Makonnen Blake-Hanna on the power of Volunteerism at 50th Anniversary of Coral Gardens

CORAL GARDENS - KEYNOTE ADDRESS
by Makonnen Blake-Hanna

I am a child of the third generation of Rastafari, the most important group of people in the world today. I am here on a special mission today. I am here to speak of the importance of VOLUNTEERISM.

What is VOLUNTEERISM? Volunteerism is about fulfilling the Rastafari Creed – seeing that the hungry be fed, the sick nourished, the aged protected and the infants cared for. Volunteerism is about people’s need to participate in their societies and help them develop, and by so doing, to feel that they matter to others.

In the 50 years that have passed since Coral Gardens, Rastafari has flourished like a spreading bay tree. The name and philosophy of Rastafari, the exaltation of the Divine Emperor Haile Selassie the First, our own Ras Tafari, has spread around the world as a force of good vibrations, good morality, good philosophy. Through the music and the musical messengers, the word of Rastafari is in every nations minds and hearts. Through Rastafari, the world has finally come to accept that the ganja plant is good for the healing of the nation

I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors. I remember the great Elder Bongo Daniel – no one could play the harps like him – I remember Big Daddy and Brother Zadik of Debre Zeit by the river in the August Town hills, who grew me as a young boy. Prof-I is my teacher and Ras Iyah-V is my Ganja Farmer. Mutabaruka has known me before I was born and I remember Ras Isstajay, now dearly departed. I have sat and listened to my mother talk with Bro Sam Clayton and Bro. Dougie Mack who were her teachers in her 'school room' at Wareika Hills. I am a son of one of Rastafari's most blessed Empresses, who received a Gold Medal from Emperor Haile Selassie's grandson Prince Ermias and the order of Distinction from the Jamaican representative of the Queen of England. These Elders have been my Professors in the Rasta University and I have graduated with Honours.

When I see society developing with hardly a thought about the Rastafari nation that has made Jamaica so famous and so loved, I think about how we, the young and hearty inheritors of the foundation set with blood and brutal suffering, exclusion and discrimination, can gain the rightful benefits due to this noble tribe of descendants of slavery. Rastafari are the modern Maroons who fled from Babylon to the hills of Wareika, August Town, Orange Hill and Pinnacle who have forged a new and positive identity for a nation that was born in brutality and oppression.

Yes, Africa is out ultimate goal and destination, but while we wait and while we prepare, we live here on land inherited from the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors. We have title to this land Jamaica and while we have been here, we have left out stamp on it in ways that make this land uniquely ours. We made a religion, RASTAFARI, and we made a music REGGAE.

I could live anywhere in the world. I have seen a good deal of the world on many travels, I've been so far as to speak at the United Nations – twice. But I choose to live in Jamaica and make my contribution here because I am proud to be tied to Jamaica, and most of my pride comes from being RASTAFARI, a member of the best, bravest and most blessed people on earth. I give RASpect to all those who sacrificed so much for ones like me to be here today standing tall with my locks flying freely.

I think it is time that we, the young a hearty grand-children and great-grandchildren of the Elders who suffered the years of brutality, discrimination, imprisonment and social exclusion that our Elders faced, stand up and occupy some of the seats of power and influence that organize and control our daily lives. We need to confront those who today are grabbing the hairstyle and music of Rastafari to advertise political ambitions with divisive messages that have nothing to do with true Rastafari principles and rise up themselves into positions of power. We have to stop them flaunting the symbols of our faith and giving a warped image of what I&I truly represent that sets us back into the age of hatred, misinformation and discrimination, back to Coral Gardens days.

I think it's time that we, the young and healthy inheritors of the foundation set with the blood and brutal suffering of our Elders, show there is a genuine Rastafari that is a positive difference from those who robe themselves in the Rastafari banner to sell themselves, products, ideas and even our sacrament. I think it's time for the Rastafari banner to be flying in many more places than just reggae shows.

But have we capitalized on what the actions and aspirations of our Elders have already achieved? Or have we been carefully staying out of the limelight, ignorant of our potential? As a young warrior, I ask if we are still in recovery or in hiding from the bad beating Rastafari received at Coral Gardens? Are we not strong enough to have recovered, after FIFTY YEARS? Are we still numb?

Perhaps what has caused us to keep our heads down and seem like we have deferred our challenge to the system, is the very incident that we are memorializing today, the infamous Coral Gardens – some say Incident, some say Massacre - when too many members of the Rastafari community in St. James and all across the island, were abused by the State as retribution for the emotional reactions a few men had taken to revenge personal abuse.

The wound is healing slowly, but it is healing. Sad to see the Elders passing who suffered then and are suffering still. I have seen it and it's not pretty. Glad to see that this is the Government that has finally stepped up to the plate to address the wrongs of past Governments, and use their power to bring as much compensation as possible to enable the healing to spread as widely and as completely as possible.

But as youth, we always wonder how come Rastafari has not yet been able to become a self-sufficient economically prosperous community? Where are our national institutions reflecting the cultural reality and power of Rastafari? Where is Rastafari representation in national organizations, groups, citizens associations, school boards, labour organizations, that run all levels of life in Jamaica?

Coral Gardens has held the headlines of any and all stories about Rastafari for 50 years, understandably so. It's a sad story. A BAD story.

But half a Century later, I think it's time for a Rastafari success story to become the shining example of Rastafari greatnesss. We can, of course, point to Bob Marley, our great and shining light, who took the Rastafari message of ONE LOVE to the world.

Two more generations of Rastafari are now trodding the Earth. We must stop and see how our Rastafari branches have spread, and what fruit is bearing, what fruit is ripe for picking, what fruit is being eaten, and by whom.

Today everyone sees how influential Rastafari is by the global spread of its culture and music. The power of our music is changing the world and how it is organized. Bob sang 'Get up, stand up for your rights,” and people are doing that. Groups and minorities now have rights and voices that make changes that reorganize their communities. What we may not see is how to help, how to be part of the reorganization.

Volunteerism is the way to do so. We should use the rights of being Jamaicans to make our presence felt in groups that tackle community issues, environmental issues, join organizations that help to eliminate poverty and improve basic health and education, that help to reduce the risk of disasters or combat social problems and conflict.

We need to make our presence felt in places and issues that matter. We must have a presence in the anti-plastic movement, the save-the-beaches campaign, the anti-dengue neighbourhood clean-ups. Our local old people's home must know us, we must be on good terms with the Supe at our local police station, the MPs must consult us regularly to know what is going on in our communities and the school-children using public transportation must see us as their protectors. We should be sitting on all the important committees that rule our lives in Jamaica – the committees that help run our schools, that agitate for better roads, that organize fund-raising events for our local hospitals. Even sitting in Parliament!

Volunteers sit on school boards, they visit the sick and aged.They work with governments and civil society to hold those in power to account and to represent the voices of those who are often left out of development decisions such as women, youth and marginalized groups like Rastafari. This is the way that, one by one, we Rastafari shall help lead the development of this land we have inherited.

Repatriation is still on the agenda, but meantime, we still have to send our children to school, use hospitals, drive on roads, expect water and light to be connected to our homes. So as we continue to work for and hope for the desired Homeland dream, we realize the necessity to nurture and build the plantation that we now own and control. Jamaica is valuable real estate that we have inherited for our children. We even think of a time when we, and our view of a united Jamaica, will establish a successful political system under which our country is organized to become a model to the world of social harmony, economic independence, indigenous food supply and international interdependence.

After all, from the very beginning that has been the dream and intention of Rastafari's earliest dreamers, Elders and founders of the philosophy and lifestyle. Those who ruled us, who brutalized and demonized and held I&I down, were trying to exterminate all Rastafari and the way of thinking that had grown indiginously out of us and our wisdom and experiences, because they saw that one day I&I could successfully reorganize their system and build a new one based on how I&I view life.
We will do that one day.

The load the Elders carried so nobly and bravely, is on the shoulders of the young today. Volunteerism is the load I bear in tribute to my Elders.

I stand here to confirm that I will carry my load with pride and honour, for it is lighter than the load of the Elders that preserved me and brought me here today.
I cannot thank them enough.
LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART BE ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT, O FARI.

Food for the Poor pays fines - 184 benefit from Holy Week prison release

Holy Week: Time for Pardons, Reflection and Renewal

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 18, 2019) In developing countries, such as Haiti, the punishment doesn't always fit the crime, like being sent to prison for taking low-hanging fruit to stave off hunger pains. That's what happened to Noreus, 31, a husband and father of seven.

"The bananas were on my side of the fence of my house, so I decided to take a few to feed my children," Noreus said. "Unfortunately, the owner was unhappy and called the police and got me arrested. So I had to leave my children at home with their mother, who had difficulty providing for the family alone."

Noreus served more than two years in the Port de Paix prison for lack of money to pay his fine. He was extremely thankful when he learned he was one of nine men being released for Easter, thanks to the Food For The Poor Prison Ministry Program.

"For my release today, I want to thank the entire Food For The Poor team and also the donors," Noreus said. "I also want to say thank you for the food distribution, which will help me go home with some food for the children."

Noreus was one of 184 men and women freed during Holy Week. The Food For The Poor Prison Ministry Program started in 1998 to help nonviolent offenders in parts of the Caribbean and Latin America who could not afford to pay their fines to get out of prison. Thanks to generous supporters, the blessing continues.

There are 17 prisons in Haiti, some are better than others, according to the World Prison Brief. The prison in Port de Paix is overcrowded and is in dire need of repair. The inmates and staff have decrepit bedding, the walls are crumbling and its dirt floor kitchen is in very bad shape.

"Prison time isn't expected to be easy, but lockup in a country in crisis can be practically inhumane," said Food For The Poor President/CEO Robin Mahfood. "This organization is committed to helping as many people as possible, including prisoners who are often forgotten or considered unworthy because of their past offenses."

In Haiti, Food For The Poor paid the fines of 155 men and women from 12 different prisons in Arcahaie, Cabaret, Cermicol, Cap-Haitien, Fort Liberté I & II, Gonaives, Grande Rivière, Hinche, Mirebalais, Port de Paix and Saint Marc.

Fenelus, 52, spent nearly seven years in a Fort Liberté prison after he stole food to feed his wife and two children. Fenelus admitted what he did was wrong, but said he was desperate.

"Everyone knows how hard it is to watch your kids suffering from hunger," Fenelus said. "So, I decided to rob a shop, and I took two bags of rice to feed my children. Unfortunately, the police caught me."

Life for Jose, 41, has not been easy either. Born in Honduras, Jose said he was abandoned by his parents and grew up a vagabond. As a young man, he moved to Guatemala in search of a better life where he met his wife. They never had children, and after nine years she died.

He returned to Honduras and later learned he was HIV positive. Jose became depressed, he started drinking and stealing basic items. He was arrested and sent to prison. While there, he learned to make furniture. After two years, Jose learned he was being released for Easter.

"I feel very grateful to God, to Food For The Poor and CEPUDO for recovering my freedom and helping me to return to society," said Jose.

CEPUDO oversees Food For The Poor's projects in Honduras, where 10 men and one woman were released from the Privados de Libertad Para Conmuta Pastoral Penitenciaria en El Progreso after Food For The Poor paid their fines.

"We appreciate the year-after-year support we receive from Food For The Poor and CEPUDO, since there are few organizations that contribute to the benefit of the prisoner and their reintegration," said Zobeida Mendoza, Coordinadora Pastoral Penitenciaria.

Six men in Guyana were freed from the Lusignan Prison on the east coast of Demerara, which has a violent reputation.

This was the environment in which 35-year-old Olin found himself. He was arrested for a traffic violation and sentenced to six months, because he did not have the $65,150 Guyanese dollars or $314 U.S. dollars to pay his fine. His six months easily could have turned into years, if Food For The Poor had not become involved.

All six men expressed gratitude to the Food For The Poor-Guyana staff and Mahfood during a conference call, but Olin felt his words of thanks were inadequate.

"I want to give back," Olin said. "I want to come back during Christmas and speak to prisoners and advise them to stay out of trouble. I want to encourage them like I've been encouraged."

In Jamaica, Food For The Poor paid the fines of 12 nonviolent offenders. Two women were from Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre, seven men from St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, two men from Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre and one man from Richmond Farm Adult Correctional Centre.

One of the men released from Tower Street is a 23-year-old construction worker. He said, while working at a supermarket his cell phone fell and the screen broke. A co-worker loaned him a cell phone until the one he had was repaired. He didn't know it, but the loaner phone was stolen. He was arrested and fined $50,000 Jamaican dollars or $390 U.S. dollars.

The inmate's father was willing to pay the fine for his release, but the young man refused. Since his father is the main provider for the family, he felt that the needs of his younger siblings and his love for them outweighed his own situation.

"I decided I would just do the time so that money could go towards their education, as one will be starting college soon and the other is about to complete secondary school," he said.

"My siblings are the pride and joy of the family, so I wanted to make sure that they were OK."

The young man's selfless sacrifice was returned to him. When he heard the good news about his release during Holy Week he was emotional, and he expressed deep gratitude to Food For The Poor their support.

"I am very happy to spend Easter with my family, my younger brother and sister will be so happy to see me, and I cannot wait to see them," he added. "I will try my best to give back to this organization in any way possible."

"This organization will never advocate criminal behavior, but it's very important to understand the complete story before passing judgment," Mahfood said. "Until you walk in that man's or woman's shoes, none of us can truly say what we will do if placed in a desperate situation."

To support Food For The Poor's Prison Ministry Program, checks payable to Food For The Poor can be mailed to 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. Please include reference number "SC# 74122" to ensure your donation is correctly routed.

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Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for orphaned or abandoned children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

Mentorship - Break bread, walk and talk with me

Participants in WE-ChangeJA Mentorship Walk at Mary Seacole Hall, UWI.

 Observer column published Monday 1 April 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

How grateful I am to have accepted the invitations of the PSOJ and We-ChangeJA to participate in mentorship events last week.  This exercise is as beneficial to the mentor as it is to the mentee. One sees one’s younger self in the enthusiasm and the energy of these fine Jamaicans, a booster shot of hope for our country’s future.

At the PSOJ mentorship dinner, masterfully facilitated by Membership Chair Christopher Reckord and CEO Makeba Bennett-Easy, we heard from bold young entrepreneurs who are in hot pursuit of their dreams.

There was a couple, students at CMU, Gawan and Camela Hutchinson who noticed that with one cafeteria at the university, they could create a delivery service. And so, “Buy It Fi Mi” was born, and is doing well. We met Monique Powell, owner of the increasingly popular “Quick Plate” another meal delivery service which received kudos from users around the table.

Then there was Christen Romans of “Chrissy’s Coils” who had developed a line of jewelry which is attracting the attention of two central shops. We loved her well-crafted pendant in the shape of Jamaica – the clever young lady wore her pieces so we could see how attractive they were.

Khadine Daley of KhadsComm recently started her PR company. I assured her that once you develop those PR skills, you are equipped to launch into multiple other areas of endeavour, as you are constantly learning about various industries and honing your communication skills.

The inspiring Cordell Williams-Graham of the Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA) shared her book “Seeds for the Heart – God’s promises for Peace Prosperity and Victory”. It is infused with the positivity which we all agreed was a driving force for success.

Mickhail Bevas of Skyring Entertainment exuded confidence – he has impressed clients with his versatility in audio visual and event management. Sponsor for the evening was Scotiabank represented by Acting Vice President Earl Blake, SME Development Director Avril Leonce and Public Affairs & Corporate Manager Hope McMillan-Canaan. Mr Blake shared the “ABC” of success: Attitude, Behaviour and Character. 

On Saturday, We-ChangeJA invited us to a Global Mentorship Day event hosted by Nadeen Spence at Mary Seacole Hall. We walked around Ring Road, sharing thoughts and affirmations.  How fortunate I was to have a reasoning students Fiona, Shazz and Tash. These young women volunteer for various causes and are members of the “I Am Glad I Am A Girl” movement. They are driven by a passion for service and excellence. 

Fellow mentors Judith Wedderburn and Patricia Donald Phillips shared their life’s journey, urging the students to create a vision of their future, and work towards it.  We acknowledged that sometimes women demand too much of ourselves, shying away from leadership roles. We applauded the ambition of the students and planned future meetings. Gratitude to WE-Change, the Vital Voices Partnership Network and Mary Seacole Hall for an uplifting morning.

Buju, Special Olympians, Calabar – ‘one people’

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 25 March 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica’s ‘One People’ and our visitors celebrated together Buju’s “Long Walk to Freedom”, which packed every available room in Kingston – hotel, Airbnb, friends and relatives.  Watching a livestream provided by the now famous Jermaine Dixon, we were moved by the majestic and emotional entrance of the long-awaited Buju, singing “Lamb of God”, the digital torches dancing in our National Stadium.

We had friends and relatives who flew in for the event; how happy they were that they made the effort.  “It was a night of joy,” said our Canadian friend Jo. “Tears were streaming down my face as I watched Buju, crying also, because he could feel our love.”

I had met young Buju in 1996 when his “Not An Easy Road” became the soundtrack for Jamaica’s Olympic campaign.  Little did we know then how radically his lyrics would have changed and how uneasy he would make his own road. Now he is back, exuding the spirituality we love in his lyrics. We give thanks for the excellent organisers who ensured that his homecoming lived up to the expectations of his ardent fans.

A few days after the Concert, Buju was seen distributing meals to the street people in Downtown Kingston, no fanfare, no media.  The man has paid his dues, he is back and we join in his prayer:  

“Destiny, mama look from when you call me
Destiny, mama look from when you calling
I wanna rule my destiny
yeah, yeah oh help I please Jah Jah
Mek mi rule my destiny.”

Special Olympians triumph in Abu Dhabi

Jamaica's inspiring Special Olympians with Executive Director Lorna Bell
dedicated coaches and volunteers in Abu Dhabi

Our ‘Out of Many One People’ motto is celebrated in the “unified teams” which represented Jamaica at the just ended Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.  The football, basketball, badminton and volleyball teams comprise athletes with and without intellectual disabilities whose watchwords are “stronger together”.  These and the other participants can boast of the biggest ever haul of medals at the World Games, a total of 33: 15 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze.

Badminton head coach Terry Walker told Observer sports reporter Sanjay Myers of her unified players: “I believe both players played at their best level, gaining an appreciation for the work they put on prior to the Games. I am satisfied with the result of gold and silver medals. My personal experience of inclusion at these Games goes beyond sports; it speaks to how we as a people can team together, to help each other experience happy moments.”

There is no praise high enough for Special Olympics Jamaica Executive Director Lorna Bell who runs a year-round programme for our special athletes from every single parish in Jamaica.  In turn, Lorna credits the dedicated family members, volunteers and sponsors for keeping the programme going and growing.  Special Olympics Chairman Allie McNab and Board Director Paula Pinnock have been amazing standard bearers. 

Our Jamaica Constabulary Force has been staging the Torch Run for Special Olympics for over 30 years and were also represented in Abu Dhabi. We have to thank Lorna and Fae Ellington for their continuous social media posts which had us living victorious moments, and witnessing the splendid luncheon held in their honour by Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien. Photographer Collin Rein travelled with the team, supplying media with brilliant images.

Calabar debacle

As I considered the empathy of our unified athletes at Special Olympics, I wondered if the Calabar track stars would have acted differently if they had been exposed to such exercises. It was when Calabar physics teacher Sanjaye Shaw appeared on television that I realised that he was a person with albinism. Was this the reason that the alleged abuse took place?

We should congratulate Sanjaye Shaw for excelling in the challenging subject of physics, courageously continuing his studies while dealing with the challenges of albinism.  As for those who do the bullying and those who turn a blind eye, they should know that a UNICEF study reveals that both the victims and the bullies “tend to suffer from ill health and poor employment outcomes as they grow to adulthood.” 

Yekaterina Chzhen writes on the UNICEF website, “It is now understood that childhood bullying casts a “long shadow” on both the victims and perpetrators, but a more nuanced understanding of how it affects bystanders is over-due …our findings suggest that even children who are not necessarily involved in bullying end up being dragged down in their academic achievement.”

School administrators should therefore note her recommendation: “Our research demonstrates that anti-bullying interventions need to consider the whole school context, while the evaluations of such interventions should measure the impacts on children not directly involved in peer violence.”

We need to look no further than our brightest stars of the track – Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce for the best examples of athletes who are focused on their own development and the welfare of others, and have never been disrespectful.

Our young athletes need guidance, not indulgence.  Mr Shaw disclosed that he had made his complaint soon after the incident and had resorted to the media briefing only because he had been ignored. If this is so, he must receive apologies from his abusers and from those who did not act on his report.

Then, let this be a lesson to all such institutions, that the “one people” in our national motto refers to every single Jamaican. Let us follow the example of Special Olympics Jamaica, embracing our differences, so we will be “stronger together”.

Minister Clarke’s big break for business

Excerpt from Observer Column published 11 March 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Hon Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance

In July 2014, Debbie-Ann Gordon Crawford, then Chair of the Jamaica Bar Association Revenue Committee addressed the Kiwanis Club of Kingston on the announcement of some 22 new taxes. “Since 2013 to present, Jamaica has experienced perhaps its heartiest dosage of tax legislation in its history,” she noted.  (https://lowrie-chin.blogspot.com/2014/07/jamaicas-hearty-dose-of-tax-legislation.html)

Mrs Gordon Crawford described the quandary in which a small contractor who had just established a company, found himself: “On his monthly take from the company of approximately $100,000 he is required to account for statutory deductions, NIS, NHT, Education Tax and if he has taken on any staff, he is to account for HEART, their PAYE and other statutory deductions … In addition, the company must now look at his asset value, cash, property etc and pay an Asset Tax (though not an income tax but a direct tax) by March 15 on the company's asset value. As if that was not sufficient, the company must now pay a minimum business tax by June 15 of each year, the starting figure for which is $60,000.”

Mrs Gordon Crawford asked, “As a young country with a fairly unsophisticated taxpayer base, should the focus not be on raising revenue through tax simplification and education for all (since presumably taxation is for all - right?)?”  

As if in response to her question, some 3,500 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were handed a huge gift by Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke in his Budget Debate presentation last Thursday. This Rhodes Scholar, qualified to do the best possible math for our country was able to deliver a model which will abolish those burdensome asset and minimum business taxes, reduce those punitive stamp duties and transfer taxes, and raise the GCT-paying threshold for companies from $3 million to $10 million.

“It is now time to give back because it is the right thing to do,” said Dr. Clarke, as he announced new measures that would total some $14 billion in tax relief. As social media lit up, we made it clear that it is not political to celebrate achievements of our democratically elected Government.  

Let no tribalist fool you: our Government is elected by the people and must work for all the people.  When one of their Ministers can give such a clear, confident and magnanimous account of himself, we should all applaud.  The accomplished Dr. Clarke could flourish anywhere in the world, but he chose to remain here and work that others may also succeed.  

Let us not be faint in our praise, nor in our efforts to use these financial breaks for the advancement of our businesses and the creation of jobs.

Talented Film-maker Ina Sotirova

Ina Sotirova

Who knew that a 1920s Cabaret Law made dancing illegal in New York City clubs until 2017? Last week we were treated to a fascinating documentary on this apparently racist legislation by Kingston-based film-maker Ina Sotirova, ‘freedom2dance’. 

We also watched the beautiful ‘Agwe’, Sotirova’s animated story of a courageous young “moon priestess”, which was premiered at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival last year.  

Sotoriva noted that film-making is at a good place in Jamaica with the support of film commissioner at JAMPRO Renee Robinson for the ‘Propella’ initiative of the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA).

Pardon the brag - but proud of my young cousin Analisa Chapman who Chairs JAFTA!

Still a hard climb for women

Updated - Observer column published 4 March 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Malala Yousafzai

As we geared for International Women’s Day activities, we had to acknowledge that it is simply not true that “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”.  To be clear, we feminists are not demanding that we rule the world, but rather, that girls and women have the same opportunities offered to boys and men.   

In too many countries, women are still regarded as second-class citizens and experience horrific treatment. Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban extremists in the Swat Valley of Pakistan when she was only 15 years old, because she was an active advocate, like her schoolteacher father, of education for girls. Miraculously, she recovered and continues her activism.

The website womankind.org has shocking statistics: “the abuser is usually someone the woman knows: 38% of all murdered women are killed by their partner. Of all women killed globally in 2012, it is estimated that almost half were killed by a partner or relative compared to less than 6% of men. (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2014) … Around 1 in 10 (120 million) girls worldwide have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives. (UNICEF, 2014). At least 200 million girls and women alive today living in 30 countries have undergone female genital mutilation. (UNICEF, 2016) … A European Union survey showed that 34% of women with a health problem or disability had experienced violence by a partner in their lifetime, compared to 19% per cent of women without a health problem or disability. (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 2014)”

Here in Jamaica, we continue to be horrified by incidents of domestic violence in which women and children suffer the most. Women and girls are constantly harassed on our streets, and we seem to have strange priorities, dwelling on a harmless competition among young law students when there are so many crises demanding attention. We applaud Karen Madden’s post: “To whom it may concern: Stop perpetuating this asinine notion that it’s what women wear that gets them raped and/or harassed. Now go forth & be great!”

Dr. Denise Chevannes-Vogel, National Private Sector Specialist – Jamaica Win-Win Programme and  Desreé Ebanks, Programme Associate at the UN Women Caribbean Multi-Country Programme Associate in the UN Women Caribbean Multi Country Office  have enlisted women business owners to support the ‘Women’s Empowerment Principles’ (WEP). In agreement with their mantra that ‘gender equality means good business’, we have signed the statement of support. This emphasizes equality, not dominance, with pledges that include, “Encouraging economic and social conditions that provide opportunities for women and men, girls and boys; and Fostering sustainable development in the countries in which we operate.”

“Balance for Better” - excerpt from column by Jean Lowrie-Chin

published in Jamaica Observer - 11 March 2019

I don’t believe I have ever seen such a groundswell of Women’s Day observances in Jamaica.  The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), brainchild of the legendary Ambassador Sue Cobb used its 15^th Anniversary last Thursday to celebrate ten great Corporate Foundations led by women which have been doing extraordinary work in health, education, the environment and entrepreneurship.

On Friday morning, the dynamic Marlene Street-Forrest, CEO of the Jamaica Stock Exchange invited Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, diplomats and women business leaders to join her in the opening of the Stock Market. 

Later that morning, we attended a Symposium organised by Ms Grange’s Ministry in association with the Canadian High Commission and the European Union. The themes for the event: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change, and #BalanceForBetter were discussed by two major presenters, Canadian High Commissioner Laurie Peters and Head of the European Union Delegation, Malgorzata Wasilewska.

Ms Peters noted that her government “places women and girls at the centre of what we do”, providing direct funding to women’s rights organisations worldwide.  She said that Canada would be supporting Jamaica’s national strategic action plan to reduce gender-based violence and promote sustainable practices for women farmers. She urged participation in the “Women Deliver” Conference to be held in June in Vancouver – a gathering of 7,000 world leaders and influencers.

Ms Wasilewska noted that women represented 43 percent of the world’s agricultural workforce, and if they had the same access to resources as men, would increase their production by 20 to 30 percent. She said that women must bridge the digital divide to benefit from the disruptive nature of technology. She said that EU has partnered with UN Women for their “Win-Win” programme with the them, gender equality means good business. She called for an enabling society for women as they are key to our living productive, prosperous lives.

At the Rose Leon Conference, Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson noted that times have changed from those days that women were acculturated to be more accepting of male bosses and that she was seeing stronger support of women by women.  Indeed, that has been my experience. Let us continue to take the high road and bring others along in this burgeoning new world where we will enjoy ‘balance for better’. 

Forty Years Strong - Spain's Empowering Constitution

Last December, Ambassador for Spain to Jamaica Hon Josef Maria Bosch Bessa led a most enlightening discussion on his country's Constitution.  Below is his address.

Ambassador for Spain Hon Josef Maria Bosch Bessa

SPAIN –  40 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY, 40 YEARS OF LIBERTY

This December 6th we commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of the Spanish Constitution. This period is sufficiently long to allow us an objective evaluation of its merits and achievements.

The Spanish Constitution of 1978 has brought about the longest period of liberty, stability and prosperity in the History of our Nation by establishing one of the most advanced democracies after a forty-year long dictatorship and a tragic Civil War.

This anniversary is a good occasion to celebrate a successful Spain that can be proud of itself not only for the strides it has made in the economic field but also for its remarkable record in Human Rights and its social advancements. We are numbered among the countries leading the recognition and enforcement of minority rights like those of LGTB and the furtherance  of social equality for women. We are the country that has overcome the objective of parity with a Government whose composition is now two thirds of women. Forty years in which Spain has consolidated itself as a full democracy ahead of countries such as the US, France, Italy or Belgium according to the Democracy Index of The Economist Intelligence Unit.

During these Forty years of democracy under the 1978 Constitution Spain has flourished as one of the most open and inclusive societies:  open to its own citizens on the inside as well as to the outside through international solidarity, welcoming refugees and economic migrants on a large scale. This is being achieved without the social fractures of other countries that have seen the rise of xenophobic movements that are becoming more and more powerful in many societies of our region. Spain has almost five million immigrants, more than 10% of its 47 million inhabitants, yet it has not experienced significant social integration problems. Spain is also among the most solidarity-prone countries in the world. In the last Forty years, we have dizzyingly transformed from a traditional country of emigration to one of immigration.

Forty years have elapsed in which Spain has moved from being a recipient of Official Development Aid, according to OECD standards, to becoming a developed economy among the ten more industrialized economies of the planet, the sixth biggest car maker in the world, and the second in Europe, second only to Germany. Spain is also the orchard of Europe and a world leader in genetics as well as in irrigation and greenhouse techniques. Spain happens to excel in agriculture and in tourism, those very sectors which are of particular interest to Jamaica. The World Economic Forum has placed Spain as the most competitive country in tourism and according to the World Tourism Organization, it has the second largest earnings in this field, only behind the USA.

Our 1978 Constitution has undoubtedly helped to bring economic growth, social progress and has been paramount in Spain’s integration in western democracies, being the key factor t to its membership in the European Union. Spain is proud to be at the core of the European integration process.

Forty years for a Constitution may seem a too short period in History, but Spain has been of great significance in the History of world constitutionalism. Historians agree that the first Medieval Parliaments in Europe, with the key innovation of including a representation of the commoners, were first created in the Kingdom of Aragon in 1162 and the Kingdom of Leon in 1188. UNESCO has declared the Parliament of the Kingdom of Leon that met in 1188 to be “the oldest documental testimony of the European parliamentary system”. That was officially stated in 2013 within the framework of its Memory of the World Programme.

Historians also consider that the Catalan Parliament was in the XIVth Century the most accomplished model of Parliamentarianism in the Middle Ages, by its organization and scope. The English Parliament only included representatives of the boroughs, what would become the House of Commons, for the first time in 1264.

In the wave of liberal Constitutions that began in Virginia in 1776, Spain also had a central role with the “Constitución de Cádiz” of 1812 which had not only a decisive influence in the newly  independent Republics of Latin America, but also in many revolutionary movements in Europe, from Naples to Russia. As early as in 1812 the Cadiz Constitution established indirect universal male suffrage and a comprehensive charter of human rights, thus becoming the most advanced Constitution of its time. Spain did not lag behind the process of democratization of the European liberal states in the XIXth century and recognized direct universal male suffrage in 1869. The 1931 Republican Constitution granted women's suffrage, some years before European countries such as France (1946) or Switzerland (1971).Therefore the 1978 Constitution has behind it a long constitutional tradition, but what makes  it a milestone is that it is the result of the broadest possible consensus among idelogically opposed political forces and the overall Spanish society, thus being  crucial in the reconciliation of the so called “Two Spains”, one progressive and the other conservative. These “Two Spains” had been in constant conflict during most of the XIXth and XXth centuries. 

The long-standing confrontation of conservative-traditionalist and liberal-progressist forces ruined our country, causing Spain to lag behind a more progressive and developed Northern Europe. The last chapter of this confrontation was the Spanish Civil War in 1936-1939,  a blood bath of Spaniards, brother against brother, which Historians have also seen as the first struggle of Fascism against democratic and proletarian forces - a true prelude to World War II. In fact, during the Spanish Civil War Hitler tested his deadly tactics, standing out the bombings of civilians in the Basque city of Guernica, horror and massacre depicted by Picasso in his masterpiece “Guernica”. The rebellion led by General Franco finally swept the Spanish II Republic putting an end to its modernization and democratization attempts. More than 500,000 persons escaped Franco’s repression and many settled in Latin America. Spain lost many of its intellectuals, artists and writers, entering a long period of cultural darkness. 2019 will be of significance to Spain too, since next year we will honor the hundreds of thousands of Spaniards forced into exile in its 80^th anniversary.

When General Franco passed away in 1975, many feared the risk of the renewal of confrontation as if Spain had a congenital inclination to conflict. Against all odds, Spaniards were able to rewrite their History and build a broad value-based consensus with democracy, the rule of law, social inclusion, tolerance and the recognition of diversity as the cornerstones of the new political system. King Juan Carlos played a decisive role inspiring confidence to all political players as a neutral Head of State. Years 1976 and 1977 were the turning point. The Spanish people imposed its will of peace and reconciliation. Spaniards pushed for democracy and the old Franco Regime forces gave way and faded away with relatively mild resistance. The Franco’s Cortes (a fascist-like undemocratic legislative chamber) voted for its own dissolution in a surprising “hara-kiri” that allowed our first free elections in 1977, after forty years of Dictatorship. The elected Parliament (“Las Cortes Generales”) agreed with a wide majority on the text of the new Constitution that was massively approved by 87,78% of the census on the 6^th December 1978 in a Referendum. Its distinctive mark was its wide social and political consensus that gathered all political parties from the Communists to most of the sectors that supported the Old Regime, aware of the need to leave dictatorship behind. The central actors were, nevertheless, the Socialist Party, PSOE, and a coalition of liberals and Christian democrats, UCD, that imposed the general lines of an advanced constitutional framework in the line of our western European neighbours.

The Constitution of 1978 is the offspring of consensus and it is considered a model of peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. Consensus is at its roots and that consensus also included the traditionally strong nationalist movements in Catalonia and the Basque Country, harshly repressed by General Franco. There were also strong regional feelings in almost every part of Spain, mostly in the Canary Islands, Andalucia, Galicia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. The Constitution decisively established a federative-like model with 17 Autonomous Communities (Regions and Nationalities) with one of the world’s highest levels of self-government.

This is why our political system is known as “Estado de las Autonomías”, State of Autonomies, an original model which has had a deep impact in culture and in the daily life of all citizens. Spain has been profoundly transformed, moving from being one of the most centralized bureaucracies of the world, where everything had to be dealt with in some obscure ministry dependency in Madrid, to a democracy that has brought government and decision making closer to the citizens. Making use of their political autonomy, regions and its capital cities have flourished in culture and also in economy, allowing the expansion of the historical diversity of Spain, an element of its richness and a sign of national identity.

The Constitution of 1978 recognizes Spain as a Nation that includes and protects  Nationalities and Regions and guarantees the co-officiality of all Spanish languages (Catalan, Basque and Galician) along with Castilian in each of the territories concerned. We have been able to build unity on the recognition of our diversity which is our heritage and our richness.

After forty years of democracy, peace, stability and progress, I would like to end by expressing my confidence in the future of the Parliamentarian Monarchy established in 1978 that has demonstrated its solid continuity with the 2014 proclamation of King Felipe VI and Infanta Leonor as Princess of Asturias, my confidence in one of the most advanced democracies whose stability is grounded on the rule of law and on a progressive system of respect and protection of Human Rights.

Cash in on Jamaica

Jamaica Observer column for published 18 February, 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

During the bad old seventies when many were fleeing Jamaica, I noticed that upper income folks were not moving.  Rather, they were installing more sophisticated security features, bought more dogs and built guardhouses at their gates.  I remember the late Cecil Charlton saying to security mogul Kenny Benjamin, “Kenny, I need you to sell me some of them ‘tump-a-tail’ dogs!”, his description of the popular Dobermans.  Clearly, these well-heeled Jamaicans saw the value of remaining here.

Happiness at NHT Groundbreaking - Longville Park 

One lady who had sold out and migrated in a rush returned in the early nineties to see her old house listed for lease at a premium. “God really has a sense of humour,” she told me after she signed the lease and moved in.

The Jamaica Observer reported on January 31, “Fitch Ratings Agency, today upgraded the Government of Jamaica's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer and Local Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'B+' from 'B', and revised the outlook to “stable” from “positive”. The agency also upgraded the country ceiling to 'BB-'from 'B'. This is Jamaica's highest rating in over 10 years, said the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.”

Now, with growing interest in Jamaica, everyone whether of small, medium or large means, should be looking at investment options.  Many have been paying into NHT for years, not realizing the increased benefits being offered by them.  Here is information from the NHT website:

“Loan limits have been increased for the following groups:

Non-Homeowners: A non-homeowner is a contributor who does NOT have any legal or undisputed right to ownership of a residential property. 

If you do not own a house and have never accessed a benefit from the NHT, you may access financing up to the loan ceiling. The current loan celling is $5.5m.

Homeowners: An eligible contributor who is already a homeowner but has never received an NHT loan, can get up to $2.5 million to extend, repair and improve his premises or help buy another property. It can also be used to purchase and install a solar panel system and provide hurricane shutters.

Persons buying residential lots: An eligible contributor can now get up to $2.5 million to buy a residential lot being sold on the open market or being sold by the NHT. Two persons may co-apply for the new maximum limit of $5 million.”

Patrick Hylton

In this galloping real estate market, there are excellent opportunities for those with combined incomes: “Under this policy, two applicants can combine their incomes to access loans from the NHT of up to $11 million (i.e. $5.5 million each). If one applicant cannot afford to borrow his maximum individual loan of $5.5 million but the other person is able to afford a higher amount, then the other person with the larger income may access up to $2.5 million over his own loan limit to facilitate the purchase/construction of a residential property.” 

NHT interest rates range from two percent to six percent, with rebates for persons with disabilities. Interest rates for mortgages from commercial banks are competitive, and these can be combined with an NHT loan. I entreat young professionals to invest in that first piece of real estate in a solid location.  This has been my refrain for years; a former employee expressed his gratitude for my advice, because he had invested in a small studio, the rental from which he was able to use to fund post graduate education overseas. 

As has been reported by Bloomberg, Jamaica’s Stock Market recorded the strongest growth in the world in 2018.  I can hear the voice of the late investment guru Sushil Jain saying, “Make sure you invest in the stock market. Don’t you want to have Don Wehby and Patrick Hylton working for you?” Now there is the social stock market which gives social enterprises the opportunity to access funding from the public.  Congratulations to my friends at Deaf Can! Coffee Company, among the first listings, whose products and services are exceptional.

Don Wehby

Because we wanted to become engaged with the clients we have served over the years, we bought a few of their shares on the stock market, and watched as they multiplied and increased in value. In reading their annual reports, we noted that they had significant holdings in real estate, and in our own small way decided to take a few steps, which have also been rewarding.

Whenever you are wondering how Jamaica is doing, take a look at the business programmes and business sections of our newspapers.  You will see that while some of us are continually stuck on cable TV, others are planning their way ahead, and overseas investors are seeing great possibilities here.  The French company Total is set to become a big player in Jamaica’s petrol market as they are purchasing the Epping facilities.  There are some 5,000 hotel rooms to be added to our stock. 

With the arrival of the ‘SeaWalk’ articulated pier, and a sizeable investment in a Port Royal Cruise port, residents of that area, Harbour View, Bull Bay and Rockfort should be getting together to plan cultural and tour packages.  Our Rockfort Mineral Spa is said to be one of the best in the world and surfing is a big attraction in Bull Bay. A ferry ride over to the Kingston Waterfront will bring them to historical sights in the city.

Have you been down to the Kingston Waterfront recently? It is bustling with new restaurants and clubs.  People are not rushing home from their downtown workplaces anymore; instead they are cooling out at the pier, their cars lining most of the length of Ocean Boulevard. 

The folks who had invested years ago in Ocean Towers apartments are now seeing their property appreciate.  Meanwhile, uptown, apartment buildings are appearing everywhere, and getting higher as we maximise the use of landspace in our in-demand metropolis.  Among them is the planned ‘Residences at the Terra Nova’, condos that will offer luxury accommodations and services.

EPOC Co-Chairman Keith Duncan

A recent release from our Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) co-chaired by BOJ Governor Brian Wynter and JMMB President Keith Duncan, noted, “The EPOC met on January 15, 2019 and reviewed the latest available results for the period ending September 2018. Based on the preliminary results for performance to date through the end of November 2018, the GOJ is on track to meet the targets for the Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPCs) and indicative targets (ITs) for the IMF Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) as at end-December 2018. As a result of the overall strong performance, the GOJ has met all eight (8) macro-fiscal structural benchmarks for the November 2016 to November 2018 period. The GOJ has also met the fourteen (14) structural benchmarks for public sector transformation, public bodies and public service reform through end-November 2018.”

Good people, we can spend our time gossiping and bickering over tribalist pettiness, or we can focus our energy on making the best of this positive environment for economic growth.  Record your goals, study your options and step up for yourself, your family and your country.

Patsy Ricketts' Healing 'Jah Ova Evil' Project

The legendary Patsy Rickets receives CCRP 2017 Living Legacy Award from
Most Hon Prof Sir Kenneth Hall and yours truly, Executive Chair and Founder of CCRP.
(Looking back, that was not a great way to hide the cast on my broken arm!)
 

When 24-year-old singer Alty ‘Jah-Ova-Evil’ Nunes died from an aneurysm in February 2011, his mother, the legendary NDTC leading dancer Patsy Ricketts and his siblings decided to carry on his legacy, expanding his ‘Jah Ova Evil’ JOE social enterprise project in Vineyard Town.

As noted by Digicel Foundation Project Officer for Community Development, Miguel ‘Steppa’ Williams, “Jah Over Evil has been involved in creative productions formally for the past 10 years ... Now the group does numerous creative arts development interventions with youth in communities across Kingston and the wider Jamaica. Their most recent partnership with Youth Crime Watch Jamaica, NIA and USAID solidified their social enterprise as a viable option for vulnerable spaces.”

With recent assistance from the Digicel Jamaica Foundation towards training, employment and life skills development, the company which has a music studio and screen-printing facilities now benefits 25 directly and 200 young people indirectly. 

Well done, Patsy Ricketts. As the Bible says, you have ‘turned your tears into dancing’ for the good of your community, in tribute to your dear son.