Students at José Martí Technical High School in St. Catherine are now benefiting from a $2.9-million upgraded library, made possible through the contributions of past students of the institution.

The project was spearheaded by the José Martí Alumni Association New York Inc. (JMAANY), with support from various groups within the past-students association. Their combined efforts resulted in a full transformation of the library, including:

  • Painting and renovation of the library space
  • Installation of new windows, doors, and an air-conditioning unit
  • Donation of 20 laptops and 25 desktop computers
  • Expansion of the computer room to house the new devices
  • Construction of a new circulation area for the librarian

 

Guests, faculty, and students gather in the newly upgraded José Martí Technical High School library during the recent handover ceremony.

 

A “Wise Investment” for 1,900 Students

Principal, Rev. Dr. Austin Wright, noted that the past students “have done extremely well over the past 10 years to meet the needs of the school and to assist the students” during the facility’s recent handover.

“Thank you for what you have been doing. Today is significant in the life of the school, and we are grateful for your thought and vision,” Dr. Wright said, calling the gesture a wise investment for the school’s 1,900 students.

 

Principal, Reverend Dr. Austin Wright (second left), and teacher and librarian Annette McDonald (right), cut the ribbon at the handover of the $2.9-million upgraded library. Also pictured (from left): Andrea Murray and Carrol Plummer.

A “Labour of Love” for JMAANY

Executive Member of JMAANY, Nordia Burke, described the project as a “labour of love,” saying the association recognized the importance of libraries in the academic journey of students. She said JMAANY was motivated to act after learning that students’ access to library services was limited.

“We had to act. So, we embarked on this journey a year ago. We worked tirelessly to raise funds and received generous donations from individual past students. We are grateful for the support and proud of what we have done and hope that the students and staff will cherish and take good care of the facility,” Ms. Burke said.

Libraries Remain “More Relevant Than Before”

Regional Director with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), Carrol Plummer, who was the guest speaker at the handover, underscored the importance of libraries in the educational, cultural, and social growth of students.

“By nurturing their creative imagination, libraries are more relevant than before because of the vast information that is on the Internet. It is at the library that you will learn how to find credible information,” she said.

Regional Director with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), Carrol Plummer, addresses the handover of the upgraded library.

Teacher and librarian at José Martí High, Annette McDonald, added that the upgraded library will benefit generations to come — noting that the school now has a “resource-rich” library to help build students’ academic credentials.

“We will foster a culture of learning and ensure the long-term relevance of this space,” Ms. Plummer said.

Originally reported by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), December 10, 2024. Republished here with source attribution to preserve the record of this JMAANY project for our community.

Source: https://jis.gov.jm/jose-marti-technical-high-school-gets-2-9m-upgraded-library/