Until recently, Portia Simpson-Miller had not been vocal on a number of public concerns since she indicates that she has been "working, working, working". However, during the election period, she has been making efforts to get her political message across. She speaks comfortably to her party supporters at political rallies; her recorded messages on the party's accomplishments are heard throughout the day on various radio stations; she has even gone to the extent to hold a press conference with school children. However, the prime minister does not seem to be making any effort to give time to the Jamaican news media where she, no doubt, would be expected to respond to reporters' thought provoking questions on the nations' issues including questions that she still has not publicly addressed for sometime. Previous encounters with new reporters have not resulted in favorable public impression of her ability to communicate with others outside of her comfort zone. However, in this pre-election season, she will have to engage in dialog with news reporters sooner than later, The quicker she confronts an apparent dissatisfaction with the news reporters' questioning, the better opportunity she will have to get her message across to all Jamaicans.
Member of Parliament, Marlene Malahoo-Forte has been suspended from the Jamaican Parliament for not producing a letter to support her claim that the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council had expressed an interest in travelling to Jamaica to hear cases. But, it is quite ironic that such swift disciplinary action has not been taken in the case of the Minister of Health who has consistently mishandled health epidemics that includes the death of 18 babies. In fact, such immediate action was not taken for other government minister's misuse of millions of dollars. Both cases demonstrate a gross mishandling by the sitting government!
Jamaica, a tiny island that is hardly noticeable on a map has forged ahead again in another area of athletics. Dominating track and field is not enough to show that Jamaicans are talented and can undertake anything with hard work and dedication. No one would have expected a Jamaican Bobsled team to qualify to participate in a Winter Olympics since Jamaica has a tropical climate year round. Olympian Alia Atkinson, a fierce swimming contender, has been winning medals by out-swimming well known competitors from developed countries. Now, for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, three gymnasts will represent the small nation. This is another first for a small Caribbean nation. As they say in Jamaica - "Wi lickle but wi tallawah"! Read the gymnasts' stories below. http://www.gymnastike.org/coverage/252027-2015-Gymnastics-News/article/32183-Three-Jamaican-Gymnasts-Aim-To-Make-History-At-The-Rio-Olympics#.VivYoH6rTIU
A debate in the Jamaican Parliament began today to discuss whether Jamaica should implement their own Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) or continue to rely on the British Privy Council (BPC) as the final appellant court. The governing People National Party is in support of doing away with the BPC by obtaining a majority vote of parliamentarians in support of implementing the CCJ as the final court. However, the opposition party's (Jamaica Labor Party) majority is voicing concerns against establishing the CCJ as the final appellant court, and they go even further by making a suggestion for a referendum so that the people will have a say on the topic. However, this controversial debate presents other piercing concerns that those in favor of the CCJ will have to consider. For instance, a separation from BPC will mean that consideration must be given to issues such as if it is time for Jamaica to disassociate itself from its' allegiance to Queen Elizabeth; dissolving the post of the Governor General; and the abandonment of Queen's Counsel appointments whose designation is regarded by many attorneys as a status of superiority which should not be dissolved. So, as the debate continues, Jamaicans will need to make a decision if they want to continue to be associated with England and its colonial practices or adapt new policies that reflect the countries' independence from the Crown.
Dr. Derrick McDowell is another blogged example where a claim is made that a doctor in Jamaica has engaged in conduct that is contrary to the exemplary service that is expected from them. The media notes that Dr. McDowell refused to do his job in taking care of a patient who had a verbal altercation with a nurse, and Dr. McDowell was ultimately suspended. Some believe the suspension was politically motivated. However, putting politics aside, such a case would make anyone wonder how a doctor could even be embroiled in a situation that would make him consider any decisions not to help a patient. Are doctors and nurses not trained to put personal feelings aside and do their jobs? It is unacceptable for any doctor to refuse to attend to a sick patient regardless of their dissatisfaction with that patient. Moreover, when efforts were made to transfer the patient, another hospital refused to accept him. This and a previously reported case generate a concern as to how a long standing, respected profession may now be populated by some doctors and nurses who have put their personal feelings ahead of their duties to aid the sick.
Marlon James, is a well deserving winner of the Man Booker Prize. Jamaicans are overjoyed with such accomplishment of a native. This elation is expected, yet hypocritical. It is ironic and cannot be forgotten that, while in Jamaica, Professor James lived in an uncomfortable environment as he dealt with homophobic haters and bullies who made his life unbearable throughout high school until adulthood. Professor James is now the pride of a country where persons of the LGBT community live in a society that has no tolerance or intentions of changing the buggery laws. Professor James is a Jamaican and certainly shows pride in his heritage. But, in honoring Professor James, let Jamaicans not forget their disdain for people like himself who openly profess their homosexuality.
On October 7th, 2015, a family of six was massacred in their home that was subsequently burned down with their bodies inside it. This is another one of the numerous violent cases that have been occurring in Jamaica that is now known as having one of the highest crime rates in the world. The Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting aka "Mr. Divine Intervention", and the Commissioner of Police, cannot seem to gain a grip in addressing the problem through the management of their security force. At the start of his tenure, Bunting broke down and made a choking confession that it was only divine intervention that could prevent the mass murders from occurring. Years have now passed and Mr. Bunting is still at the realm after this irresponsible comment that triggered doubt in his ability to succeed as security minister. He along with the Commissioner of Police now brag about what they believe they have accomplished. Yet, in the interim, those efforts seem to be of no avail since crime continues to increase. So, while the island basks favorably as a tourist destination of sun and fun on the beaches or at all inclusive hotels, Jamaican residents continue to live in a fearful atmosphere where crime is at an all time high. But, Jamaicans can only hope for the future that in a country with such scenic beauty and rich culture, some type of resolution may be found to curb the persistence of violent crimes.
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Q.C, has been seen but not heard from in public for many years since demiting office. However, the recent visit of Prime Minister David Cameron seems to have pressed Mr. Patterson into making a public statement in the form of an open letter to the British Prime Minister. Mr. Patterson's letter indicates that he, similar to popular pubic reaction, was not pleased with the British Prime Minister's handling of the reparation concerns of Jamaicans. The link below provides the open letter from Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Q.C. to Prime Minister David Cameron. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20151008/full-text-pj-slams-david-cameron-are-we-not-worthy-he-asks
Dear Queen Portia ( you like dat dont it? lol..yes goody)
I know you can cuss good so please use that talent at this moment. Cuss the British Prime Minister and tell him what to use the $25mil to build. Cuss him clath!! Cuss him like how you cuss at election time.
However if you do not wish to cuss this time, here is a list of suggestions of what we would like him to build.
1.State of the Art Sports School
2. State of the Art S.T.E.M. School
3. Upgrade the Children's Homes
4. Upgrade the facilities at our Teachers' Colleges
5. Fix the roads that did not get fix when Obama came
6. Build a good water catchment sytem - we have drought but rain a fall!!!
This is ONLY my six...I bet you my FB peeps can ADD TO THE LIST????
And let him know if he do not build anything then we will ask China to build more things and give away more good good land to dem ( hmmm)
BUT...If he ask you what he will do with the prisoners dem in his jail...kiss you teeth and tell him to give dem to Kern Spencer and he can make dem disappear like the bulbs!!! or let them all become soldiers and send them to fight ISIS and see how much a dem come back live!! Let them do good for once.
Did the Jamaica Observer really speak to three veteran PNP members or is this another ploy to get Hanna's name out there to gain sympathy or rather recognition. The paper's previous two-part story on Ms. Hanna's life and now this article are very suspicious and would cause anyone to wonder what connection does the newspaper have with Ms. Hanna. Was no other politician worth a two part story coverage in the newspaper? I can think of a number of them who have a more compelling story to tell.
The current issues within the PNP, involving not only Price and Redman but others vying against each other, uncover a lack of respect for the leadership of "Queen" Portia Simpson Miller. These members are aware that "Queen" Simpson Miller does not take any decisive action in addressing the questionable behavior of comrades when their performances have been deemed unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is quite natural that such unresponsive behavior from a leader will promote a "do whatever we want" reaction from his or her team. Would such behavior occur under the management of the former leaders of the PNP - certainly not! These former leaders commanded respect and possessed the management skills to unite comrades then, and their governance style would still be effective even today.
Paul Stephens (left) pictured with fellow Jamaican pilot Mark Johnson during a prison visit in Qatar recently
Amazing!! I am listening now to Paul Stephens and Judy O'Sullivan who are speaking live to Cliff Hughes on NationWide network. Stephens is still in Quatar and says he was physically assaulted many times but at this time, he is in good spirits. This is the perfect case that shows A.J. Nicholson needs to retire immediately!! He is absolutely useless! He showed his true colors with his nasty comments when he was told in an interview with the Jamaican Observer Online how Edmund Bartlett and O'Sullivan was progressing in obtaining Stephens's release. After Stephens has spent so many years incarcerated away from his young children, Nicholson has the nerve to ask if Stephensl is a king! Really?? Nicholson's comment shows he is nasty and arrogant. Stephens is a Jamaican and there is no reason why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not have helped in gaining his freedom. They have done absolutely not a thing!!
Cheinnel Francis burst into tears on learning she was awarded a place at Cedar Grove Academy in Portmore, St Catherine. Francis' scores in the 2015 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) ranged from 91 to 98 per cent."She cried both out of relief and out of sadness for not being placed at her first choice of Wolmer's Girls', or second choice, Campion. However, I would've transferred her to Cedar Grove Academy if they had placed her in any of those schools," says sister Kadia Francis. The following response was posted by a FaceBook user ion Jamaica Gleaner's page in response to the above-referenced: "This is NOT fair! If this system had still been around when I did GSAT, I would not have been able to go to Campion, coming from an inner-city community in Spanish Town. She does not deserve that placement. This may sound harsh but I do not even know of Cedar Grove Academy." My response to the FaceBook user's post on Jamaica Gleaner's FaceBook was as follows:
"For those who do not know, Campion College was a Cedar Grove in the 70s and early 80s. Boys who could not gain enrollment into a traditional boys high school would go to Campion College when it was a boys only school. Its sister school St. Peters and Paul Girls School had the same reputation. However, after both schools joined the institution began to build its reputation. So, all should give Cedar Grove High School a chance. It is a STEM school and this designation indicates that the school has high performance standards and expectations for its students. Therefore, Cedar Grove High School needs an opportunity to build's its reputation just as Campion College/St. Peters and Paul had a chance to turn their unknown, last resort, and low performing status into a top school". ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This above noted communication indicates the need to revise the GSAT placement system. It is time to discontinue the segregated system of placing all top achievers to the well-known schools while placing lower performers to less recognized high schools. This division of students based on test scores means that the traditional high schools will continue to enjoy recognition as "top" performing schools for producing outstanding achievers. However, this type of recognition cannot be enjoyed by less recognized schools which are not given a chance to be competitive with traditional schools if they do not receive an equal share of the top GSAT students. However, the Ministry of Education continues to bend to public pressure of maintaining the ineffective placement system that is not serving so many Jamaican students.
Now that the GSAT results were released, some test takers
can breathe a sigh of relief. The expectation of passing the test means that
these young children must carry a weight on their shoulders and can only
release this weight if they pass the test and are assigned to a “good” school.
One student‘s account of preparation indicates that attending church was the
only break away from preparing for the test. This student is not alone since a
great deal of pressure is placed on other young minds. As such, parents contribute to a stressful
atmosphere since parents generally expect their children to attain high scores
so as to be assigned to a “good” school. In addition, stress is transmitted by
teachers whose rate of passes is regarded as an indication of the teacher’s
proficiency. Principals are also involved in the student’s stress since the
Ministry of Education regards the results as a reflection of the school’s
success or failure. Those students who take extra lessons must contend with
additional pressure to pass since the instructor’s reputation is associated
with the number of passes. The pressure of students to pass even extends to
some communities as residents celebrate in the streets on hearing that a school
has produced a number of passes. Finally, students are stressed on knowing that
they must achieve high scores to be considered by the Ministry of Education for
a “good” school. Those students who pass the exam can exhale and relax during
summer. But, those who do pass must endure another year of pressure from
parents, teacher, principal, extra lessons instructor, community, and the
Ministry of Education. Is this what we want for our children?
Dr. Peter Phillips announced that the government cannot afford the salary increase requests of public sector workers. Information provided by various financial analysts clearly supports Dr. Phillips’s statement that the government may not be in a position to provide the increases that would enable government workers to afford the high cost of living. However, Dr. Phillips’ suggestion for the population to begin living within their means is quite ironic. For the population to do so, it will be necessary for Dr. Phillips and other government ministers to lead by example. If workers need to make sacrifices, then certainly government ministers can: take a pay cut of their salary; cut the financial perks that include entertainment expense accounts; cut back on the excessive travelling with their entourage to the United States and distant continents; decrease their support staff that attends to their homes, transportation, and security. The list of frivolity that the government indulges in that causes them to live above their means could save tax payers millions of dollars. Dr. Phillips made a good suggestion, but first he and ministers need to show the population that they are willing to make personal financial sacrifices versus simply expecting only the population to bear the burdens of the country.
Matondo Mukulu says it best - there is too much nepotism and favoritism in Jamaica. While this behavior is rewarding to the "connected", it is one of the contributors to the countries' inability to mirror the successes that have been achieved by other Caribbean countries. In fact, so many talented Jamaicans have migrated or will be migrating in the future since nepotism and favoritism have locked them out of gaining opportunities to live a quality life. So, as nepotism and favoritism dictate the progress, wealth, and power of some, the country will continue to lose bright young professionals such as Mr. Mukulu who are simply fed up with unethical, political and private entities that continue to support a "who know you" system.
Minister Ronald Thwaites’ statement on the high school placement of GSAT students ignited a long standing concern. After many voiced their opposition against placing students at high schools in their communities, the Ministry of Education issued a statement to reassure that the standard placement procedures would continue except for those unassigned students. The ministry’s statement indicates that the easy way to deal with the matter is to continue the age old problem of segregating students in schools based on their intelligence and family income if applicable. There seems to be no solution that will allow all high schools to share in the enrollment of a wide cross section of different learning abilities within the student population. The unacceptable placement practices create continued success of students at schools that are deemed to be superior to other schools where high standards are not considered the norm. If we want all students to have an opportunity to succeed then a better solution is needed than relying on the current high school placement practices which continues to be a disservice to so many children.
There is another disappointing outcome for a Jamaican who was well respected in South Florida Jamaican community. Pamela Watson, CPA was arrested on federal charges for using her tax business to file false tax returns and divert money into her personal accounts and, in so doing, she defrauded the government. She held the position of treasurer for The Jamaica Women of Florida until her name was removed from their website today. This news must not have been the best timing for JWOF since their inaugural women's conference is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
Patria-Kaye Aarons wrote an article boasting on accomplishments
that should dare not put her in the same category as Jamaican scammers. In the
article, she mentioned that she was denied from drawing on her crowd funding
resources since the administrators apparently thought her request was a scam. So, she blames Jamaican scammers for the
unexpected decision. However, did Jamaican scammers’ reputation influence that decision
or did the decision makers scrutinize the request of an easily replicated entity
which shows intentions for personal gains rather than to be of service to the needy?
Is the purpose of crowd funding resources to accommodate business start-ups or
is it expected to provide an outlet for those who have suffered unfortunate setbacks
which have affected the quality of their lives? Whatever the perceptions of crowd funding, it
is good to know that the administrators will investigate requests and refund
donations if the outcomes determine that funding should not be paid out.
Throughout the years, new political third parties were established to provide Jamaicans with an alternative to the longstanding incidents of incompetence and corrupt practices of the two existing parties. These third political parties included members with different philosophical views to address the issues of the country that have been overlooked for far too long by career politicians. However, the closed minds of voters have prevented their own willingness to embrace a third political party. This notion that there can only be two political parties in Jamaica has now returned to haunt a country that is presently going through a period with their backs against the wall. Jamaicans have no choice whenever an election is called but to select the party with an absent leader who is unresponsive to critical issues within the country and also has turned a blind eye to the immoral practices of government members. Or, Jamaicans must choose a party with a leader who has been dealing with ongoing leadership challenges and discontent with party members. Voters are caught between a rock and a hard place primarily as a result of continued poor voting habits that have deterred possible candidates with different political views from forming a third political party so as to compete with a dysfunctional two party political system.
Say it isn't so! On the Cliff Hughes' Online radio program, he played a tape of a speech from a doctor, I believe it was Dr. Alfred Dawes, President of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association. Dr. Dawes mentioned that there are no surgical smocks available, so doctors have to wear garbage bags instead. He further mentioned that on a recent occasion, the garbage bag he wore apparently tore while he was performing surgery and the patient's blood seeped onto his undergarments. How could doctors not have proper protective wear to perform surgery in a country where millions of dollars were recently dished out on infrastructure to impress the visiting President Obama? But, then again, Dr. Dawes confirmed that pilfering of medical supplies for use at a doctor's private practice office is quite common. There is never a dull moment in Jamaica!
Carlton Davis's appointment to head NHT, along with the newly elected board members, show that there is no intention of the Jamaican government to fix the problems that exist under the leadership of Easton Douglas. This appointment indicates that corruption and mismanagement of tax payers money will continue. Furthermore, placing Davis in that position shows a recycling of persons who have done their time in public service and need to now step aside. But, holding on to power in Jamaica is sought by many whose big egos will not allow them to be out of the public eye. There are so many upcoming younger Jamaican leaders who have continuously proven their abilities to be successful at whatever ventures they undertake. It is time to give those Jamaicans a chance in leading and becoming a part of these boards if there is any intentions to change corrupt practices.
Congratulations to Deborah Gordon and John Matthews. Their success stories indicate that once again, Jamaican students show that they possess the ability to attain the high standards that are expected to gain acceptance into Ivy League universities throughout the United States. Other students who have set goals to further their education in the United States should not give up hope if their circumstances do not permit them to apply to an Ivy League university. There are many well-known colleges and universities throughout the United States where the quality of education may even exceed the offerings provided at an Ivy League university. Furthermore, some of these well-respected universities have even eliminated the need to use results from the SAT and ACT as one of the determining factors for admissions. Therefore, while some students may not be able to afford the costly fees to obtain college placement services from local companies, opportunities and scholarships at U.S. universities are available for international students and, with determination,such information may be found online.
According to Michael-Anthony Dobson-Lewis, of the
National Mathematics Teacher Education Committee, it is the “lower-level
product of the secondary system that enter teaching”. This statement is unfair and
disrespectful. I have always had great
respect for the teachers in Jamaica who provided the foundation that allowed me
to successfully continue my education up to the doctoral level. They were certainly
not “lower- level products”. Lana
Patterson taught math in Jamaica for 18 years. Would Mr. Dobson-Lewis consider
this educator, who is now the 2015 Florida teacher of the year, a “lower-level
product”? Such a statement creates a stigma in the minds of bright students who
may have a desire to become teachers. The statement now sends a message that
these children should not aspire to become teachers since they will be
considered "lower- level products". Although Jamaica may not have ranked as high
as expected in Math and Science in the World Economic Forum report, there is no
doubt that over the years, Jamaica has produced some of the brightest minds in Math
and Science. Let us work on the issues to improve our world standing in those
areas instead of bashing teachers. Such labels as “lower-lever product” may
only, in the long run, impact the desire of anyone to consider becoming a teacher
in Jamaica.
A grandmother went to the Bustamante Children's Hospital today with her grandchild who had a broken leg. The medical staff at the hospital is well known throughout the years for their lackadaisical work ethics (except when the media is present and they are included in a photo op) in attending to primarily needy families. The grandmother saw this behavior as a doctor and nurses were laughing and gossiping while her grandchild was grimacing in pain. It is quite understandable that the upset grandmother complained about the staff's behavior to them. But what was not expected was that the doctor made an unethical decision to deny providing medical attention to the child!!?? Now, when a doctor decides to enter the profession it is hoped that he/she does so as a result of compassion for all who needs medical care regardless if the doctor feels that he/she has not been respected. Providing medical attention should ultimately come first. However, this was not the case. The doctor at Bustamante Children's Hospital felt that since her honor is paramount, her spiteful behavior should prevail over her medical responsibilities regardless of whether a child would suffer. According to a talk show host, this doctor should be working in a morgue and not at a hospital since she certainly has no compassion for the ill. This is fair statement to describe the doctor's behavior.
Reports are that approximately 200 children are missing each year in Jamaica. On the local television stations each night pictures of missing children are aired. Where are these children? How could they drop off the face of the earth? Police indicates that the missing children are sent to the countryside by mothers and grandmothers to get away from the dons in garrison communities. This reasoning may be in a few cases. However, in such a small island surely so many of these children would be seen wherever they are sent since local media is prevalent throughout the island. Police officers need to do their job in finding the root of the cause so that the situation does not continue to occur. Certainly such indifference by local authorities on missing and murdered children would not occur if these were the children of wealthy or prominent families and politicians as no stones would be left unturned. More steps must be taken to find out what is happening to Jamaican children.
President Obama's visit was a joyous and memorable time for the country. All forgot their cares to welcome the president. Although many did not have an opportunity to see him on such a short trip, the entire population felt proud that such a visit occurred from one of the greatest leaders of the free world. In fact, the population has been used to daily crimes, but crime appeared to have taken a break while all united during the visit. Fast forward, one week after President Obama's visit, the peaceful atmosphere within the country has returned to the realities of daily living in Jamaica. Today, three high school students, approximately 15 to 16 years old were murdered execution style. One moderator on a talk program said that she felt that she was in the Middle East where such crimes are normal. The good vibes that were implanted over the nation by President Obama has died and the worries are back as the population continues to deal with poverty, crime, unemployment and other ills associated with this nation.
The following were highlights of President Obama's visit to Jamaica on April 9, 2015
1. His talk to the young leaders of the Americas clearly showed his known ability to communicate effectively, and he made these young people feel especially comfortable asking him questions. He was gracious, warm and responded to each question in detail. The young people were articulate and demonstrated how poised they were in dealing with leaders of this magnitude. President Obama must have been quite impressed with such eloquent and thought provoking questions.
2. President Obama answered one question in relation to China. He responded on the need for governments to be transparent so that citizens will be aware of the deals that have established between the two countries. Guess he is quite aware of Simpson-Miller's lack of transparency in informing Jamaicans of her dealings with China. Ironically, one of her senators was seated on the panel behind President Obama shaking her head in agreement with mention of the need for transparency.
3. The president also was diplomatic in responding to a question on IMF by indicating that loans will not be forgiven especially since these loans are due to the mismanagement and corruption of many governments. He mentioned that there has not always been the best fiscal management practices in "some countries". He also mentioned that government's spending of monies that does not enhance the people's life is not beneficial. So, this response indicates that President Obama is quite well aware of the mismanagement practices of the government of Jamaica over the years. Consequently, Simpson-Miller's request to President Obama to forgive the IMF loans would have been made in vain.
4. The Prime Minister of Bahamas, Perry Christie, brought all Caricom leaders back down to earth when, as the head of Caricom, he mentioned in his speech to President Obama that when the president visited Trinidad for a past heads of government meeting, the promises he made for Caribbean nations have still not yet materialized. It was brave of Christie to bring awareness that it leaves a bad taste to make promises that are not followed up.
5. The multi-million dollar promise to benefit the youth may have been initially thought to be for the Caribbean nations. However, when all come back down to earth, it will be clear that the funds will also be shared with youth ventures in South and Central America. There is already a joke that the portion of funds designated for the youth in Jamaica will be spent by the government on themselves. Nevertheless, hopefully, youth ventures in Jamaica will be impacted by this funding whenever it materializes.
6.. While President Obama was speaking during the press conference with the Caribbean heads of government, Portia Simpson-Miller seemed a bit jittery as she moved her papers back and forth. Her body language and sometimes her facial expression showed a sense of nervousness. This was after her meeting with President Obama. So, by that time, she must have been made aware that President Obama had no intentions of forgiving the IMF loans as he has been made aware of her and her governments corrupt practices.
President Obama made an unscheduled stop at the Bob Marley Museum after he arrived in Jamaica at 7:30 P.M. yesterday. He was overheard saying that he has all of Marley's albums.
The visit of President Obama to Jamaica has transformed the capital city of Kingston into streets and areas that Jamaicans have never seen before until now. Untidy, dirty, neglected streets, sidewalks, and public areas that residents have come to expect have been spruced up to give President Obama and his team an impression that they are driving through streets and areas that have always been well maintained. Added to this false impression, is the discontent with how street vendors' food stalls were destroyed by the army so as to keep them from the area during President Obama's visit although some have conducted their business there for as long as over 20 years. President Obama is most warmly welcome to the small island nation since Jamaicans have such high regards and respect for him as the leader of the United States. However, the measures that are taken by the government to turn the streets of Kingston into a fairy tale city is certainly disrespectful to the residents who deserve to always live and travel through such a beautified city not simple because the President of the United States is visiting but because they are tax payers who have lived there before President Obama's visits and will continue to do so after he leaves. Furthermore, it is clear that there would be some inconvenience with the visit similar to when a president visits cities throughout the United States. However, people are restricted from coming out of their homes for 24 hours along the presidential routes! So, the routine of going to the pharmacy, shopping, etc. has been prevented. While photo ops with President Obama and government ministers will show the perfect, wonderful side of the visit, Jamaicans will not forget other government debacles that include providing less than 24 hours to: announce roads closures; notify banks and other major businesses that they must be closed; and inform the opposition leader that he will have a moment to be in the presence of President Obama. Undoubtedly the visit of President Obama is an honor for Jamaica, but the measures taken for the visit will certainly leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the people of capital city for some time to come.
A recent interview in the Sunday's Outlook magazine profiled one of Jamaica's most charming personality, Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who has dedicated many years to not only the legal profession but to her country. Her interview indicated the difficulties she experienced in breaking the barriers that impeded women during her time from entering male dominated professions. But, she overcame the hurdles and have had a very successful career. However, in comparing her life of discrimination to the special opportunities extended to her daughter, it was obvious to see nepotism at its best in Jamaica. Surely there are many brilliant Jamaican students who, if they had such influential parent, they too would be able to gain first class experience working and learning from well-known executives at Grace Kennedy, JAMPRO, Sandals, Myers, Fletcher, and Gordon. Yet, unfortunately, these brilliant minds are struggling to obtain employment as they constantly receive depressing news from job applications that they do not have experience. How can these young people gain experience if they do not have any connections who will provide them with experience through mentoring. In a perfect world, we would hope that the playing field could be leveled so that all young people will have equal opportunity to gain experience working and learning through mentorship at some of the top companies in Jamaica.
There has now been a call for the resignation of Jennifer Edwards, the director of NSWMA due her obvious incompetency in handling the many deliberate fires that have been set at the Riverton dump. Yet, Ms. Edwards is just one of the many persons, appointed to high level government jobs, who have failed tax payers by their inability to perform their jobs effectively. Yet, can these politicians be totally to blame. It is a continued bad practice of the incoming Prime Ministers to show their appreciation to supporters who helped in their election by assigning them to top government jobs in spite of the fact that these friends usually know nothing about the job. It is even more a disaster if a Prime Minister with limited intellectual capacity is given the sole reign to make such an important decision. This results in chaos in leadership as seen with too many of the government appointees. Permanent secretaries and other knowledgeable staff must be frustrated with their behind the scenes work that makes these appointees look good.On Cliff Hughes Online, he provided a great suggestion for government appointees in the future to come before parliament to answer questions as to their experience and how they would be an effective leader for their appointed high profile position. Jamaica mimics the U.S. in practically everything so why not copy the process of selection for high profile federal government positions. It is only through such a system that Jamaican will not have to continuously complain each time political leaders demonstrate how incompetent they are through their inability to successful perform their jobs.
News on the government's connection with the Riverton City dump fires is finally coming to light. Over the years, people were falsely led to believe that the residents of the community were primarily responsible for setting the dump on fire. However, since this recent fire got out of hand and greatly impacted the health, education, businesses of such a large cross section of the Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine, news sources finally began an investigation of this recurring problem. Not surprising, the news indicate that the government may have played a part in the spate of fires that have been occurring at the dump over the year. Reports have shown that these fires occur twice or three times at particular periods each year. The Inter Development Bank (IDB) provided $12 million to the Jamaican government with the understanding that the government would match the amount to convert the dump into a landfill. Yet, the government indicates that they have no money to secure a modern, sanitary landfill. They claim that they can't afford to restructure the dump; however, reports indicate that the government has no difficulty finding millions of dollars every time the dumps are on fire to pay the politically connected supporters with thousands of hours of overtime and contractors such as those owning trucks and D9 and D10 tractors that are used at the dumps during the frequent fires. Surely, the total costs to pay the politically connected must have accrued so far over $12 million which the government was suppose to match with the unaccountable $12 million from the IDB. But, there is a lot of money to be made in setting the dump on fire, and the poor residents of Riverton City are certainly not the benefactors of this money making government scheme. It is a shame that such a criminal act has been instigated at the expense and health of residents. The incompetence of the government clearly indicates the shame among their own board of directors whose names and photos are missing from its website.
UPDATE 3/19/2015: In response to an interviewer's question that Jennifer Edwards should be fired our dear Prime Minister, Portia Simpson responded - "She (Jennifer Edwards) didn't set the fire!" What an embarrassing, untelligent statement from the mouth of a prime minister.
