Money Comes Out on Top Over Preserving the Environment

The "Environmental Minister's" lifting of the ban that prevented Karisma Development Corp. from removing sand from an already eroding beach property to use on another property shows that those like himself in charge of the country's environmental issues are either illiterate to the consequences that will likely occur to the coastline from the destructive sand mining, or have been lured by the monetary outcomes in building another hotel and the backdoor deals for making the decision in favor of the hoel development company. Diana McCaulay, environmentalist, explained in details the differences in sand quality from one coastline to the next. The published response showed the harm  that will not only affect the coastline where the sand was removed but also the coastal areas where the sand was transferred. However, this detailed response to the issue appears to have been overlooked by the minister. In concurring with a statement made on a popular radio talk show today, "Why bother to have an Environment ministry?"In time, those who have been lured by money that have caused them to make decisions in favor of big businesses will be remembered in history for their contribution to the destruction of the country's environment.

Government Lift Ban on Karisma Development for Removing Sand

Caribbean Maritime Institute Questionable Hiring Practices

Pamella Munroe Ellis’s audit report on the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) indicates cronyism at its best. The hiring of six assistant lecturers who have no training or teaching experience in the subject areas simply shows a disinterest by the institution’s leadership to provide qualified lecturers so that students may obtain the best possible education. Furthermore, the hiring of 253 part-time lecturers without approval from the Ministry of Finance indicates a breakdown in communication between CMI and the ministry that resulted in failure to monitor spending of $135.6 million paid in salaries at tax payers’ expense. Students’ surveyed feedback on their dissatisfaction with the training offered by CMI lecturers should be taken seriously especially since these students are paying such high tuition for their education. CMI’s leadership should be held responsible for compromising the education needs of its students
Caribbean Maritime Institute Accused Of Employing Unqualified And Inexperienced Educators

Is Lisa Hanna an Innocent Victim of Controversies?

Everald Warmington's usual tirades continued this week when he referred to Minister Lisa Hanna as a jezebel. This outburst was disrespectful and showed a lack of professionalism. Many believe his outburst this time has gone too far and disciplinary action needs to be taken since proper conduct is expected from all members of Parliament especially during a sitting of the House of Representatives. On the other hand, this is yet another public controversial incident involving Ms. Hanna. In fact, it appears that throughout her tenure as a government minister, she is constantly embroiled in uncomfortable issues that stirs up public attention. It includes but not limited to: the questionable handling of certain cases in her ministry; the bathing suit posting on social media; her comrade, Dayton Campbell, taking her to task; claims of her secretive survey to publicly declare her popularity; the Jamaica Observer 3 part publicity story; claims of fractions with the Prime Minister and her close circle; discontent with counselors in her constituency; claims by her counselors of impropriety; and now her dispute with Mr. Warmington which she quickly brought to her fans' attention on social media to incite their support. Is it pure coincidence that Ms. Hanna seems to attract controversy causing her to often become a popular debate topic on social media? But then, her PNP colleagues such as Natalie Neita-Headley, Imani Duncan-Price, Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, and others appear to be quietly working hard to do a good job without scandals or drama that generate public attention through social media debates. There is more than meets the eye.