The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund highlighted its contribution to the transformation of the May Pen Infant School with the unveiling of a plaque at the school in Clarendon on February 10, 2026. The renovation, expansion and furnishing of the institution, which was undertaken between 2019 and 2022 represents the largest single investment in early childhood education in the Fund’s history totalling $139 million.
The project has transformed the institution into a moving students from inadequate conditions into a modern, resilient facility designed to foster development. The renovation and construction includes fully furnished, ventilated classrooms, specialized administrative blocks, and reinforced infrastructure built to the highest engineering standards.
Chairman of the CHASE Fund, Omar Frith, expressed immense pride in the scale and intent of the contribution.
“As Chairman, I am extremely proud of this massive contribution. This is the largest single investment that the CHASE Fund has made in early childhood education,” Mr. Frith stated. “We understand that this is going to contribute significantly to increasing access, not just to quality education, but to quality spaces where children can learn and develop into the greatest futures they can dream of.”
The CEO of the CHASE Fund, W. Billy Heaven, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strategic shift from the school’s humble beginnings in 1953 to its current state. He emphasized that the project is rooted in the “science of learning” rather than just physical construction.
“In early childhood education, we don’t create a teaching environment; we create a learning environment,” the CEO remarked. “Today we celebrate more than a building or the unveiling of a plaque; we celebrate early childhood development. This $139 million investment ensures a safer, sounder, and more stimulating space for our children.”
The CEO further revealed that since its inception, the CHASE Fund has invested a staggering $7.74 billion in early childhood education across Jamaica, with 74% of that dedicated to building, reconstruction, and equipping schools. He pointed out that the 17% return on investment in early childhood education is higher than any commercial sector, yielding long-term benefits such as a more civilized, productive, and tax-paying workforce.
The new facility is also a model of resilience. Referring to the high standards of CHASE’s engineering work, the CEO noted that similar projects undertaken by CHASE in Western Jamaica, have withstood severe weather without losing “even a nail head,” ensuring the May Pen community has a legacy that will last for generations.
The ceremony concluded with a commitment to continued monitoring and support for the school, ensuring that the staff and students have the necessary tools to maintain this new standard of excellence.
