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.
