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!

Monsignor Richard Albert: a lasting legacy of faith

Observer column for MON 14 Dec 2015

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Almost every day since the passing of Monsignor Richard Albert, we learn of even more contributions he made to church and various Jamaican communities.  Here was a man who walked with the poorest and the richest of the Jamaican society, ministering to all with love and understanding.  He personified that rare combination of pastoral dynamism and managerial excellence.  No wonder then, that when the late Pope John Paul II made the only Papal visit ever to Jamaica in 1993, Monsignor Albert was at the helm of planning an inspiring itinerary for the Pope. 

I learned over the weekend from Dr Las Newman’s letter to the press, that 35 years ago, Monsignor Albert had served as treasurer of the original National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, obtaining sponsorship and initiating the annual charity offering that has channeled millions of dollars to worthy causes.

As our pastor at Stella Maris, Monsignor Albert emphasised stewardship, reminding us that everyone had something to offer: time, talent or treasure – preferably a combination of all.  Under his leadership, we saw the mushrooming of ministries and discovered that we all had so much more to give than we had imagined.  It was Peter Mais who looked at the model of the St. Patrick’s Foundation and with Monsignor Richard Albert, created the Stella Maris Foundation, which I was honoured to chair for many years. 

Honouring Monsignor Richard Albert for creation of Stella Maris Foundation - I served as Chairman for ten years. 

That Foundation became an oasis for Grant’s Pen residents, and as they embraced our motto, ‘Doing What Love Requires’, political tensions eased and hopeless young people were able to get skills training as the Foundation partnered with HEART-NTA to make them employable.

Even as he pastored his Parish, Monsignor remained ever faithful to the Riverton and Waterhouse communities where his St. Patrick’s Foundation continued to expand, and to the St. Monica’s Home for the Elderly where he ministered to those abandoned by their families.  He also worked along with the Sisters of Charity, and would share stories of their simple, selfless and happy lives. 

As if that were not enough, Monsignor Albert looked at the modest backyard of the Stella Maris Church and decided that we should build a pastoral centre.  It was miraculous to watch this beautiful complex emerge, week after week, as he listed outstanding items in the church bulletin: depending on your means, you could donate a roof or a hinge. He urged us to be generous with his famous line: “I have never seen a Brinks truck behind a hearse – you can’t take it with you!”

One day, as the building was going up, a ‘don’ from Grant’s Pen rode in on his motorbike and demanded ‘ten envelope every Friday’.  When Monsignor explained that he was barely meeting budget and could not accommodate him, the thug said he would shoot him and use his body used to block the road.  The pastor resolutely ignored him - such was his courage. Last Friday, we were in that same Pastoral Centre courtyard, beautifully lit, enjoying the music the Stella Maris steel band, yet another of Monsignor’s initiatives! 

Our pastor encouraged a strong prayer life, and reminded our Sunday school children that “Your best friend is Jesus.”  He also started an adoration roster where we committed to one hour of silent prayer per week in the little chapel, a part of the Pastoral Centre.

The Jamaicans he engaged will never forget this good man who loved unreservedly and worked tirelessly.  We will say farewell at two services to be held at the Stella Maris Church: The Vigil on Tuesday 15 December  at 6 pm – he will lay in state from 4.35 pm; and the Funeral Mass at 10 am Wednesday, December 16. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant, Monsignor Richard Albert.

Emma's Climate Change Round-up

Big thanks to Emma Lewis for sharing these reports -  we are in a climate change emergency!

23 IPCC and Leading Scientists Call for Greater Ambition and 1.5 Degree Pathway

A group of 23 leading scientists has called for greater reductions to avoid crossing dangerous thresholds in "cryosphere" – snow and ice – regions, stressing the need for a 1.5 degree pathway to constrain risk.  The statement is based on the findings of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s Fifth Assessment, but takes into account important research published since that sharpens concerns about dynamics that might be triggered within the next few decades, especially in West Antarctica.  This includes the risk of 4-5 meters committed or "irreversible" sea-level rise that would unfold over many centuries, but could be impossible to halt once begun.

The scientists, 13 of them IPCC authors, others senior and cutting-edge researchers, note, "... This can set into motion very long-term changes that cannot be stopped or reversed, even if temperatures later decrease. Some changes, such as committed sea-level rise from the great polar ice sheets, cannot be reversed short of a new Ice Age."

These potentially irreversible risks include mountain glaciers, 80% of which can be expected to disappear at current pledges or INDCs; sea-level rise from the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica; permafrost thaw and related carbon release, which may eat one-third to one-half of current carbon budgets at existing INDCs; Arctic summer sea ice loss; and serious polar ocean acidification, which is occurring even faster in these waters than in oceans at lower latitudes.

As a result of these risk-filled dynamics, as negotiations move into their final stages the scientists urge a focus on actions that will lead to temperatures preferably under 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial, for the best chance of limiting these risks.  To read the statement, see:

http://iccinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Thresholds-Guardian-Dec-9.pdf.

Pam Pearson
Director, International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI)
Europe:
tel +46-70-5752257
fax +46-44-330357
North America:
tel +1-802-488-0991
fax +1-802-425-2357
pam@iccinet.org
www.iccinet.org

Scaling Up Small Island Developing States' and
Least Developed Countries' Financial Capacity and Sustainability
Presented by: Governments of Palau, Tuvalu, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Taiwan

Lamenting the practice of having to merge projects in order to access climate financing, Taukelina Finikaso, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Palau, underscored that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are most vulnerable to climate change but do not have the capacity to access climate financing. He said implementing agencies "have their own agenda," and this means, in terms of funding, that very little is left to "trickle down to adaptation projects."

Stressing the need to invest in scientific research on climate change in order to better adapt, Kuo-Yen Wei, Minister of Environmental Protection Administration, Taiwan, noted climate change threats including sea-level rise, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss and an increase in the heat content of marine waters. He suggested that some climate finance be channeled into climate science and modelling, and announced a seed fund to help SIDS write proposals for climate finance.

Underlining the need for climate finance "now," Koebel Sakuma, Palau, stressed that what SIDS want is not additional funds but access to "a fair share" of what is available. He noted that for partnerships to be effective, transparency is required on both sides. He also underscored the need for the Paris agreement to contain a 1.5°C target, noting that anything higher would jeopardize the existence of low-lying countries.

Calling for immediate, direct access to climate financing, Charmaine Scotty, Minister of Education, Nauru, stressed the importance of building the capacity of SIDS and developing countries to "understand the system" in order to benefit from it. Expressing hope that the Paris agreement will be "beneficial to all," she suggested COP 21 adopt the slogan "do no harm to others and leave no one behind."

Melchior Mataki, Permanent Secretary for Environment, Solomon Islands, emphasized the need to clearly define climate finance, noting that in some countries, official development assistance (ODA) is being equated with climate finance. He noted that climate finance funds are new funds, and additional to ODA. He called attention to the bureaucracy of accessing climate finance, stressing the immediate need for financing as "the waves won't wait for finance." He supported calls for investing in region-specific climate science, noting that some of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports contain information that is not relevant for practitioners on the ground.

In the discussion, some participants noted, inter alia: the need for technical capacity in SIDS to access climate finance; the need for fast track direct access funding in order to get accreditation for national implementing status; and the Commonwealth climate finance skills hub, which builds capacity of those seeking to access climate finance.

Contacts:
Hank Liu
hcliu@mofa.gov.tw

Plus a few articles...

Explained in 90 Seconds: Why 1.5 Degrees Matters
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/12/paris-climate-agreement-could-be-more-ambitious-anyone-expected

The Paris climate change agreement is going to be highly aspirational, that's what we need
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/12/11/paris_climate_change_agreement_aspirational_in_a_good_way.html

Developing countries at Paris climate talks should stop fighting old battles, says OECD head
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/dec/11/developing-countries-risk-destablising-paris-climate-talks-says-oecd-head?CMP=twt_a-global-development_b-gdndevelopment

Caribbean continues negotiations for new climate change deal
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Caribbean-continues-negotiations-for-new-climate-change-deal_45269

Climate migrants could dwarf other refugee flows - experts
http://www.trust.org/item/20151210210928-vnb7h/?utm_content=buffer04ad9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Scientists discuss the 1.5 limit to global temperature rise
http://www.carbonbrief.org/scientists-discuss-the-1-5c-limit-to-global-temperature-rise

CARICOM Ministers sign project with Italy to combat climate change
http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-CARICOM-ministers-sign-project-with-Italy-to-combat-climate-change-28639.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CaribbeanNewsNowDailyHeadlines+%28Caribbean+News+Now%21+Daily+Headlines%29

Loss and Damage Controversy Smoulders at climate talks - small islands push for compensation
http://www.antillean.org/loss-and-damage-issues-cop21-123/

Sargassum and Climate Change in the Caribbean
http://www.europe.undp.org/content/geneva/en/home/presscenter/articles/2015/12/10/sargassum-and-climate-change-in-the-carribean.html

Opinion: Direct Access to International Climate Finance - a View from Latin America and the Caribbean
http://cdkn.org/2015/11/opinion-enjoying-direct-access-to-international-climate-finance/

​Best,
Emma​

Independent Blogger
http://petchary.wordpress.com

Certificate of Merit, Press Association of Jamaica Awards 2015

Social Impact, my weekly article for Gleaner Online: http://gleanerblogs.com/socialimpact/

Follow me on Twitter at @petchary

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This precious jewel, Jamaica

Observer column for MON 7 December 2015

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

 

Tony Rebel - promoted 'Peace, Love & Unity'

It worries me that some Jamaicans are not understanding what a precious jewel of a country our Jamaica is.  It worries me that last Tuesday evening PNP Supporter Sadie Forbes of Newlands, St. Catherine was murdered; in an apparent reprisal, JLP supporter Jermaine Vassell also lost his life a few hours later, allegedly by politically motivated criminals.  Reports are that someone had mounted a green flag on a post near Ms Forbes’ house, and she had removed it.  Her neighbours and relatives spoke of this good woman who seemed to have received a death sentence simply because of a flag removal.  Then thugs went after the JLP-linked Vassell, who lived in the same community and murdered him. This is madness!

Here we were, celebrating the far way we had come.  Our shop has had the privilege of collaborating with the Electoral Office and Electoral Commission (formerly EAC) since 1996.  In gearing for the December 1997 Elections, we produced a music video to Tony Rebel’s ‘Peace, Love & Unity’, which called for an end to political violence.  The music video featured then members of the EAC, PNP representative Maxine Henry-Wilson and JLP representative the late Ryan Peralto Sr. smiling and hugging.  This was not staged: the video crew was allowed to film part of a meeting of the EAC, and the discussion was on reforms to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA).  In spite of minor disagreements, the EAC was able to arrive at consensus under the insightful chairmanship of William Chin See, and so we saw how well our political parties worked together for the greater good.

We had made such great progress, that after the Carter Centre sent a 55-member team led by President Jimmy Carter himself to monitor the October 2002 general election, that they wrote a report congratulating the Electoral Office of Jamaica and our security forces.  They stated that they were so impressed with the smooth running of the election led by then Director of Elections Danville Walker, and the work of own local CAFFE election observers, that they saw no need to monitor future elections. 

But we know enough to know that both our political parties have not purged themselves of thugs.  We are still seeing tenement yards materializing in the most unexpected places where it seems that the garrison rule-book dictates that you pack them tight to have easy control over political leanings.  In my beloved childhood neighbourhood, I was not allowed to take gifts for orphaned children in a tenement on Dalling Street, a PNP area – a man insisted on collecting the bag for them.  In a JLP area many years ago, a worker in an MP’s office heard him order his followers to “bun dem out!” referring to some PNP sympathisers who had moved in to his area.  She migrated in fear. 

Any politician who is complicit with such behaviour is squandering our country’s great promise. We, the hardworking taxpayers of Jamaica, cannot continue to pay the salaries of the corrupt.  Let any Government worker who has a story to tell, be encouraged by the NIA to tell it in safety, and with the confidence that their exposé will help us to realise the rich possibilities that abound.

I have seen the post by Senator Floyd Morris on social media, condemning the murder of Ms Forbes, with whom he had collaborated in campaigning for the PNP.  There was absolutely nothing wrong with his condemnation.  I also saw reports of Opposition Leader Andrew Holness distributing Jamaican flags and calling for these to be the only flags to be used in political campaigning. This is a refreshing recommendation which we should embrace, as we work towards a more mature political culture. Let us give credit, wherever it is due. Down with backward tribalism.

 

Damion Crawford’s courage

Damion Crawford’s recent postings on Twitter seem to indicate that he is ready to throw in the towel with the PNP.  That would be such a loss to the party.  Yes, it is true that he had his awkward moments, but we should judge him by his constructive and ambitious work for his East Rural St. Andrew constituents.   

      I had the pleasure of interviewing him as a fresh new MP in June 2012, and learned that even before he had been elected, he had joined with fellow university lecturers and students to start education initiatives in areas of the constituency.  After becoming MP, he developed a “3-2-1 education plan”, aiming at three CXC subjects per household after five years; two CAPE subjects per household after 10 years; one University Degree per household after 15 years.

      Within months of being in office, Damion had 4,017 students registered in the programme from areas in all 97 polling divisions, tying welfare assistance to their families, regardless of political leaning.  Parents or guardians had to be active in the various schools’ PTA, certified by a letter from the principals.  If they could not pay some of the fees required by the school, a barter system had been put place where goods and services could be offered in lieu of cash. 

He established a HOPE reading club (Helping Our People Excel), Verandah Basic for all age groups, adult classes where soup was offered, and had his ongoing GSAT camps at UWI for over 200 children per year. Crawford’s team bought GO-GSAT modules for the camp, which will provide meals and accommodation.  He recruited over 40 volunteers to teach and counsel.

      However, it seems that this new way of engagement did not find favour with those so addicted to old style politics. Let us hope that the two accomplished and admirable young women, Imani Duncan-Pryce for the PNP and Juliet Holness for the JLP, will embrace Damion’s vision for an empowered citizenry.             We should applaud Damion Crawford’s courage in trying to change the system, and challenge those of influence to take this higher road.  

Mourners display photos of victims

     Small town terrorism

      The shocking terrorist attack in the quiet small town of San Bernardino, California, is a signal that those who have come under the evil sway of extremists are constantly conspiring to keep the free world on edge.  It means, as our security forces have warned us, that nowhere is immune to this threat, and that we should be ever watchful.  The religious harmony in this our beautiful Jamaica, is something to be protected, and we should continue to show tolerance to the peace-loving Muslims in our midst. We should know that psychologists have pointed to the influence of violent video games, which have so conditioned young minds to violence and made them easy prey for the so-called “IS”. Be careful of the toys you allow your children to use, and of the programmes they watch.

Ideator and Sponsor of Jamaican-Made Christmas Butch Hendrickson shows off a lovely Mustard Seed creation offered by Novelette Ferguson

      National’s Jamaican-Made Christmas

      Visitors were impressed by the high quality of Jamaican-made goods at National Baking Foundation’s Jamaican-Made Christmas Expo funded by Patron Butch Hendrickson. It brought a well-needed boost to local manufacturers.  Please seek them out by visiting the National Bakery Facebook page, and give these hardworking Jamaicans the support they deserve.