Health fair brings cheer to Cockburn Gardens
Over 150 people benefit from initiative in the memory of a community giant
THE REV Violet Jaisingh Diamond Jubilee Health Fair treated the residents of Cockburn Gardens to free health check-ups and positive affirmations on Saturday, March 16. The event was organised in memory of Rev Violet Jaisingh in celebration of her 75 years of service to the community.
It was spearheaded by her daughter Bishop Dr Pamela Singh. Over 150 residents of the community received free blood cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, and free filling of prescriptions onsite. Additionally, the doctors visited the elderly in their homes for check-ups.
“This is more than a medical fair, it is a labour of love and keeping the memory of my mother Rev Jaisingh alive,” said Dr Singh. “I recall growing up in the community. We were like one extended family, and everyone used to look out for each other, and this is one of the ways we are giving back.”
The health fair was opened with a blessing and then a praise dance by the youth of Cockburn Gardens from Portmore Catholic Panthers Marching Band. The medical camp comprised Dr. Lorenzo Gordon and other physicians, Dr Arlene Blake from TSL Medical Centre, and Dr Cameile Wilson, pharmacist, at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
It was a bittersweet moment however for Singh, who recalled that in August 2022, her mother requested that she didn’t want a birthday the following year. “Instead, she wanted something for the kids in the community, and money in her hand,” she said. “But on January 20, 2023, she went on to the Lord.”
It was Rev Jaisingh’s wish to establish a marching band. The community came together when Portmore Panthers Marching Band piloted the programme, which became a reality in April 2023. In January of this year, Dr Singh, Minister Keno Duffus and the Archdiocese of Kingston sponsored the band to participate in the Martin Luther King (MLK) parade on January 16. The band, led by Minister Keno Duffus, was one of four that represented Jamaica in the MLK parade.
Rev Jaisingh and her husband, Balgeet Jaisingh, spent their life serving the community. Violet Jaisingh started a Sunday school in 1950; she would walk the community, help bathe the children and took them to her Sunday school at 11 Mahoe Drive– around 250 student attended. That location is home to Seven Seals Church of God. Meanwhile, Balgeet worked to rehabilitate incarcerated youth, teaching them life skills to reintegrate into the society. After his death in 1980, Violet took the baton. she took in foster children, counselled the youths and elderly, looked out for the children, provided food through Food For The Poor. Violet also assisted community members to open bank accounts, referred persons to HEART Trust/NSTA programmes, and helped to get homes from Food For The Poor. Residents hailed her as a legend of the community, as she touched the lives of five generations.