Boscobel pays homage to Mapps and Phillips

by Morissa Lindsay

The lives of the late athlete Jamarion Mapp and Joann Phillips are like eternal flames that will forever be etched in the minds of those in the Boscobel, St. Peter community who came out Monday
morning to honour them.

It was a heartwarming tribute to Mapp and Phillips, with students of the Alexandra School, the Elliot Belgrave Primary formerly Boscobel School, Mapp’s mother Lana Mapp, Phillips children Omar and Nakira Phillips, who were all in attendance at the Boscobel Pavilion for the occasion.

Under the theme ‘A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered’, there were fond tributes for Mapp and Phillips who have left an indelible mark on the lives of their family, friends and community.

The event was well coordinated by stalwarts of the Boscobel community Cherie Boyce and Michelle Griffith. Boyce
in her address said that to honour and remember these two individuals, the organisers have decided to introduce the Star of the North Ambassadors Pins.

A woman who wears many hats in her community, Boyce explained that this initiative is geared towards empowering and recognising outstanding individuals who have contributed to their schools or communities, particularly in sports. Mappy, as he was affectionately called, was known for his brilliance on the track while Phillips was an avid cricket supporter.

First time recipients of the Star of the North Ambassadors Pins were Nathan Dottin and Omaera Boyce of Roland Edwards Primary, Aaron Morris and Ashlyn Simmons of the Alexandra School and Danari Griffith and Ebony Yearwood of All Saints Primary. Kamari Johnson and Zoe Thomas of Coleridge and Parry Secondary School along with Jerome Goddard and Shelia Edwards of the Elliott Belgrave Primary.

The presenters of the pins were former members of the Boscobel community including former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Pedro Collins, past amateur boxer Samuel Layne, St. Peter Parish Ambassador Sierra Hurley, Simeon Allsop, Sasha Edwards, Harriet Griffith-Rollock, Colleen Griffith, Dave Hurley and Wendy Edwards.

Acting principal of the Alexandra School, Cheryl Gill, presented Mapp’s mother Lana with a picture of him in his Alexandra School games uniform. Gill announced that the annual cross-country race put on at the Alexandra School will now be called the Jamarion Mapp Cross Country event in his honour.

“I want to assure you that Jamarion made a lasting impression even in his short time and without all the opportunity to participate in the sporting activities

(COVID-19). He made a great impression on the Alexandra School,” Gill said.

Meanwhile master of ceremony Captain Michael Jules spoke highly of Phillips as a truly remarkable woman whose name will forever live on.

“Joann was a community spirit, a very helpful being, who would give away her last and do without just to make someone else happy. She was shy and reserved but trust and believe she always gave of her best to get any job done and never cared about taking credit for it. She was a great advisor, a role model, a loving mother, a wonderful sister and a great friend,” Jules said.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb