Jamaican Government Spruces Up Kingston to Impress...

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.