals.  

General Manager Frances Madden noted that the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation had started its homework programme in 1985 with 15 students. To date, over 2000 students had received assistance in furthering their education. She added that the Foundation had also fostered the development of several community based organisations which were now contributing positively to nation building.  

At the event, the Foundation honoured GraceKennedy employees who had volunteered their services to the betterment of others. Among those who were honoured include James Moss-Solomon, the longest serving Chairman; Carrol Christian, a volunteer who had given over 22 years; and Alister Cooke, a former Chairman. The main honouree was Lloyd Samuel Richards, the founding chairman of Grace & Staff Foundation. Among the other honourees were: 

This year the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation celebrates 30 years of service to Jamaica. During the week of October 26 to 30, the Foundation will mark the milestone with events aimed at heightening staff awareness of the various community projects, and the impact of their support over the years. The week of activities will culminate on October 30 with a photographic exhibition at GraceKennedy’s head office. The exhibition features the work of students attached to GraceKennedy’s homework programme and who are members of the camera club.    

A Man of Vision - Sam Richards, Founding Chairman of Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, is congratulated for his vision by Chairman and CEO Douglas Orane. They were at the October 26th Launch of Grace & Staff 30th Anniversary Celebrations at which Mr. Richards was lauded for his role in starting the Foundation. Twenty other persons were recognised for their contribution to Grace & Staff.

The Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation was established in 1979 in response to social and economic conditions existing in inner city communities. As the name suggests, the Foundation is a joint project between management and staff, to facilitate the development of communities that border GraceKennedy's offices. Each company within the group and its staff make a direct and personal input in the development of the communities around them, in order to help in the process of creating and sustaining community relations.