JAMAICA | Technological Solutions Ltd Collaborates with schools to attack the COVID Challenge

KINGSTON,  May 1, 2022 - As Jamaica enters the 5th wave of COVID infections across the island, and with only approximately 25% of the population  vaccinated, one private sector company has stepped up to the wicket, to assist in the SARS-CoV-2  testing process, particularly among the school population.

In Jamaica, COVID Testing has left a lot to be desired within the programme of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Where testing is offered, it is often prohibitively expensive, and so remain the precinct of those traveling abroad or a requirement for work or related matters.

Technological Solutions Ltd (TSL) which is led by Dr. André Gordon, as part of its progamme of corporate social responsibility has decided to assist the process.

A group of companies which offers a comprehensive range of technical services to support the productive and hospitality sectors in Jamaica and the Caribbean, TSL, as part of its corporate investment in emerging scientists, provided scholarships for four high schools across Jamaica.

In doing so, the company recognized that  the school communities across the island were facing significant challenges with keeping their facilities open and continuing their programmes, due largely to the 5th wave of COVID infections across Jamaica.

The TSL team decided  to support its network of partner schools which span all three counties, at both the prep/primary and secondary levels.

“We decided to offer the school free of charge the gold standard PCR test for all students. The PCR test is the most accurate test for COVID-19 and the bioMérieux-based technology we use at TSL is among the most advanced globally, detecting down to 1 viral particle per micro-litre,” Dr. Gordon said.

In addition to their sponsorship of the free tests to the core school community, TSL have created a special programme of access to testing by parents and guardians at a significantly reduced cost.

“We wanted to support the wider school community  as well. COVID knows no boundaries, so the efforts must consider immediate family members of the students, teachers and support staff as well,” Dr. Gordon pointed out.

The process began in mid May when Ardenne High School in St Andrew  assisted by TSL initiated a programme of testing for the entire school community. Ardenne’s Principal Ms. Nadine Molloy says after initial  conversation with TSL the school made the arrangements within an hour. 

She argued that this was a necessary to move aggressively to avoid any additional disruption in the learning process. In addition to their sponsorship of the free tests to the core school community, TSL has created a special programme of access to testing by parents and guardians at a significantly reduced cost. “We wanted to support the wider school community  as well. COVID knows no boundaries, so the efforts must consider immediate family members of the students, teachers and support staff as well.

In expressing her appreciation, Ms. Malloy emphasized the value of active social partnerships in the delivery of critical public goods and services such as quality education.

As of now TSL has activated a programme of free testing in partnership with a suite of schools spanning all three counties, at both the prep/primary and secondary levels.

Last week, the testing program shifted to the Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay, St. James.The occasion of the school’s career day provided the perfect platform for two layers of support to Herbert Morrison Technical.

The following are images of the school’s Career day, and the interaction of the TSL team in providing guidance on careers in science and the Administration of free PCR tests to about 30 members of the school community, hosted at the institution’s nursing station.

THE SCIENCE OF LEADERSHIP:

Apart from her performance in science, Ms. Reid’s leadership skills were also evident as she helped to facilitate the science career talk with Grade 9 students. Science and introduced them to her Herbert Morrison Community.

Sharing the special moment were TSL Chairman and CEO Dr Andre Gordon (2nd L), Directors Earl Patrick (L) and Dr. Dianne Gordon (C ) and the school’s Guidance Counselor Denzil Dickson (2nd R).

At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year,  Technological Solutions Limited as part of its corporate investment in emerging scientists provided scholarships for four high schools across Jamaica, including the Herbert Morrison Technical High in Montego Bay. Mr Dickson is TSL’s main point of contact within the school. He managed the receipt and timely submission of applications. As the organiser of the Career Day, he used the opportunity to invite TSL’s active  participation in the event.

TSL used the opportunity to administer free PCR COVID tests to students and other members of the school community to support the its efforts to manage the risks posed to the current 5th wave of the COVID outbreak in Jamaica.

THUMBS UP FOR CAREERS IN SCIENCE:

The occasion was the school’s Career Day at which Dr Gordon shared insights on enhancement of career option afforded by a solid foundation in scientific thought and disciplines.

At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year,  Technological Solutions Limited as part of its corporate investment in emerging scientists provided scholarships for four high schools across Jamaica, including the Herbert Morrison Technical High in Montego Bay.

TSL used the opportunity to administer free PCR COVID tests to students and other members of the school community. This bonus was delivered to support the school in its efforts to manage the risks posed to the health of students, teachers and support staff and by extension to secure the best learning outcomes up to the end of the school year.

Sharing the moment (L-R) are Taylor Fong, Daniel Thomas, Anthoneil Brooks and Sasheena Gray.

PROTECTIVE PROBE:

The COVID testing exercise was a voluntary, free value added to selected members of the school community. Dr Gordon and his team were on the Alice Eldemire Avenue campus of the Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay last Thursday (May 26) to participate in the school community’s Career Day with a talk about how science education can enhance their professional prospects.

Mr Dickson whose office organized the Career Day extended the invitation to the TSL team as a part of  its ongoing relationship with the school. Herbert Morrison was one of four schools across the island awarded science scholarships sponsored by TSL. This has opened to the door to ongoing care and collaboration between both parties.

After the May 17 confirmation by the Ministry of Education and Youth of the resumption of precautionary measures in the school system prompted an immediate response from the TSL team to support its network of partner schools through the evolving situation. “We decided to offer to the school free of charge the gold standard PCR test for all students. The PCR test is the most accurate test for COVID-19 and the bioMérieux-based technology we use at TSL is among the most advanced globally, detecting down to 1 viral particle per micro-litre.”

In addition to their sponsorship of the free tests to the core school community, TSL have created a special programme of access to testing by parents and guardians at a significantly reduced cost.

Technological Solutions Limited (TSL) began operations in July 1996, and has since built an enviable reputation for its work in preparing organizations to deal with the practical realities of competing and exporting in the globalized business environment.

Led by Dr. André Gordon, the TSL group of companies offers a comprehensive range of technical services to support the productive and hospitality sectors in Jamaica and the Caribbean. It does this by utilising the skills of its highly competent staff to meet its customers’ needs.

The TSL Team provides guidance in trade-related technical requirements and specializes in food safety, quality assurance, occupational health and safety, auditing, training, production systems design and implementation, and provides an extensive range of analytical services in the Caribbean, inclusive of shelf life analysis and consumer/product complaint evaluation.

The group also provides plant and facility layout and design, new product development (over 85 commercially successful products), profit improvement, troubleshooting and consulting services.

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