Life
JAM | May 16, 2026

Guardsman Group celebrates Read Across Jamaica Day with student engagement and community partnership

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Nicholas Benjamin – Deputy Executive Chairman, Roxan Wais-Shirley – Executive Director of Corporate Growth and Client Experience, Beneze Barker Dunn – Principal St Aloysius Primary, Sasha Johnson Harris – Group Customer Service Manager and Charmain Mighty Campbell -Welfare Manager.

In recognition of Read Across Jamaica Day and Child Month 2026, the Guardsman Group proudly partnered with schools across Kingston to inspire literacy, learning, and meaningful engagement with Jamaica’s future leaders, its children.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, members of the Guardsman Group leadership team visited both St. Aloysius Primary School and Clan Carthy Primary School, where they spent the day reading to students, interacting with classrooms, and encouraging young minds through storytelling and conversation.

At St. Aloysius Primary School, the Guardsman team included Nicholas Benjamin, Deputy Executive Chairman; Roxan Wais-Shirley, Executive Director of Corporate Growth and Client Experience; and Sasha Johnson Harris, Group Customer Service Manager,  Charmain Mighty Campbell, JP, Welfare Manager.

Nicholas Benjamin – Deputy Executive Chairman reading to students

Meanwhile, at Clan Carthy Primary School, students were engaged by David Whittaker, Group Managing Director; Antoinette Chambers, Executive Assistant to the Group Managing Director; Francis Amair, Head of Operations at Guardsman Metaverse; Sheryl Thompson, Group Legal Counsel; and Shanna Shirley, Vice President of Integrated Systems.

This year marked the second consecutive year that Guardsman Group partnered with Clan Carthy Primary, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to education, youth development, and community involvement.

David Whittaker, Group Managing Director reading to Grade 2 students

Throughout the visits, team members not only read to students but also participated in lively discussions, shared words of encouragement, and emphasised the importance of education, confidence, and dreaming big.

Speaking on the initiative, Nicholas Benjamin shared the importance of investing in children and education.

“Our children are the future architects of Jamaica’s success, and as corporate citizens, we have a responsibility to nurture, inspire, and uplift them. Our Founder, Hon. Kenneth Benjamin, has always believed deeply in giving back to children and supporting initiatives that positively shape their growth and development, an ethos we remain committed to carrying forward. Education opens doors, and even the simplest moments, like reading with a child, can leave a lasting impression that builds confidence and helps shape their future.”

L-R David Whittaker – Group Managing Director, Shanna Shirley – Vice President of Integrated Systems, Winsome Reid – Principal, Sheryl Thompson – General Counsel, Antoinette Chambers- Executive Assistant to the Group Managing Director; Francis Amair – Head of Operations at Guardsman Metaverse

David Whittaker also highlighted the significance of corporate involvement in youth-centred initiatives during Child Month. “At Guardsman Group, we believe that children deserve to feel seen, encouraged, and empowered. Reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give to a child because it builds imagination, confidence, and opportunity. We are always happy to partner with schools and communities because investing in children is truly an investment in Jamaica’s future.”

As Child Month is observed across the island, Guardsman Group continues to champion initiatives that support children, education, and community development. The company believes that creating meaningful connections with young people helps foster stronger communities and brighter futures.

Through partnerships like Read Across Jamaica Day, Guardsman Group remains committed to making a positive impact beyond business operations, demonstrating that service, leadership, and community care go hand in hand.

Comments

What To Read Next