Legendary West Indies cricketer -turned-recording artiste Chris Gayle is spearheading an initiative to rebuild the Josephine Glasspole Basic School and Lucas Cricket Club in east Kingston. Both institutions, which played integral roles in his development, were damaged by Hurricane Beryl on July 3. An appeal has been launched on the crowdfunding website, GoFundMe ( https://gofund.
me/3cdc7354 ) in an attempt to raise US$60,000 (approximately J$9.4 million) to effect the repairs. Just over US$7,750 (approximately J$1.
2 million) was pledged as of yesterday. Principal Claudia Hibbert welcomed the fundraising effort which is being spearheaded by her former student. "The roof needs fixing," said Hibbert, adding that the roof has been leaking since last October's magnitude 5.
4 earthquake rocked the island. She said the leaking has intensified since Beryl's passage. In addition to effecting repairs to the roof, Hibbert said the school is in need of a refrigerator, a stove and desks.
She also said that the children's bathrooms and the canteen are in need of refurbishing. The principal, however, said that the damage will not delay the school's reopening. Meanwhile, Gayle, the Living Di Life singer, told THE STAR that he felt moved to assist because of the importance both institutions hold in his life.
"Over 40 years ago, I attended this basic school and when I heard they were hit by Beryl, I was moved to start a GoFundMe appeal to get some assistance," Gayle said. The former cricketer said that he learnt a lot of his values at Josephine Glasspole Basic School during his formative years, and pledged to do all he can to help the school rebound. "I'm always quietly helping when I can, and my birthday party, 40 Shades of Gayle, on September 21 in Ocho Rios, will also raise funds to help the school as well as my Lucas Cricket Club, which was also affected by Hurricane Beryl," he said.
The self-styled Universe Boss said he will also be leveraging his brand to garner international support for the initiative. "Whenever I share the info on my social media, I have a lot of other celebrity friends and celebrity athletes worldwide who always support me, as I support their philanthropic efforts as well," he added..
