Tivoli Commission of Enquiry

The rebroadcast of the Tivoli Gardens Commission of Enquiry is an eye opener that shows a distrust and disassociation between two classes of people. On one hand, the commission includes  attorneys whose only interest is their own agenda of discrediting the statements of residents in this publicized forum. Then, there are the affected residents of Tivoli Gardens who are trying to defend their statements as best as they can. The problem is not only the way in which the attorneys pose their questions but also the condescending manner in badgering the residents if answers are not provided to the attorney’s satisfaction. The effect is that the residents quickly become annoyed since they realize that the attorneys’ disregard of their responses indicates a disinterest in their terrifying experiences. Of course, this disinterest causes not only frustration, but also some residents become uncomfortable and negatively react which in some cases becomes uncontrollable.  But then again, the arrogant attitude of some of these attorneys and  persons within the Jamaican society stems from their daily practices of ensuring separation from the masses such as providing and using separate lunch room facilities in the workplace, etc. Nevertheless, it is more important for the commission to realize that these residents of Tivoli Gardens only want to be heard and not spoken down to. The residents need to be treated with respect.

Leaders On Paper Only

They say they are managers

They say they are directors

They say they are leaders

Paper title leader

Their jobs are never advertised

An interview is not necessary

They are the only job candidate

Paper title leader

Their experience is not important

Their skills are not necessary

Their education is never questioned

Paper title leader

Prime minister connection

Government minister connection

Corporate connection

Family connection

Friend in high places connection

Paper title leader

Inexperienced practices

Frequent mistakes

Uncertain decisions

Challenging tasks

Unsatisfactory  results

Paper title leader

Dr. Joan Campbell - copyright 2014

Jamaica - Land Of Frustrating Government Red-Tape

Get ready to fight tooth and nail
to do transactions
Be prepared to jump over hurdles and through hoops
to accomplish transactions
Be prepared to climb mountains
to get a logical responses
Back and forth...forth and back
It's the system...the government system

Clearing a barrel?
Go up a top,
Go down bottom
Go back up top
Go back to bottom
Back and forth...forth and back
It's the system...the government system

Lose a car title
Go to the police,
Go to the insurance agency
Go to the fitness office
Write a letter
Tomorrow get ready for new procedures
Back and forth...forth and back
It's the system ...the government system

Publish a children's book
Send the book to American Ivy League universities
Receive immediate warm reactions
Send the book to the Jamaican Education Ministry
Nobody can account for the whereabouts of the book
Nobody knows the ministry's reactions

Nobody knows anything

Back and forth...forth and back

It's the system...the government system

Starting a business

Sending Items for the needy

Returning to reside in Jamaica

Making an investments

Importing items

Exporting Items

Red tape...bureaucracy

Incompetency...impersonal...unfriendly...uncaring...condescending

Back and forth...forth and back

It's the system...the government system

Dr. Joan Campbell - copyright 2014

Who Says Crime Doesn't Pays?

While growing up we always learn that crime doesn't pay. But, in Jamaica, there is no doubt that crime pays for those politicians who are getting away with crimes that an ordinary citizen would be immediately charged and serve lengthy jail time. Only in Jamaica.........................

A Day Of Poor Customer Service From Government Workers

At 9:00 am, a call was made to Tax Administration office to determine where license plates could be returned since the vehicle had not been operable for several years. "It's okay to go to any office" was the response from a phone representative, so the Portmore Revenue office was selected because of its close proximity. After approaching a service rep at the Portmore office, this was the response, "Sorry, we do not take license plates.. ..go to the Spanish Town or the Constant Spring office."??!! Nevertheless, the trek was made to the Spanish Town Island Revenue office, and it did not take long to speak to a representative. However, it would have been worth while waiting for another customer representative who would have been more courteous and could have patiently explained procedures to a novice who was unfamiliar with the system. This representative looked as if she had been working at the Spanish Town Tax office for ages, so it was presumed that she was knowledgeable. However,she is a perfect example of the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." In fact, the lack of communication was so poor that there was no knowledge when she completed the service since she said nothing. After innocently remaining at the counter, she had to eventually inform that the service was completed. Guess, she wanted to get to her next victim. But, before leaving, another question was asked and after pondering her response, it was later found to be totally inaccurate since it would have caused a lengthy process when there was a simpler method that was not communicated.  Next stop ..........the Caymanas Police Station  a/k/a Gregory Park Police Station. Making a report for a lost title at a  time the female constable was attending to her personal business caused her to be irritable, loud, and condescending. Never mind her obligation to work .......how dare anyone interrupt her from getting that special phone number to make that call on her cell phone. Frankly, she was downright rude and it is inconceivable how she is part of the police force...........but then again through history, this government body is not known to attract the best or brightest candidates.  Will the bad customer service reputation that is generally associated with Jamaican government workers ever change. Given the experiences today, there is little chance............we can only hope.

Government Travel Abuse

A perk for government ministers and political cronies who are given the gift of high level civil service positions is that they can fly for free on any airline courtesy of tax payers. They are allowed to board early, relax in their first class seats, and watch as tax payers pass through the first class cabin to the economy cabin. How ironic! It is customary to see government ministers and other leaders of statutory agencies sitting in this first class section. However, providing their entourage with first class seating is not how tax payers expect their moneys to be spent. Colin Campbell's entourage first class seating accommodations on March 21's flight from Miami demonstrates this travel expense misuse and would certainly not have occurred if the fares for his employees were coming out of his own pocket.  So, in a country that is experiencing high financial burden and citizens are asked to "tighten their belts", it is mind boggling to see such  action that not only shows hypocrisy but a lack of respect for tax payers.

Government Contributing To The Brain Drain?

It is customary for foreign private companies to recruit teachers to work in their countries. However the Jamaican government demonstrates that they have no qualms of contributing to the brain drain. The government’s classified education advertisement requests for 59 English language teachers to teach in China. Now, sending 59 of the best who make it through the selection process means that there will be 59 vacancies to teach a subject that requires experienced teachers. In their deal with China, did the government not consider that the high vacancies would mean that Jamaican students would be deprived of some of the best English Language educators who will be taking their talents elsewhere? What was this deal between the Chinese and the Jamaican governments in exchange for? It certainly could not be an exchange for Chinese Science teachers!!?? So, we continue to see the outcomes of sinister dealings between the Chinese and Jamaican governments.

Foreign Teachers, Think Twice Before Applying for U.S. Teaching Jobs

Many foreign teachers are fed-up with pay and other issues affecting teachers in their countries. So, they are enticed by international employment agencies such as RIC Search Group who has been advertising for teachers to come to work in the USA. However, these teachers must beware of the fine prints of the high costs and other expectations that will be required if they apply. First, the steep US$150 is non-refundable so this so-called processing fee will be lost if the teacher does not meet the agency's requirements. Further, once the teacher is accepted, the company assesses fees for the most minute services for at least two years and that will certainly leave the teacher living from hand-to-mouth for a long time even after the contract with the agency is terminated. It is also important to mention that foreign teachers will be assigned to the worst schools that are unfortunately located within the inner city. By the way, native born Americans often do not care to take such teaching positions, and if they do, many do not stick around for a long time.  So, time and effort will not be spent teaching but in addressing serious behavioral problems that foreign  teachers are not used to dealing with especially since the culture is different from their own. This difficulty is very stressful and can sometimes lead to a medical issues. So, think twice before applying for teaching jobs in the USA. Don't jump from the frying pan into the fire! The following website gives a clear picture of the issues that a foreign teacher may face.
http://www.examiner.com/article/foreign-teachers-take-u-s-teaching-jobs

Dr. Errol Morrison and Easton Douglas - Irresponsible Appointment Gone Wrong

The ongoing UTech problems are not surprising.  It was just a matter of time for Dr. Errol Morrison's ineffective leadership to become intolerable. Dr. Morrison is a physician and well known locally for his specialty in addressing diabetes issues. However, when his name was announced in 2007 to assume the responsibility as president of a learning institution, there was skepticism on his knowledge and ability to lead such a prominent university. This is just one of the many leadership appointments that are given based on politics and friendship to people who simple have no knowledge or experience to successfully do a good job outside of their comfort zone. Instead, they have to rely on the knowledge of experts who eventually get tired of being used and not getting any recognition. With time on the hands of inexperienced appointees, their idle minds lead to no good. So, quite often, an autocratic leadership style along with illegal and deceptive practices will occur, as in the case of UTech.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140312/lead/lead2.html

Easton Douglas ..............he made his intentions clear during his CVM interview on the program, "Direct" with Garfield Burford, when he defiantly argued that as the Managing Director for NHT's board of Directors, he must  have an office in the NHT building to oversee the day-to-day operations of the institution??!!  So far four prominent, well-respected  board members have resigned, and this lack of confidence demonstrates Douglas's inability to lead the board. If he cannot lead a board, then his desire to be the CEO of the institution would certainly present a problem. But, in a desire for power, it is difficult to see such shortcomings.

$117.825 Million Dollar Travel Expenses For Jamaican Prime Minister And Ministers

Portia Simpson and her cabinet should be a shame of themselves! Jamaica is experiencing severe financial crisis with high unemployment and continuous increases in basic items yet these government leaders see no reason to show any sympathy for the struggles of the people and the economy. They continue to live off tax payers and show no sign that they intend to cutback with their expensive lifestyle. Not only does Portia brag at spending  millions on foreign travel, she cannot account for the specific outcomes from her unnecessary trips. Hopefully foreign lenders are taking a note of how these Jamaican leaders are squandering money for personal gains instead of using it to the benefit of the country.

Shaggy & Friends - Neyo's Lip Syncing Performance

Shaggy and friends 2014 once again achieved its main purpose of securing well needed funds for sick, needy children at the Bustamante Children's Hospital. Getting to the show, however, was a great inconvenience for many who had to simply leave their cars  at the side of the road and trek through the long traffic jam to the venue. Nevertheless, the show was too long with some unnecessary performers, and the scheduled appearance of the acts seemed disorganized. The main act appeared in the middle of the concert while less popular acts came on stage thereafter. The act, however, that should be singled out is Neyo's. He is mainly known to the R & B community, and a better performance was expected from him. Certainly, he could not have been paid for lip syncing to recorded music while dancing around the stage!!??  Patrons and sponsors deserved better than that poor unacceptable rendition.