Jamaica
In this letter, Fr. Garvin Augustine shares leadership updates from Mustard Seed Communities Jamaica. These transitions highlight the strength and continuity of our mission, as dedicated team members step into new roles to carry forward the values of love, service, and care.
Dear Mustard Seed Family,
Greetings in Christ. I write to share some important leadership updates at Mustard Seed Communities Jamaica.
These faces may be familiar to you all, whether you stay involved as mission volunteers, generous supporters, event attendees, or ever-present lights to our community. Their caring ability and steadfast belief in the mission of Mustard Seed Communities makes them tremendous leaders who transform the world.
Development and Partnership Manager
Tamara “Tammy” Tucker-Burns has been a cornerstone of our mission program since 2013, serving as Mission Manager and welcoming thousands of mission volunteers over the years. Tammy has been with MSC since December 2001—23 years of faithful service.
In her time as Missions Manager, Tammy’s strengths have consistently shone through: she builds deep and lasting relationships, ensures that every volunteer’s experience is meaningful and well-organized, and cares deeply about the mission of Mustard Seed Communities. Her attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and unwavering dedication have allowed the mission program to grow, flourish, and become a transformative experience for countless volunteers.
Now, Tammy will step into a new role as Development and Partnership Manager for Jamaica, where she will continue to nurture relationships, cultivate new partnerships, and strengthen the foundation of support that sustains our work. While her daily role is shifting, her influence and heart for the mission remain at the core of MSC’s ministry.
Mission Manager
Fr. Ernest Chikwata will assume the role of Mission Manager. Originally from Zimbabwe, Fr. Ernest first encountered MSC as a youth choir member and feeding program volunteer. His gifts for leadership and pastoral care soon became evident.
As Administrator of Jacob’s Ladder and Director of Spirituality, he has guided both Brothers and staff with wisdom and compassion. In September 2022, he became the first priest ordained within St. Andrew’s House of Formation at Jacob’s Ladder—a moment of joy for all of us. Fr. Ernest also oversees spiritual formation across our international homes, bringing a depth of experience to this new role. Beyond his ministry, he enjoys music, singing, playing instruments, and sports, always carrying with him a spirit of joy.
Administrator, Jacob’s Ladder
With Fr. Ernest’s transition, Cordell Huie will move into the role of Administrator at Jacob’s Ladder.
Cordell grew up around MSC, volunteering at Widow’s Mite where her mother, Gwendolyn Howell, served as Administrator. Her service began in 2004, when she stepped in to help for one day—and never left.
She spent four years at Widow’s Mite before being asked to assist at Blessed Assurance in 2008. What was meant to be one month turned into 14 years of leadership, culminating in her role as Administrator since 2014. Recognized as Administrator of the Year for three consecutive years, Cordell has consistently shown her dedication to residents’ growth and dignity. She describes the greatest joy of her work as witnessing residents achieve milestones once thought impossible—whether it’s a new word, a new movement, or a newfound confidence. Her compassion as a leader is matched by her love as a mother to her two children.
Interim Assistant Administrator, Blessed Assurance
Finally, we welcome Deacon Louis Dalmas Agan as Interim Assistant Administrator at Blessed Assurance.
Deacon Dalmas is originally from Kenya and was inspired to join MSC after hearing about our mission from Father Philip. He began his formation journey in Zimbabwe in 2019 and, in 2021, traveled to Jamaica where he supported the Maintenance Department at Jacob’s Ladder. During this time, he played a key role in the relocation and successful settling of Widow’s Mite residents into their new home at Jacob’s Ladder. Now a recently ordained Deacon, Dalmas has found joy in self-giving, often sharing that even on difficult days, a smile from a resident is enough to lift his spirit. His humility, practical skills, and heart for service will be a blessing to Blessed Assurance as he supports the team.
These transitions reflect the strength of our community: leaders who rise from within and carry forward the values of love, dignity, and lifelong care.
Please join me in thanking Tammy for her many years of mission leadership, and in welcoming Fr. Ernest, Cordell, and Deacon Dalmas to their new roles.
We ask for your continued prayers as together we remain steadfast in our promise—never to abandon the most vulnerable in our care.
With gratitude and blessings,
Executive Director
Mustard Seed Communities International