Between Jamrock and other hard places

Jamaica Observer column for MON 25 JUL 2016

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

With reports of racist attacks in the US and terrorist attacks in the Middle East and Europe, we'd better batten down and secure Jamaica.  "Foreign" is certainly not looking as attractive as it used to, so why not make Jamaica safe and prosperous, so we stop yearning so much for distant shores?

We should heed the passionate address by National Security Minister Robert Montague at his Ministry's Conference on Citizen Security held last week in Montego Bay.  He gave a rallying cry to parents, church, police and civil society to stand up to the criminals who are damaging our country. 

We also welcome the offer of Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment-Brown to help bring garrison politics to an end.  Let us not forget that many of our gangs had their roots in garrison constituencies, linked to both our major political parties.  Those cynical politicians may have started out with a few "badmen", but what they have spawned is now beyond their control.

We look to the police force to 'serve, protect and reassure', as is their motto.  However, the level of trust is low, despite the fact that many good police officers volunteer to serve the Police Youth Club, the largest youth club in Jamaica.  Clearly, the Social Development Commission (SDC) should be taking the lead with these clubs, instead of leaving the guidance of our youth to our already overworked police officers. 

There are about 10,000 police officers and over 100,000 public servants.  The Ministry of Industry and Commerce should be partnering with them to identify the talented, ambitious young people who need financial and management support to take them forward. 

There is just too much profiling and too little productivity. I believe GovNet, the technology solution under endless discussion, which aims at harmonising our public sector has not happened, because it would unmask the mediocre and corrupt folks who are contributing to the frustration of committed Jamaicans. 

Clearly, there is a great imbalance in our expectations.  We look away from the many other well-financed, well-travelled ministries and look to the beleaguered Ministry of National Security to do it all.
Our churches are doing good work, but with more synergy, they could make it great.  They have the most captive of audiences and could lead the charge to form Neighbourhood Watch groups.  They should also form an ethics committee so the pretenders can be exposed – these overnight 'bishops' are giving the church a very bad name.

The follow-up therefore to Minister Montague's impassioned cry should be the onboarding of these various private and public sector, church and civil groups with concrete plans for their active participation in our quest for national security. The offer of our Political Ombudsman to put an end to garrison politics is a great one.  The Minister could engage Crime Stop to garner confidential information that could help  in this quest. 

Jamaica Observer photo

Road Carnage
Clearly, there are too many road users who do not respect their own lives.  How else would you explain the 19-year-old overtaking a line of traffic at 2am in the morning on the Dyke Road, only to take his own life, that of two passengers, and that of a policeman, returning from late duty.  We are hearing bizarre stories about the incident in which six people lost their lives when their vehicle went off the Flat Bridge into the Rio Cobre.

The behaviour on our roads is a symptom of our troubled society – in Minister Montague's words, "children not being brought up, but being dragged up."  I remember an unlicensed young man crashing into my car some years ago, and when he and his well-spoken mother arrived at my office to discuss the damage, she looked me in the eye and said, "I can say I was driving and it would be your word against mine."  At that point, I felt my stomach turn, so I stood up and told her to leave my premises as I did not want to breathe in what she was breathing out.  If you are ever in a situation like this, please turn on the recorder on your smartphone – unfortunately, I did not.

So what do I keep repeating like a stuck record to my adult children? 
- You like to be in full control of your vehicle, but you cannot have that level of control if you speed. 

- Reduce speed even more if there is anything unusual e.g. rain, poor vision, children on the road.

- Do not answer your cell phone when you're driving; if you must, pull over and stop. 

- Do not engage in conversation when you are in a situation that requires extra focus – e.g. emerging onto a busy street.
Please share any tips you have – let us make our roads safer.

Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine - from Twitter @HillaryClinton

US 'Veeps' announced
In this, the most fascinating of US electoral campaigns, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has named his running mate, Mike Pence and Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has named Tim Kaine.  We are inundated with so much information and game-playing that campaign directors need to be geniuses of strategy and ensure there is widespread voter education. 

WMW Jamaica and Carimac presented their Global Media Monitoring Report recently, showing that there was still less media coverage of and participation by women. With Hillary Clinton, Britain's new PM Theresa May and more women stepping up regionally and locally, times are a-changing.

Gearing for Rio Olympics
Nothing unites us like sports, and this was refreshingly evident at a farewell for athletes co-hosted by the Brazilian Embassy and Digicel Jamaica last week.  Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson Miller and Sports Minister Olivia Grange gave heartening encouragement to the athletes.  Jamaica Olympic Association President Mike Fennell assured us of optimum arrangements, Digicel Senior Executive Patrick King of his company's support and we were impressed by the reply of Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby.
Then came Usain Bolt's victory in London, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's assurance that she is on track.  Rio should be memorable, and I look forward to sharing my experiences at the Olympics with you all, dear readers.

lowriechin@aim.com

Jean Lowrie-Chin JP
www.procomm.com.jm
www.ccrponline.org
www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com
   

St Catherine's Prep shines

It is graduation season, a time of hope and expectation.  I saw this in the eyes of the promising children of St. Catherine's Prep in Spanish Town, as they look forward to high school. Their Prinicipal Yolande Geddes-Hall showed her leadership qualities from her days as team captain of our Convent of Mercy 'Alpha' netball team. The children were happy and self-assured, bolstered by the unity of teachers, parents, non-academic staff and board members.

Young valedictorian Danielle Holdham, who had near-perfect marks, spoke confidently.  Affirmation was the order of the evening as there were multiple awards for academic excellence, sports and the arts and kudos for the dedicated teachers and parents.  The fathers were very much in evidence, and it was clear that this was a bright spot of excellence in the parish of St. Catherine.

In my charge to the graduates I told them of my wishes for them: to enjoy life with family and friends, not just with a smartphone or a computer; to read avidly as a love of reading will help them in every subject and to communicate and open them to great adventures; and to walk in Godliness, loving, sharing and praying. 

Lastly, I reflected on how blessed Jamaicans are, that our National Anthem is a prayer, every line filled with faith and the action it requires: "Teach us true respect for all, stir response to duty's call".  It is a serious duty, we adults have to ensure that our children have a peaceful and rich childhood, one that will give them the character and strength for a fulfilled life. 

5th Anniversary of Grenada Association of Retired Persons

Message from Carol Vazquez, President of GARP (Grenada Association of
Retired Persons).
We were delighted that our CCRP Member, Dr Annette Alexis represented us at
their 5th Anniversary celebrations

Dear Members and Friends of GARP,

These are just a few highlights of the beautiful afternoon at Wild Woods
Park when we celebrated GARP'S 5th Anniversary with an all inclusive beach
party. As you can see we also had the honor of the Prime Minister
celebrating with us and Grenada's top Calypsonian Ajamu. We had also
representations from Jamaica, Dr. Alexis, Carriacou, Mrs. Mary Simon and
Mrs. Gloria Smith, and from the USA Mr. Ed Clark. Our DJ was SWIFT and our
live band was CARESS.

A. silent auction was staged on the day with lots of wonderful and valuable
items which were donated to GARP and many enjoyed ticket prices of wines.
We had a coffee stall by Spice Isle Coffee who served ice and hot coffee
during the afternoon. Thank you for your kind support and donation.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all the hard working
volunteers for their help in making this a successful and memorable event
and to our donors of air tickets with SVG, food, drinks, plates, glasses,
bowls and prizes thank you for your great reputation of giving back to the
local community and we greatly appreciated your support. To our divine
Savior, thank you for the weather that allowed us all to come and leave
safely, even those that came from abroad, for the delicious food and drinks
and the music and comradery that brought joy to our hearts.

Carol Vasquez



































Sent from my iPad

All-round brilliance by Russell takes Tallawahs to top of Hero CPL

2016 HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCH REPORT 19:

Jamaica Tallawahs 158-7 (R Powell 44, A Russell 44, K Cooper 3 for 22) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 139-9 (H Amla 42, A Russell 4 for 23) by 19 runs

The Jamaica Tallawahs have moved to the top of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table with a fine win against the Trinbago Knight Riders at Sabina Park, their third successive home victory in three matches. A career best score by Rovman Powell and a brilliant display of hitting at the end of their innings from Andre Russell helped the Tallawahs to set a target of 159 to win.

Runs from Hashim Amla further cemented his place at the top of the Hero CPL run-scoring chart, but he played a lone hand with wickets falling around him as the Tallawahs won by 19 runs with Andre Russell backing up his batting display with four wickets with the ball.

Much of the speculation before the match was about whether Chris Gayle would be fit to play, and the Tallawahs would have been delighted when he was able to take the field. Unfortunately for the packed crowd at Sabina Park his innings did not last long. Gayle struggled to get off the mark and was dismissed for a nine ball duck when he edged behind off Kevon Cooper.

With both openers gone it fell to Sangakkara and Rovman Powell to rebuild. Powell has continued to impress in his first ever T20 tournament, he has been the find of the Hero CPL. Here he struck four Hero Maximums as he made a T20 high score of 44. Sangakkara and Powell departed within three balls of each, both falling to short balls from Cooper. Their partnership of 72 came from just 50 balls. 

Cooper was in fantastic form with the ball, getting extra bounce that troubled all of the Tallawahs batsmen. He finished with figures of 3-22, his best figures in Hero CPL, and those three wickets were Gayle before he got going and Sangakkara and Powell when well set.

It looked like the Tallawahs would set a sub-par total, but a brilliant counter-attacking 44 from Russell gave the home team a chance.  Russell smacked five fours and three sixes using a neon pink bat to give the Knight Riders a stiff chase.

Brendon McCullum came back into the Knight Riders team and opened the batting with Hashim Amla. With Colin Munro at three the Trinbago team have a very strong top order but two of those men were gone within the first four overs. McCullum was out stumped off the bowling of Imad and Munro spooned a catch into the covers off Dale Steyn.

That left Amla to hold it all together, and his innings of 42 did just that, but in the absence of a significant partnership the requited run rate climbed quickly. While Amla was at the crease with Denesh Ramdin the Knight Riders would have felt they were in this chase, but when Amla was out going for a big shot off Kesrick Williams there was still a lot of work to be done.

Dwayne Bravo struck back-to-back boundaries to bring the rate down but another cluster of wickets including two wickets in two balls from Russell ended TKR's chances of reaching the victory target.

Match 21, St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Preview

The next stop for the St Lucia Zouks is their home leg at the newly christened Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium that also now features the Johnson Charles Stand. Tickets for the opening fixture have been reduced by 50% to celebrate the first match at the stadium since it has been renamed in honour of the West Indies' World T20 winning captain.

It will be a big four games for the Zouks who are currently bottom of the Hero CPL table but with three games in hand over the leaders they are still more than capable of making the knockout stages. Sammy is still confident that his team can make the playoffs, despite defeat to the Barbados Tridents in their last match.

"We have six games to go, we just have to keep winning. Last year five games, or four and a half games, would get you into the playoffs. We just we have made it a little bit more difficult for us to qualify. But we are going to keep our heads up and look forward to going home."

The Zouks' first opponents at Gros Islet will be St Kitts & Nevis Patriots who are virtually eliminated from the tournament, but Sammy is not taking them for granted. The one win that the Patriots have achieved this season came against the Zouks.

"They defeated us at their home ground, we just have to keep believing and believe that we are a good team. We have just not clicked together, it is not how you start but how you finish a tournament. 

This week we could go home and play back to back games and gather some momentum. The first game at home is very crucial and hopefully we win at home against St Kitts." 

UPCOMING FIXTURES: Wednesday, 20 July – Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents, Sabina Park (8pm), Thursday, 21 July – St. Lucia Zouks v St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium (6pm)

TICKETS: Tickets for all CPL fixtures in the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale are on sale now from www.cplt20.com.

For further information please contact:

Peter Breen
Head of PR and Communications
Caribbean Premier League
Mobile: +1-(758)-7287500
Skype: pbreen67

Jamaica – worth the work

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published MON 11 July 2016

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Our PROComm Team celebrating Jamaica Day 2014

If you had any doubt that our Jamaica is worth the healing and the nurturing, just check the news coming out of the US this week.  In this, the land of Marcus Garvey, of Nanny, Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante, race is the least of our problems.  You may hear the odd racist remark, but with every new country I visit, I realise that Jamaica is the most racially harmonious that I know.

My late Mother of Indian heritage would relate many stories about her little district of Big Bridge in Westmoreland, where a healer woman named Granny Tuhtuh of African heritage would know exactly what herbs to combine to cure the residents in the area.  When her two brothers played “seh feh!” with a machete and four fingers were left dangling, it was Granny Tuhtuh who quickly pounded the herbs, put the fingers together and bound them. She did her version of physiotherapy because those fingers healed with hardly a scar and full mobility! 

Our family was a rainbow tribe – the Williams, Gopaulsinghs and Lowries. We attended St Mary’s Academy on Lewis Street, run by the Sisters of Mercy.  Principal Sister Veronica Doorly was a Jamaican of European heritage and Sister Magdalen Naudi was from Malta. We walked down to the Savanna-la-mar Fort to enjoy the sunsets, and watched the ‘Hosay’ marchers with their colourful crepe paper towers dancing and chanting on Great George’s Street. 

This is the Western Jamaica I grew up in.  But now, this Western Jamaica is recording multiple murders since the beginning of the year.  This has become the Westmoreland where one friend is afraid to visit her homestead because there are ‘too many strange faces’ with threatening looks. 

From whence have these infiltrators of the West’s peace come?  Someone who lives in a Kingston inner city community commented to us, “No state of emergency!  All the Kingston badman down in the West now woulda just come back and give us hell! You don’t see how downtown peaceful now?”

I can understand the anguish felt by Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte who hails from the West, and while I know she is a sincere and hardworking politician, I have to agree with the Jamaica Bar Association, who are not for tougher laws as they believe some on the books are already extreme, but for social change.  

"In JamBar's respectful opinion,” they noted in a statement last week, “aspects of these various laws unjustifiably abrogated the rights of Jamaicans, including accused persons, while failing to achieve the desired results …This is largely because the root causes of crime were not being properly addressed.”

We have to lay most of the blame at the feet of our dysfunctional leadership, but share in this blame because we, the citizens of Jamaica, the pious churchgoers allowed it.  We allowed them to establish garrisons and to empower ‘dons’ to terrorise our Jamaican brothers and sisters. 

As we criticize the police, we should know that some were threatened with demotion or worse if they did not fall in line with some of the dastardly deeds of these ‘dons’.  We allowed members of the police force to become brutalized and an embarrassment to those good officers who have steadfastly held on to high ethical standards.

Economist commentary

We can transform Jamaica’s trouble spots. The Economist magazine noted in a recent Schumpeter commentary: “Poor areas such as Trench Town used to be run by government bosses whose job was to bring benefits (notably public housing) in return for votes. Today social entrepreneurs offer a different model… Henley Morgan, a former consultant, has established a social company, the Agency for Inner-City Renewal (AIR)… Trench Town is no longer a war zone: Marley’s old neighbourhood is being dolled up; local recording studios churn out gangsta reggae; a few intrepid tourists venture into the area.”

“Turning round a country with a history of mismanagement and violence will be painful,” it stated. “The government needs to resist resorting to its bad old ways.” 

We the people must ensure that we promote positive leadership in both of our political parties – those who know better must do better.

GraceKennedy Household Workers lauded by PM Holness

“Service is powerful” – PM Andrew Holness

Jean Lowrie-Chin

(excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 4 July 2016)

Champion GraceKennedy-Heather Little-White Household Workers Michael Lawson and Millicent Clunis with GraceKennedy CEO Senator Don Wehby and Phime Minister Andrew Holness

With fellow judges, we interviewed some of Jamaica’s finest citizens.  They were intelligent, sincere, and dignified.  They were the shortlisted household workers from the 106 nominated by their employers for the GraceKennedy Championships, now in its third year.  On Thursday the top nominees from the women’s as well as the new men’s category were announced, and from them emerged Champions Millicent Clunis and Michael Lawson and runners-up Elizabeth Watson Warren and Earnestar Smith.

Meet Millicent Clunis, who tackles her job in an organised, energetic manner.  She is a list-maker and thorough, and she and her husband are dedicated to outreach activities. Ms Clunis also serves on the executive of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU).  Michael Lawson started out as a watchman and when his employer lost her household worker, he offered to take on that role as well.  When his employer returned from work to find her house spotless, Michael was allowed to work both inside and outside the house. Michael Lawson explained that his mother became disabled soon after he was born and so his grandmother taught him how to take care of himself and his mother. 

“I would take my mother’s clothes down to the river and wash them,” said Michael, who has no issues with people calling him “helper guy Mikey”. 

As the finalists relate their duties in the various households, we realise that they are playing several roles: nurse, security detail, chef, tutor.  Thankfully, they are also very mindful of retirement planning, and have been ensuring that their NIS payments are up to date, and have bank accounts. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness who was guest speaker at the event was delighted to meet the dynamic Shirley Pryce, founder of the Jamaica Household Workers Union which last week celebrated their 25^th Anniversary.  He described this as “another milestone in my journey”, as Shirley explained to him that Convention 189 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which protects the rights of domestic workers was still awaiting ratification in Jamaica, while she had successfully participated in lobbying for its adoption in 183 other countries.

Prime Minister Holness and said he would be contacting Labour and Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson so the adoption of the Convention can be expedited.  The Prime Minister lauded the outstanding household workers, noting that they were participants in the biggest part of Jamaica’s GDP: service. 

“Service is powerful,” noted the PM.  “We should never confuse service with servitude.”

GraceKennedy CEO Don Wehby spoke of the household worker who had a hand in raising him, and was now living in New York.  He said when he was a student, she would always enclose money in her letters to him, and when he visited her in New York, she expressed motherly pride that he was now a Senator. He noted that Jamaica’s household workers have played an invaluable role in supporting families, even while raising their own.

Last year’s winner Rosetta Steer said she used her generous cash prize to study practical nursing.  She introduced her grand-daughter Jewel to us, and said they studied together.  “I believe in commitment, honesty and integrity,” she said, and advised, “Get your employers to trust you.”

Jamaica Experiences – know before you go!

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 4 July 2016
By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The scores who attended VIP Attractions launch of Jamaica Experiences last Friday, were treated to a taste of this multi-media programme to promote our beautiful country.  From the grater cake lady, to the acrobatic coconut man, Ity and Fancy Cat's humour, DJ Bambino's great selections and a surprise performance by a super-mellow Bennie Man, we agreed that David and Liz Hall's concept will be a big winner for Jamaica.

Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett seemed delighted with this boost and was thanked for his encouragement in the launch of VIP Attractions lounges in the Montego Bay and Kingston international airports, which have been winning a string of international awards.  We have to make special mention of Shelly-Ann Fung who misses no detail in making the Club MoBay and Club Kingston memorable.

With its vivid offerings, Jamaica Experiences can tweak the JTB slogan to say, "Know Jamaica … before you go".  Thank you David Hall, for putting your money behind your faith in Jamaica.

Kudos Dr Arscott for Milk River Spa

There is the inevitable shake-up of boards of public agencies following a change of government, but I would like to shine a light on the fine contribution of the Board of Milk River Spa chaired by Dr Guyan Arscott, to the renovation of this treasure of Clarendon.  The Board described their mandate and vision of the Milk River Mineral Bath and Spa (MRBS): “Milk River to become an iconic project to form the driving force of South Coast Tourism.”

An 18^th century slave discovered the healing spring, bathing in its waters after a merciless beating by estate owner Jonathan Ludford.  Ludford promised never to punish the slave again, if he showed him the spring, whereupon he fenced it assigned the slave as the watchman.  Upon his death in 1794, he willed the property (about 100 acres) to the government. The tourism ministry website notes: “Analysis of the mineral spring has established that it is more radioactive than leading European spas, (fifty-four times as active as Baden in Switzerland and three times as active as Karlsbad, Austria). The waters are reputed to cure numerous ailments including rheumatism, gout …”

The seniors organisation, Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) organised an outing there last year, and we were impressed by the facilities at the large, sparkling mineral pool, enjoyed by adults and children alike.  The renovation of the main building was underway, and I am hoping that the well laid plans of the former board, which was also served by the amazing Scarlette Gillings, will be continued – this includes plans for retirement villas. 

Tivoli: never again!

Observer column published Monday 20 June 2016

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

One of the police stations set ablaze before the Tivoli operations - rjrnewsonline.com

We should feel compassion for the citizens of Tivoli, as well as for our security forces.  We cannot judge the women who marched in white a few days before the Tivoli operation, bearing signs declaring their willingness to die for Christopher Coke referred to as “The President” of Tivoli Gardens, nor can we condemn the decision of the security forces to attempt to arrest Coke, who was wanted for crimes committed in the USA.

The report of the Tivoli Inquiry concluded that the decision of the security forces to go into Tivoli was warranted. Following the announcement that the Government would implement the extradition order for Coke, two police officers had been ambushed in the Mountain View area, and slaughtered; two police stations had been set ablaze; the entrances to the Tivoli Gardens community had been blocked by LPG cylinders which had been chained together, video footage of which was carried in newscasts.

Before the operation began, citizens were offered transportation to leave the community.  Did they remain because they wanted to or because they were forced to do so? Chances are, we will never know.

What we do know is that Tivoli Gardens has long been regarded as one of over a dozen garrison communities in Jamaica led representatives of both political parties – PNP and JLP alike.  From reports, we understand that these garrisons are like modern day plantations, where thugs have replaced overseers. Crossing from one side of a street to another could be very dangerous to your health!

These thugs become very popular with some political representatives in the months leading up to elections.  They ‘control’ tenement yards, and I experienced this when I tried to take some supplies to a bereaved family in my hometown of Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland.

“Is awright, I will give dem,” said a man when I asked to see the children whose parents had been shot to death after their door was kicked in, some months before. He took the bag from me, and walked off before I could utter another word.  Did those children of Dalling Street ever get the bun and cheese, and other Easter treats I took for them?  Chances are, I will never know.

Visiting our parents' graves at Calvary this Easter .. once again, Dad's grave has been vandalised .. Mom's grave awaits tombing - her burial was in February.  A security guard stands watch behind us. 

What I do know, is that to make a recent visit to my parents’ graves at Calvary Cemetery, adjoining Arnett Gardens, I had to hire a security guard and beg the police to be on the lookout.  This is in the Constituency now being hotly contested by Mark Golding and Colin Campbell, as Dr Omar Davies takes his leave of representational politics.

I believe Dr Davies was confronted with a toughness in that constituency, and he must have been a very grateful man when Dr Henley Morgan decided to set up his Agency for Inner City Renewal (AIR) in Trench Town, an organisation lauded in the Tivoli Report, its model recommended for communities like Tivoli Gardens. I am hoping his successor will make it possible for the communities in that constituency be finally and fully healed.

The Tivoli Inquiry is appealing to politicians to stop funding the “dons” in their constituencies.  Out of political garrisons have emerged gangs which have spread fear and grief far beyond the boundaries of these constituencies. How can Jamaica’s lawmakers be funding Jamaica’s lawbreakers? Further, in the national disgrace of scamming, I understand that some of those ill-gotten gains may have found their way into the coffers of political campaigns – if this is true, may such representatives never see the inside of Gordon House.

Hope on the horizon

Before we all hold our heads in despair, let me share that there is a move afoot where decent citizens are keenly inspecting political candidates, and deliberately putting their money where they are seeing honesty and dynamism.  Let this be the beginning of a movement, as we isolate those who are quoting “Vision 2030” with no intention of taking Jamaica there, and affirm those who are showing dedication and duty of care. 

Whether you can give in cash or kind, search for honest Jamaicans and support them, encourage good people to enter politics, so we can finally have the kind of leadership that our people deserve.  You may “see and blind, hear and deaf”, but that donation, even anonymous, can help turn the tide. 

Every well-thinking person is being asked to be a participant in this modern day emancipation of the oppressed citizens of Jamaica.  It is up to our political representatives and those of us who put them in office, that the dangerous challenges faced by the citizens of Tivoli, other garrison communities, and the security forces will come to an end. 

Dr Victor Chang recounts 1918 Anti-Chinese Riot

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published MON 13 JUNE 2016

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Dr Victor Chang - from TalkingTrees - 2SeasonsGuestHouse.com

Who has ever heard about an Anti-Chinese Riot in Jamaica in 1918?  We knew about the 1966 riots because the grocery store of our schoolmates, the Hoo Ping Kongs, had been burned down by rioters, although they had absolutely nothing to do with the conflict which had started in a downtown bakery.

So when we heard that Dr Victor Chang, known for his witty turn of phrase and great humour, would be speaking on this unbeknownst topic at the monthly meeting of the Chinese Cultural Association, we marked our calendars – this was a ‘must hear’. 

Dr Chang gave the background for the simmering animosity between African-Jamaicans and the Chinese: “Clearly, the entrenched oppositional stance between blacks and Chinese was part of a scheme by the colonial powers.  From the outset they had in mind that bringing the Chinese to the Caribbean was a sound strategic move since they would be “a barrier between us and the negroes, with whom they do not associate; and consequently to whom they will always offer a formidable opposition...”

This resentment grew when the Chinese were allowed to do trading on the estates where they worked, amassing enough to set up shops throughout the Jamaican countryside. 

Added to this, was the fact that the Chinese men had arrived without wives, and had African-Jamaican paramours.  This was the case for the grocer Fong Sue, of Ewarton, whose paramour, Caroline Lindo, lived with him.

 “The fact that the grocer had become involved with a black woman did not make him any more acceptable to the blacks because he still remained “othered”; there was some resentment that he should be taking one of the local women, and there were still bizarre speculations and beliefs about the Chinese which would be shown up in the riots.”

He quotes historian Howard Johnson’s account from a 1982 Caribbean Quarterly article: “Fong Sue, the Chinese grocer, had left his shop on Sunday, 7 July, in charge of his paramour, a creole woman, Caroline Lindo.  He was not expected to return that night.  Acting Corporal McDonald, who was in charge of the Ewarton Police Station, took advantage of Fong Sue’s absence to sleep with his paramour.  Fong Sue returned that same night unexpectedly, at about 11 o’clock, to find McDonald in an intimate embrace with Lindo… McDonald was given a beating by Fong Sue, with the help of a few Chinese friends, and then made good his escape.  He did not return to the police station but remained hidden in the bushes for two days.  He eventually re-appeared at the police station on the night of Tuesday, 9 July, to resume his duties.^”

Rumours swirled that Corporal McDonald had been killed, and attacks against the Chinese “encompassed St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Mary and Clarendon.” Mischief-makers used it as an opportunity to loot the shops, and at the end of the melée on July 11, 22 shops had been destroyed. 

Prof Anthony Chen

Dr Chang’s address was preceded by the Annual General Meeting of the Chinese Cultural Association, at which Professor Anthony Chen was re-elected President. Membership in the association is open to everyone, not only persons of Chinese ancestry.

Saturday Opening for Museums at Institute of Jamaica

Great news from IOJ ...

The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) has implemented several measures aimed at promoting the island's museums, enabling easier access to, and encouraging greater appreciation of Jamaica's heritage.

These include opening museums to the public on Saturdays, to allow more people to view the large collections of artefacts and art treasures.

Executive Director of the IOJ, Anne Marie Bonner, said that members of the public can now visit the Institute and its museums on Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The divisions that are opened are the National Museum Jamaica, the Natural History Museum of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Music Museum.

Current Exhibitions include: Taino, Rastafari, Uprsing: 1865 and its Afterlives, Curating Music: Building a National Collection and the National Art in School Exhibition. Click http://goo.gl/VPp7xf for details.

For bookings call: 922 0620 – 6 ext 284 or 320
Admission: Take a friend!

Contact : Josette Ricketts-Blake (Mrs)
Public Relations Officer

Institute of Jamaica | Central Administration 
10-16 East Street
Kingston
Tel: 922-0620 | Ext: 290 / 922-0620-6
Fax: 922-1147
Website: www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm
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The Institute of Jamaica - "For The Encouragement of Literature, Science and Art in Jamaica"

“We are Richer for Having Known Them” – PAJ Remembers Veteran Journalists

"The media community has been dealt a severe blow."  -  Dionne Jackson-Miller,  PAJ President

June 7, 2016: The Press Association of Jamaica is offering sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of veteran journalists Glenroy Sinclair and Gary Spaulding who, within the past few days, passed away within hours of each other.

"The media community has been dealt a severe blow," says PAJ President Dionne Jackson Miller. "Media circles in Jamaica are relatively small, so many of us worked closely with, and were good friends of both Glenroy and Gary. Because of that, the sense of loss is really very severe right now."

Both Sinclair and Spaulding were working at the Gleaner at the time of death. Spaulding had also worked previously at the RJR Communications Group, the Jamaica Observer, and the Jamaica Information Service.

"Our hearts go out to their families and friends, and especially to our colleagues at the Gleaner, who were still processing the reality of losing Glenroy, after he collapsed on the job on Friday, when they were hit with news of Gary's death," she says.

The PAJ says that both reporters were similar in many ways, especially in relation to their professionalism and dedication to their craft.

In his decades in media, Sinclair mastered the difficult crime beat, with sources that were the envy of every reporter.  Spaulding, in the meantime, after years spent covering Parliament and political affairs, was well known to politicians at every level, many of whom he could reach with a single phone call.   In recent years, Spaulding had started to parlay his considerable expertise and writing skills into political commentary, at which he proved adept, leading to his copping the prestigious Press Association of Jamaica's Morris Cargill Award for Opinion Journalism in 2012.

"Gary was my friend and mentor," says PAJ Vice President Karen Madden, who described herself as "heart-broken" and says Spaulding's encouragement and friendship were instrumental in her decision to pursue her dream of seguing from previously held administrative positions at the RJR Communications Group into journalism. 

That encouragement, she says, was typical of Spaulding, who never lost an opportunity to mentor and assist younger journalists. Sinclair similarly, could always be relied on to help guide reporters new on the scene.

"Every reporter on the crime beat liked and respected Glenroy," says  PAJ secretary Rohan Powell. "He was usually a step or two in front of everybody else when it came to getting the scoop on any crime story. He was also a really nice person who got along with everybody, and who you couldn't help but like."

"We are the richer for having known and worked with them, and journalism will be the poorer for their absence," says Jackson Miller. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this difficult time."

Contact: Dionne Jackson Miller, 792-3550

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"A Free Press, Oxygen of Democracy"

Violet Mosse Brown – 116 amazing years!

Observer column published May 23 2016
by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Mrs. Mosse Brown exudes peace and contentment - Hubie Chin photo

In the quiet district of Duanvale, Trelawny is a lady whose life has crossed
three centuries.  She was six months in the making at the turn of the 20th century, and her parents Elizabeth Riley (who lived to 96) and John Mosse welcomed into the world their daughter, Violet on March 13, 1900, born on the same premises where she still lives, 116 years later.

“I live by the grace of God and I am proud of my age!” declares Mrs Violet Mosse Brown, the world’s second oldest living person according to the Guinness Book of Records and Wikipedia.

Mrs. Mosse Brown exudes peace and contentment as she sits on her cool verandah, enjoying the comings and goings of the district. Beside her is 96-year old son, Harold Fairweather, incredibly youthful in appearance and widely believed to be the oldest person with a living parent. He lived in England for many years but says he returned home to be with his beloved mother, noting that she had sacrificed much for him and his other five siblings.

96-y-o Harold Fairweather, oldest person with a living parent
yours truly, Hubie my husband and Mrs Mosse-Brown 

Mrs Mosse Brown receives support from her relatives, a devoted friend Ms. Elaine McGrawder and her caregiver Delita Grant.  They enjoy the company of this positive lady, who shares many gems of faith and poetry with them.  Her favourite is “The Vision of Belshazzar” by Lord Byron, which she recited to us without a hitch.

At 13, a devout Violet was received into the Baptist Church, where she was given to read Psalm 119, Verse 133 – words that she has never forgotten. She declared them to us: “Order my steps in Thy word and let no sin have any dominion over me.”

Mrs. Mosse Brown and her husband worked as cane farmers selling their crop to the Long Pond Sugar Estate.  Later he became the caretaker for the neighbouring cemetery, calling on his wife’s skills to assist him in record keeping.  Her son Harold showed me the book in which she diligently entered information on the individuals buried in the cemetery.  It dates back to 1952 and Mrs. Mosse Brown’s beautiful handwriting is a testament to the pride she took in her work, recording each name and other details for registration at the parish council.

We were impressed by the cheerful support in the Brown household.  ‘Miss V’ was asked several times if she wanted a cup of tea which she eventually had just before our departure.  Her son Harold told us that she enjoys small meals.

“She likes fish and mutton and sometimes she will have cow foot,” he says, “but she does not eat pork or chicken.” Her other preferences are sweet potatoes, irish potatoes, breadfruit, and fruit, especially oranges and mangoes.

I contacted Usain Bolt’s Manager Norman Peart about the possibility of Usain’s attendance at the Centenarian Day event planned for last Friday, since both are from the parish of Trelawny, but Norman explained that Usain would be off island. He was delighted to learn about Mrs Mosse Brown, explaining that Duanvale is a neighbouring district to Sherwood Content, where the Bolt family lives.

Quite a coincidence: the World’s Fastest Man and the World’s Second Oldest Person, born only a few miles from each other!

Harold Fairweather’s reply to racism

Mrs Mosse Brown's eldest - 96-Y-O Harold Fairweather - Hubie Chin photo

Harold Fairweather, Mrs Mosse Brown’s first child, appears closer to 60 than the century he is approaching in only four years.  He spoke animatedly about his experience as a migrant in Sheffield, England.  He had applied for a job, and was told by the manager that they did not hire blacks.

“I told the gentleman, ‘when your time comes for you to go to the City Road Cemetery, I don’t think colour will matter there”,’ Harold Fairweather said.  “I have a flower garden and I do not see only white flowers there.  God made them of various colours.  This is God’s world and all of us are in His beautiful garden.”

Mr. Fairweather said the gentleman seemed surprised and asked, “Where did you get that from?”  He hired him that day. “I became the first person of colour to be employed in that business,” said Mr Fairweather.  “I opened the door for other people of colour and would you believe that this gentleman became like a second father to me in England.”

It was indeed a moving visit, and we agree with members of Mrs Mosse Brown’s family, that she should be recognised for her lifelong contribution to the community, which continues as she counsels the citizens of Duanvale. Her family has created the Violet Mosse Brown Foundation and can be contacted at violetmossfoundation@gmail.com.

DIGICEL UNITES THE CARIBBEAN WITH BRING THE BEAT CAMPAIGN - Usain Bolt takes on kiddies from the Caribbean

DIGICEL UNITES THE CARIBBEAN WITH BRING THE BEAT CAMPAIGN

-       Usain Bolt takes on kiddies from the Caribbean

Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday 1^st June 2016: Today, Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, teamed up with Digicel to launch its Bring the Beat campaign in front of an inquisitive bunch of little kids from across the Caribbean at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica yesterday. The launch took the form of a lively fireside chat session with Usain, hosted by nine-year old Naleighna-Kae McLean from Jamaica, followed by a 'Kiddie Press Conference'.

The Launch

Facing his toughest audience yet, the 30-strong kiddie press pack aged between six and ten years peppered Usain with questions they have been burning to ask all their lives. Seven-year old Ajani Brown, also from Jamaica, tried not to seem too keen but it was clear that he was eager to meet Usain and took advantage of the opportunity that presented itself asking; "Mr. Usain, can we be friends on Facebook when my mommy gets me one?" With laughter all around, Bolt responded; "Sure. But first let's take a selfie."

The Campaign

Digicel's Bring the Beat campaign represents the culture of the Caribbean and the irrepressible spirit which unites and ignites its people. Through music and the celebration of extraordinary talents, the campaign will connect the world to the Caribbean and its culture and support all of the athletes who are set to represent their countries in Brazil.

Inspired by the campaign, Trinidad and Tobago's soca monarch, Machel Montano released his latest single, 'Bring the Beat', featuring Jamaican songbird and winner of season 5 of NBC's The Voice, Tessanne Chin, as a tribute to the athletes as they take on the world in Brazil. Machel said; "The song represents and embodies everything the Bring the Beat campaign is about – connecting, inspiring and entertaining."

Six-time Olympic Gold Medallist, Usain Bolt, said; "It's really great to have the support of your country and the entire region when we are out there on the track. So I think this is a great campaign. For me I'm just focused on going out there and doing my best and showing the world how we bring the beat."

Digicel Group Director of Marketing, Peter Lloyd, said; "Music and sport have the power to bring people and nations together – and that is exactly what we are about. We will use beats, music, rhythm and talent to connect the world to our athletes no matter what flag they compete under."

Through social media, fans will have the opportunity to win tickets to some of their favourite sporting games this summer, like the NBA, CPL and of course, the biggest track and field event this year in Brazil to watch Shelly-Ann and Usain defend their titles.

For information on the 'Bring the Beat' campaign plus exclusive content and great prizes, fans can visit the campaign's hub at www.BringTheBeat2016.com

Ends

About Digicel Group

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After more than 15 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

Labour Day - Digicel Foundation partners with Trench Town Agri Business Co-op Ltd

Digicel Foundation Board Director Marlene Wilson with members of Co-op

Digicel Foundation Senior Executive Patrice Smith Sterling did some energetic raking!

Anbell CEO Andrew Pairman, son William and Leon Fraser do their part

Team members led by the wonderful Jeneard Williamson

Elon Parkinson, Dwayne Tulloch and Paddy King were happy helpers!

Enjoying the company of wonderful Respect Jamaica Ambassadors

We had a hot but productive day,  replanting greenhouses with members of the Trench Town Agri Business Cooperative Limited yesterday in Downtown Kingston. 

The citizens who own the Co-op explained that their tomato crop had challenges,  and so we worked to replant with sweet peppers which should yield in only three months!

The cheerful volunteers from Digicel Foundation,  Digicel Jamaica and Respect Jamaica had a great time,  inspired by the hardworking citizens.  The project will benefit the communities of Trench Town,  Arnett Gardens and Tivoli Gardens.

Jean Lowrie-Chin
Chairman | Digicel Jamaica Foundation
Www.digiceljamaicafoundation.org

VIP Attractions will 'Labour' at Mobay Autism Centre

The VIP Attractions Team and partners are looking forward to their special Labour Day project on Monday May 23, 2016 at the Montego Bay Autism centre.
Shelly-Ann Fung,  VIP Attractions Commercial Manager noted that the centre, established in 2010 caters to the needs of autistic children and teens and offers training and resources to improve their quality of life.

The Caring VIP Attractions Team will enhance the current infrastructure and aid developmental programs for the children. The scope of work to be accomplished on Labour Day includes:

·        Painting of all classrooms with themes.

·         Landscaping (grooming and gardening).

·         Electrical / Woodwork projects on property.

"This initiative is being amazingly embraced and supported by the several partners," noted Shelly-Ann. "The Super Support Team includes Digicel,  Jamaica Tours Limited, Solo Jamaica, Iberostar, We Resolve, MSTech, Fresh and Direct"

Their other generous partners are:

Baking Enterprise
Discount Lumber and Hardware
Gourmet Jamaica
Goddard Catering
Wrap City
Coldfield Manufacturing Limited
Mothers
Wisynco

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