NYC radio DJ gives back to school

New York-based radio personality Anthony Isaacs has been living in the United States since 1979 but has never lost touch with his Jamaican roots.

The humble Manchester native, who visits the island frequently, last year went to the school where he received his early childhood education, Pratville Primary and Infant School. There principal Lanzeford Howell expressed a desire for him to offer some assistance to the school.

The discussion resulted in him donating several laptops and projectors a few months later. Isaacs also paid for high-speed Internet at the school.

Earlier this year, Isaacs was told by the principal that the school is badly in need of proper bathroom facilities.

"Students and teachers have had to use pit latrines since the school was constructed in 1970. The school has over 330 students and over a dozen teachers and supporting staff members. It needs have proper bathroom facilities," said Isaacs, the host of the Live Sundays show that airs 6-9 p.m. every Sunday on www.freeupradio.com and www.rhythm365.com. "The principal has tried to have the problem remedied by bringing the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities. Unfortunately, that hasn't worked. So now it's up to myself and other past students, and anyone else who wants to help, to make sure that this problem is solved."

donation

Since then, Isaacs has made a personal donation of US$3,000 and has used social media to reach out to other past students for help.

Along with this effort, a GOFUNDME account was set up on www.gofundme.com by another past student, Ransford Williamson, to raise funds for the project.

"A GOFUNDME account was set up in August with the aim of raising US$5,000; so far we have raised over half that amount. I am confident that we will able to achieve this goal and complete the construction of the new bathroom facilities at the school before the end of this year. I have to thank all the past students of Pratville Primary and all the other folks who have made donations."

Persons interested in making donations can do so by visiting http://gofund.me/pratvilleprimary.

They can also contact the principal, Lanzeford Howard, via email: pratville.primary.man@moey.gov.jm or call him (1876) 852-5377.