The Rockhouse Foundation's Model School in Savanna-la-mar

Rockhouse Foundation President Peter Rose and aspects of
the Savanna-la-mar Inclusive Infant Academy

Journeying through our country last week, one cannot help but fall in love all over again with our lush green hills and the kindness that has kept Jamaica going.  Come with me to the Savanna-la-mar Inclusive Infant Academy on Lewis Street, built by the Rockhouse Foundation with ongoing support from the Foundation and Ministry of Education, Information and Youth. 

The President of the Foundation Peter Rose walked us through the beautiful, airy spaces where happy children ran to hug us and enthusiastic teachers and therapists described the close attention paid to their charges.

This mixed ability, full inclusion model school has a population of 115 children, 30 percent of whom have ‘a diverse set of special needs.’ The remaining 70 percent of children are selected by what Peter describes as a ‘straight lottery’, to avoid favoritism in any form. The Foundation plans to further expand the school, provide a daycare centre and eventually, primary-level classes.

The high wooden ceilings of the village-like layout provide natural cooling – construction workers from the community were engaged for the project and there is creative artwork celebrating their participation.

 The well-equipped therapy room is where Halleah Addiman brings hope and healing. One child, brought in the arms of her parents, can now navigate the corridors of the school. Speech Language therapist Ann-Merita Golding provides services to the school, and described her work with the children, some of whom have needs beyond just articulation.

We noted the carefully planned meals – for snack time, the children enjoyed bowls of fresh fruit.  The pupils are provided with nutritious breakfasts, snacks and lunches, thanks to the involvement of the Rockhouse executive chef.  

The Rockhouse Hotel, the popular boutique hotel and restaurant on Negril’s West End, along with its ownership team does the heavy lifting for the Foundation, organizing overseas fundraisers with its legions of fans network of loyal donors. The Foundation also contracts buses to take the children to and from school.  Instead of purchasing sets of sometimes expensive books, the Foundation underwrites all photocopying of lessons for the children.

Such a great model - thank you Rockhouse Foundation!

This worker is not a good look!

Written several years ago by George Davis and published in the Gleaner

The woman gets to work at her government job by 6:30 a.m. on Monday. She's in two hours early because she has to print 160 coloured programmes for her church's upcoming games night.

She intends to print them all in office before any of her informer colleagues arrive. She sees Andrea at her cubicle, but fears nothing. Andrea is the Queen when it comes to using government stationery and materials for the benefit of her children, their friends, and neighbours. Andrea was once found to have used three reams of paper to print flyers for a dance her big son was having, but escaped sanction after her union stepped in.

The woman suddenly remembers she had promised her niece that she would print and bind four SBAs for her by Wednesday. That's another 200 pages, with several coloured diagrams. The woman looks at her watch. It's 6:40 a.m., and she realises she has enough time to print the SBA and the church programmes before the office starts getting busy at 8:15 and work begins at 8:30.

The woman starts printing the SBAs, but after 86 pages, she realises that the spacing isn't right and that the diagrams are spilling over from the pages. She hisses her teeth before going into the cabinet to pull out a fresh ream of paper to start the process again. She stashes away the spoilt 86 pages and makes a mental note to run them through the shredder before she leaves for the day.

At 8:15, the office is almost full. The woman scowls after remembering she didn't get to listen to those ladies this morning as usual. She also didn't get to access Facebook and see what others, the majority of whom she would never know personally, had been up to on the weekend.

It's now 8:30, and the woman must get down to regular business. She goes to the kitchenette and makes herself coffee. After catching up with the two office attendants, the woman emerges 15 minutes later with a steaming cup of Mountain Peak, the kind she no longer buys for her home, given that so much of it is at the office.

Office gossip

She returns to her office by 8:50, having taken five minutes to find The Gleaner. She then settles at her desk to enjoy the brew while leafing through the publication. By 9:30, she's done with The Gleaner and sets off to find the Observer. She locates the paper at her friend's cubicle, where she sits to read and catch up on office gossip.

By 10:15, the woman powers her computer back on. She reads intra-office email and takes time to forward fresh jokes from her inbox to her friends. She then comments on a scripture sent by a Christian staff member and goes to her favourite Bible-based website to find something with which she, too, can bless the inbox of general staff.

By the time all this is done, it's about 11 a.m. The woman spends the next half-hour reading 'stuff' from the MSN splash page, listening to her mid-morning talk show and contemplating seriously what she'll eat for lunch at midday. By 11:30, company starts to gather in the woman's office, as those in the cubicles and other surrounding areas congregate to kill time and prepare for lunch at midday.

This woman and her crew are not fictitious. They work throughout government ministries, agencies and departments. Theirs is a job for life. They aren't obliged to produce anything. They turn up early, drink troughs of tea, coffee or Milo, and put in a daily shift worth less than the value of a teabag. Their managers and supervisors are powerless to make them produce and deathly afraid of their powerful unions.

These are not people without ability. These are people who've been allowed by the system to be complacent and whose DNA code has four additional letters: L.A.Z.Y.

Having seen this kind of conduct first-hand, it should be clear why I'll shed not a tear if the Government were forced by the International Monetary Fund to cut the likes of these from the public sector. In next week's amazing sequel (a must-read), you'll learn what happens after lunch.

Selah.

George Davis is a journalist george.s.davis@hotmail.com.

   

Common causes, North and South

Column published in Jamaica Observer 25 November 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

So here I am, parachuted from the cold climate and warm hospitality of Canada into an energetic PAJ Journalism Week, the history-making address by children to Parliament's Lower House and the celebration of Digicel Foundation's 15^th Anniversary.

'Open Minds' was the theme for International Women's Forum (IWF) Conference in Toronto earlier this month: 1,100 members, thought leaders and experts gathered to explore such themes as the promise and risk of artificial intelligence, the global refugee crisis, women in politics and yes, transitioning sexual identity.

One of my favourite sessions was "In Good Hands: Women Politicians" addressed by Canada's first woman Prime Minister, Kim Campbell. "There is a double-standard [for women in politics]", she noted. "If you are not the prototypical person, you are not forgiven for anything. If people see you as an exception, you will be held to a different standard. You have to establish your right to be there and your right to make mistakes."

Lo and behold, I returned to Jamaica to see a newspaper editorial describing one of our brightest politicians, Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith as "thin-skinned", simply because she had noted suggestions from a previous editorial and was not inclined to follow them.

The Jamaica Women's Political Caucus of which I am a member has been holding seminars for women of different political persuasions, guiding and mentoring them.  We have not been very active in recent years, and such incidents must motivate us to recharge our programme.

At the IWF Conference we were gifted with an excellent book by Stephanie MacKendrick, "IN GOOD HANDS: Remarkable Female Politicians from Around the World Who Showed Up, Spoke Out and Made Change."  It features Right Honourable Campbell, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern among others and includes a playbook which gives practical advice to aspiring women leaders.

"Tell women not to disdain power," urges former PM Campbell. "It is the currency for getting things done."

"Is the News Too Negative?"

We had a stimulating discussion at the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Journalism Week Forum last Monday as panelists replied to the subject: "Is the news too negative?" We enjoyed the compliments paid to Jamaica's top ten status in global press freedom from Canadian and British High Commissioners Hon Laurie Peters and Hon Asif Ahmad. However, Jamaica has her trials: NIA head Professor Trevor Munroe reminded that generally trust and confidence are down, with 78 percent believing that corruption is a serious problem.

This is the dilemma for the media.  While veteran journalist Franklin McKnight believes that the ugly underbelly of our country is not fully acknowledged in the press, columnist Jaevion Nelson believes that the news is too negative, resulting in younger Jamaicans tuning out. "This could lead to ignorance and apathy," he warned.

Director of Tourism Donovan White called for balance but said he was not advocating censorship. He shared that Jamaica had one of the highest rates of return visitors – 42 percent and that tourism was the largest employer. He said with the industry earning $3.6 billion and providing employment for 25 percent of Jamaicans, there were "opportunities to tell really great stories in our news". Gleaner editor Kaymar Jordan reflected that media should dig deeper for truth, especially in the face of "fake news and doctored videos".

Outstanding Media Veterans

Last Wednesday the PAJ honoured four remarkable media veterans, JIS Deputy CEO Enthrose Campbell, Jamaica Observer Senior Reporter Balford Henry, Photographer Headley "Dellmar" Samuels and IRIE-FM broadcaster Elise Kelly. The citations reflected excellence, dedication and the journalistic tenacity that his kept Jamaica in the top ten for freedom of the press.

The PAJ took the opportunity to honour two shining stars of the media. Former JIS CEO and PR guru Carmen Tipling and the late Franklyn 'Chappy' St. Juste whose son Francois represented the St. Juste family.  As the word spread of the six honourees, social media carried tributes from individuals they had taught, mentored, encouraged and even disciplined. 

Such is the calibre of our Jamaican media stalwarts. I have great memories of Chappy St. Juste – I can hear Wycliffe Bennett's booming voice addressing him in discussions on the staging of events at Carifesta 76 and later I was lucky to be in his stage management class in my post-grad days. What a fine legacy.

Our children cry out

Jamaica Observer Senior Staff Reporter Kimone Francis delivered excellent coverage session of Parliament addressed by four children who shared the feelings of 300 children from three parishes who had been engaged in townhall sessions organised by UNICEF. I quote excerpts from her reports below, because I cannot say it better.

"A lot of children in Jamaica are dealing with a lot of pain." Those were the words of 10-year-old Keino King, who yesterday, along with seven-year-old Ngozi Wright, her twin brother Tafari, and 18-year-old Shaneille Hall, addressed the nation's Parliament in an unprecedented session on violence against children, ahead of today's observation of the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

"Our fear is based on the heartbreaking reality [that] many of us are being bullied. Many of us are being beaten. Many of us are being sexually and emotionally abused, and we are being murdered. This violence started in the days of slavery and to this day it continues. So I ask you, what are you doing to help break the cycle?" Keino asked.

"I don't want to live in a Jamaica where the children are so hurt by violence that they grow up to hurt themselves or to hurt other people. Do you?" the young boy let out to rousing applause from the members of the Lower House.

Orphaned at the age of three, sexually abused by her grandfather until she was 10, a teen mom by 15, homeless at 16, Shaneille Hall has endured more than most people.

Here are some of the requests coming out of the townhall meetings:

Children want to be heard: There was a very strong appeal for decision-makers to consult with children on a regular basis to learn more about what they are experiencing in order to guide the development of relevant laws, programmes, and policies.

Children want parents to get help so they can be better parents.

Children want stricter enforcement of laws for those who abuse children.

Children want better relationships with the security forces.

Grassroots projects get a big boost

Most Hon Juliet Holness congratulated the finalists and prizewinners in the Digicel Foundation 15^th Anniversary competition, urging them to become change agents in their Communities. The 15 Awardees including farmers, micro businesses and start-ups in every parish, each received two million dollars and expressed their joy at being able to expand their projects and provide employment. Over its 15 years of existence the Foundation, on the directive of Patron Denis O'Brien, has funded projects for special needs, education, and entrepreneurship to the tune of over US$36 million.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                               

PAJ’S 2019 PUBLIC FORUM ASKS “IS THE NEWS TOO NEGATIVE?”

The Press Association of Jamaica continues to engage the public on topical and controversial issues relating to the media's role and function in democracy, with the theme for National Journalism Week this year being "Advancing Democracy – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!" National Journalism Week is being celebrated from Sunday, November 17 - Saturday, November 23, 2019.

 

"The week will include an interesting and engaging series of activities and events. Additionally, the theme acknowledges the crucial role that the media plays in a healthy democracy," says PAJ President, George Davis.

The week kicks off with the traditional church service, which is being held this year at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church, 143 Constant Spring Rd, St. Andrew on November 17 at 9am.

The PAJ's increasingly popular public forum will focus on the topic "Is the News too Negative?" which is intended to critically analyse this longstanding topical issue. The event will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, on Monday, November 18, starting at 6 pm, and is free and open to all.

"We thought it critical to look at this issue because we have heard the complaints from our audience," says Davis. He adds that the PAJ "cares about what the public has to say about the work that we do. Therefore, we want to engage them on this issue, and to hear their suggestions."  

 

The main speakers at the forum will be newly appointed Editor-in-Chief at the Gleaner Company, Kaymar Jordan and social commentator Jaevion Nelson.

Jordan is an award- winning journalist with over 20 years' experience. Before she started working at the Gleaner, Kaymar launched her own media consultancy firm after serving for five years as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Barbados' first online multimedia platform, Barbados TODAY. Prior to that, she served for two years as Editor-in-Chief of the Nation Publishing Company and as Director of News and Current Affairs of the Caribbean Media Corporation, the successor to CANA.

Nelson is a Social Commentator, Gleaner columnist and Executive Director of Equality for All Jamaica Foundation. A Chevening scholar, he is passionate about fighting for the rights of the under-privileged, themes which he revisits regularly in his media commentary and on social media platforms.  Donovan White, Director of Tourism and Lavern Clarke, Business Editor at the Gleaner are the other two panellists.  The Public Forum is sponsored by the British High Commission, The Canadian Embassy, National Integrity Action and the Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies.

"The PAJ continues to engage with students and media workers outside of Kingston & St. Andrew. As a result, seminars will also be held in Central and Western Jamaica," says the PAJ President.  

The PAJ team will travel to Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville on Tuesday, November 19 at 2pm and to the University of the West Indies Western Campus in Montego Bay on Wednesday, November 20 at 9am for discussions on the same topic.

 

The PAJ's annual Veterans' Luncheon will also be held on Wednesday, November 20.

"We are happy to announce that this year we will be honouring Elise Kelly, Senior Broadcaster at IRIE-FM; Headley "Dellmar" Samuels, Sports Photographer; Enthrose Campbell, Acting Deputy CEO at the Jamaica Information Service; and Balford Henry, Senior Journalist at the Jamaica Observer," said PAJ Assistant Secretary Karen Madden.

The week will end with the National Journalism Awards at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston on Saturday, November 23. Cocktails will start at 6 pm, with the Awards Show starting at 8 pm, followed by the popular After-Party.

"It is important for us to recognize and celebrate the good work that is being done in journalism," says Davis. "Overall, we're looking forward to a great week."

 

Contact: George Davis, PAJ President, 876-564-1384 

--

"A Free Press, Oxygen of Democracy"

The promise of youth, the challenge of ageing

Observer column for MON 11 NOV 2019

Jean Lowrie-Chin

The beautifully uniformed high school students at the Jamaica Conference Centre last Thursday brought back memories of those box pleats that had to be lined up on our ironing board; the Jamaica school uniform is the great equalizer and I am glad this tradition continues. We were moved by the powerful performances from the bands of Pembroke Hall High School and St Richards Primary, and Tivoli Dancers: big sounds from those young people and dynamic dancing to Agent Sasco's "Winning".

Do we understand the impression that our new millennial singers have on our students? We have a welcome wave: Chronnix – "Smile for me Jamaica", Koffee – "Gratitude is a must", Wayne Marshall - "Lord I pray, I honour Your name, deliver Your mercy", Popcaan, and Protégé.  Please artists, rev up those empowering lyrics that will stay in the heads of our young people. 

We were at the launch of the second Annual Student Empowerment Programme organised by Kingston & St. Andrew Development Foundation (KSADF) in association with the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information (MOEYI). During the month of November, leaders in all sectors engage with upper high school students, most of whom are contemplating career choices. Those of us who participated last year left with renewed hope for the future of Jamaica.

One of last year's school motivators was Prime Minister Andrew Holness who engaged with students at Penwood High School. He had planned to spend an hour at the school, but became so transfixed by the observations of the students that he spent double the time.  Our students are engaged, talented, and ambitious.

The KSADF is the brainchild of Kingston Custos Steadman Fuller, whose company, Kingston Bookshop has sponsored the organisation for the past three years.  His co-chair is St. Andrew Custos Dr Patricia Dunwell, whose philanthropic activities have changed the lives of many, particularly those in the Grants Pen community. Here are high-achieving Jamaicans who could comfortably relax on their laurels, but instead they have used their resources to serve their fellow Jamaicans.

MOEYI State Minister Alando Terrelonge lit up the room with his call to the students to "Remember and appreciate your value."  He reminded them, "Education is the best gift you can give to yourselves – an educated mind is an emancipated mind." Further he advised the students to "join clubs in your schools and organisations in your communities." He said climate change was important to his Government because "we must protect Jamaica for you."

Custos Fuller also tackled the issue of climate change in his keynote address, noting that with rising sea levels, more intense storms and droughts, this will have an impact on education, the places we locate schools and the type of structures to house them. Much to my delight, he also emphasised the importance of creativity in this digital age, noting that none of our magnificent inventions could have materialized without that creative spark.

We enjoyed the positivity of Mayor Senator Delroy Williams, who described his beloved City of Kingston as the "Pearl of the Caribbean". Young Joshua Clarke, Assistant VP of the National Secondary Schools Students Council advised his peers to use an hour of the day as follows: "Twenty minutes of devotion, 20 minutes' workout and 20 minutes reading." Good advice for all ages!

It's an honour to serve this Foundation, with fellow Directors Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown, former Kingston Restoration and NHT CEO Morin Seymour, KSAMC CEO Robert Hill and Executive Director George Watson.

Lakes Pen Basic 15 years on

It was 15 years ago that the Digicel Jamaica Foundation was launched with the rebuilding and landscaping of the Lakes Pen Basic School in Spanish Town. Major General Robert Neish, then CEO of the Foundation and then Chairman Harry Smith collaborated with the efficient JSIF team to have everything up and running in six weeks. I remember the precious little faces lighting up when Patron Denis O'Brien presented them with schoolbags filled with supplies.

In spite of challenges in the Lakes Pen community, thank goodness the school has remained safe. Principal Mrs Keisha Malvo-Brooks and her staff have kept the school in great shape and were further awarded a Legacy Grant to equip the school's kitchen and for general repairs. Lakes Pen Basic has an active PTA and hosts the local football club who are protective of the little ones.

Since that day in November 2004, the Digicel Foundation has funded projects throughout Jamaica to the tune of US$36 million (over J$5 billion). The team travels islandwide to ensure that they identify the most worthwhile projects, building special needs schools, expanding science labs, building ramps in schools, assisting farming communities and funding micro enterprises and environmental projects which have resulted in significant job creation.

HEART Trust/NTA joins with Prince's Trust

Seventy-nine young jobseekers were hosted at a 'Get Hired' event co-sponsored by HEART Trust/NTA and the London based Prince's Trust International at the British High Commission last Thursday. Managing Director of HEART Trust/NTA Dr. Janet Dyer described 'Get Hired' as "a revolutionary recruitment event." She said the partnership would help to encourage the "soft skills" that young Jamaicans need to succeed in the working world.

 

Project Manager at Prince's Trust International Michael De Roeck stressed that the goal of the project is not simply job placement, but to "find sustainable employment for young people." Following their work in the Caribbean over the past three years, the organisation has expanded into Jamaica. Mr De Roeck praised the "absolutely fantastic" work of HEART Trust/NTA and its "decades of experience."

 

Alzheimer's Jamaica Conference

Kudos to Dr Ishtar Govia who, motivated by a relative's illness, started the STRIDE project to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. Last Friday, we were enlightened by Dr Alfred Chen's presentation on "Preventing Dementia". Let me try to translate into layman's language his advice. To promote the process of methylation, which prevents the formation of amyloid plaque on the brain, we should have seven essential nutrients in our diet: active folate, active Vitamin B12, B6, B2, Magnesium, Betaine (aka trimethyl glycine), and Vitamin D.  He said inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increased our risk. In the case of diabetes, he said this condition increases the risk for dementia by over 65 percent.

He suggested taking metformin to reduce inflammation and to adopt the ketogenic diet featuring very low carbohydrate intake, adequate protein and high healthy fats, e.g. those found in fish and nuts. He encouraged the inclusion of melon, turmeric, ginger, fever grass, lemon grass, sorrel and moringa and suggested an increase in the intake of Omega 3. He suggested that a blood test to check one's level of homocysteine could indicate one's risk for dementia.

Mrs Fay Petgrave, owner of the Eulice Home for Seniors in Manchester, discussed the importance of respect for patients with dementia. "We do a lot of hugging and 'chupsing' and preserve a respectful privacy," she noted. "Remember, these individuals once lived active, responsible lives. Each birthday, their relatives join us to celebrate their achievements. It is important that our residents feel safe and valued."

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com

 Photo Captions

Custos Steadman Fuller                              

Students at the launch of KSADF Empowerment Programme 

Mexican Ambassador's message on “night and day of Liberty”

Address by Ambassador Juan José González Mijares

 On the occasion of the 209^th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico

 Friday, 13^th September, 2019  

The event was featured on Page 2 of the Jamaica Observer

-Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

-Honourable Ministers of the Cabinet, Ministers of State and High Officials of the Government of Jamaica,

-President of the Senate and members of Parliament, 

-Members of the Diplomatic, Consular Corps and International Organisations,

-Representatives from Civil and Government Institutions

-Members from the private sector, academia and the press 

-Queridos compatriotas

-Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Good evening,

On behalf of the Government of Mexico, my wife Guadalupe and the members of the Embassy, I am pleased to welcome you to this reception to celebrate the Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence.

I wish to specially recognise the presence of Senator Kamina Johnson Smith who continues to highlight the importance of Mexico and its ties with Jamaica. 

Two hundred and nine years ago, in September 1810, Mexico initiated the journey for its Independence. On this day, we celebrate the “night and day of Liberty”, a long-standing practice that we enact on this occasion wherever Mexicans live around the world. 

We are a proud nation that has enriched its Independence from the roots of its original indigenous groups and civilizations, the Western World and its openness to the international community to become the 15^th largest economy in the world, the largest Spanish speaking country and the 8^th most visited tourist destination in 2018.

We are a country of multiple identities: Mexico belongs to North America, it is a Latin-American country, a Pacific Rim state and it is also a part of the Caribbean.

Our relationship with Jamaica goes back 53 years and is the most important and institutionalized in the Anglo-Saxon Caribbean. Mexico will continue to work with Jamaica as a priority area for its political dialogue, economic diversification and a privileged zone for its technical ​​cooperation. 

Since Guadalupe and I arrived in Jamaica a year and a half ago, we have had the opportunity to visit the country and get a better understanding of the people, the cultures, the dynamic economy, its political institutions and international profile. We are also very glad and thankful to have made very good friends along the way.

In June of this year Jamaica chaired the Ninth Meeting of the Mexico-Jamaica Binational Commission where we review our political dialogue, trade and economic prospects, as well as technical and cultural cooperation.

On this matter, allow me to specially thank the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ambassador Marcia Gilbert-Roberts, and Undersecretary for Bilateral, Regional and Hemispheric Affairs, Ambassador Alison Stone-Roofe and their team, for the successful conclusion of this Binational Commission.

The cornerstone of our political dialogue is our shared commitment to regional and global responsibility, the respect for international law and the strength of multilateralism. At the meeting we discussed the acute challenges facing the world:  Climate Change, Transnational Crime, Trade Disputes, Disarmament, Terrorism and Migration; and that need to work together at the bilateral and multilateral levels, to find, through dialogue and cooperation, the best possible solutions to these complex issues, thereby enhancing our global governance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Jamaica is an increasingly important destination for Mexican companies. Their presence is growing in the tourism, airport management and construction sectors. For example, the Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) concluded a successful bid for a PPP with Jamaican authorities to operate Norman Manley International Airport as of October.

ARENDAL, an energy company from Monterrey, has just concluded the construction of the first gas duct built in Jamaica, in the parish of Clarendon.  And new projects in the hotel sector are to begin this year.

In order to boost new investment projects, we will soon start the negotiation of a bilateral Agreement for the Protection and Promotion of Investment. We will also work, through a technical group, towards establishing direct air connectivity and multi destination tourist initiatives.

Mexico’s scientific and educational cooperation remain an important pillar of our relations. In 2018 we inaugurated the Mexican Chair at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. We expect the second edition to begin in the spring of 2020 and reinforce the collaboration of UWI and UTECH with the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

With regard to technical cooperation, for the 2020-2021 cycle,

we have selected 9 projects in the fields of maritime security, agriculture, irrigation and geospatial data management.  I must also highlight the beginning of an innovative triangular cooperation between Mexico`s National Council of Evaluation CONEVAL, the PIOJ and UNICEF on the multi-dimensional measurement of poverty and the evaluation of public policies in the social field.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A few days ago I was asked by a journalist if I already had some knowledge about the culture in Jamaica? “A mi fi tell yuh”, I said. It’s been a delightful experience in music, dancing, cuisine, street art, sports and landscapes in communities of St Elizabeth, Port Antonio, the Blue Mountains and Negril. Now we know better: from Bob Marley to Buju Banton; from Beres Hammond to Beenie Man and Chronixx.

It will be a privilege for me to help to introduce all these elements of Jamaican culture to Mexico and, of course be instrumental to bringing the art and cultures of Mexico to Jamaica. Today we proudly present a gastronomical tour and a musical surprise from Jalisco. I hope you enjoy both.  

As Koffee would say “Gratitude is a must”, I will now take the opportunity to thank all the sponsors that made this wonderful moment possible: Moon Palace Jamaica, CEMEX and Carib Cement, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, Wray & Nephew, Dolphin Cove, ARENDAL, Margaretville, Secrets, Grand Palladium, Excellence, Red Stripe, CPJ, Rosh Marketing, King Alarm and Mexico's Tequila Council for their generous support of this important commemoration.

I would also like to convey my appreciation to the staff of Moon Palace Jamaica for preparing this delectable gastronomic display. Thank you Diana, Chefs Darío and Luis Alfredo and all the team.

My gratitude to the staff of the Embassy and the residence of Mexico in Jamaica and my wife Guadalupe for all their effort and dedication.

Finally, thanks to all of you for being here to celebrate with us another Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico.

Thank you very much.

Kudos and challenges for Jamaica

Excerpt from Observer column for MON 23 SEPT 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica can be proud that we have been able to step out from under the wing of the IMF on stronger legs after a relationship which started in 2013 when the country entered into a four-year US$932-million Extended Fund Facility (EFF), followed by a US$1.6-billion Precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (PSBA) which ends in November of this year.

Former IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde

Former IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde addressed the Jamaica House Press Conference via video last Wednesday: “Through two programmes, two different administrations with very strong commitment, you have managed to actually create jobs, to reduce the unemployment level to the lowest ever, you've reduced debt by 50 percentage points of gross domestic product (GDP), you've managed to stabilize inflation and you've managed to accumulate reserves.”

She tweeted: “Congratulations @AndrewHolnessJM and #Jamaica for a successful program that has helped the Jamaican people. Jamaica’s achievements are not only in the sound economic policies, but due to their own creativity. @CentralBankJA used reggae to explain inflation targeting.”

Of note is the restraint shown by civil servants, nurses, teachers and the security forces as Government appealed for patience in our effort to stay on plan.

Keith Duncan, EPOC Chairman

Ms Lagarde commended the work of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) formed in 2013 and co-chaired first by Richard Byles and the then Bank of Jamaica Governor Brian Wynter. Byles was succeeded by financier Keith Duncan in 2016, and Duncan continues as the sole Chair of an expanded EPOC which will continue its oversight of Jamaica’s economic programme after the end of the PSBA.

In welcoming members of civil society to EPOC at the signing of an MOU with Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke last month, Duncan noted, “We also believe that it is extremely important that civil society has a voice in Jamaica's economic programme that we are plugged in, that we understand where we are in this programme, what our targets are, where are we going as a country, as we move towards economic independence.”

Of course, this is no time for Jamaica to relax. Our number one problem is crime.  We can debate the State of Emergency (SOE) endlessly but the fact is, we have to do something radical to stem this horrible loss of lives until we can develop the social programmes to ensure that our youth at risk are educated and job ready. What produces these cold-blooded gunmen, these out-of-control taxi drivers and these foul-mouthed harassers and windshield wipers? There are myriad studies; hopefully we can arrive at answers and solutions soon.

Criminal activity and careless road users are stressing our health system. Surgeries have to be postponed, blood supply runs low because of the endless stream of casualties arriving at our various emergency rooms throughout the country.  Families are plunged into poverty with the tragic loss of their breadwinners, affecting children’s education and living conditions. We recently met a once bright high school student whose marks suddenly fell and whose enthusiasm for learning disappeared.  We learned that she had lost her caring father to gunmen and was in a state of prolonged grief, despite the counselling being offered.

And so, we see that crime is holding us back on many fronts, though we must acknowledge the efforts being made. Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson and JDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rocky Meade are outstanding leaders. The PSOJ initiative Crime Stop, which celebrated its 30^th Anniversary this past weekend has been able to give sizeable rewards, sponsored by corporate Jamaica. Neighbourhood watch groups have been able to keep crime down in communities.

We applaud the ‘Liv Gud’ campaign though we are a bit puzzled at the spelling – not sure why we could not simply call it ‘Live Good’. ‘Jamaica Moves’ works just fine. Now to engage Jamaicans at school, work and in communities to act out this call, showing more respect, care and compassion. 

The IMF’s stamp of approval is tempered by sober advice: “Nonetheless, to fully achieve Jamaica’s considerable potential will require renewed attention to supply side reforms to address crime, support agricultural resilience, and invest in education and healthcare. The government is also committed to expanding social assistance for those in need through better coverage of the PATH program and support for the elderly.”

Making that magic work for all Jamaicans

Excerpt from Observer column published 29 July, 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

In this Emancipation Week, we give thanks for Jamaica’s beauty, bounty and talent, and the work being put in to share that Jamaican magic with our humble folk, especially women and the disabled.

As we surveyed the huge crowd packed in the Catherine Hall location for Sumfest and listened to the ringing voices of our Jamaican stars, we felt the magic of this country which we are blessed to call home. The next morning, we enjoyed the famous Pelican Grill Jamaican breakfast and drove along the coast to Negril, passing the shaded roadway flanked by the famous Tryall estate, and Round Hill, the quaint Lucea Townhall, the blue sea and sky. 

Crowds at Reggae Sumfest - Jamaica Observer photo

Oh yes, we slowed and rolled our windows down for the young soldiers at the SOE check points.  Our taxi man Michael who had taken us to Sumfest the night before said he welcomed the SOE. “People complain about the early closing hours, but if you organise yourself you can manage alright,” he said.  “This is cutting down crime, so we have to live with it.”

Sumfest brought a windfall for hotels, restaurants, taxis and the folks who had booths and sidewalk jerk offering. Passing Priory on our way back to Kingston, we were caught in a traffic jam, only to discover that it was the attraction of ‘Pudding Man’ with his long row of dutch pots on coal stoves and topped with more live coals – “Hell a top, hell a bottom, alleluia in the middle”. His puddings have a growing number of fans and trust me, that pumpkin pudding could hold its own on a dessert plate in the finest restaurant.

However, vendors in craft markets continue to complain to reporters that business is slow and the Fern Gully stalls are now being bypassed. Clearly, there needs to be other opportunities for these folks.  I remember the exquisite embroidered linens from the Allsides project – if only this could be restarted so that we can produce unique, easy-to-pack gifts for our visitors. I had heard about a basket weaving project sometime ago but the only baskets I see in our home goods stores are imported.  A few Jamaican online stores are gaining traction – hopefully they will reach out to these vendors.

My friend Clover Baker Brown discovered a skin care product manufactured by Eden Gardens, and when she mentioned to colleagues that she was going to place an order online, she ended up having to order a whole case.  Café Blue has been offering delicious packages of brittle in various flavours – a great favourite to take overseas. Ann Smith and Luciene Morrison created their popular Anilu pudding and cake mixes which are gaining in the export market.  We are blessed with the best flavours the opportunities are endless.

Despite the storm, #BahamasStrong

Bahamas Relief: Jean Lowrie-Chin, Executive Chair of PROCommpresents a cheque for US$3,800 to Food for the Poor Jamaica Chair Andrew Mahfood for rebuilding efforts in the Bahamas. Members of Team PROComm are (from left) Anita Chin, Yvonne Piper, Board Director Hubert Chin, Errol Howlett, Noel Chin, Vaughn Gray, Shana Lynch, and Sandra Lowrie. The funds had been earmarked to build a third Food for the Poor House in commemoration of the company’s 40th Anniversary. The other two Food for the Poor houses sponsored by PROComm were built in Jamaica and Haiti.

Observer column published 16 September 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Last week we cast our minds back to September 12, 1988 the day that Category 3 Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica, lingering over us for about six hours.  We remember the howling wind, tearing around our yard like a prehistoric creature, destroying our trees and threatening our roof. It felt like an eternity. How, we are asking ourselves, could anyone imagine that the Category 5+ Hurricane Dorian would sit stubbornly over Northern Bahamas for over a day. We were overcome with a sense of helplessness when we saw the grim reports, those islands being literally shredded by this monster system.

Bahamian Marion Bethel wrote from the Bahamas during the ordeal: “We are all in shock, numb & devastated at the horrific impact on Abaco from Dorian! As I wrote this it is moving at 1 mile per hour over Grand Bahama, just hovering & wreaking havoc everywhere!  Persons are stranded in homes with rising tides right now!  .. We’re all in wait & watch mode as there is nothing we can do at this time!! Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest!! This monstrous hurricane a CAT 5-6 moving with wind speed of 185-200 miles plus per hour has savaged & continues to pummel the northern islands!  The strongest hurricane to date in this part of the hemisphere, we’re told!!”

Thank goodness for the strength of that country, whose islands spared by the hurricane could immediately set up relief operations, partnering with regional and international organisations to rescue, shelter and feed some 70,000 families left homeless. Our friend and perennial volunteer Ann Marie Casserly kept us up to date with releases from the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), detailing their planning which included the enrolment of displaced students ages 4 to 19. They were invited “to seek enrolment at one of the government schools .. in any of the unaffected family islands” and were offered medical screening, uniform and lunch assistance, and referrals for counselling services.

Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen who had with his team prepared thousands of meals for survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, partnered with scores of Bahamian volunteers to distribute food and water. The nimble Bahamians rightfully used the hashtag #BahamasStrong as they carried out non-stop relief efforts.

Jamaica stepped forward early, with our own Adam Stewart linking his Sandals Foundation and Sandals Resorts International to other tourism concerns who came on board to support this beautiful Caribbean destination. For what will be extensive reconstruction efforts, the Sandals Foundation has partnered with Food for the Poor, an organisation which has years of experience in the fast roll-out of housing solutions in 16 Caribbean countries. 

As they did after the massive Haiti earthquake, members of the Jamaica Defence Force have been dispatched to assist in relief efforts.  I remember being told that in the Haiti operation, it was our JDF soldiers who had fast-tracked the efficient distribution of relief supplies. Canadian High Commissioner Laurie Peters responded swiftly to the JDF’s request for flight support and so the Canadian Air Force has been making multiple trips, taking our soldiers to the hardest hit areas in the Bahamas.

Wake-up call for Jamaica

The destruction wrought by Hurricane Dorian is a wake-up call for Jamaica.  Last week’s flooding after two hours of rain is a warning that we are far from prepared for a big weather event. Let us be clear that the poor folks packed tight in some garrison areas have no sanitary conveniences and a garbage collection problem, so their garbage ends up in gullies.  We cannot be telling people ‘Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica’ when we have them living in sub-human conditions. What would become of their frail shacks and shaky old tenement buildings if they were hit by a major system? Further, there are hotel workers living in such circumstances. How will our tourism industry recover if we don’t plan for their safety ahead of time?

Jamaica has no shortage of goodwill and brain power, but we need to synergize our planning. With efficient engagement among the various ministries and multi-lateral organisations, our country can become a model of resilience.