Happy 20th Anniversary Digicel‼️

Denis O'Brien with children at Stella Maris Foundation - it was with the assistance of Digicel Foundation that Stella Maris was able to purchase their headquarters. 

Today is also Mr O'Brien's Birthday - bless his generous heart.

except from Jamaica Observer column published 19 April 2021

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

I remember the evening of April 19, 2001 when after months of planning, Marketing Manager Harry Smith and I were going over the programme for the Launch of Digicel at the Pegasus Hotel.

"Oh my Lord Harry," I exclaimed. "We don't have 'Prayer' on the Programme!" 

"Alright," said Harry, "If you write it, I will say it." I wrote the words purposefully, asking God for His blessing on this brave new company. I believe God heard us, and indeed that through His grace, Digicel Chairman Denis O'Brien became the answer to many prayers.

Overnight, even the humblest Jamaican could afford a phone. Micro-businesses could restock easily, live-in household workers could stay connected to their families, seniors could call for assistance in emergencies.

 It was exciting to attend the launch of Digicel in Trinidad, Barbados and Haiti, and to see the energy of the teams including our own Jamaicans rolling out the networks in the 32 countries in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific.

The Digicel Foundation was launched in 2004, and has funded islandwide projects for education, special needs and community development to the tune of over $60 billion. The most moving area of its operations has been the building of special needs schools which ensure that no matter what learning challenges our children face, they are given a chance to achieve their full potential. In addition to Jamaica, Digicel Foundations have been established in Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad & Tobago, and have contributed to positive outcomes for over 3 million people to date.

 Denis O'Brien was inducted as an Honorary member of the Order of Jamaica and received the Honorary Doctorate from UWI in 2015. "The proudest part of all of that we have achieved over the years is that, as a company, we have our roots here in Jamaica," he said in his commencement speech to UWI graduates. "Without hesitation, Jamaica is the cornerstone of Digicel growth and development of all our 32 countries."

Here's wishing Digicel a happy 20th anniversary and many more great years.

Happy 30th Anniversary ESL

Milestone 'Earth Day' for ESL

excerpt from Observer column published 19 April 2021

Our environmental predicament is as serious as the social: our very existence is threatened by both. We are one of the many small island developing states (SIDS) worldwide which are vulnerable to the deterioration of our environment. Global warming may lead to rising seas that may obliterate our shorelines – consider the loss of our business districts, airports and resort areas. It pains me to see the thoughtless use of plastics in developed countries while we are here trying to do our part.

I remember our friend Professor Trevor Jackson of blessed memory remarking that Eleanor Jones would have been a Professor of Geology if she had not given up her position as a UWI Lecturer to start her business. Eleanor relates that she had attended several conferences on environmental issues and decided exactly 30 years ago that it was time to stop talking about problems and begin to address them, thus founding her company, Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL).

The company's mission, "to harmonize development with environmentally sustainable practices through the application of science, and standards of excellence", has been invaluable to the built environment here and throughout the Caribbean. The company's anniversary coincides with Earth Day 2021 to be celebrated this Thursday. ESL will mark the occasion with climate action, environmental health in schools, reforestation and webinars.  

Eleanor Jones reflects, "What a joy it is to have come this far and to have inspired many professionals, public and private sector leaders, and civil society; to have contributed to the design and construction of environmentally sound projects in road, seaport, airport, sanitation, water supply and energy infrastructure, housing and resort development! To have championed international certification for health and analytical services in chemistry and microbiology." Congratulations to Eleanor and her 30-strong staff of top professionals.

Farewell Bunny Wailer

Excerpt from Observer column published March 8 2021

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

 

Bunny Wailer - photo from Jamaica Observer 

The passing of the great Bunny Wailer, born Neville O'Riley Livingston was noted far and wide in the global media. He was Bob Marley’s step-brother and together they endured poverty and honed their musical excellence to become with Peter Tosh, Junior Brathwaite and Beverly Kelso (believed to be the only surviving member of the group) the world-famous Wailers. My husband Hubie believes Bunny Wailer was the top singer of them all. He cited his memorable compositions ‘Cool Runnings’, ‘Ballroom Floor’ and ‘Rootsman Skanking’. We learned only last week from an Observer article quoting Marcia Griffiths, that it was Bunny Wailer who wrote “Electric Boogie” for her, the classic which inspired that joyful group dance, ‘Electric Slide’.

 His past year was a sad one, mourning his wife who went missing and was never found.

We give thanks that Bunny Wailer’s passing is not the end of the phenomenal Wailers – their art will endure for generations to come. Our condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

 

 

Bishop Robert Thompson’s ‘Redemption Song’

Excerpt for Observer column - 29 March 2021 (unedited)

 

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

The virtual Launch of Bishop Robert Thompson's book, "Redemption Song: Reading the Scripture for Social Change" was hosted last Thursday by Christine Randle, CEO of Ian Randle Publishers. The retired Anglican Bishop of Kingston has often given us a reality check on our social conditions and his book calls on his church community to take a different approach to theology.

Rev. Thompson refers to "the deep legacy of colonialism" which he believes "continues to stifle" our national development. He is challenging the established church to cast away Euro-American interpretations of Scripture and share a theology that "embraces and affirms all people across class and culture."

In the book's foreword, Archbishop Howard Gregory noted its importance for educators and students as well as lay leaders involved in "serious study of the Bible and gospel as 'midwives' for social transformation."

This should be an excellent read during this Holy Week which will see us adapting to new ways of worship for the holiest days in our Christian calendar. This past year has shown us that we can pivot and thrive. 

Bishop Thompson's call in "Redemption Song" echoes Jesus' counsel: "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins." (Mark 2:21-2)

Veronica Blake Carnegie launches 'Lizzards of Liguanea'

 

Veronica Blake Carnegie's Book launch - Lizzards of Liguanea

Address by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Salutations

I am honoured to celebrate with CCRP member Veronica Blake Carnegie the launch of her entertaining book, “The Lizzards of Liguanea”.

One of CCRP’s three missions is “To work towards ensuring that the vast talent, experience and wisdom of seniors will be respected.”

In the case of the prolific author Veronica Blake Carnegie, her continuous creativity reminds us of the Shakespearean character’s description of Cleopatra:

“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale / Her infinite variety”

Now I would like listeners to pay close attention to this fact:

Veronica Blake Carnegie will be celebrating her 90^th Birthday in this year, 2021, and in addition to the 10 books she has already published, she has four manuscripts readying for publication. Yes, Veronica will be 90 years young this year!

Veronica’s students at Ardenne High School, Jamaica College and Immaculate Conception High School may well remember her passion for History.

You can take the teacher out of the classroom but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher.

In Veronica’s ‘The Lizzards of Liguanea’, a fascinating children’s book that features her three children, we learn that ‘Liguanea’ is derived from the Taino name for iguanas, and several historical nuggets, blended into the amusing adventures of young Donald and his iguana friend ‘Iggy’.

Her two other recent publications are also lighthearted but very informative. ‘Dr Too Too’ is about the brilliant educator David Gruber and his career throughout Jamaica, teaching Jamaica’s children, nurturing empathy and patriotism.

‘Dear Pastor Paul’ is in a question-and-answer format giving considerate advice, drawing on the counsel of young pastors, Kirk and Natasha Campbell of Jabneh Christian Academy in Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

Veronica Carnegie’s zest for writing and sharing life lessons inspires us all to persevere with our God-given talent, regardless of our age.

Ageism is real and ugly. Veronica’s works remind us that we can gain so much from the wisdom of our elders. We must not deprive ourselves of the rich experiences and wealth of knowledge that they have to share.

I am delighted that Veronica has agreed to be a special guest on CCRP Update on RJR on Sunday April 11 - Save the date!

On behalf of CCRP, I extend hearty congratulations to the indefatigable Veronica Blake Carnegie. May you enjoy the creation of many more pages of adventure and teachings, a legacy of joy for your fellow Jamaicans.

 

“There is life beyond this valley”

Observer column written for 8 March 2021

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

(The section mentioning Tricia Williamson's Bambusa, Monique Powell's QuickPlate and freelancing websites was edited out for Monday's Observer. This is the column in its entirety.) 

"There is life beyond this valley," declared Michael Lee-Chin during a recent interview on a Canadian television station. He noted that "crisis equals danger plus opportunity" and stressed the importance of long-term planning. He said that because he had done this for his businesses, there was no need to change their strategy, even in the face of the Covid crisis. "Stay in your lane and stay in your long-term plan," he advised.

For those who did not have such a plan, now is the time to get one done, and they may find Lee-Chin's "five rules for wealth creation" useful. These are: own a few high-quality businesses; understand them well; ensure they are in strong, long-term growth industries; use other people's money prudently; hold the businesses inter-generationally."

He said that as a baby boomer, he went into the investment business when he saw this large cohort of the population looking to retirement planning. Now, baby boomers are ageing and healthcare is looming large on his radar, particularly the sub-trend, cancer. He is therefore investing in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), described as "molecular targeted therapies [which] use drugs or other substances to identify and attack cancer cells while reducing harm to healthy tissue."

To entrepreneurial aspirants, Lee-Chin says one should ask oneself, "How am I making sure my businesses are relevant?" He says they should look at differentiating themselves, be in a constant reputation-building mode, and focus on making sure they are solving customers' issues. This is the practice of successful businesses: reading the market, gathering the data, making the plan, executing and preserving your competitive advantage. This can account for GraceKennedy's best year ever despite the pandemic.

Tricia Williamson's Bambusa straws became popular with the ban on plastic straws and since then she has expanded her line, offering world-class items made from bamboo, some with enthralling digital interface. When Monique Powell introduced her company, QuickPlate at a PSOJ meeting a few years ago, little did we dream that her service would be in such great demand with the arrival of Covid. IT companies are busy, helping companies get up to speed in the new work-from-home dispensation.

We can take advantage of free online workshops and courses at coursera.com,  network on LinkedIn, and pick up well-paying part-time jobs at Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, Simply Hired, PeoplePerHour, Aquent, Crowded, The Creative Group, 99Designs, and Nexxt.

 

Job seekers should know that there are many willing executives who will spare the time to help you navigate your way forward. If you don't ask, you won't know!

 

With the avalanche of Covid concerns and arguments, we can lose focus on that all important long-term planning for family, career, business and community. One friend asked to be removed from a WhatsApp group because she was feeling overwhelmed by the constant Covid drumming. If we do not focus, we can become drained and immobilised. We must guard our mental health, make the effort to celebrate family milestones virtually and lift the spirits of our friends and colleagues. Let us power out of this valley.

 

Ambassador Marks' 'Jamaica Connect'

 

Jamaica's Ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks, has initiated a monthly 'Jamaica Connect' conversation with members of the Jamaican Diaspora and the response was so great that some visitors on Zoom had to be redirected to the Facebook Live link. Ambassador Marks briefed attendees on the new protocols for those planning to visit Jamaica, and fielded questions.

 

Participants wanted to see more education in Jamaican heritage, were concerned about the well-being of our children here and expressed their willingness to contribute to their education. We felt their deep love for their homeland; there are still untapped opportunities which we need to further explore. Ambassador Marks, herself a successful entrepreneur, will no doubt be promoting this – there is strength in numbers.

 

Indiscipline overload

 

While we valiantly try to build our country, we see the troubling challenge of indiscipline. We were appalled by the TVJ report on the so-called 'apostle' who shouted at the Police when they tried to shut down a service at her church, attended by well over the ten allowed with not a mask in sight. It is disturbing that someone who should be setting a good example to her flock was instead defying law enforcement officers who had no choice but to charge her. In downtown Kingston, the Police had to shut down a wake at a funeral parlour and in May Pen, we saw video of a taxi driver attacking a Police officer.  

 

The Police showed great restraint in the circumstances and we have to commend them on the patience that some of us pray to have. This indiscipline and the swagger of gangsters can lead to another brain drain, one which could undermine the best efforts of our entrepreneurs. The best minds must come together and act to take Jamaica out of this danger zone.

 

Hospital Blues

 

The complaints are coming in thick and fast as our health system is buckling under the Covid spike. Health workers are stressed and hospital beds are in short supply. We are rocked by the tragic deaths of a 17-year-old asthma patient at the University Hospital and a 32-year-old nurse who was a Covid patient at KPH. Thankfully, several persons I know who have Covid are able to treat themselves at home, after consulting their doctors.  There are so many symptoms that can indicate Covid that one should not delay in seeing one's doctor. Early testing and treatment can help to prevent hospitalisation.

 

Farewell Bunny Wailer

 

The passing of the great Bunny Wailer, born Neville O'Riley Livingston was noted far and wide in the global media. He was Bob Marley's step-brother and together they endured poverty and honed their musical excellence to become with Peter Tosh, Junior Brathwaite and Beverly Kelso (believed to be the only surviving member of the group) the world-famous Wailers. My husband Hubie believes Bunny Wailer was the top singer of them all. He cited his memorable compositions 'Cool Runnings', 'Ballroom Floor' and 'Rootsman Skanking'. We learned only last week from an Observer article quoting Marcia Griffiths, that it was Bunny Wailer who wrote "Electric Boogie" for her, the classic which inspired that joyful group dance, 'Electric Slide'.

 

His past year was a sad one, mourning his wife who went missing and was never found.

We give thanks that Bunny Wailer's passing is not the end of the phenomenal Wailers – their art will endure for generations to come. Our condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

 

Photo caption: 

Michael Lee-Chin and his wife Sonya

 

 

 

Covid solutions - CommonPass and Ivermectin

Excerpt from Observer column published January 23, 2021

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

My friend Paula Kerr-Jarrett is hoping that Jamaica will begin using CommonPass soon. She says tourism in Aruba is now booming because their Government, led by Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes, have subscribed to this digital health pass, which, according to a report on the World Economic Forum website, "enables safer travel by allowing people to document their COVID-19 test and vaccination status on their mobile phone and share it in a privacy-preserving manner with airline staff and immigration officials."

We understand from Paula that this was developed by the non-profit organisation The CommonTrust Network, funded by Commons Project Foundation (more information available at press@thecommonsproject.org). She believes that by registering for CommonPass which is a free service, we could see faster recovery of our tourism industry.

Paula also shared positive experiences from the use of drug, Ivermectin in the treatment of Covid-19. Users have reported that by taking the drug three days in a row after getting a positive result, they were symptom free. "This is a low-cost way of treating Covid," she noted.

She shared a report which noted, "Ivermectin has been used for more than 30 years for the treatment of several diseases. More than one million doses of the drug are administered daily, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Due to the low prevalence of adverse events with the use of this drug, ivermectin is considered to have a good safety profile and its potential benefit in other diseases is currently under investigation. An in vitro study of ivermectin in SARS-CoV-2 in Australia showed a significant reduction of viral load in infected cells. Subsequently, a descriptive study of 704 critical patients with COVID-19 showed a reduction in mortality, hospitalization, and intensive care unit length-of-stay in those patients who received the drug."

We do hope the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Wellness will explore the benefits of CommonPass and treatment of Covid-19 with Ivermectin.

Dr Leahcim Semaj shares advice on New Year's Resolutions

Advice from Dr. Leahcim Semaj,

Quantum Transformation Psychologist, Chief Ideator and Resultant, and International Keynote & Motivational Speaker.

If you missed CCRP Update on December 27 - or need a reminder - here are some important pointers from Dr Semaj for making realistic New Year's Resolutions:

Your mission statement should be simple, memorable and measurable - chose one resolution that will have the best impact on your life.

State your vision - what are you going to be one year from now - write it like a press release 

Review after the first 90 days - how far to your goals by then?

Have a 30 day plan - ongoing rolling plan 

It takes 21 days to form a new habit but it takes 90 days for it to become a part of you - persist.        

Be modest, be strategic with New Year's resolutions

For Dr Semaj - it's to maximise his quality of life - diet, exercise, planning

Be consistent - Plan to go to the gym every day 

First 30 days important

Get a coach - could be a friend who will help to keep you accountable.

He received a one month gift of Personal trainer - seeing results motivated him to exercise every day

Most ppl start with too many things - don't try to do too many things.

Develop good habits - Habit runs behaviour.           

End of year  is a powerful, natural cycle of life.

Kwanzaa directs well - today celebrates Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.

I, me & we - three aspects of self - always consider those who love you.

Evaluate the past year & plan!

CCRP Update is a weekly radio feature on Palav - sponsored by JNGI Silver Shield, offering valuable auto and property insurance packages for CCRP members.

If we fix crime, we will fix Jamaica

 

Jamaica Observer column published 14 DEC 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

You would think that with this pandemic, Jamaica would get a break from crime and violence, but every week we are shocked by reports, the latest of which is the murder of four family members including a pregnant woman in St. Catherine last week. We are looking to the Crime Monitoring and Oversight Committee (CMOC), established on the signing of the National Crime Consensus MOU by stakeholders from Government, private sector and civil society to help us to address once and for all the myriad issues that have continued to visit so much pain and suffering on our nation.

Investors have repeatedly reminded us that Jamaica’s crime issue is a deterrent. Our own relatives in the Jamaican Diaspora are fearful of returning to the place they still call home. Believe them when they say if we fix crime, we will fix Jamaica.

CMOC, headed by Jamaica Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Distant has established key performance indicators (KPIs) to track their progress including proposed Legislation, among them:

· Approval of the outstanding MOCA Regulations – by end of Q4-2020

 · Adding and prioritizing approval of sections of the Proceed of Crimes Act (POCA) to include and strengthen the role of Unexplained Wealth orders and reverse burden of proof, enabling the seizure of assets from persons who obtained their wealth by crime or corruptly and those found guilty of facilitating money-laundering and other serious crimes, and ensuring that lawyers cannot be paid with proceeds of crime - by Q4-2021

·       Prioritizing the approval and gazetting of the Regulations to the Public Bodies Management Accountability Act governing the nomination, selection and appointment of Boards of Public Bodies – by end of Q3 2020

They project that Parliament will review and agree the implementation of these and other recommendations by end of Q2-2021.

Last week we observed International Human Rights Day with a webinar hosted by The Institute for Gender & Development Studies – Regional Coordinating Office at UWI (IGDS-RCO) titled “Practical Strategies for Monitoring and Dealing with Gender-based violence within Vulnerable Communities”. Important work is being done by the Bureau of Gender Affairs, represented by Abby-Gale Clarke; health professionals, represented by Dr. Simone French; Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison; the Jamaica Constabulary Force represented by Inspector Heather McLean; and the Jamaica Network of Seropositives represented by Jumoke Patrick.

There was a heavy-hearted observation that our most vulnerable were running out of options for protection with the burden of joblessness and the spike in Covid. Access to justice has become more difficult for women during the Covid lockdown.

Consider this: while many are criticizing the Education Ministry for announcing that over 60 additional schools have been approved for reopening in January, the school environment could very well be the safest for children in high-risk communities.

Covid vigilance

You cannot help but be impressed when our Chief Medical Officer Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie takes us through those charts showing Covid spikes and her Ministry’s vigilance as they try to control the spread. Last week’s ‘Covid Conversation’ hosted by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Chris Tufton and addressed by Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, as well as several Mayors left us grateful that our leaders, including those in Opposition are all on the same page in their fight against Covid.

What is disheartening however, is that people, many of whom should know better, are throwing illegal parties, even lying that they have KSAC approval. I believe these folks should be taken to a hospital and made to see what being on a ventilator looks like. They need to be reminded that people of all ages have died from this virus. Perhaps the next Covid conversation should be the experiences of a bereaved relative and those who survived the worst of Covid. One such person is politician Basil Waite who has described the excruciating pain and breathing difficulties which sent him into the Intensive Care Unit at the UWI Hospital. Thank goodness he survived and has high praises for the UWI staff.

PSOJ President Keith Duncan, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation but also the plight of those who always look forward to Christmas for their biggest bump in sales, suggests a disciplined approach, regarding opening times and crowd control. Driving around town, we see that mask-wearing is still a problem. Perhaps we should resort to giving motorized Police loudspeakers as they have done in South Africa – they use it to call out and warn non-maskers as they drive through the town, describing them and shaming them.

IDB Road Safety Conference

 The IDB in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) last week hosted a webinar, "Road Safety in the Caribbean: A Safe System Approach to Saving Lives". IDB Caribbean head Therese Turner-Jones pointed out that road crashes are the second leading cause of death for children in the Latin American and Caribbean region. She noted that the continued high incidence of road crashes has increased the stress on our public health system, coping with the Covid outbreak.

She noted that transportation and development of road systems are vehicles for economic development. Indeed, the IDB approved for Jamaica in 2009, one of the first loans in the world specifically targeted at operations increasing road safety.

Mrs Turner-Jones congratulated the NRSC on their efforts to educate bikers in Westmoreland on road safety measures. However, I have learned that there is a macho culture associated with that group. They head out to parties in convoy, many without helmets, greeting and honking at each other. According to a resident in the West, they have that same air of bravado when they attend the funeral of a fellow biker. “It is like they belong to a cult,” he said.

Dr Lucien Jones observed soberly that of the over one million who die in road crashes each year, 90 percent are from developing countries. Like Covid, road safety relies greatly on individual responsibility. There must be consequences for carelessness, and we await the implementation of the amended Road Traffic Act.

Ambassador Sue Cobb - "The Lady of Silk and Steel'

 

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 14 December 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Ambassador Sue Cobb continued her legacy of meaningful engagement with the Jamaican people, even after she ended her tour of duty here in 2005. She was one of the founders of the generous American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) and for several years sponsored the Cobb Family Lecture at UWI, a platform for exploring issues and solutions by some of Jamaica’s brightest minds.

In her recently published autobiography, a collaboration with Dr. Laura Tanna, we are reminded that her tenure started on September 11, 2001 – yes, on 9/11, the most testing of times. The title of the book, “The Lady of Silk and Steel”, is taken from a commentary on Ambassador Cobb’s tenure by former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, as he described their differences of opinion, yet their cordial and respectful relationship.

There is much to learn from this wise account from an extraordinary diplomat, adventurer and dedicated grandmother. Published by Ian Randle Ltd, all proceeds will go to charity, so buy it for the good and be inspired by Ambassador Cobb’s remarkable journey.

Susan Pitter’s book – ‘Eulogy’

Excerpt from. Jamaica Observer column published 7 Dec 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Born of Jamaican parents who had migrated to Britain in the sixties, Susan Pitter was inspired when she saw the lovely photos in the funeral programme of her Dad's friend, to create an elegant publication, "Eulogy" for the Jamaica Society Leeds. 

The well-researched book includes the history of the "Windrush generation", photographs and quotes donated by 76 families whose parents and grandparents had migrated to Leeds over two decades from the 1940s. Some were former RAF members who after the war, decided to settle down there.

Their stories tell of ambitious, decent, hardworking families who were activists and contributed to the development of their community. One nurse recalls that even as she was caring for patients, they were disrespecting her with racist remarks. 

Susan's parents were an attractive couple, Hermerde and Enid Pitter (nee Neil) who hailed from St. Elizabeth. They worked hard to raise their four children, all of whom are successful professionals. 'Eulogy' is a valuable keepsake and all proceeds go to the Jamaica Society Leeds.

Susan quotes the late Professor Rex Nettleford in her book: "If you don't find the time to document your own history, it is likely to be forgotten – or worse still, misrepresented."

Diplomatic dynamo Canadian High Commissioner Laurie Peters

 Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 2 November 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Outgoing Canadian High Commissioner (HC) Laurie Peters began her tour of duty in Jamaica in September 2017, and has played a significant role in the promotion of commercial, scientific, educational and cultural exchanges between the countries, undoubtedly bolstering Canadian presence locally and regionally. An outstanding aspect of her work in advocacy and international diplomacy was her advancement Canada’s feminist foreign policy by championing commitments for gender equality, peace, and security.

HC Peters directed Canada’s continued support of Jamaica's response to COVID-19 through its health, economic growth and education activities. Since the outbreak, Canada has provided over $75 million (CAD 500,00) in support of the health and development sectors.  Most recently, Canada made available an additional $482 million (CAD$4.7 million) for Jamaica towards the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRF) premiums. She spearheaded a new $20M Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility at the World Bank to provide Jamaica with timely technical assistance and emergency funding in the aftermath of a disaster.

Other highlights of her tour was swift hurricane response in the region, immigration activities including the Seasonal Agricultural Worker’s Program (SAWP), programmes promoting peace, security and justice, skills training to access the ‘green’ economy, and Canada’s long-standing defence partnership with Jamaica. In the area of multilateral cooperation, she supported the roundtable held by PM Trudeau with four small island developing states (SIDS) leaders including PM Holness during the 2019 G7 Summit.

HC Peters gave special focus to programmes in education, and in April last year, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between UWI and Brock University to establish the Canada Caribbean Institute which will “harness academic expertise to help address important regional topics and foster intercultural understanding.”

In spite of her demanding schedule, HC Peters was ever gracious and approachable. We thank her for her meaningful support and advocacy, and wish her continued success in the service of her great country.

_____________________________________________________________

FROM THE CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION IN JAMAICA

KEY MILESTONES  of HIGH COMMISSIONER PETERS' TOUR OF DUTY 2017-2020

 

Canada has enjoyed a close and wide-ranging relationship with Jamaica based on our strong history of people-to-people ties, security and defence cooperation, trade and investment, and development. This year, Canada and Jamaica celebrate 58 years of diplomatic relations.

High Commissioner Laurie Peters commenced her tour of duty in Jamaica in September 2017. During that time High Commissioner Peters has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between Canada and Jamaica. She has played a significant role in the promotion of commercial, scientific, educational and cultural exchanges between the countries and has undoubtedly bolstered Canadian presence in both the local and regional landscape.

These are highlights of key milestones and achievements her tenure.

International advocacy and diplomacy

·  Canada and Jamaica see the international landscape through very similar lenses and have a strong history of cooperation and support for each other’s candidature in elections at UN bodies

 

·  Helping to advance Canada’s feminist foreign policy by championing our women, peace, and security priority commitments

 

 

• Development, Peace and Security Programming

• Help for Canadians Abroad

• Support for Canada’s Presence Abroad

 

Environment, Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction

Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility (CCRF)

Our new $20M Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility at the World Bank will provide Jamaica with timely technical assistance and emergency funding in the aftermath of a disaster.

 

Canada is continuing to support Jamaica's response to COVID-19 through its health, economic growth and education activities. Since the outbreak, Canada has provided over $75 million (CAD 500,00) in support of the health and development sectors.  Most recently, Canada made available an additional a little over $482 million (CAD$4.7 million) for Jamaica towards the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRF) premiums. A further injection of funds to create fiscal space to allow Jamaica to address the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

 

Operational Support Hub (OSH)

·       OSH established in Jamaica in 2016 to support Regional Disaster Mitigation and climate resilience efforts.

·       This “camp in a box” Hub will support Latin American and Caribbean countries in the wake of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

·       It can accommodate approximately 200 people and has eating and common areas.

 Hurricane Response

·       Since the devastating hurricanes of 2017, Canada has delivered on its commitment to Caribbean, through support to reconstruction, economic and climate resilience; promotion of Caribbean interests in multilateral fora; and engagement of the Canadian private sector.

·       Canada provided humanitarian assistance to Hurricane Irma’s affected countries, including providing transport to emergency responders from Jamaica.

·       Canada has supported the transportation of a contingent of 120 Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers to provide recovery and humanitarian support to The Bahamas, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian.

Multilateral cooperation

 Group of Seven (G7)

·       During the G7 Leaders’ Summit last year, PM Trudeau held a roundtable with four SIDS leaders (including PM Holness) and the heads of International Financial Institutions including the IMF, World Bank, and OECD.

·       Canada and Jamaica have chaired the Global Discussions on COVID-19 Financing and Cooperation

·       Canada's minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen visited  Jamaica in 2019 for a three-day working visit to, among other things, shore up cooperation between his country and tertiary education institutions

Gender Equality

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are central objectives of Canadian foreign policy. Canada focuses on dismantling persistent inequalities between women, men, girls and boys, and accounts for how other forms of discrimination may overlap or intersect.

Women’s Voice & Leadership- Caribbean project

·       This regional project commenced implementation in 2020. It is part of the larger $150 million global Women’s Voice and Leadership Program. 27 women’s rights organizations from across the Caribbean, 4 in Jamaica will receive finding and technical support to build out their advocacy and social intervention programs. 

 

·       Canada has hosted (with the European Delegation) at National Gallery of Jamaica the inaugural International Women’s Breakfast Forum on “The Art of Empowerment” which engaged over 50 women parliamentarians, diplomats and other leaders in discussion on the ways to empower more women to take on leadership roles in their respective spheres, including in non-traditional areas. 

The Faces for Equality which recognises champions in the field of human rights, women’s empowerment and gender equality.

·       SheLeadsIT, co-founded by Bridget Lewis and Nicole Pitter Patterson, which convenes the annual Girls in ICT Day Caribbean Hackathon which provides an opportunity for girls and young women to innovate for change through website and mobile app development, podcasting, animation and gaming.

·       The Peace Management Initiative, implements a Violence Interruption Programme which works through the CSJP in 20 vulnerable and volatile communities in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine and Clarendon to identify potential acts of violence and mediate conflicts.

·       Young Women and Men of Purpose, founded by Lanisia Rhoden, has been empowering young women in Central Jamaica to Realise, Embrace and Achieve their Purpose (R.E.A.P.) through entrepreneurship training and support.) 

Supporting Civil Society

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)/Canada Fund

·       CFLI has been supporting small-scale, high-impact projects, in Jamaica. The program is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners. Areas of focus include gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; peace and security with a focus on conflict prevention and building peace; and environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management.

·       Notable projects include:

o   Support to continuing education for young students during COVID-19 in inner city communities

o   Guns over Gloves Project aimed at using sports for peace building and conflict management.

o   Canada has provided $100,000 CAD to support to the field hospital 

Immigration 

Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Program (SAWP) and other workers

·       Jamaica was the first country to sign a bilateral Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Program (SAWP) agreement with Canada over 50 years ago. Now in its, 54^th season, the program remains highly successful with mutual benefits for both Jamaica and Canada.

·       Over 9,000 Jamaican workers currently go to Canada annually under the program.

·       Every year, approximately 80% of the Jamaican workers who apply for work permits under the program are returning workers (i.e. previous program participants).

·       Canada continues to engage with Jamaica on a range of labour related issues including not only work protections, but also growing opportunities for labour mobility. 

Peace, Security and Justice

 Defence Unit

With more than 50 years of significant defence cooperation, Jamaica is a crucial security partner for Canada in the Caribbean.

·       The relocation last fall of our Canadian Defence Attaché for the Caribbean from Havana to Kingston underlines the importance of our defence ties with Jamaica, and our efforts to strengthen security across the Caribbean. 

·       Operational Support Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean (OSH-LAC). In 2012 the MND and Jamaican Minister of National Security signed an MOU permitting the establishment of the OSH-LAC in Jamaica. The OSH-LAC provides an effective and efficient operational support to CAF missions in the region, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR).

The Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP)

ACCBP works to improve the capacity of beneficiary states, government entities and international organizations to deal with transnational crime. ACCBP focuses on: illicit drugs; corruption; human trafficking and migrant smuggling; money laundering and proceeds of crime; security sector reform, and; crime prevention (including prevention of cyber-crime). Examples of projects that have included Jamaica in 2018 include:  Anti-corruption, cyber-crime, money laundering, and fighting crime in tourist locations. In total, last year ACCBP spent over $800k on projects in Jamaica. 

Citizens Security and Justice Program (CSJP)

·       Implemented by Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security, with the assistance of the IDB), and through funding from Canada and the UK, the project is to enhance citizen security and justice within targeted communities throughout Jamaica by improving the behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution; increase labour market attachment among youth and increase access to effective community and alternate justice services.

The Justice Undertakings for Social Transformation (JUST)

·       We are pleased by the results of the decade-long JUST partnership between the Jamaican Ministry of Justice, and Canada. It is a model for strengthening justice systems.

·       Canada’s $20M (2009-2020) JUST Program in partnership with the UNDP and the Jamaican Ministry of Justice, aims to: 1) improve the capacity of core justice sector institutions to manage and implement their core business; 2) strengthen the technical and result-based management capacity of the Ministry of Justice of Jamaica, including the establishment of a Justice Reform Implementation Unit (JRIU); 3) improve the capacity of women, men, girls and boys to access justice information, advice and legal services, and to increase participation in the justice reform process.

·       Through the program, Canada supports Jamaican court services in the rolling-out of the Case Information Statistical System (CISS) in family, tax and traffic courts.

·       Supports MOJ’s Restorative Justice, Child Diversion programmes

·       Providing 2 new retrofitted Justice services Buses to increase access to justice for rural and underserved communities

 

Trade and Investment

Serving as interlocutors in major business and trade agreements relating clean energy, entertainment, education and investments.

Education

Academic relations

·       Academic exchange is a critical part of Canada’s relationship with the Caribbean.

·       Several MOUs between colleges and universities in Jamaica and Canada, as well as many active student exchange programmes.

o   Canada-Caribbean Research Institute

o   Utech/MetalWorks Institute

o   Fanshawe Global contract award for EV training in the region 

Study in Canada

·       Over 3000 Jamaican students have been admitted to Canadian institutions. 

UWI – Brock MOU to establish the Canada Caribbean Institute

·       Signed April 2019, the MOU between Brock University and the University of the West Indies (UWI) harnesses academic expertise to help address important regional topics and foster intercultural understanding. It commits the two institutions to establish the Canada-Caribbean Institute that provides a focal point for multi-disciplinary research and teaching.

Commercial

Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE)

·       OUR SAGE and Climate Change Action for Gender-Sensitive Resilience projects will provide technical and vocational training in sectors associated with climate change, and help Jamaica develop sector-level National Adaptation and Mitigation Plans, in particular in areas of greater impact for women and girls.

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

·       True North- In 2018 we were pleased to have had a three-member delegation from the Jamaica Computer Society (JCS) attend True North Conference in Waterloo. The JCS also launched a Toronto chapter. Theme “Tech for Good”.

·       Cybersecurity –  Over the past 2 years partnered with the Mona ICT Policy Centre, University of the West Indies for Annual National Cybersecurity Conference

·       Collision - North America’s fastest growing technology festival. It attracts 25,000+ participants. A 17 member delegation from Jamaica represented 13 participating Jamaican organisations. Pipeline plans for Collision June 22- 25, 2020.

·       Ryerson DMZ - The High Commission  supported the DMZ in recruiting Jamaican companies for the DMZYYZ Intensive Program for International Entrepreneurs  One (1) company from Jamaica was selected - It's Pixel Perfect just completed the May 2019 cohort. Another potential participant from Jamaica was also selected by the DMZ to participate in September 2019.  Over the past 9 years, DMZ has developed award-winning programming which has helped tech founders raise millions of dollars and close billions worth of sales. Toronto's ecosystem has been recognized globally as a leader in innovation.