THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MARCH 12 - APRIL 11, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 5 WOODBURY, NY: TEAM JAMAICA Bickle (TJB), the New York–based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican and Caribbean athletes, will host its signature fundraising event, the Labour of Love Resilience Gala, on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 12 noon, at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York. The annual gala brings together members of the Northeast diaspora, community leaders, supporters, and sports enthusiasts for an afternoon of elegance, culture, and purpose, all in support of athletes competing at the annual relay carnival in Pennsylvania. According to Irwine Clare Sr, founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, the event has grown into a cornerstone gathering for the community. “The Labour of Love luncheon gala has become the Northeast diaspora’s signature gathering – classy, trend-setting, and powered by a simple mission: love for our athletes and belief in their future,”Clare said. Gala chair Karen N. Wilson-Robinson, emphasised the impact of the fundraiser, noting that proceeds play a critical role in TJB’s mission. Robinson shared that the funds raised go a long way in supporting Jamaican and Caribbean athletes, ensuring they have the resources, care, and encouragement needed to perform at their best during the highly anticipated relay carnival. This year’s event is of added significance, as a portion of the funds raised will go towards supporting many of the schools in western Jamaica that were severely impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Guests can look forward to an engaging programme, featuring live entertainment provided by VP Records, with music by Road International, adding vibrant Caribbean energy to the afternoon. The Labour of Love Resilience Gala continues Team Jamaica Bickle’s long-standing tradition of service, community, and unwavering commitment to athlete support. For ticket information and additional details, supporters are encouraged to follow Team Jamaica Bickle on social media or contact the organisation directly. REGISTRATION FOR the 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference, set for the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, is now open. In a ‘Save the Date’ announcement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, which has jurisdiction for the Jamaican Diaspora, confirmed a previous Gleaner report that the diaspora conference would take place at the convention centre from June 14 to June 18. June 16 will be recognised as Diaspora Day –a day of service. In its announcement, the ministry indicated that the theme for this year’s conference will be ‘Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a more climate-resilient Jamaica’. Alando Terrelonge, minister of state in the foreign affairs ministry, who has portfolio responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, earlier this year, had a planning meeting on the conference. This year’s conference committee is being chaired by Earl Jarrett, head of JN Group. The conference is held every two years, and this year, conference planners are hoping that participation will surpass the last conference when over 1,000 people attended. The Gleaner understands that the conference budget is still being formulated but is expected to be funded by a government subvention, funding from legacy partners, sale of exhibition booth spaces as well as other areas of funding. EXPECTATIONS In an earlier Facebook post on the planning of the conference, Jarrett said he was looking forward to a great conference. “I am expecting a large turnout at the conference,” he said. Jarrett said the conference would include exciting presentations and, hopefully, could find solutions to challenges facing Jamaica. “I am looking forward to a great conference. As you know, the strength of Jamaica is its people, and Jamaicans in the diaspora represents a significant part of Jamaica,” he said. The conference is being held post-Melissa, and Terrelonge said he was looking forward to a week of meaningful discussion and partnership. Newly elected Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member for the US West/Midwest Region Dr Binzie Davidson said he was hoping to have some 100 people attending this year’s conference. “I have begun outreach across the 25 states that make up our region, hoping to get leaders, both community and business, to attend the conference,” he told The Gleaner. He also noted that for Diaspora Day, he is hoping to arrange cricket matches in Montego Bay and Westmoreland between Jamaica-based cricketers and diasporan cricketers. However, he said this was still in the planning stages. Michelle Tulloch Neil, US Northeast Region diaspora council member, who was re-elected to her position, said she hoped to have 100 -200 people from the northeast attend this year’s conference. “Already, people have been reaching out about the conference,”she told The Gleaner. editorial@gleanerjm.com Team Jamaica Bickle to host gala fundraiser Registration open for 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference Terrelonge Graduate Studies and Research at the Mona Campus, and consultant paediatrician at UHWI. WIDESPREAD RECOGNITION At the heart of Professor Thame’s work is an unwavering commitment to the health of the region’s most vulnerable. As a clinician, she was one of the consultants in charge of the Special Care Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UHWI, guiding the care of premature and critically ill newborns. Her influence extends well beyond the hospital walls. For decades, she has trained medical students, nurses, midwives and postgraduate paediatricians, shaping generations of healthcare professionals who now serve communities across Jamaica and the Caribbean. Her research has significantly advanced understanding of maternal and foetal health. Professor Thame has investigated the role of maternal anthropometry and body composition on foetal growth, with particular focus on pregnant adolescents, mature pregnant women and women living with sickle cell disease. Using stable isotope techniques, her work has helped to illuminate how maternal nutrition and physiology influence birth outcomes, insights critical to improving perinatal care in the region. Her contributions have earned widespread recognition. In 2007 and 2009, she received the Principal’s Award for Most Outstanding Researcher in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, along with the Principal’s Award for Best Research Publication for three publications in 2009. That same year, she was honoured by the Rotary Club with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for her work in clinical medicine in Jamaica and received the Jamaica Medical Foundation Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Child Health. In 2011, she was presented with the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research. Beyond academia and clinical practice, Professor Thame continues to shape regional health policy and research. She currently serves as Chair of the Research Advisory Committee at the Caribbean Public Health Agency and is a member of the Regional Eminent Persons Panel of the ANSA McAL Foundation, which administers the prestigious Anthony N. Sabga Awards for Caribbean Excellence. In a fitting capstone to a distinguished career, she was recently appointed emerita professor by The University of the West Indies, a title reserved for those whose service and scholarship have left an indelible mark on the institution. As the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala 2026 celebrates women who have shaped industries, influenced communities and opened doors for others, Professor Minerva Thame stands as a powerful example of leadership rooted in service. Through her dedication to paediatrics and adolescent health, she has not only transformed systems of care but also safeguarded the promise of future generations. HONOUR Continued from, 4
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