When Government Ministers Won't Retire

Many were curious as to why efforts were not made earlier to oust Robert Mugabe from his long reign of Zimbabwe until the ripe age 93 years old. Similar curiosity lies with such Jamaican government ministers as Mike Henry, who is now over 80 years old. Why has he not yet called it quits after serving in politics and the Jamaican government for so many years?  However, ironically,  many workers are forced out of their government jobs in Jamaica immediately when they reach the retirement age although some are generally not ready to leave and are still quite capable of continuing to work several more years thereafter. But, government ministers in politics seem to be immune from the national retirement standards. Mike Henry is one of them who continues to be entrusted with cabinet ministerial positions for the ruling JLP party although he is way past the age of retirement. This selfish practice impedes the younger generation from undertaking and growing in government leadership positions. It is time, Mr. Henry, to graciously move on and allow younger politicians to take over your current responsibilities. May be the demotion from the Minister of Transport to a Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister is a signal that it is time to move on.

The Overlying Problem With Gun Photo Posing Jamaican

Rayne Russell was photographed holding a gun with an intimidating caption on Instagram that referenced the 2018 Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Any rational thinking person who lives in the United States should know that it would not be in their best interest to take such a photo and place a threatening caption during this over-cautious period when mass shootings are far too frequent. However, U.S. cable television programs and news are common throughout Jamaican households, so residents there should be more than familiar with the many shootings in the United States and the consequences of  posting such insensitive photos. Yet, Rayne Russell, from Jamaica, claimed ignorance on  the outcome of taking photos holding a high-powered weapon at his friend's Broward County, FL home. But there is an overlying problem that goes beyond Russell's poor judgement. It extends to a population of youth in Jamaica, especially those from high income families, who believe they are entitled to do and say what they want without repercussions. Their bad behavior is overlooked in Jamaica, so it is not surprising that Rayne Russell and others would take their antics to the United States with no expectations to be held accountable.The time and effort of Miami police and other security agencies in locating Russell prior to his detainment cost taxpayers. so any re-admittance into the United States should be in question.

Authorities detain man after Instagram post with rifle appearing to name Ultra Music Festival

Average or Low Scoring CXC Performers Can Succeed Too

The British Caribbean education system throughout the years has been established to give students the impression that they are failures if they do not perform exceptionally well on standardized tests such as Jamaica's Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) to warrant acceptance into a prominent high school. Furthermore, hopes are dashed when their average passes on Caribbean Exam Council (CXC) assessments will not earn them immediate acceptance into the University of the West Indies (UWI) or to universities in United States if they do not have the exorbitant fees to pay private companies to get them through the rigorous admissions process. However, where there is a will, there is a way. So, many who eventually have been given the chance to migrate have made use of the opportunities to study and become accomplished in their professions. We see their photos often in newspapers, their images on television, and hear their voices on radio programs. Although they may become recognized leaders in their own right, it is not public knowledge the path some of these successful individuals have taken to become the accomplished persons they are today. These individuals realized that they may not have been considered the best and brightest students in their own Caribbean countries but could succeed instead in other countries that have provided all persons with the chance to achieve their educational ambitions without limiting opportunities only for the brightest students. They made an effort to overcome their native countries' public education system of indifference towards average students. On the other hand, many who have now become well-known lawyers, doctors, business persons, bankers, etc. would rather maintain the secret of their enrollment in stigmatized secretarial colleges or vocational or technical schools, etc. upon completing high school. The entry level jobs that they worked at while attending colleges or universities abroad are also a chapter in their lives that they may not want to be known. Yet, they cannot deny that the difficult path taken have made them the persons who they are today. They received educational opportunities elsewhere that made them as successful as or even more successful, in some cases, than those whose path was never impeded by an education system that measures student achievement solely on a single day's performance on a test.

Jamaica - Take Notice of the Recent Hurricanes' Aftermath

This is a perfect time to pay close attention to the aftermath in Caribbean islands after they were hit by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Both the rich, with their hillside mansions, and the poor with their humble dwellings were brought to the same level when the hurricane wiped out the nations thereby changing their tourism status from islands of paradise. But, the main surprising issue was the lack, prior to the devastation, of the mainlands' attention to their colonies. The affected Caribbean residents in such islands as Guadalupe, St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Thomas and St. John were quite understandable upset that attention should have been given prior to the storm so relief would have been readily available to them. But, even more shocking was the United States' low level of attention to Puerto Rico, their own territory with American citizens. It was not until a week after loud cries via the media from the affected residents, foreign reporters, politicians, etc. that the White House stepped up their efforts to aid Puerto Rican as they did so speedily with Houston and Florida. The main consideration, however, is that if these islands are connected to G-8 countries and they experienced difficulties during the hurricane's aftermath, then how will independent islands such as Jamaica fear after a severe hurricane? In a materialistic dominated atmosphere that relies entirely on tourism, Jamaica will need to consider its fate if such natural disaster occurs. But, then again, it is actually not if but when a severe storm occurs. Certainly, there will be great financial assistance along with other aid from outside sources but, as it can be seen from Hurricane Jose, Irma, and Maria's aftermath, military logistics and high powered government interventions from a mainland country will be necessary to coordinate efforts such as making major distributions; maintaining important infrastructures such as damns; or even relocating residents to a mainland or adjacent territories until the rebuilding process is completed. Haiti is an example of an independent nation that received extensive financial assistance and other aid after every disaster. Yet, the country does not show the benefits since it is not associated with a mainland that would intervene to provide long term commitment to ensure all financial and material aid are properly coordinated and used to the country's benefit. Jamaica, too, does not have a mainland to look to since the island gained its independence in 1962 from England. The aftermath of a severe hurricane or even an earthquake is an urgent issue that must be considered and planned for before a natural disaster occurs.

Newton Marshall - First Jamaican Dog Sled Yukon Quest Participant

When one hears "Yukon Quest Dog Sled Race" words such as tedious trail, dangerous terrain, grueling long days, frigid temperature, and many more descriptions that link to the uncomfortable conditions participants are expected to experience. But, did you know that in 2009 Jamaican, Newton Marshall, entered this 1,000 miles competition? After recently viewing the competition on television, it was then that immediate notice was taken of Marshall when he spoke with his Jamaican accent. Since that competition in Northern Canada, Marshall has participated in other tough dog sled races in Alaska such as the Iditarod. Because track and field is such a popular sport in Jamaica, the names of athletes in this area of sports, such as Usain Bolt, are commonly heard and national recognition is given to them. However, it is important to also not forget unsung sports heroes such as Marshall who came from a humble Jamaican background and showed that his upbringing does not matter - all things are possible with hard work even in an environment that is out of a person's customary comfort zone.

"Bad Minded" People

Growing up in Jamaica, I always heard about people having "bad mind". However, for so many years, that phrase has never been mentioned around me throughout my interactions in Jamaica and around Jamaicans abroad, so I completely forgot about the term until lately when the word appeared to have been resurrected. This resurgence of "bad mind" indicates that it is not a word that has gone out of style -- this term from the past is still alive and well nowadays. During the recent elections,  Andrew Holness's mansion saga brought this term back to life in the public forum as the then Leader of the Opposition indicated that some people, primarily from the opposing PNP, had "bad mind" about his ability to purchase a dwelling at such a exorbitant cost. From all indications, the magnificent appearance of the property made many wonder how he could have acquired so much money on his politician salary to build such a structure. However, another politician has caught the "bad mind" bug. Julian Robinson's intent to purchase a multi-million dollar home with his wife, a CEO of a bank, is under scrutiny, and ironically his personal business has been brought to the public not by the opposition ruling party but surprisingly person or persons from his own political party. It appears that these "bad minded" people do not seem to realize people who come from humble backgrounds can work hard to achieve academic  and professional successes that will subsequently lead to their ability to afford an expensive house in an economy with property values that having been increasing rapidly due to the unstable economy. It must be emotionally draining, unproductive, and a sad situation for people to waste so much energy worrying about another person's ability to succeed.

Too Much Time on the Mayor's Hands

It is inconceivable how a mayor of a city that is plagued by so many social issues and population needs seems to have found so much time throughout each day to post on social media. The constant postings throughout the day indicates that the mayor may simply have nothing to do or this mayor is effective in delegating work to others so as to free up tax payers' time to constantly post on social media. It would be acceptable if this mayor would post on the work that is taking place on the bad roads or dilapidated buildings or the dirty, smelly streets with running sewer water or the many other issues that need to be fixed throughout the city. Tax payers would certainly welcome posts on successes achieved or notices on social activities planned to benefit the residents of communities throughout the city. However, in addition to silly postings, the main emphasis of the mayor is to blast the ruling JLP or to spread propaganda or call out other politicians - even those associated with PNP who brings out the mayor's wrath. Taxpayers deserve better.

Remnants of British Colonialism After Country's Independence

Anyone looking at the above picture who do not know what the Queen's Counsel (QC) is all about may initially think that the blond head wear shown in the photo appears strange or funny or ridiculous or some other unflattering thoughts may come to mind. Even those who may be familiar with what the Queen's Counsel is all about have made unkind comments on news media blogs about the head wear that symbolizes the British colonial system. The fact is that these two individuals in the picture are well-known, successful attorneys-at-law who are associated with high-level or well-known court cases. However, in spite of the questionable nomination practices for Queen's Counsel socially-connected applicants by their affluent, influential relatives or friends, it is high time for countries that gained their independence from England over 50 years ago to break away from the symbolic, old-fashioned British colonial practices that do not relate to the modern customs of the country.  It is time for these "independent" nations to develop their own national practices that recognizes high-level barristers instead of hanging on to another country's traditions. Hong Kong, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Zambia have all made efforts to reform this Queen's Counsel legal practice to a system that is more in line with their national traditions. Reform, however, will quite likely not come any time soon to nations such as Jamaica since many in the legal community, especially those already designated as QCs, will not want to give up the high-profile status or elite mentality or high remuneration that is associated with this acronym that is placed behind their names.

JAMEXIT - CARICOM Passport Has No Use To Jamaicans

Here we go again...another incident in Trinidad and Tobago where Jamaicans were treated poorly. In this matter, the Jamaican women entering the country were made to sleep on a hard floor and given only a bottle of water before deporting them back to Jamaica. This kind of disrespectful reaction to Jamaicans is not a typical reaction that would be shown to immigrants from CARICOM countries who enter Jamaica. Such incidents generate the question as to why Jamaica, the most popular and dominant English speaking country of all the Caribbean countries, should continue to issue CARICOM passports or remain a full fledge or even a member of CARICOM. The Jamaica Manufacturing Association (JMA) also presents a list of concerns that the Jamaican exporters experience while doing business with Trinidad. The treatment of Jamaicans by CARICOM countries in general does not indicate that these countries want to engage with Jamaica in working towards a unified Caribbean. It clearly shows that most islands that are separated from Jamaica by their south eastern location want to maintain a close relationship with people in that region but not with Jamaica that is located in the distant north western region. Furthermore, while Bahamas is not located in the eastern region of the Caribbean and is not considered a full fledge member of CARICOM, it, as a Caribbean nation, is renown for its draconian treatment towards not only Jamaicans but people of other Caribbean countries since others are not considered "Bahamian" even by birth. For Jamaica, it is full time to review the CARICOM agreement and disassociate with the regions in the aspects of the agreement that are simply not working. It is time to move on!

UWI Hospital Mona Fails Again at Serving the Public

It is disheartening to hear that a lady cannot obtain critical eye treatment and is on the verge of becoming blind because UWI hospital no longer provides a machine to handle the needed procedure. Certainly, after years of use, machines will break down. However, it does not appear any responsible person at the hospital considers that important machines such as that eye machine will need to be replaced eventually. The Chairman of the UWI Board, James Moss Solomon, provided a poor, inexcusable response that the machine costs too much money. It would have been more informative to hear from Mr. Moss Solomon what action will be taken to seek funding to replace the machine so that not only this lady but the public will continue to benefit in the future. Such response shows an indifference to the plight of people who cannot afford private medical attention since having such eye procedure done privately will cost over $1 million Jamaica dollars. Such a shame!

Popeyes Clogs Up Cross Roads!

A second franchise of the Popeye's restaurant was opened in Jamaica to fanfare at its Cross Roads location. Wonderful!! Another American restaurant is opened that sells greasy fried food to create more health problems for Jamaicans. It would be interesting to know how much of this unhealthy food Richard Lake, Lois Sherwood, and the other franchise owners at Restaurant Associates really eat. It is about time the health of the people is taken into consideration so that more effort will be given to starting Jamaican restaurant chains, such as Island Grill, that has developed a reputation for providing well cooked, healthy meals. Bombarding communities with so many American fast food restaurants, for instance three KFCs in Portmore, is simply just greed that manipulates the population's desire to eat "American".

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

Jamaica - Suspension for a Letter but No Disciplinary Action for the 18 Baby Death Mishandling!

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!

Doctor Refuses to Treat Sick Patient

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.

From Intolerance to Pride for Professor Marlon James

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.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/15/magazine/from-jamaica-to-minnesota-to-myself.html?_r=1

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaica-rejects-buggery-law-repeal--same-sex-marriage

People's National Party Issues Reflect Poor Leadership

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.

Time To Exhale GSAT 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?

Lead By Example

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.

Too Much Nepotism and Favoritism in Jamaica

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.

Segregation of High School Students

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.