'Supreme Hero' Anesha Miller shines

IN the heart of Gordon Town, a ray of hope and kindness shines brightly in the form of Anesha Miller. Recognised for her boundless compassion and unwavering dedication, Miller has earned the distinguished title of Supreme Hero, an honour bestowed by her community and celebrated by Supreme Ventures Foundation. Her journey of selfless service began within her business, Farmerdex Wholesale and Retail, an integral establishment in the community.

A strong believer in the transformative power of education and reflecting on her own modest beginnings during which financial constraints posed a formidable challenge to education, Miller resolved to make a difference in the lives of children in her community.

“I vividly recall the hardships my mother faced to send us to school. It was an uphill battle. That’s why events like the back-to-school treat hold such paramount importance [as] they infuse hope into the lives of the less fortunate,” she explained. Twice a year Miller orchestrates a back-to-school treat and a joyous fun day. These events not only furnish essential supplies for school but also foster an atmosphere of unity and exuberance in the community.

Miller’s genuine care for the children extends beyond her treats and is demonstrated in her every action. When heavy rains descend upon their community, swelling the river and impeding safe passage, she opens the doors of her business, providing a haven until the waters recede – a powerful memory she believes will resonate in the hearts of the people in her community.

Eager to take her mission to greater heights, Miller sought a pivotal moment in her journey. This opportunity came through a transformative training course provided by Supreme Ventures Foundation. The course underscored the vital importance of effective leadership, a skill that has significantly propelled her community projects forward.

“Understanding how to lead and inspire people in the community has proven to be invaluable. It has empowered me to garner support for projects without incurring undue costs,” Miller asserted. Additionally, the course introduced her to leveraging science and technology to enhance her business, drawing in a wider customer base.

Through this enriching experience Miller has honed her abilities and forged meaningful partnerships, which she considers instrumental in community endeavours. One such invaluable collaborator is Tina Dawkins, a steadfast ally in planning and executing events that bring beaming smiles to the faces of Gordon Town’s children. Their synergy stands as a shining example of the boundless potential of collaborative efforts to effect positive change.

Looking ahead, Miller ‘s vision for her community is both ambitious and pragmatic. She envisions a bridge that will serve as a lifeline during emergencies, guaranteeing swift access to critical medical assistance even amidst adverse weather conditions. Additionally, she dreams of a vibrant recreational centre, a space where children can learn, play, and flourish. Miller intends to rally a collective voice, approaching higher authorities for support, steadfast in her belief that together they can elevate their community.

As she continues her journey as a Supreme Hero her story stands as a poignant testament to the profound impact one individual’s unwavering dedication and boundless compassion can have on a community. Through her steadfast commitment Miller is not merely constructing bridges, she is forging a brighter future for Gordon Town.

Source: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/career-education/supreme-hero-anesha-miller-shines/

Hanover Lotto player hits $100-m jackpot

Supreme Ventures says it has produced another Lotto winner.

In a release on Wednesday, Supreme Ventures said a lucky player from Hanover hit the $100-million jackpot with the winning numbers 08, 12, 13, 18, 19, 26 drawn on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

The winning ticket was purchased at Pizza Place located in the western parish.

Supreme Ventures advised that to begin the process of collecting their jackpot, the winner must present the winning ticket with their signature affixed and valid national ID at the Supreme Ventures Flagship Store located on the Twin Gates Plaza at 25 Constant Spring Road in St Andrew within 90 days from the draw date.

Source: https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/hanover-lotto-player-hits-100-m-jackpot

SVF Revs Up Tertiary Scholars for Success

In an extraordinary gesture aimed at motivating and encouraging its tertiary scholarship awardees beyond the usual financial support, the Supreme Ventures Foundation extended its tradition of hosting a special ‘Pep Up Luncheon’ for the cohort at the ROK Hotel on October 17. Hosted under the theme ‘Let’s Get Ready for the Road’, the event was marked by heartfelt camaraderie and meaningful presentations designed to equip the students with skills that will be helpful beyond their academic career.

Heather Goldson, the Director of the Supreme Ventures Foundation, expressed her pride and enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “This event holds a special place in our hearts as it represents not just an investment in the education of these young people but also a celebration of their potential and an opportunity to uplift them and encourage them along their academic journey.” As part of its 20th-anniversary celebrations in 2021, the Foundation awarded twenty students who are wards of the state with financial aid that covered all expenses related to tuition, boarding, and other educational costs throughout their academic programs.

Staying true to the theme, road safety preparedness was atop the list of skills to which the students were exposed. Each student was excited to receive ten complimentary driving sessions from Grennell’s Driving School courtesy of SVF to set them on the path to acquiring their drivers’ licence. This announcement was made after Stephen Grennell, Director of Grennell’s Driving School delivered an informative presentation on road safety and preparedness.

Getting their minds and bodies ready for the road ahead was also of paramount importance and so the scholars engaged in a rejuvenating yoga session lead by Yoga practitioner Joanna Taylor of TrainFit Club.

Mr. Warren Thompson, Director of Children and Family Programmes at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, commended the Supreme Ventures Foundation for its ongoing commitment to these students. He emphasised the unique challenges faced by many of their peers in state institutions and lauded the Foundation for alleviating these obstacles, allowing the scholars to focus on their education. Mr. Thompson urged the students to recognise their responsibility to work hard, honouring not only themselves but also the Foundation and other supporters.

“Supreme Ventures has provided invaluable support to these students, removing obstacles that many of their peers still face. Recognise this privilege and use it as motivation to work hard. Commit not only to yourselves but to the Foundation and other supporters who believe in you. We’re here, fighting alongside you. Focus, put in the work, and envision your degree as a temporary hurdle to overcome. We’re cheering for you. Great things are on the horizon,” Mr. Thompson stated.

In addition to the complimentary driving session and yoga session, each scholar received a gift box brimming with supermarket and department store vouchers and other goodies. As a special recognition of exceptional performance, six students were presented with brand-new laptops, a token of encouragement for their academic journey.

Monae Williams, a Business Marketing student at Northern Caribbean University and one of the programme’s top performers, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Today’s Pep-Up session reminded us that we are not alone in this journey. It’s a testament that there are people rooting for us and looking out for our future. This support means a lot, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally. I want to thank CPFSA, Supreme Ventures, and ROK Hotel for their tremendous support in building tomorrow’s future.”

The event concluded with Heather Goldson expressing her anticipation for the coming year, hinting at even more ambitious plans to support and honour the scholars.

Supreme Heroes helping communities, one ‘venture’ at a time

In a world captivated by silver screen superheroes, genuine heroism thrives in the daily deeds of those who lend a hand, effecting profound change. The Supreme Ventures Foundation continues to celebrate unsung heroes through its Supreme Heroes initiative, honouring individuals whose selfless efforts have ignited positive transformations within their communities. Among this year’s extraordinary individuals are Emeelia McCallum and Andrea Kerr-Finakin, nominated as Supreme Heroes by their community for their unwavering dedication and life-altering contributions.

ANDREA KERR-FINAKIN

Andrea Kerr-Finakin has been a pillar of her community since 2017, touching countless lives, especially within the Rose Heights Child Development Centre. Driven by a deep compassion for the vulnerable, Kerr-Finakin has spearheaded numerous youth-focused initiatives. She also organises literacy classes for the elderly, equipping them with fundamental knowledge and empowerment.

“I am immensely passionate about my work in the community, as it allows me to witness the sheer delight that floods an adult’s face when they master new words and read with understanding. Their joy resonates deeply within me; it’s as if their happiness melds with mine, creating a heartfelt connection that I cherish,” she told GoodHeart.

One of Kerr-Finakin’s most touching endeavours involved restoring the home of a woman affectionately known as Miss Princess, whose house had been destroyed by fire. The fire had separated her grandchildren, prompting Kerr-Finakin to take action. With unwavering determination, she rebuilt the home, reuniting the family under one roof.

Recognising the potential for even greater impact, the Supreme Ventures Foundation extended an unique opportunity for Kerr-Finakin to engage in an intensive training course to enhance her community service skills. Making use of the opportunity, she gained invaluable knowledge and tools, ranging from honing financial acumen to nurturing emotional intelligence, thus enabling her to uplift her community and share insights.

“The training session exceeded all expectations. The lecturers were remarkably precise in their delivery, equipping us with practical knowledge that has significantly bolstered my community activities. I now possess a firm grasp on financial matters, handling accounts, and maintaining proper bookkeeping. Understanding the intricacies of tax returns and various tax categories has been invaluable. Moreover, the emphasis on emotional intelligence was a revelation for me – it’s about knowing when to speak, how to keep composure, and how to forge meaningful connections,” said Kerr-Finakin.

She added, “Every bit of wisdom I gained during the training, I’ve eagerly passed on to my community group.”

The Supreme Ventures Foundation has also partnered with Kerr-Finakin for her community project. “The Supreme Ventures Foundation joined hands with me, and their help has been absolutely crucial in making my project a reality. Without their support, this project would have been just a distant idea. It goes to show how much of a difference partnerships can make in building up our community,” she shared.

Kerr-Finakin is committed to realising Vision 2030 for her community by uplifting both the youth and the elderly.

In the heart of Mount Salem, Montego Bay, Emeelia McCullum epitomises the true spirit of a supreme hero. Her unwavering dedication is focused on improving the lives of the children in her community.

“I am a family, business, and goal-oriented person. I’m deeply passionate about supporting children and education because of the challenges I faced while raising my own children,” she told GoodHeart. Alongside her role as the owner and operator of Bamboo Fever Restaurant, McCullum commits herself to addressing educational disparities in her community.

Her drive stems from a deep belief in giving every child an opportunity to thrive. Recognising that children require more than just education, they also need love and support to unlock their full potential. Her efforts have had a far-reaching impact, creating positive change within the community and even affecting families beyond it.

“My motivation stems from personal experiences and the belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed. I realised that children require not only quality education but also love and support to reach their full potential. This work has a ripple effect, showing positive transformations and impacting families and the community as a whole,” said McCullum.

STEPPING STONE

A particularly memorable moment for McCullum was the launch of the Welcome to High School programme. Born from her business management skills, this initiative offered a stepping stone for financially disadvantaged students. However, it was an opportunity provided by the Supreme Ventures Foundation that truly took her mission to the next level. The foundation’s training course unlocked invaluable knowledge in project management and fundraising, enhancing both Bamboo Fever Restaurant’s operations and providing resources for community initiatives. McCullum’s refined business skills now drive well-organised community programmes.

“The training really highlighted how vital it is to manage projects effectively and find creative ways to fund them. This has not only made Bamboo Fever Restaurant run smoother but also enabled us to gather resources for our community projects. Now, I’m better equipped to organise our community programmes, making sure they keep thriving, all thanks to the boost in my business skills,” she shared.

McCullum’s influence is evident in the transformation of students like Nicholas Brown, who, thanks to her compassionate intervention, found the love and support necessary for a remarkable turnaround. He now excels academically and serves as an inspiring mentor to younger children.

These achievements continue to motivate McCullum in her mission to offer essential assistance. She acknowledges that a substantial part of her success is due to the strength of collaboration, which has played a pivotal role in her journey. Her partnership with Winsome Barnes from the Mt Salem CDC has been instrumental, providing vital educational materials and resources. Together, they exemplify the incredible potential that emerges when the business community comes together for a common cause.

Looking ahead, McCullum’s aspirations are firmly community-focused. She aims to expand her initiatives, reaching more children with comprehensive support and creating lasting programmes. Collaborating with similar-minded organisations and individuals, she’s ready to maximise her impact by using the resources and skills from Bamboo Fever Restaurant to improve the lives of many more children.

Source: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20231014/supreme-heroes-helping-communities-one-venture-time

CariCRIS upgrades regional scale credit ratings to Supreme Ventures

Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS) has upgraded the regional scale ratings of Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL or the Group) by one notch to CariA (Local Currency Rating) and CariA- (Foreign Currency Rating) and reaffirmed the Jamaica national scale ratings of jmAA- (Local Currency Rating) and jmA+ (Foreign Currency Rating).

The regional scale local currency rating indicates that the level of creditworthiness of this obligor, adjudged in relation to other obligors in the Caribbean is good. The national scale local currency rating indicates high creditworthiness compared to other obligors in Jamaica.

The one-notch upgrade on the regional scale ratings is attributed to the improvement in the credit risk profile of the sovereign over the last 12 months following the lifting of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions.

This resulted in consistent real gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the last four quarters, improved overall fiscal operations and a reduced debt to GDP estimated at around 77.9 per cent as at March 2023, lower than 84.1 per cent reported as at March 2022.

CariCRIS has also assigned a stable outlook on the ratings.

“The stable outlook is based on our expectation that the group’s financial performance in 2023, will continue its upward trajectory from its six-month performance underpinned by continued growth in the group’s core business, launch of new products, business expansion, digitalization initiatives as well as the full resumption of activities at Caymanas Park, following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the agency said.

Therefore, CariCris expect SVL to maintain its good profitability and debt-serving metrics over the next 12 to15 months.

SVL’s stable operations are supported by a favourable regulatory landscape coupled with a sound governance framework and risk management practices, CariCris noted.

Nonetheless, the ratings are tempered by the group’s high sovereign risk exposure which can present downside risks to SVL’s operations and earnings, notwithstanding improving economic conditions.

 

Source: https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/caricris-upgrades-regional-scale-credit-ratings-supreme-ventures