Jamaica College marked a significant moment in its history on Monday, February 23, 2026, with the symbolic handover of 1,600 new chairs generously donated by the Hon. Karl Hendrickson.
The handover of 1,600 chairs donated by Hon. Karl Hendrickson
The presentation took place during the school's Monday morning assembly inside the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, a facility donated by Mr. Hendrickson in 2011 and named in his honour. Although Mr. Hendrickson was unable to attend the ceremony, he was ably represented by his grandsons, Matthew Lyn, Craig Hendrickson, and Alexander Hendrickson, who participated in the handover on his behalf.
In receiving the donation, Principal Wayne Robinson expressed the profound gratitude of the school community and lauded Mr. Hendrickson's selfless and ongoing generosity to the boys of Jamaica College.
Chairman Lance Hylton highlighted that "Mr. Hendrickson personally researched and selected the chairs as he wanted to ensure that they were of the highest quality, durable enough to support the thousands of students who will use them daily, while also aesthetically suited for the many revenue-generating events hosted at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium. The dual-purpose design supports both students' comfort and the school's fundraising initiatives."
Matthew Lyn speaking on behalf of the Hendrickson family
The chairs, valued at approximately J$5,000,000.00, form part of a larger contribution of J$10,000,000.00 made by Mr. Hendrickson to Jamaica College over the past year.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Hendrickson's grandson, Matthew Lyn, shared that "Our grandfather has always believed deeply in the mission and legacy of Jamaica College. His love for the institution is rooted in his conviction that investing in young men is one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger nation. Giving back is not just something he does, it is who he is. He hopes that these chairs will serve generations of boys and support the continued growth and excellence of the school."
As a gesture of appreciation, the school presented the Hendrickson Family with an original portrait of the Hon. Karl Hendrickson.
This latest act of generosity further strengthens Mr. Hendrickson's enduring legacy at Jamaica College and underscores his steadfast commitment to investing in the institution's development and the future of its students.
