Celebrate Literature: Yesterday, today and tomorrow at Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta

Celebrate Literature: Yesterday, today and tomorrow at Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta, May 25, 2019

Jamaica's Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison - with yours truly.
We were colleagues at Carifesta 76!

Inspiring youth and encouraging critical thinking through exposure to literature of all genres is one of the missions of the Department of Literatures in English (DLIE) at the Mona Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI). One of the strategies is to take its activities beyond the campus. To this end, the DLIE is once again partnering with the Gloria Lyn Memorial Fund (GLMF) and Two Seasons Guest House to present the Two Seasons Talking Trees Literary Fiesta on Saturday, May 25, 2019 in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.

Held on the expansive grounds of Two Seasons Guest House in Treasure Beach, Talking Trees Literary Fiesta offers patrons a day of readings by established and emerging authors and poets. Billed as a family event, there will be a children’s programme sponsored by Jamaica Cultural Enterprises running concurrently with the main stage.

Free to the public, this year is the sixth staging of the Fiesta and the third in collaboration with the DLIE and the GLMF. Hosted by Fabian Thomas, under the theme, “Literature: Yesterday, today and tomorrow”, the readings will feature the works of four authors who died since the last staging in 2017. These are V. S. Naipaul (to be read by former Poet Laureate, Professor Mervyn Morris), Garfield Ellis, who was a reader at the 2012 staging of Talking Trees (to be read by Senior Lecturer in the DLIE, Dr. Michael Bucknor), Hazel Campbell (read by Tanya Batson-Savage), and Andrea Levy (read by Celia Skyes-Webster).

Marguerite Orane with Award Winning Blogger
Emma Lewis 

Representing literature of tomorrow are winners of competitions to inspire the young: Khadijah Chin, winner of the Young Writer’s Prize, and Delroy McGregor, winner of the Eddie Baugh Prize, two of the four prizes awarded in the National Library of Jamaica’s Poet Laureate of Jamaica Programme 2019; the winner of the Talk the Poem Recitation Competition organized by the School of Education, The UWI Mona Campus; and the winner of the GLMF “What Jamaica Means to me” Literary Competition for schools. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to present their work during the Open Mic segment.

Literature today will be represented by a formidable cast of locally and internationally acclaimed poets and authors: Alecia McKenzie, Lorna Goodison, Curdella Forbes, Brandon Wint, A-dZiko Simba Gegele, Sharma Taylor, and Marguerite Orane. The ten-minute play, It’s raining, rounds out the literary presentations. The readings will be interspersed by the drumming of young people from Treasure Beach and the Fiesta will end with the music of the local Treasure Beach Band, Mad Yardies.

Round trip transportation between Kingston and Treasure Beach chartered from Knutsford Express will be available on Saturday, May 25, 2019, departing Kingston at 6:15 a.m. Tickets may be purchased at the University Bookshop on the Mona Campus, or call Janet at 876-3406068. The cost of the round trip is $3,700 and $3,500 for seniors 65 and over.

On Sunday, May 26, Poet Laureate Lorna Goodison will be facilitating a poetry writers’ workshop at Two Seasons Guest House. Limited to 20 participants, the contribution for the workshop is JA$5,500 per person.

Information on the Fiesta and the readers can be viewed at www.2seasonsguesthouse.com/blog. For further information telephone 876-571-0818 or email 2seasonsguesthouse@gmail.com or litsengmona@gmail.com.

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The Kind Lauding the Kind: Butch Hendrickson and the Lyn Kee Chow Family

Butch Hendrickson – timely Lecture and Award

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer Column published 18 March 2019

Gary 'Butch' Hendrickson CD

As usual, business leader Butch Hendrickson pulled no punches in his address at last week’s UTECH 2019 Research, Technology and Innovation Day.  He appealed to our leaders to take the guesswork out of policy-making by using hard data. He appealed to students to hold persons in high office to standards of excellence, noting that “Jamaica cannot afford to be mediocre anymore”.

As this column has noted several times, Jamaica is suffering from ‘a conspiracy of mediocrity’.  People of excellence are shunned and frustrated by mediocre managers who are afraid of losing their jobs to them.  And so, the cycle of mediocrity continues, dumbing down companies who wonder how their hefty investments are taking them nowhere.

Butch Hendrickson called out the poor reasoning that results in such cases as the recurring potholes at a section of Knutsford Boulevard and a lack of strategic planning which leaves the authorities in conflict with poor market ladies and squatters for whom land should have been earmarked for their settlements.   

Hendrickson has been a man who puts his money where his mouth is, having established the National Baking Foundation, supporting over 2,000 schools islandwide, and funding countless projects for the needy.

Michael and Veronica Lyn Kee Chow

Earlier this month, he was presented with the Gift of Hope Award by Michael and Veronica Lyn Kee Chow of Pickapeppa fame. It was really a case of the kind lauding the kind, as the Lyn Kee Chows contributed the Gift of Hope Apostolate in Mandeville to Mustard Seed Communities in 2013. Gift of Hope houses 20 residents with disabilities, age two to 24.  The Lyn Kee Chow family have annual fundraisers, using proceeds for therapy equipment, building repairs, a new vehicle, sustainable agriculture initiatives and care of the residents.

So great was the response of Butch Hendrickson that the Lyn Kee Chows wrote: “Your years of philanthropic giving, extensive work meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, and dedication to religious communities in Jamaica has benefited countless individuals across the island and beyond….Please know that your generosity has enabled the Gift of Hope fundraiser to grow and provide much-needed funding both for the home and the residents who it serves.”

Jamaica, this blessed spot

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Column published in Jamaica Observer 13 May 2019

"My cousin said it was the first time he felt like his own man," declared my friend, explaining that her cousin was visiting Jamaica for the first time since childhood for a family funeral. He shared with her the lengths he went through to make himself appear non-threatening in many situations in the US.  Even in the cold, he was afraid to wear a hoodie and he would ensure that he left a lot of personal space between himself and others. Yes indeed, when it comes to racial harmony, Jamaica is number one in the world, despite the few incidents of 'shade-ism'.   

We are a health-conscious country too. We know we must have a certificate of vaccination before we can enroll our children in school, and we have heard myriad stories of Jamaicans in the diaspora returning home for surgery as they find our doctors and nurses exceptional.

We have a free press – number eight in the world – and engaged leaders in both Government and Opposition.  Since 1944, the results of our General Elections have been accepted by all and our electoral system is so efficient that the EOJ team has been invited to assist with elections in several other countries.

Recipients of The National Chorale of Jamaica Medal of Excellence after
the presentation of their Awards by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen at Kings House
 on Sunday, May 5. Recipients are (from 2^nd right) Carole Elaine Reid, Soprano;
Marilyn Brice MacDonald, Contralto; Rev. Easton Hugh Lee, Dramatic Artist,
Communication Professional; and Winston Alexander Ewart, Musical Director,
National Chorale of Jamaica.
Also joining the Awardees are (left) Christopher Samuda, Chairman, NCOJ and (right) Donna Parchment, Political Ombudsman.

We have a very hardworking police force subject to tough regulations though there are the few who continue to undermine the good work of their colleagues. The Force has been working with various community outreach programmes even as they fight crime. We should take seriously the recommendation of Montego Bay Mayor Homer Davis for a more streamlined approach by the various agencies for social intervention programmes in the Western Jamaica.  The police alone cannot do it.

When it comes to entertainment, Jamaica has offerings to suit every taste – from classical and pop concerts, theatre, dances, and top-notch sporting events. Last Saturday we had an enjoyable 'Ladies Day' at Caymanas Park courtesy of SVL and sponsors Rum Fire. Both companies were represented by top professional ladies: Ann-Dawn Young Sang, Heather Goldson, Gail Abrahams and Christelle Harris. Yes, Jamaican women are rising through the ranks.

Yes, we have a lot going for us, and a lot more to do. The ease and comfort the young visitor felt here in Jamaica is motivation to work even harder for this blessed spot on God's earth.

Jamaica's digital journey

We received some good news from Minister of Energy Technology and Science Fayval Williams at last week's Global Digital Marketing Summit held by Creative Brands and Concepts. She said the Digital Data Bill was a high priority for her government as they build 'a tech-enabled society'. She disclosed that through the Universal Service Fund, her Ministry had been able to establish 300 community access points and seven public Wi-Fi hotspots, with four more to come. She said she was looking forward to islandwide broadband services for high schools, libraries, post offices and police stations.

It was heartening to hear that the long awaited GovNet may finally be a reality. Minister Williams said that this would provide shared services among Government ministries with a data centre, GovCloud, GovTalk and GovMail.

Aileen Corrigan, CEO of Trend Media identified the biggest hurdle to bringing business leaders into the digital space, as fear. She said it was important to "change the mindset – be open to change."  She said it was alright "to admit that you are afraid and ask questions."

Aileen said it was important to stay in close touch with younger team members: "Find out what is trending … how do we get our people to be upskilled?"  She advised, "Get on to the platforms, follow influencers and trendsetters, connect with your audience."

GG lauds National Chorale legends

Last Sunday, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen presented medals of Excellence to four outstanding Jamaicans for their contribution to our National Chorale: Marilyn Brice MacDonald, Carole Elaine Reid, Winston Alexander Ewart and Rev. Easton Hugh Lee. Each of these individuals has had superlative accomplishments and have received multiple awards and honours.

Here are brief excerpts from their citations:

"Marilyn Brice MacDonald who remains one of the longest-serving and still vibrant member of the Jamaica Folk Singers… Marilyn Brice MacDonald has popularized Jamaican folk singing for generations … Blessed with a truly rich, distinctive,  Contralto, Marilyn has been a soloist at St Luke's Church, Cross Roads where she worships .. Marilyn not only sang with the National Chorale but also was an active Board Member who assisted in the smooth running of its affairs; no doubt her versatility enhanced by her banking career."

Carole Reid: "From her local church hall to New York's legendary Carnegie Hall, and many points in between, the voice of Carole Elaine Reid, Soprano has reverberated far and wide and has served to remind of the true breadth of Jamaican musical excellence…Not only has Carole's voice taken her around the world, it has brought many of the world's best to collaborate with her, including the great American diva Kathleen Battle, whom she coached in a folk song of her choice – 'Linstead Market' – when performed at King's House in 1999." On a personal note, I have seen Carole's excellence up close, having partnered with her for performances in the early 'Powerful Women' concerts. She is one of the most generous persons I know, lending her talent to many national and charitable events.

Winston Ewart: "In 1972, he began his long and fruitful association with the National Chorale of Jamaica, as one of the Founding Members ..In addition to singing and accompanying the group on piano, he played cello in the orchestra for numerous major works performed by the Chorale .. In November 2016, Winston was inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame for Outstanding Achievement in the field of the Performing Arts by the Caribbean Development for the Arts, Sports & Culture Foundation in association with the Caribbean Community and UNESCO .. one of numerous accolades and honours .. he continues to serve as Musical Director of the National Chorale of Jamaica; as Organist, Choir Master and Accompanist of Christ Church Anglican (Vineyard Town) for over 50 years."

Rev Easton Lee: "His greatest contributions have been made in the dramatic sphere. As a playwright-director, "The Rope and the Cross" – which marks its 40th anniversary in 2019 – remains his crowning achievement .. Lee has channeled his interest - and his pen - in other areas; in poetry .. social commentary .. and in the gentle yet humorous and diverse reflections on his grocery shop childhood .. Rev. Lee, being the intrepid, diverse, artistic person also found time to be Chairman of the National Chorale of Jamaica, when it was undergoing some changes in management and held it together in his calm and unsullied manner, getting the job done without ruffling any feathers."

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com

Jamaica – birthplace of ‘Bond, James Bond’

Sean Connery takes a break during the filming of 'Dr No'
in Jamaica

Looking out at the Caribbean Sea from the beautiful Golden Eye property in Oracabessa, novelist Ian Fleming created the world’s favourite spy, “Bond, James Bond”.  It is only fitting that the Bond production team is returning to Jamaica for the filming of the 25^th James Bond movie. British actor Daniel Craig returned to Golden Eye last week with producer Barbara Broccoli, whose father produced the first James Bond film, “Dr No” right here in Jamaica in 1962.

Two ladies with Jamaican roots will be featured in the film, Naomie Harris and Lashana Lynch.  Jampro Film Commissioner Renee Robinson disclosed that over 500 Jamaicans will be hired for the project. Observer Senior Reporter Richard Johnson was on spot for the global press briefing so the following quotes are from his report.

“Then there is the additional economic impact anytime there is a production of this size coming into the country,” Robinson noted. “There is the need for … drivers and transportation, hotels, catering, and so on, in addition to the actual personnel who will work on the production.”

Kudos to hotel mogul Chris Blackwell for his dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the Golden Eye Resort. Thus, Barbara Broccoli can still appreciate the birthplace of James Bond. “We particularly wanted it to be in Jamaica because of the history, because of Ian Fleming and what Jamaica represented to him and why it was Jamaica and he came to create,” she said. “I really feel like this is the vision of a perfect world... this is paradise.”

International Friends honour Jamaica

AFF Presentation: Mrs Beverley Nichols (2nd left presents her
contribution of US$500,000 towards the reneovation and expansion
of the Chapleton Hospital. Others from left are Mrs Wnedy Hart, President
of AFJ, Dr Christopher Tufton, Health Minister, AFJ Board Directors
Mrs Michele Rollins and Ambassador Sue Cobb.

Recently guests enjoyed the perfect harmony of Jamaica’s National Chorale which rang out in the gardens at the residence of Spanish Ambassador Hon. Josef Maria Bosch Bessa and Mrs Gonzalez de Bosch. At the Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations hosted by Indian High Commissioner Hon Sevala Naik and Mrs Naik, we listened to the fascinating journey of Errol Johnson, one of the many Jamaicans who studied in India on scholarships from the Indian government.  

Last week, the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) presented over US$700,000 to various charities. The organisation is made up of former US Ambassadors to Jamaica and other supporters.  New York-based Jamaican Beverley Nichols donated US$500,000 for the renovation of the Chapleton Hospital and the creation of a new wing which will be named in her honour. 

AFJ Founding Member and Board Director Ambassador Sue Cobb noted the strong support of members and well-wishers: “Beverly deserves such credit and I hope she is a role model for others have done well in the USA. Kenny Benjamin hosted a beautiful reception and dinner for us the night we arrived and Caron [Chung AFJ CEO] kept us busy day and night. Wendy Hart is the best President AFJ has ever had! She works hard on it and it shows … It also helps that she's brilliant!”

STEM Joy at St Catherine High

Enjoying the company of MP Juliet Holness, Guest of Honour and Alumna
of St. Catherine High, and School Chairman Sharon Dale.

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 15 April 2019

Students at St. Catherine High lined the driveway for the arrival of their distinguished Alumna Member of Parliament Juliet Holness last Wednesday.  This is the high school of both Prime Minister and Mrs Holness, as well as Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston Kenneth Richards. Other excellent graduates include media colleagues Dashan Hendricks and Dennis Brooks, School Board Chairman Sharon Dale, Hugh Douse, founder of the talented Nexxus singing group and Don Williams, CEO of CS Citi-Scape.  Kudos Sister Mary Paschal, for your seminal work in developing this great school.

The occasion was Mrs Holness’ opening of the expanded and newly equipped science lab at the school, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation. “If we are to be the people of the future – the innovators and creators of the future technology,” said Mrs Holness, “then we have to start by training our students and no better place to start than my alma mater, St Catherine High.”

The dynamic Conrad Moore, Head of St. Catherine High Science Dept.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon Karl Samuda, urged students to fully capitalise on the resources provided, while Principal Marlon Campbell enthused, “Our students are full of exuberance and zeal at the sight of the laboratory in its completed state.”

When MC Elon Parkinson announced that Head of Science Department Conrad Moore would give the vote of thanks, the audience erupted. And no wonder – Moore is a rock star of a science teacher. He gave a rousing vote of thanks backed by the talented St. Catherine High band. No doubt, science rocks at St. Catherine High.  

Destination Innovation - Stepping up with Tech

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column 8 April 2019
by Jean Lowrie-Chin

This event was a must for my daughter Anita - GM of PRODEV

We spent an invigorating Friday at the Destination Experience, brainchild of the audacious Kirk Hamilton. Described as “an interactive masterclass in innovation” we focused on the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”.

Sean Watson of the Singularity University said many companies are struggling because they are “stuck in mental, cultural models – legacy structures.” He said technology had democratized access with the cost of entry into markets now nearly zero. Business now requires “big, bold thinking”.

Jamaican born Ann-Marie Campbell is Executive Vice-President of Home Depot. Starting out as a cashier in Florida, her enquiring mind and energy moved her up the corporate ladder.  She noted that her company maintains its brick and mortar presence for more mature customers, along with a strong digital presence. Listed as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in the US by Fortune Magazine, Ms Campbell says the shop run by her grandmother, which inspired her business sense, still stands in Portland.

We enjoyed a session with Danielle Terrelonge, Mark Croskery, Odetta Rockhead Kerr, Jeff Pulver and Mauro Miyake. Launching DRT in 2008, Danielle made her bold step to build the leading Caribbean digital media monitoring service. Innovative investment expert Mark Croskery of SSL has created the Blue Dot survey company. Odetta Rockhead Kerr has presided over the growth of the BPO business in Jamaica as country head and Vice President of Sutherland Global. Mauro Miyake, Director at Microsoft, says the company is on a mission of empowerment – he says cloud technology is an equal opportunity enabler. Space does not permit me to share all the presentations; please Google the presenters, who are all brilliant.

I must applaud the last panel: Jampro CEO Diane Edwards,  business leaders Jeffrey Hall, Andrew Mahfood, Paul ‘PB’ Scott and Chris Williams. Referring to the advice of Harvard Business School Professor Linda Hill to pull out the “slices of genius” in your team, Diane said “we need to believe in our own genius”. She reminded us that Jamaica in now the Number Six country in the world for ease of starting a business and Number One in the English-speaking Caribbean for doing business.

Jeffrey Hall noted with the lowering of interest rates and the movement of capital, business at the Port of Kingston had doubled. P.B. Scott called for updating our regulations in order to align with global strides in tech, following Bermuda’s example. As the panel noted the importance of growing the small and medium sectors, Andrew Mahfood said the steps taken in the national budget will assist the more vulnerable, while Chris Williams noted the rise of the Junior Stock Market, the work of Branson Centre and new SME bank offerings.

Now Jamaica needs to promote awareness of the impact technology can make in every sphere of our lives including crime-fighting. 

CHECK THESE SLIDES FROM OUR PRESENTERS - AWESOME!! 

 

GraceKennedy 2019 Lecture - A Clean Kingston Harbour?

A Clean Kingston Harbour?

Excerpt from column by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Published 8 April 2019 in Jamaica Observer

The GraceKennedy Lecture now in its 31^st year, is a generous public event sponsored by the 97-year-old company.  Chairman of the GK Foundation, Dr Fred Kennedy, noted, “My Dad used to say, a good business is just like a good family; each is founded on a set of core values, the most important of which is honesty. Even the principles of finance are the same, the means to prosperity, he used to say, is never spend more than you earn, and always invest in the future.”

Kingston Harbour is good business indeed, and there is already hefty investment in its future. In addressing the topic, “Clean Kingston Harbour – Pipe Dream or Pot of Gold?” panelists Prof Mona Webber, Dr Wayne Henry and Tijani Christian and Prof Dale Webber gave rich insights on the seventh best natural harbour in the world. Dr Henry noted that there are 1,633 businesses on the land surrounding the harbour, with an estimated revenue of $252.4 billion. On the Kingston waterfront, we are seeing the completion of the GraceKennedy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade buildings.

However, even with the introduction of the Soapberry treatment plant, the Harbour is polluted. Prof Mona Webber reminded that “the water in Kingston Harbour should not be in contact with human skin.” It was noted that 19 gullies and 2 rivers course into the harbour, carrying solid waste, 80 percent of which is plastic. It takes 450 years minimum to break down these plastics! The threats are many: coral reefs are in crisis and the pollutants could damage ships, making the harbour unattractive for shipping and a threat to our becoming a logistics hub.

There was a call stronger law enforcement and collective and individual responsibility. We cannot let this be a pipe dream – let’s work at cleaning Kingston Harbour.