Great Tour of Duty, Ambassador Paola Amadei!

Members of IWF Jamaica with Ambassador Amadei (centre): Thalia Lyn, Minna Israel, Allison Peart, Jean Lowrie-Chin at Farewell Reception last Monday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

EU Ambassador Paola Amadei completed an energetic four-year tour of duty in Jamaica and other Caribbean and Latin American countries.  She celebrated Jamaica’s 40-year partnership with the European Union last year; we have benefitted magnanimous funding in the areas of poverty reduction, education, agriculture, housing, health and gender equality.  

The wonderful gentlemen who supported the #HeforShe Campaign, endorsed by Ambassador Amadei

Her passion for gender equality was a special feature at a farewell event held in her honour last week.  We were invited to sign our support at the UN’s HeforShe.org website, and all the gentlemen in the room joined her for a “HeforShe” moment, captured on my Twitter page @souldancing.

Ambassador Paola will not be abandoning her ties with our region. She heads to Germany where she will take up the post of Executive Director of the European Union-Latin America & Caribbean (EU-LAC) Foundation.  We thank her for her generous engagement in Jamaica and send best wishes to her and her family.

CCRP - Caribbean Community of Retired Persons - a caring organisation

CCRP Caring Committee members (from left) Irene Walter, Chair and Hannah Dixon Secretary, present gifts to Golden Age Home resident, Beverly Brown. Also sharing the moment is Supervisor of Cluster D at the Golden Age Home, Sheron Bowley.

Kingston, December 22, 2015: CCRP, the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons, has reconstituted and enlarged its Caring Committee in order to offer greater support to its members.  CCRP, founded in 2010 by Communications Consultant and Seniors Advocate Jean Lowrie-Chin, is a not-for-profit membership organisation created to encourage and support the rights and welfare of retired persons.  Recognising that, as we age, our needs become more varied and unique. The CCRP's mission is to both anticipate and respond to some of these 'special needs'.

Many of these needs result from the natural vulnerabilities caused by ageing – deteriorating health and mobility, economic challenges, (especially faced by persons on fixed incomes or no income) bereavement, and loneliness. Prof. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, Chair of the CCRP and Director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre reports that the elderly (60 years and older) constitute 11.3% of the Jamaican population today, and are projected to rise to 25% by 2050. Over 50% of the elderly are alone, single or widowed.  

The mandate of the CCRP's Caring Committee is to provide direct support, care and attention to CCRP members who are considered vulnerable for reasons of ill health, loss of family member(s), loneliness or other situations requiring palliative interventions.  Membership of the Caring Committee has been expanded to 30 with 15 constituting a core group willing to play an active role in bringing care and comfort to the wider membership when called upon.  

In the past, the Caring Committee had concentrated on marking Centenarian Day every year, undertaken in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens. The committee also brings cheer to the Golden Age Home at Christmas by making a presentation of gift items contributed by members at their annual Christmas social for donation to the residents of the Home. 

This year was no different as members brought boxes of items of toiletries to donate to the home.  These were presented to the residents on Friday, December 18 by the Chair of the Committee, Irene Walter and the Secretary Hannah Dixon. They were accompanied by CCRP Administrative Assistant, Angela Foote.

The reinvigorated committee intends to be much more proactive and responsive to members' needs, helping without hindering, remaining sensitive to the committee's mission of empowering members "to live life to its fullest".

For further information please contact:

Dorett Linton
CCRP Jamaica
Tel. 469-1944

Jamaica Stock Exchange – to the world!

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Marlene Street-Forrest

Congratulations to the dynamic Marlene Street-Forrest, General Manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and her hardworking team: their extraordinary efforts have earned them Bloomberg’s rating as the Number One performing stock exchange in the world in 2015!  Marlene Street-Forrest has noted international interest in Jamaica’s firms:  Heineken NV’s purchase of Red Stripe/Desnoes & Geddes saw those shares soaring by 500 percent and a Mexican company acquired majority shares in the Burrowes family’s Dolphin Cove.

Legendary Myrtle Bank Hotel (Getty Images)

The Jamaica Stock Exchange started operations in 1969, founded by Willard Samms, Raglan Golding, Edward Gayle and Anthony Lloyd.  The palms around their building at 40 Harbour Street bring back memories of driving with my Dad along the palm-lined driveway of the Myrtle Bank Hotel which was at that very location. 

How the business district of downtown Kingston has developed since then – it holds great promise, as does the tourism, agriculture, real estate and manufacturing sectors of Jamaica. The world is discovering the potential of our beloved country, the largest English-speaking Caribbean island, set squarely in the centre of the Americas.

The late Basil Buck

Years ago, I decided to become a ‘penny stockholder’ in the companies served by our agency – this gave a deeper understanding of the businesses, as I listened to the concerns of shareholders large and small at the annual general meetings.  My late friend Basil Buck, owner of Buck Securities, organised for these share purchases and made a few suggestions which turned out to be excellent. 

Then, when we handled the publicity for the Junior Market listings of the Lasco companies about five years ago, we suggested reserving shares for teachers, nurses and police officers, for whom our shop had developed affirmation programmes.  The awareness sessions went well, bringing in hundreds of new participants in Jamaica’s Stock Market.

The Bloomberg website notes that the JSE has launched the Caribbean’s first online trading platform.  This has inspired Denis St. Bernard, a London-based business consultant to start “a diaspora-focused investment company that would pool contributions.” St. Bernard noted that the opportunities are with known Jamaican brands such as GraceKennedy.

Sushil Jain

Investment guru Sushil Jain has been an enthusiastic supporter of Blue Chip Jamaican companies listed on the JSE.  “Why wouldn’t you want to have people like Don Wehby and Patrick Hylton working for you?” he asks. Let us make financial literacy a priority so that ordinary Jamaicans can tap into every opportunity for wealth creation.

Beautiful RJR Sports Foundation Awards

Excerpt from Observer column -  Mon 18 Jan 2016
By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The RJR Foundation Sports Awards, organised by the meticulous Yvonne Wilks-O'Grady and her team, left us filled with pride. There they were, the fastest man and woman in the world, Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price, being crowned as Jamaica's Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.  There was cancer survivor, Novlene Williams-Mills, who roared past the American leader in 4x400 World Games event in Beijing to take the Gold Medal for Jamaica, showing us the courage and perseverance that can come from our darkest moments.

Guest speaker UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, lauded Jamaica for our "most incredible contribution to sport". In recalling the resolve of the Swiss to preserve their reputation as the world's top watch-makers, he advised that sports in Jamaica "must be institutionalized and industrialized" to maintain this excellence. He said that what has happened to West Indies cricket must never happen to Jamaica and that we had a responsibility to come together to safeguard our dominance.

As he spoke, I recalled how a Chinese spectator pleaded with me for my Jamaican flag at the Beijing Olympics.  Are we gearing for Rio?  Is there a project to embrace our craft workers so that our vibrant Jamaican colours will shine in Brazil? How far ahead are our sports tourism plans? Let us heed Sir Hilary, thus ensuring that all Jamaicans can benefit from our phenomenal sporting successes.

   

“With no apology, I thank God!”

Don Wehby

by Jean Lowrie-Chin - excerpt from Jamaica Observer column 

Over 400 members of the GraceKennedy senior team and scores of others via the internet looked expectantly at their Group CEO, Don Wehby, as he stood to address them earlier this month.  He began by thanking them for their contribution to the Group’s success and then stated, “With no apology, I thank God for His blessings.”  Don commented that he was surprised at the number of calls he had received afterwards, applauding those words.  “I grew up in a home that believed in prayer and worship,” he said. “This was supported by my teachers at St. George’s College, and I am grateful for my faith.”

There are many leaders in the private and the public sector like Don Wehby, whose practices in the workplace are underpinned by their Christian beliefs.  This week they will be among the scores of Jamaican leaders who will gather for the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast which will have as its theme, “Righteousness Exalts The Nation”. 

What a challenge this theme is to our leaders, especially those in the political sphere.  The undertone of desperation that has entered the political conversation leaves us wondering if righteousness has been left out of Jamaica’s political equation. For our parties and other organisations to produce strong and decent leaders, they must ensure that their representatives are trustworthy, so they can inspire the trust of others. 

I will never forget the call for help from a terrified police superintendent of blessed memory.  He had pulled over a car in St. Ann, and discovered contraband and millions of dollars in cash.  As a strong Christian, an Elder in his church, he prepared a detailed report on the matter, stating the sum that was in the vehicle.  Lo and behold, he received ugly threats from fellow officers who were at the scene.  They demanded to know why he had not reported a smaller amount so they could all split the difference among them.  They also made threatening phone calls to his wife, a respected teacher.  Sadly, the following year I heard that this relatively young man had died – it seems that his heart could not withstand the stress.

Many of our leaders have had to face similar dilemmas, wondering whether they should just follow the negative status quo, or step out and show the courage of their convictions.  It is not easy, nor is it simple.  I continue to believe that one cannot change the system if one stays out of it.  Therefore, we have to commend those who take the bold step of entering politics.  More than ever, we have to affirm representatives like Councillor Venesha Phillips of the August Town area, who has openly condemned criminality, and has led the citizens of the area in a march against it.

It is interesting how many political leaders tiptoe around the issue of criminal gangs when they make their major speeches.  The formula of putting thugs in charge of tightly packed tenement yards seems to be a cynical method of keeping a seat.  In our garrisons, the phenomenon of destitute mothers having six, seven children when they can hardly feed one, begs a question. Surely their representatives know that family planning clinics offer free assistance to such persons.

As our church leaders plan this National Leadership exercise, we need to ask them to follow through on the strong and moving messages delivered at these events. They have the influence, and should not only call out leaders at the prayer breakfast, but also from every pulpit in Jamaica.

Dr Lucien Jones (left) in prayer with colleagues at World Remembrance Day Service for victims of road crashes

Dr Lucien Jones who is an Elder at the St. Andrew Parish Church, shared these thoughts of theologian Oswald Chambers on prayer in his internet ministry: “It is not so true that ‘Prayer changes things’ as that prayer changes me, and then I change things.”

We are looking forward to the presentation of this year’s speaker, Pastor Glen Octavius Samuels, President of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. The event will be broadcast live on television and radio. Please gather in your homes, schools, and workplaces to participate in this moving event, and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to make their own pledge towards a more righteous Jamaica.

Indeed, the words of our National Pledge written by The Rev. Hugh Sherlock, reminds us of our responsibility: “I promise to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that, Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.”

Pope Francis' Recommended Resolutions

Shared by Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston,  Jamaica,  Most Rev Donald Reece

FROM THE DESK OF POPE FRANCIS:  TOP NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

1.       Take care of your spiritual life, your relationship with God, because this is the backbone of everything we do and everything we are.

2.       Take care of your family life, giving your children and loved ones not just money, but most of all your time, attention and love.

3.       Take care of your relationships with others, transforming your faith into life and your words into good works, especially on behalf of the needy.

4.       Be careful how you speak, purify your tongue of offensive words, vulgarity and worldly decadence

5.       Heal wounds of the heart with the oil of forgiveness, forgiving those who have hurt us and medicating the wounds we have caused others.

6.       Look after your work, doing it with enthusiasm, humility, competence, passion and with a spirit that knows how to thank the Lord.

7.       Be careful of envy, lust, hatred and negative feelings that devour our interior peace and transform us into destroyed and destructive people.

8.       Watch out for anger that can lead to vengeance; for laziness that leads to existential euthanasia; for pointing fingers at others, which leads to pride; and for complaining continually, which leads to desperation.

9.       Take care of brothers and sisters who are weaker….the elderly, the sick, the hungry, the homeless and strangers, because we will be judged by this.

HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU!

+djr

   

Tips for successful implementation

Mariame McIntosh Robinson receives a presentation from CEO of GK Insurance Segment, Grace Burnett after her inspiring address at the Company's Annual Business Conference last Saturday at the Jamaica Conference Centre

Mariame Robinson’s great guidelines

(Excerpt from Jean Lowrie-Chin's Jamaica Observer column published Jan 11, 2016)

The brilliant Mariame Robinson condensed a strong seminar into a half-hour presentation at a GraceKennedy conference last week.  We all sat up straighter when we heard her creds: Jamaican Rhodes Scholar, graduating from Oxord, MIT, and Harvard.  The management guru observed that our country and region were rich with ideas for great projects and strategies, but we have been falling short on the execution of these ideas.

In the coming year, we would do well to adopt her implementation guidelines:

1.     Define the metrics – what does success look like? Use process metrics to execute on time and on budget.

2.     Manage people effectively.  Coaching and development should involve getting feedback from team members, so they have ownership of the project. Ensure that the discussion is balanced and around observed behaviour, not just feelings.

3.     Suggest solutions to arrive at your ultimate goal of flawless execution.

4.     Develop a communication plan to build trust.  Celebrate early wins.

5.     Issue resolution: think about who you need to bring into the room to get advice and counsel.  Constantly ask, why? This will help to clarify issues.

She stressed the importance of integrity, to avoid the derailment of implementation. “You don’t want to be cutting corners and you should always demand the full truth.  It is important to ensure that everything is front and centre,” she advised. She noted that since we spend so many of our waking hours working, we should organise towards the goal of flawless implementation.

May I add that there are now so many nifty apps on our smartphones that we have many tools to manage our time, budgets, communication.  Please do not be shy to ask for advice on how to use these apps.  I have had many ‘aha’ moments, thanks to my young team members who are so adept with the technology.  Once you familiarize yourself, you will be surprised at how much time you can save.  

Post Script - It was announced today that Mrs McIntosh Robinson will succeed Mr Courtney Campbell as CEO of GK's First Global Bank. 

A New Year of Mercy – for self and others

Observer column by Jean Lowrie-Chin - published 4 Jan 2016

Pope Francis

With the New Year, comes a new opportunity to be our best selves. Pope Francis has appealed to the world to make this a Year of Mercy.  Let me suggest that we apply this mercy to our own selves – many of us are carrying guilt, hurt, regrets that have been weighing us down for years.  We owe it to ourselves to let these go, confiding in a pastor, counsellor, trusted relative or friend.

Then there is the whole business of fitness and appearance with the phrases ‘body-shaming’ and ‘fat-shaming’ popular on social media.  Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the first Star Wars trilogy, reappears at 59 years of age as General Leia in ‘The Force Awakens’, and was told on social media that, “You didn’t age well”.  Her tweeted reply is a reminder to us all: “Youth and Beauty are not accomplishments, they’re the temporary, happy by-products of time and/or  DNA…”. 

Another famous movie star, the late Audrey Hepburn, gave these tips for becoming more attractive: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

Psychologist Dr Leahcim Semaj

Psychologist Dr Leahcim Semaj offered advice regarding weight loss resolutions in a media interview last week.  “Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds in the year, it is better to plan to lose one pound per week,” he said.  That is certainly less pressure, with the identical result!

My wise sister Frances Beard, on observing my tendency to feel responsible for too many issues, begged me to remember, “If your name is not on it, don’t pick it up!” Even if your name is on those multiple emails you receive daily, it doesn’t mean that you have to take responsibility for every cause.  Indeed, you will render yourself unable to serve any cause properly if you take on too many. 

The Sisters of Mercy who taught us at Alpha Prep and Academy, were keen on us memorizing the Works of Mercy, in which we may find ideas for our resolutions.  The Corporal Works of Mercy:

·       Feed the hungry

·       Give drink to the thirsty

• Clothe the naked
• Shelter the homeless
• Visit the sick
• Visit the imprisoned
• Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy:

• Admonish the sinner
• Instruct the ignorant
• Counsel the doubtful
• Comfort the sorrowful
• Bear wrongs patiently
• Forgive all injuries
• Pray for the living and the dead

Have a Sincerely Happy New Year!!

Thank you for this message Joan 'Joy' Cummings!

The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere.—Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Precious Ones,

 Sincerity is to speak as we think, to do as we pretend and profess, to perform what we promise, and really to be what we would seem and appear to be. —Leonard W. Doob

Joan 'Joy' Grant Cummings
Researcher/Consultant
Development Specialist – Gender, Environment
Caribbean Development Activist Women's Network
Women's Resource and Outreach Centre [WROC]
Jamaica Civil Society Coalition[JCSC]

"A Single bracelet does not jingle!" - Congolese Proverb

10 ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

⚠This is the Season in which there is usually a hike in road crashes and fatalities,  with increased activities on our roads by those shopping, those eager to attend parties and those rushing to spend quality time with family, friends and loved ones.

In recognition of this, the National Road Safety Council would like to remind Jamaicans of
⚠ 10 important Road Safety Tips for all who travel on our roads.

1. AVOID SPEEDING
Drivers, please avoid speeding this festive season and drive within the speed limit. Please do not speed or drink and drive. Please judge the time it will take you to arrive at your destination early or on-time and make an effort to be on time. If you are late, you will be motivated to speed and overtake irresponsibly, which can result in road crashes that are preventable.

2. DON'T DRINK & DRIVE
Drivers, please do not drink and drive this festive season. If you are highly intoxicated, please avoid driving, as this is one of the leading causes of road crashes. If you are highly intoxicated, DO NOT get behind the steering wheel as this can lead to a crash causing injury or death. If you drink, use a designated driver to ensure that you arrive safely.

3. WEAR SAFETY DEVICES
Always wear the safety devices required by law whether you are travelling in a motor car or on a motorbike. Drivers and passengers should always wear their seatbelts. We are encouraging bicycle riders to wear the necessary safety gears to protect themselves on the roads. Young and small-bodied children are to travel in car seats. Motorcyclists and pillion passengers must always wear helmets which are of the standard required by the law. Since the start of the year, over 100 motorcyclists have lost their lives on our roads, which represents an increase of approximately 100% in comparison to road fatalities involving motorcyclists in 2014 and 2013.

4. STOP! LOOK! AND LISTEN!
This is one rule which has been stressed in our nation. However, because we care a lot about our pedestrians, we have to remind them of it. When crossing our roads, please pedestrians, 'Stop! Look! And Listen!' This is a very important road rule. Pedestrians, when crossing our roads this festive season, please remember to stop, look both ways and listen for oncoming traffic. Never attempt to cross the road without first looking in both directions.

5. AVOID USING DEVICES WHILE WALKING OR DRIVING
Mobile phones and other technologically-driven devices affect the concentration of drivers when operating a vehicle. They also reduce pedestrian awareness of activities going on around them. Similarly, listening to music through ear phones and playing electronic games while walking should also be avoided.

6. AVOID PLAYING ON THE ROADSIDE
Parents and guardians, please encourage your children not to play along busy roads, as this is a dangerous practice. It's easy to get carried away when you are playing. This can lead to crashes, with children running carelessly into traffic.

7. USE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Always use the pedestrian crossings when you want to cross a street. If there are none available, cross only where it is safe to do so and NOT at intersections and blind spots.

8. DO NOT WEAR DARK CLOTHING AT NIGHT
Children, as well as adults, should not wear dark clothing at night while walking on our roads. When you wear dark coloured clothing, it is harder for drivers to see you.

9. WALK ON THE SIDEWALK
Pedestrians should only walk on sidewalks or footpaths. If no sidewalk or footpath is available, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

10. BE RESPECTFUL ON OUR ROADS
Lack of respect for other road users and road rage are contributing factors to road crashes. Drivers should be prepared to give way to other drivers and, also pedestrians when necessary. We need to acknowledge the right of other persons to use the road. Drivers need to respect the road code.

WHAT A PALAM-PAM - WHEN STELLA MARIS GET STEEL BAND!

What a palam-pam, what a Holy Jam – when Stella Maris get steel 

band!

You see them quiet lady with rosary in them hand

Who would dream they coulda play steel pan?

Captain Margaret Rhoden, Arranger Sherill Wilmot 

Have double-tenor ablaze

Terry Leyow and Sister Mary Andrew charm tenor bass

Little Cathy Sweetland make a big noise

Pat Cuffe’s guitar a sweet surprise!

Margaret Wright and Dwight McBean

Knock that Six-Bass nice and clean!

What a palam-pam, what a Holy Jam – when Stella Maris get steel 

band

Annette Alexis move fast on the cello

Give us a sound so smooth and mello!

Double-Tenor and Tenor ladies all in a row

Cherayne Howell, Maria Christian, Set Yoon Smith

Karen Chuck and Pat Matalon   

See how her name rhyme with steelband!

Martha Young, Margaret Schwab, Jacqui Phinn

Play ‘Second’ pan with such a burst

You mighta change that name to first!

What a palam-pam, what a Holy Jam – when Stella Maris get steel 

band!

Director Gay Magnus tek the Band … to the world!

In Lourdes and London, their talent unfurled

Stoosh congregation get up and dance

With Stella Steel Band they don’t have a chance!

Tenor Pauline Taylor, had to retire

But still supporting with Holy Ghost fire!

What a palam-pam, what a Holy Jam – when Stella Maris get steel 

band!

So Big-Up Monsignor Albert who had the vision

Use steelband to sweet-up religion

From heaven he’s saying to this blest land, 

What a palam-pam, what a Holy Jam – when Stella Maris get steel 

band!

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Stella Maris Steel Band … number one fan!

All they want for Christmas – Respect!

Observer column for MON 21 Dec 2015

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

 If we were to sum up that Christmas message of “Peace on earth, goodwill to all” in one word, that word would be: Respect.  It was research done by sociologist Horace Levy and his team in our inner city communities, that revealed the longing of these humble folks for respect.  The UWI publication (2001), “They cry ‘respect’!” explores Levy’s conversations with these Jamaicans, as they call for our acknowledgement and affirmation.

The shining stars of the recent ‘Respect Jamaica’ campaign are young people from some of these very communities, who have been dubbed ‘Respect Ambassadors’, and last Monday they proved how well the title suited them. Recruited and trained by the Respect Jamaica team, supported by 30 leading corporations, we were refreshed by the passion and creative activities of these young people, ages 18-25.

Neville Charlton emerged Ambassador of the Year. Neville founded the Positive Organization, a non- profit organization that aims to empower and energize Jamaicans to believe in their ability to drive positive change, and volunteerism. He currently mentors youth residents of the Tivoli Gardens Police youth club.

Young Jherane Patmore won the Project Award for her resolve to ‘Kick out Gender Based Violence’. She helped to organise a public forum addressed on gender based violence in the Caribbean and engaged social media supporters with the popular hashtag #KickOutGBV.

The quiet but determined Joel Lee Bishop, is champion Volunteer. Her work with the Positive Organization and the Respect movement, has seen her championing the youth vote at the Y-Klick National Youth Summit and leading a beach clean-up at Robin’s Bay, St. Mary.

Dynamic Chad Morgan told us that, “No matter how much you are doing, you can still do more.” The UWI international relations student copped the Commitment Award for mentoring members of Duhaney Park Police Youth Club and helping to coordinate an educational and empowering field trip for 50 male students of the Cockburn Primary and Junior High.

Tina Renier of Barbary Hill in Lucea, Hanover received the Shining Star award. I heard this articulate UWI student  giving a powerful motivational speech about the programme at the Launch of FiWi Jamaica at UTECH in August of this year. Elton Johnson is developing into a social media star, and copped an award for his activity. His Yuh Zeen! blog promotes progressive-thinking and national development. A Montego Bay resident, Elton presides over lively Twitter chats, especially as he promotes the youth vote.

The ardent, yet respectful manner of these young persons is in direct contrast to the tone of our leaders on the campaign platforms.  There is nothing wrong with the drama, and well-chosen musical selections as these add colour to campaigning; however, we have to draw the line when the campaigner descends into disrespect. 

Political tribalism promotes disrespect for those who may not agree with one’s choice of party, and our young people are subject to insults and worse if they happen to live on the ‘wrong’ side of the street. Disrespect is the motto of the garrison, where citizens are seen as only two-legged votes.  As our top corporates dedicate their millions to the Respect campaign, let us hope our political leaders will make the effort to stay respectful, even as they enjoy the cut and thrust of representational politics.

The 51% Coalition and The Workplace

We had an amazing “Tea and Talk” with the 51% Coalition last Tuesday, as we delved into the topic, “Our Understanding of Human Rights and how it applies to our Work”.  We realised that there were issues of gender, politics, sexual orientation, and ageism at the workplace.  In my contribution, I mentioned that many of us are so acculturated that we don’t even realise the negative attitude we may have towards certain persons. 

It was a star-studded evening: Chairman Merline Daley, discussion leader Joan French, Nikki Sewell Lewis, Linette Vassell, Judith Wedderburn and Nicole Williams shared the programme and helped us crystallise the issues.  Rev Marjorie Lewis and Carrolle Narcisse were invaluable to our group, led by Tanesha Caine.

We realised that gender-based violence had become so ingrained in our society, that we were at danger level.  We acknowledged that sexual harassment at the workplace continues to haunt many. Women who have to be balancing raising families and pursuing careers are suffering from a serious type of poverty: TIME poverty! 

We also discussed the issue of ageism – judging co-workers as “too young” or “too old” for a job without objective assessment.  In the case of sexual orientation, it appeared to be unanimous that as long as this did not interfere with an individual’s productivity, it was absolutely none of our business.

We concluded that we should be more aware of our biases so we can conquer them, that we should use hard data instead of rushing to judgment, and that we should step up as advocates for a more respectful and open-minded approach to our workplace colleagues.  Now isn’t that a great New Year’s resolution?

Hard-working JPs

We enjoyed the St Andrew JPs Annual Awards where we saw so many great achievers who still make the time to serve as Justices of the Peace and Lay Magistrates.  I remember the strict Lay Magistrate training led by retired Justice Noel Irving – as bright as we thought we were, Justice Irving would punch holes into our arguments.  We made a presentation to Retired Custos Marigold Harding who was a model of efficiency and generosity.  Our recently retired Custos Donna Parchment-Brown was very supportive during her short stint, as she retired after it was announced that she would be serving as Jamaica’s political Ombudsman.

Later in the week, we happened on a large operation at the Kingston Bookshop Headquarters, led by Kingston Custos Steadman Fuller. He, fellow JPs, KPH SMO Natalie Whylie, Town Clerk Robert Hill and several other members stage an annual treat for the families of prisoners in the Tower Street Correctional Centre.  They also made special packages for the ‘abandoned prisoners’ – Custos Steadman explained that these are men who have not seen one relative since they were locked up.  “Some suffer from depression,” he explained. “So we are trying to reach out to them.”

Special love for our seniors

We collected scores of gifts from members of CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) and delivered them to the grateful hands of residents of the Golden Age Home. The collection was made at our annual social, serenaded by the smooth Boris Gardiner.  Boris and his wife Andrea are so warm, yet professional.  Boris had many encores as our members declared him “Better than ever!” The ever-generous Michael Fraser and Sagicor and our perennial sponsor, PROComm, made it a memorable afternoon.

Then we attended a Mass on Saturday, conducted by Archbishop Charles Dufour at the beautifully renovated Chapel at the Ozanam Home on Mannings Hill Road.  The insightful Archbishop asked us to visit the elderly residents before we left.  What an inspiring exercise – the smiles, the sharing – we enjoyed the company, and salute Hazel Burnett, who received an award for 25 years of service to Ozanam

Season's Greetings to you all, dear readers!