JETAA Jamaica News 2019-20

APRIL 2019 - MARCH 2020

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JETAA JAMAICA NEWS President's Message

IN THIS ISSUE President's Message

1&2

JET Post-Orientation Send-Off Mixer

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JETAA Jamaica Visits The Moneague College

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Greening our Spaces

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Keeping our Beaches Clean

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Picnic by the Poui

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JETAA International Meeting 2019

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Essay Competition & Awards Ceremony

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After we Work...

It's Party Time!

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Pictorial Highlights 2019-20

10 & 11

JET Programme An Epic Journey

12 & 13

A Cherished Experience...

Megan Barrett Reflects

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Test your Knowledge

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JETAA Jamaica Family News

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JETAA Jamaica & JETAA International

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As I reflect on the past year, which was my first as President of JETAA Jamaica, I am filled with pride and awe at our accomplishments. During the 201920 financial year, we were busy implementing and supporting a range of activities. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I express appreciation to you all for your passion, commitment and dedication.

I want to especially thank those 'new members' who activated their membership this year. I also want to thank our affiliates and friends for their unwavering support. Finally, I thank the Government of Japan through CLAIR and the Embassy of Japan for their invaluable support and guidance.

The members of the Executive Committee and I were proud to lead the Association in implementing the following activities:

JETAA Jamaica members also participated in the following activities, which were organized by our affiliates:

JET Post-Orientation Send-off Mixer, June 2019 Beach Cleanup, September 2019 Tree Planting Activity at Dunoon Park Technical, October 2019 Picnic by the Poui, November 2019 Essay Competition & Awards Ceremony, February 2020 JET Awareness Presentation at Moneague College, March 2020

"Dolls of Japan" Exhibition at the Institute of Jamaica, April 2019 JET Orientation Session, June 2019 JET Farewell Reception, July 2019 2020 JET Programme Document Screening and Interview, November & December 2019 2019 JETAA International Meeting in Tokyo, November - December 2019 Japan Day, February 2020

We want to hear from you! @JETAAJamaica jet_alumni_jamaica

jamjeta@gmail.com

Executive Committee 2019-20: From L to R: Tereka Brown, Treasurer; Marsha Dennie, President; Rochelle Robinson-Lindsay, Secretary;Janette Fuller, Vice President; and Fay Samuels, Public Relations Officer cont'd on page 2

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JETAA JAMAICA NEWS

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President's Message (cont'd) cont'd from page 1

During the year, we made changes to the Association's name and logo. The Association's full name and short name and acronym were changed from Jamaica JET Alumni Association (JJETAA) to Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association of Jamaica (JETAA Jamaica) in order to be in alignment with the other Chapters globally. The logo was redesigned to make it simpler and thus more recognizable.

At the international level, I was honoured to represent Jamaica and the Association at the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association International (JETAA-I) Meeting in Tokyo from 29 November to 1 December 2019. It was great to be back where it all began. I and the other 18 Country Representatives from the Member Chapters in countries from across the world shared excellent ideas for solving the issues that we face and ensuring the continuity of JETAA-I. We look forward to the implementation of these ideas for our growth and sustainability at the national and international levels.

Unfortunately, the financial year, which was filled with such great accomplishments and excitement, came to an end with a single global crisis, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease, that impacted our lives in countless ways. Impacts of the crisis on the Association have included the indefinite postponement of our Annual General Meeting (which should have been held in March) and the inability to have face-to-face meetings. Thankfully, in the face of adversity, there is opportunity, as the advances in technology have allowed us to stay connected, interact and have fun. It also has opened our eyes to the possibilities of connecting virtually and therefore expanding our reach to Members with whom we were not previously connected.

JETAA Jamaica Members, your passion and commitment are critical at this time as we strive to fulfill the Association's mandate of enhancing relations between Jamaica and Japan through promoting Japanese culture within Jamaica and serving as a support group for former, current and prospective Jamaican JETs. I recognize that this is lot to ask as we are all busy managing the challenges in our personal and professional lives caused by the pandemic. Nevertheless, your continued support is needed as the organisation seeks to survive, thrive and fulfill its mandate.

So, let's stay focused, remain safe and healthy, and never forget that "this too shall pass".

⼀緒にできる - Issho ni dekiru - Together we can!

Marsha Dennie JETAA Jamaica President

Check out these websites!

JETAA-I Website - https://www.jetaainternational.org/

JETAA-I Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JETAAInternational/

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JET Post-Orientation Send-off Mixer June 1, 2019 marked the inaugural staging of JETAA Jamaica's post-orientation social activity for the new Jamaican JETs. This new initiative is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Alumni and the recently selected JET participants before they embark on their journey to Japan. This initiative organised by Kay, Janet and Robyn saw the inclusion of games, icebreakers and interactive sessions carefully designed and selected to provide as much information as possible (not already covered in the orientation) to the newly selected JET participants.

This activity was a success as the attendance was quite good as most newly selected JETs turned out and participated heartily in the scheduled activities. The atmosphere created at the venue facilitated one-on-one conversations as well as small group discussions. In fact, the session lasted much longer than planned as an atmosphere of camaraderie was fostered between the alumni present and the newly selected participants.

Contributed by Kay Dunkley, Member

JETAA Jamaica Visits The Moneague College On 3 March 2020, JETAA Jamaica, represented by Shawn Aarons (Past President), Tereka Brown (Treasurer) and Mario Grant (Member) journeyed to ‘The Garden Parish’ of St. Ann for a JET Awareness Session at The Moneague College.

In addition to promoting the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, the trio shared their experiences of living and working in Japan to an eager group of 30 attendees (students and teachers). The JETAA Jamaica Team returned to Kingston confident that a number of the students who participated in the session would be submitting applications to be a part of the JET Programme.

JETAA Jamaica thanks the team at The Moneague College for making the visit possible.

Contributed by Shawn Aarons, JETAA Jamaica Past Presidentr

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Greening our Spaces Over the years, the JETAA Jamaica has consciously focused on raising awareness about environmental issues. The annual beach clean-up is a fixture on our calendar and students from Dunoon Park Technical High School have consistently participated in this event. So we thought it fitting to help the school’s newly formed Environmental Club to mark the school’s fortieth anniversary by planting forty trees.

On the sunny afternoon of October 11, 2019, JET Alumnae represented by Marsha Dennie and Maria Mutidjo teamed up with Lenroy James, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Alumni Association of Jamaica, and joined the Principal, Shawn Aarons (also a JET Alumnus) and students on a field at the front of the school, which had been designated for planting the saplings sourced from the Forestry Department.

Trees were planted around the field’s perimeter with plans to place benches beneath them when they have grown. For some of the students, many of whom live in urban communities, this was their first experience of planting. They excitedly dug holes and placed the saplings in them - some of the trees were even given names! The Principal welcomed the initiative. Not only did it symbolize the school’s forty years of growth, it allowed the students to feel more connected to the school and the earth, he said.

Taking action, even small ones, can make a big difference. We are confident that we have forty defenders in the fight against climate change at Dunoon Park Technical High School, he further stated.

Lenroy James led the students in a discussion about the important role that trees play in the fight to mitigate the impact of climate change. Students willingly shared their knowledge and concerns about climate change and its potential impact on an island state like Jamaica. Then, it was time to plant the trees.

Contributed by Maria Mutidjo, JETAA Jamaica Member

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Keeping our Beaches Clean It was a hot September morning, but neither the piercing sun nor the daunting prospect of the densely littered beach and mangroves could deter the ‘genki’ spirit of the enthusiastic group of JET Alumni and volunteers who gathered for their annual beach clean up activity.

The 2019 International Coastal Clean-up Day was commemorated on September 21st, and as dawn broke that morning, a group of some 31 – members of the JETAA Jamaica along with affiliates made their way to one of the more challenging and polluted strips of our Kingston coastline - the popular Palisadoes Go-Kart beach. It was the Association’s second time visiting that location just one of the 189 sites across the island earmarked by the Jamaica Environment Trust with whom the JETAA Jamaica partners each year.

Split up into industrious teams, a friendly rivalry spurred the volunteers on, resulting in a total yield of some 19.5 bags of garbage. In accordance with Jamaica Environment Trust stipulations, the contents of each bag were meticulously recorded by category and type.

The haul weighed a staggering 680 lbs, plastic or pet bottles featuring as the biggest offender.

2019 marked the 8th consecutive year that the JETAA Jamaica has participated in International Coastal Cleanup Day. The Association remains committed to this activity which seeks to improve the impact of the environment on the well-being and health of the population.

On arrival at the clean-up site, the team encountered the usual buzz of activity as hundreds of volunteers from various organizations descended by the busload, all intent on restoring some measure of cleanliness and beauty to the small but heavily polluted area. Daunting though they were, the mounds of garbage strewn across the shoreline, did not dampen the spirits of our happy band of volunteers who donned gloves, protective gear and cheerful smiles to confront the challenge in front of them. The sombre task was lightened by laughter and the effervescent spirit of camaraderie which typically pervades a gathering of Alumni members and friends.

Contributed by Janet Crick, JETAA Jamaica Past President

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Picnic by the Poui If there is one event to look forward to each year, it's the annual "Picnic by the Poui." On November 23, a total of 34 persons gathered at the Hope Botanical Gardens for a day of fun. We were able to enjoy the beauty of the revamped Peace Gardens and admire the pink Poui planted by the Association in 2011.

Clear skies and a gentle breeze set the stage for our local 'hanami', a symbol of the continued culture exchange between Jamaica and Japan. JETAA Jamaica hosted members of the UWI Japanese Club, students from the Dunoon Park Technical High School, along with family and friends of the association.

We started the occasion off with introductions and heartfelt prayer. After some light conversation, we indulged in Jamaican and Japanese delicacies while basking in the natural features of the gardens. The picnic traditionally emulates 'hanami', the Japanese practice of enjoying the beauty of the sakura. In Japan, blossoming sakura trees signal the start of spring. In Jamaica, the blossoming poui represents the start of the exam season.

After having our fill of food and laughter, we split into two teams for some games. The first round of activities was a game of Jeopardy centered around aspects of Japanese culture such as inventions, holidays, and art. A fierce rivalry emerged, and it quickly became clear that the competitive spirit was alive and well. Team A came out on top and continued to dominate in the riddledbased treasure hunt. After a short dessert break, we continued with a few rounds of charades.

As the event drew to a close, we all assembled for the customary group pictures by the poui tree. We had to adjust our location a couple of times, but the pictures came out well. After a bit of tidying up, we exchanged farewells with hopes of reuniting again next year.

Contributed by Lisa-Marie Evans, President - UWI Japenese Club

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JETAA International Meeting 2019 One of the highlights of this year, was the privilege I had to represent Jamaica/JETAA Jamaica at the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association (JETAA) International Meeting in Tokyo from 29 November to 1 December 2019.

search for JET Returnees on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook and reach out to them; and issue a call out via social media for JET Returnees to make contact with the alumni association.

Along with 18 other Country Representatives from member chapters from countries across the world, we evaluated the work of JETAA International (JETAA-I) over the past three years; shared excellent ideas on resolving issues that were being faced by our member chapters; and developed plans for the next three years. The deliberations were enriched with contributions from the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), National Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching (National AJET), and the Japanese Government Ministries involved in administering the JET Programme (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology – MEXT; Ministry of Foreign Affairs – MOFA; and Ministry of International Relations and Communications – MIC).

Funding for the meeting (including flights, accommodation and venue) was provided by the Japanese Government.

To promote continuity at the leadership level it was agreed that the maximum number of years JETAA-I Executive Officers could serve would move from 2 to 3 years. Elections would however continue to be held annually.

Two of the challenges shared by smaller chapter such as Jamaica were that of engaging with the current JETs and increasing the number of active members. Strategies identified for addressing these challenges included: collecting contact information from new JETs prior to their departure for Japan and maintaining contact with them while in Japan; informing the new JETs of the alumni association's social media platforms and encouraging them to like/follow;

The next face-to-face JETAA-I meeting will be held in Tokyo in three years, that is, 2022 and I have no doubt that it will be an enriching and rewarding experience.

Contributed by Marsha Dennie, JETAA Jamaica President

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Essay Competition & Awards Ceremony The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association of Jamaica (JETAA Jamaica) in collaboration with the Association of Jamaican Monbukugakusho Scholars (AJMS) coordinated an Essay Competition, which culminated with an Awards Ceremony at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston on 6 February 2020. The competition targeted students at the primary/preparatory, secondary and tertiary levels of the education system.

At the primary/preparatory school level, students were invited to write about the one thing they liked best about Japan. Secondary school students were tasked with convincing their readership about what they considered to be the best thing about Japan, while students at the tertiary level discussed the benefits of the twinning of the Tottori Prefecture in Japan and the Parish of Westmoreland. Tottori and Westmoreland established the first such relationship between Japan and a CARICOM national in March 2016.

Dr. Lorna Thompson of the Core Curriculum Unit brought greetings from the Ministry of Education Youth and Information (MoEYI). Dr. Thompson hailed the essay competition as a good way of engaging students to learn about Japan. She took the opportunity to thank the Embassy of Japan for its support in strengthening education in Jamaica through its initiatives with the MoEYI. A total of ten Kingston and St. Andrew students from six educational institutions walked away with awards and cash prizes. The students submitted essays that were well-researched and demonstrated a keen interest in the Japanese culture.

The students received cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, plaques as well as tokens from the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica. The participating educational institutions also received plaques in recognition of their support for the competition.

Guest Speaker Mr. Shotoku Habukawa, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica commended JETAA Jamaica and AJMS for “reaching out specifically to the youth and sparking in them the desire to know and understand about Japan”. He noted that the competition was a way “to further strengthen bonds [between Jamaica and Japan]” and that the key to doing this was in the hands of the participants. He further urged the students to take advantage of Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Scholarship Programme offered by the Government of Japan.

Contributed by Janette Fuller, JETAA Jamaica Vice President

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After we Work...It's Party Time!

Bounenkai is a long held part of the Japanese culture. It is really a big party which takes place at the end of the year. The name is derived from “bou” which means to forget, “nen” which means year and “kai” which means gathering. The literal translation of the word is “to forget the year party”. It is an event where people who are coworkers or close friends come together and have a party. This party allows them to eat, drink, chat with each other and have a really good time. It allows them to forget about all the troubles and concerns of the year and have hope for good things to happen in the coming New Year. Japanese people cannot put the year behind them without having a bounenkai.

This bounenkai allowed the 17 members who were present along with one Cultural Officer at the Embassy of Japan to have a relaxing evening, socializing and enjoying with each other. Due to the size of the gathering, we were ideally placed on the sky terrace where the cool evening breeze added to the soothing backdrop of reggae beats performed by an in-house musician.

Generally, a bounenkai takes place at an Izakaya, which is a Japanese style casual restaurant. Izakayas usually offer reasonably priced meals that include “nomihodai” (all-you-can-drink) and can accommodate large groups. December is usually the busiest time of the year for all Izakayas. A bounenkai is mainly held on a Friday or Saturday night. That way, people can celebrate with each other and even if they get drunk, they don’t have to worry about having to work the next day.

Bounenkai originated in Japan during the Muromachi period in the 15th century, as an event for expressing thanks to others. During the Edo period, this developed into more of the drinking party that is today's celebration. The bounenkai serves as a year-end bonding activity for groups of friends and employees. These events provide an opportunity for persons to be more relaxed and candid as anything said or done will all be forgotten the next day. The party will start will a ‘kanpai” (cheers) among all the attendees once everyone has a drink. Traditional Japanese food inclusive of sushi, sashimi and karaage, will then be served. The bounenkai may be followed by an afterparty called a “nijikai” and another party called a “sanjikai” may even follow the afterparty.

JJETAA Jamaica held its 2019 Bounenkai on December 21, 2019 at the Sora Japanese Sky Restaurant in Kingston. Sora serves a wide range of delectable Asian Fusion dishes prepared by authentic Japanese chefs. Dishes include Shrimp tempura, Sushi, Teriyaki Chicken, Ginger Pork and Karage, among others. Of course sake (Japanese rice wine) was on hand, to complement the meal.

It also provided us all with the opportunity to chat with each other, relive our experiences and events from our time in Japan and reflect on activities over the past year. It was a great bonding experience and we all left satiated and with a feeling of renewed vigour and hope for the New Year.

A bounenkai is a fun way to celebrate the end of the year with friends, as well as a unique opportunity to interact with coworkers in a more relaxed social setting. The bounenkai is one tradition that JETAA Jamaica has borrowed from Japan to keep our memories of Japan alive. ! - Kanpai! - Cheers!

乾杯

Contributed by Orrette Muir, JETAA Jamaica Member

APRIL 2019 - MARCH 2020

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Pictorial Highlights 2019-20 JET Programme Orientation Session, University of Technology, Jamaica, 1 June 2019.

JETAA Jamaica were facilitators at this session which was held to prepare the new Jamaican JETs to depart for Japan. The session was organized by the Embassy of Japan.

Farewell Reception for the 19th Cohort of Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET) participants for 2019, at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence, 11 July 2019.

President of JETAA Jamaica, Marsha Dennie in delivering remarks at the Reception encouraged the new Jamaican JETs to "work hold, play hard, learn a new language, broaden their professional knowledge and explore far and wide".

23 Jamaicans left for Japan in July 2019 to be Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese schools.

Farewell Function for Mr. Shinichi Yamanaka, Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence, 2 August 2019.

The opportunity was used to bid farewell and good luck to Sheena Jarrett, JETAA Jamaica Immediate Past President,(who returned to Japan in August 2019.Â

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Pictorial Highlights 2019-20 Official Opening of exhibition: The Dolls of Japan, "Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love" at the Institute of Jamaica, 11 April 2019.

President of JETAA Jamaica, Marsha Dennie represented JETAA Jamaica at this event.

Japanese dolls embody the customs of Japan and the aspirations, attire and attitude of its people.

Japan Day 2020, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, 2 February 2020.

JETAA Jamaica was one of the exhibitors at this event, which was hosted by the Embassy of Japan. A few lucky attendees won JETAAJamaica branded items after participating in a competitive activity.

The event also included fun activities such as martial arts demonstrations, music and dance performances, calligraphy, etc.

Beautiful Japanese calendars were exhibited and also issued to early visitors.

After the JETAA Jamaica Monthly Meeting at the Knutsford Court Hotel, 3 January 2020.

JETAA Jamaica's monthly meetings are held on the first Friday of each month starting at 6pm. During the next financial year, meetings will be held virtually.

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JET Programme - An Epic Journey my base school, Nikaido Senior High School, which became my place of employment for the entire five years I spent on the JET Programme. First of all, I was welcomed warmly by the administrative and teaching staff at the school. The ensuing weeks prior to school resuming after the summer break were also consumed with being assisted by my supervisor with opening my bank account, acquiring a mobile phone and all the other things that were deemed essential for my survival in Japan. Essentially, the entire team at Nikaido Senior High school worked tirelessly to ensure my smooth transition into the Japanese society. What a blessing!

“Is this what you really want, Tracy?

"To participate in the Japan and Exchange Teaching Programme?"

“Then, give it another try.”

Yes, each time I reminisce on my journey on the programme, popularly known as the JET Programme, I can vividly remember those exact words that came directly from the source - the universe - prodding me to vie a second and a third and a fourth time for the opportunity to participate in the JET Programme. That’s right! It was with the fourth and, in my then exhausted mind the final bid, that I earned a seat at the prestigious table of the JET Programme which subsequently set in motion the wheel of transformation that has been turning non-stop in my life, to this very day.

In essence, participating in the JET Programme, was no coincidence. It was a pre-ordained trajectory to the master plan that has transformed every facet of my life. From the day I got the exciting news of having earned a place in the 2013 Jamaican JET cohort, to the day I departed Japan at the end of my tenure on the programme, I have witnessed the universe conspiring and all the stars aligning to ensure that my purpose there was served. I was placed in two excellent senior high schools (one as my base school and the other as my visit school) and was surrounded by very professional and supportive Japanese Teachers of English and staff members alike. Then there was also the wider Japanese society that readily adopted and welcomed me into their homes and hearts.

The initial introduction to my new life in Japan was prefaced with a series of orientation events at both the national and local levels. Then the most anticipated moment arrived; being transported to

The most rewarding part of my journey, however, started with my introduction to, and the subsequent years spent educating, nurturing, encouraging, interacting and simply being with the students at both my base and visit school. I derived much pleasure watching my students with varying degrees of English language abilities transforming into more enthusiastic and confident English speakers as the years went by. From the outset, I could feel the love and appreciation from my students, and that combined with the genuine and authentic love that I had for them, made us a compelling force.

This amazing student-teacher rapport created a very dynamic teaching and learning environment that worked well to inspire my students to give their best in English class. The impact was real as evidenced in the constant “I love you” that greeted me in the corridors, on the streets or wherever I encountered my students in Japan.

I also had the pleasure of witnessing the delight on my students' faces after having successfully completed another level of the Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency or after being placed in an English speech contest that they worked so hard to prepare for. In my mind, that was therapy. cont'd on page 10

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JET Programme - An Epic Journey (cont'd) cont'd from page 9

Then there was the wider Japanese society; the City of Tenri; the ‘village’ that welcomed and nurtured me. Tenri, a small rural city in Nara Prefecture remained my loving host for the five years I stayed in Japan and has undoubtedly secured a place in my heart for a lifetime. I was made to feel welcomed and at home by virtue of the kindness and selflessness of the people that I encountered each day. I had the privilege of becoming a mother in Tenri, and that experience served to strengthen my faith in humanity.

Culturally, my life has been transformed having gotten the awesome opportunity to experience firsthand, the wonderful virtues and cultural practices that have contributed to the prosperity and overall advancement of the Japanese society. Mentally, in the sense that I have gained new perspectives on life and have developed the fortitude to venture outside my comfort zone and capitalize on the myriad of opportunities that the world has to offer and at the same making a positive contribution to humanity.

From the ordinary stranger on the street to the nurses and doctors at the hospital, everyone played an invaluable role in helping me to transition into the divine realm of motherhood. I was honored to have an older Japanese woman whom I referred to as my Japanese mother, accompanying me to all my prenatal visits to the hospital. She spoke fluent English and was right there by my side like the typical Japanese mother would do for her pregnant daughter; an age-old cultural norm that is practiced all across Japan.

I practically had no worries about not having extended family members around during this monumental and life-changing journey, because the universe had conspired yet again for the people of Tenri to fall right in alignment with this celestial purpose. Then after the birth of my daughter, it was as if everything I touched that relates to her wellbeing or everything that touched our lives turned to gold.

In the final analysis, my five years of being in Japan on the JET Programme culminated in the epic transformation of my life; culturally, mentally and most importantly spiritually.

Spiritually, having become a mother and witnessing the power of the cosmos manifesting in my life and subsequently embarking on a spiritual journey as a result. This was all in an effort to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the dynamic forces that underpin the divine realm and how they chart our life paths. Ultimately, words cannot express the immense feeling of gratitude and pride that surface each time I reflect on my epic journey in Japan. I am eternally grateful for this wonderful privilege. God bless you Japan. Arigatou Gozaimashita!

Contributed by Tracy Waugh, JETAA Jamaica Member

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A Cherished Experience...Megan Barrett Reflects Megan Barrett retired from the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica after a fulfilling and rewarding 28 years of service. Her name is synonymous with the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica and the JET Programme. She was a solid support and tower of strength for the JET participants as well as to JETAA Jamaica, so we thought it only fitting to feature Megan in this edition of our Newsletter, and to find out from her what brought her to the Embassy so many years ago, and what made her stay!

In an enlightening interview with Megan, we learnt that her tenure at the Embassy started in December of 1992. Having heard about a vacancy at the Embassy via a friend, she applied, and upon learning that she was shortlisted for an interview, promptly got to work making her own suit for the interview, and selecting the right

accessories to go with it. “As fate would have it. I got the job!” she tells us. Little did she know that said fate would have her stay with the Embassy for almost three decades. “I was excited to work at an Embassy and to learn about diplomatic relations” she recalls.

Megan’s tenure saw her working in the Administrative and Visa sections and eventually rising to the rank of Senior Staff, holding the post of Cultural, Educational and Public Relations Secretary up to the time of her retirement. She covered numerous areas in her various roles over the years, including concerts, lectures, film festivals, exhibitions etc. on the cultural side, and coordinating the JET Programme on the educational side for several years.

It is in that capacity that many of us came to know Megan - either during our frantic, nerve-wracking preparations for departure to Japan when her calm, unruffled demeanor helped to soothe jangled nerves, or upon our return from Japan as she lent her invaluable support to the JETAA Jamaica. She describes serving the friends of Japan including the Alumni Association, the Association of Jamaican Monbukugakusho Scholars (AJMS), Ikebana International and the UWI Japanese Club as one of the motivating factors during her career with the Embassy. Fittingly, among Megan’s most cherished memories is the first JET applicant who returned to say thanks for her help.

Invited to share some of her other treasured memories, Megan cited the experience she gained from her first Cultural Officer, Ms. Mizuho Nakanishi.

“She had worked in several countries, and as such came to Jamaica with a wealth of knowledge”, Megan recalls. “The knowledge gained from her honed my skills for my work in the Department”. Among the other highlights and proud achievements of her career that she holds dear are meeting His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan

during his visit to Jamaica in 2015, being recommended for a study tour in Japan and receiving the silver cup for her long service to the Embassy.

Expanding on her study tour to Japan, she recalled not only the visits she made to famous cultural and heritage sites, but being fascinated by the level of discipline and punctuality she saw in the Japanese. To persons desirous of visiting Japan for purposes of work, study or leisure Megan proferred the following advice: ”Japan is a place of endless possibilities with cutting edge technology. Be open-minded and you would be well on your way to gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience to equip you to become a global citizen”.

Indeed Megan is appreciative of her own enhanced view and understanding of Japan and of Jamaica-Japan relations gleaned over her long tenure with the Embassy. “I got a peek into a culture that is totally different from the West” she admits, adding that she has come to appreciate the strong ties Japan and Jamaica share in the economical, political and cultural spheres. On that note, she takes a moment to applaud Japan for the many Grants offered to Jamaica, which have benefitted several schools, hospitals and NGOs across the island.

As she transitions into her new role as a retiree, Megan tells us that she looks forward to spending time with her two grandchildren and to doing more travel – this time to the mother country, Africa.

JETAA-Jamaica is all the richer for having met and collaborated with Megan Barrett over the years, and it is without hesitation that we say a heartfelt and genuine “Otsukaresama deshita Megan san! Walk good till we meet again!”

Contributed by Janet Crick, JETAA Jamaica Past President

APRIL 2019 - MARCH 2020

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Test your Knowledge Crossword Puzzle

Answers on page 16 Contributed by Sheena Jarrett, JETAA Jamaica Immediate Past President

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JETAA Jamaica Family News The stork landed!

Doctor in the house!

March 2020 - The stork safely delivered a package!

JETAA Jamaica joined our Secretary Rochelle Robinson-Lindsay and her family in welcoming a bouncing baby boy, Zarick.

June 2019 - JETAA Jamaica had another reason to celebrate! Past President, Kay Dunkley attained her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the Northern Caribbean University.

We miss you!

Farewell and all the best!!

August 2019 - With mixed emotions of happiness and sadness, we said sayonara (goodbye) and ganbatte (good luck) to three JETAA Jamaica family members - Sheena Jarrett (Immediate Past President) and Mario Grant (Member) returned to Japan and Tracy Waugh (Member) left for China.

February 2020 - We bade farewell and all the best to the Cultural Officer in the Embassy of Japan, Haruna Higa.

It was a great pleasure working with Ms. Higa, who served as an excellent liaison between the Embassy and the Association.

JETAA Jamaica & JETAA International JETAA Jamaica

JETAA International

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association of Jamaica (JETAA Jamaica) was established by the first batch of former JETs who returned to Jamaica in 2002. The batch of eight Jamaican had left Jamaica for Japan in July 2000.

The (JETAA Jamaica) is part of an international network, JET Alumni Association International (JETAAI). JETAA-I supports and promotes the activities and growth of JET alumni associations globally, by facilitating the exchange of ideas and information and helping them build networks and connections to each other.

The mission of JETAA Jamaica is to assist in enhancing relations between Jamaica and Japan, promote Japanese culture within Jamaica, and serve as a support group for former, current and prospective Jamaican JET participants.

JETAA Jamaica has a 5-member Executive Committee and a general membership made up of Alumni and Affiliate Members.

JETAA-I has a team of Executive Officers, Board of Advisors and the Webmaster. In addition, there is an Executive Committee comprised of the elected Country Representative from the countries that participate in the JET Programme that have member chapters. JETAA-I has over 50 chapters located in 17 countries and over 70,000 members.

Across: 4. Exchange, 8. Eel, 9. Hokkaido, 10.Sake Down: 1. Sakura, 2. Itadakimasu, 3. September, 5. Eighteen, 6. Kampai, 7. Monbukugakusho Test your Knowledge - Answers