Former Winnipeg Police Chief Aids Schools in Jamaica Before Hurricane

Former Winnipeg police chief Devon Clunis returned to Jamaica in early October 2023 to volunteer with the humanitarian organization Great Shape! Inc., assisting three local schools. Clunis, who served as police chief from 2012 until his retirement in 2016, focused on educational initiatives during his two-week trip. Unfortunately, shortly after his departure, Hurricane Melissa struck the island, causing extensive damage to the very schools he had worked to support.

The hurricane impacted the western region of Jamaica, where Clunis and approximately 80 volunteers had recently set up 200 computers and provided literacy support to students. Clunis, who was in Mexico on business following his trip, expressed concern about the affected areas: “We don’t quite have the full scope, but we are in regular contact with the people in those specific areas,” he stated. He noted that some schools had resumed operations in temporary tent structures due to significant damage.

Clunis emphasized the importance of allowing local cleanup crews and support workers to operate without the added pressure of increased tourism. “We don’t need people flooding the island,” he cautioned, recognizing that many hotels were temporarily unavailable and were being used to accommodate staff and families displaced by the storm.

During his time in Jamaica, Clunis collaborated with Great Shape! Inc., which has been active since 1988, providing essential services such as dental and eye care, as well as literacy and computer training for children. The organization aims to uplift communities through education, and Clunis’s dedication to this mission was evident in his interactions with the students.

He also brought copies of his 2017 children’s book, which he co-authored with his wife, Pearlene. Reflecting on his work, Clunis remarked, “Many of the students there have just the basic literacy, understanding the alphabet, and you could see a huge transformation in those two weeks in some of those kids where they could understand words, the ability to read. Education unlocks the potential, the future for any child.”

The challenges faced by Jamaican students differ significantly from those in Canada, Clunis noted. Limited resources and inadequate infrastructure create a tough learning environment. “It’s not the easiest learning environment,” he explained, pointing out that some classes are held outdoors in high temperatures, while others are overcrowded.

As Clunis continues his work as a police consultant across North America, he is particularly focused on promoting unity. He believes that this sense of togetherness is lacking on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. “We’re diverse, we want to be equitable, but are we a unified country?” Clunis questioned, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to bridge divides.

In light of the recent hurricane, Clunis’s commitment to supporting Jamaican schools remains strong. He plans to return when it is safe to do so, ensuring he can contribute effectively to the recovery efforts. “Let’s work with the people that are there and support them until we can get back on the ground in Jamaica,” he concluded.