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.
