Now that we found love …

Observer column published 1^st July 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

As two of Jamaica’s greatest friends, the USA and Canada, celebrated their national milestones here last week, and outlined their continued support for our development, I reflected on the welcome words of Prime Minister Andrew Holness earlier last month when he declared that there had to be an end to ‘donmanship’ and garrison politics.

Former US Chargé d’Affaires to Jamaica
Eric Khant and Mrs Khant 

At the celebration of the 243^rd Anniversary of his country’s Independence last Wednesday, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eric Khant noted, “Our partnership with Jamaica is built on shared values and interests. They include strong security cooperation, building disaster resiliency, expanding economic ties, bolstering democracy and human rights, and making health and education a priority.”

Our Jamaica Defence Force came in for special mention: “At the recent Southern Command Chiefs of Mission Conference, our military leaders commended the professionalism and effectiveness of the Jamaica Defense Force and expressed their commitment to continue working closely with the JDF to enhance security in the region. Our law enforcement agencies collaborate with MOCA, CTOC, FID, JCF, and other Jamaican partners to counter transnational crime that harms both our countries.”

Over US$1.2 billion has been invested by both the American private sector and the US Government towards the development of cleaner and affordable energy sources.  “Going forward, said Mr Khant, “we expect to see more U.S. investments in the energy sector, small and medium size enterprises, especially those owned by women, and in many other areas.”

In the areas of disaster preparedness and health, the US has invested heavily, involving the District of Columbia’s National Guard collaborating with ODPEM, JCF and JDF, and HIV/Zika programmes with our Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Chargé Khant and his wife Mrs Halima Khant have been movers and shakers for Jamaica, travelling throughout the country to affirm their support for Jamaicans of all walks of life. As Mr Khant’s tour of duty in Jamaica winds down, we thank them for their steadfast support not only in security, health, energy and disaster preparedness, but also for an education enrichment programme which has assisted us in surpassing our millennium development goal in literacy at the primary level.

Her Excellency Hon. Laurie Peters
Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica

Last Thursday, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Laurie Peters celebrated Canada Day, the country’s 157^th Birthday.  HC Peters gave us a ‘snapshot’ of our countries’ long-standing relations: “Over 300,000 members of the Jamaican Diaspora live in Canada and make valuable contributions to our society; some 405,000 Canadians visited Jamaica last year to enjoy this beautiful country; -- the number 2 source country for tourists; some 3500 Jamaicans are studying in Canada; over 9,000 Jamaican workers participate in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Program every year; and benefit from the recently extended 10-year validity of biometrics; over 1700 members of the Jamaican military have received training with our support through Jamaica’s Centres of Excellence; there are over 35 MOUs between Canadian and Jamaican academic institutions.”

We appreciate Canada’s support of the modernisation of our justice system and the upholding of women’s rights.  “In the pursuit of equality for women and girls; and equity for small states in the global system, Canada and Jamaica are on the same page,” HC Peters noted, “Our global leadership, via our Feminist Foreign Policy and Feminist International Assistance Policy, calls for equality in all our cooperation efforts… Prime Minister Trudeau recently appointed our first Ambassador for Women Peace and Security.”

She said that through Canada’s Department of Defence has “fully commissioned the Operational Support Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean (OSH-LAC) in Port Royal. This “camp in a box” will support countries around the region in the wake of natural disasters.”

She acknowledged Jamaica’s leadership, congratulating Minister Daryl Vaz and Senator Matthew Samuda for activating our single-use plastic and styrofoam ban, noting that Canada will follow suit by 2021.

In the matter of defence cooperation, she applauded the work of former JDF Head now Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson and announced that, “building on more than 50 years of defence cooperation, we established this year, the Canadian Defence Unit at the High Commission.”

Today, the Canadian High Commission launches their Call for Proposals for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). Local organisations should seize the opportunity to submit proposals to fund programmes in gender equality, peace and security, climate change adaptation and environmental protection.

So Jamaica, here we are, enjoying all this support from our northern neighbours. To quote Third World, “Now that we have love, what are we gonna do with it?” We keep talking about a wholistic approach to peace and justice – let us get more homework centres opened, more social workers on the ground, more trained counsellors, CCTV cameras in volatile areas, and swifter consequences for criminal activities. 

Our good neighbours have equipped us well. Politicians now need to prove that they will no longer consort with the underworld, and we call on the NIA and CAFFE to engage the public on this urgent matter.

Domestic workers entitled to protection under the law

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Presentation at GraceKennedy-Heather Little-White 2017 Household Workers  Awards presented by Hon Shahine Robinson(2nd left), Minister of Labour & Social Security
and GK CEO Don Wehby (3rd left). Cherrilene Williams-Case emerged as the
2017 Female Household Worker of the Year
while Anthony Houston was awarded Male Household Worker of the Year.

Jamaica Observer column published Mon 15 July 2019

International Domestic Workers Day will be celebrated tomorrow, July 16.  Avrie Allen-March, sociologist with the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), noted that “On this day in 2011, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted the Domestic Workers Convention (C189). The Convention lays down basic rights and principles to make decent work a reality for domestic workers.”

Well do I remember that day in 2016 at the GraceKennedy Household Workers Awards ceremony (for which I am happy to be ideator) when president of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU), Shirley Pryce briefed Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the Convention. When he ascended the stage for his keynote address he declared that Jamaica would adopt this Convention. True to his word, he announced its ratification in September 2016.

Mrs Allen-March explains: “This means that a domestic worker in Jamaica is entitled to the same protections under the law as any other worker. This includes the following: a contract, sufficient daily and/or weekly rest, a salary no lower than the minimum wage, paid annual leave, compensation for overtime work as well as social security contributions.”

I am appealing to media colleagues to mention these rights on the air and to encourage household workers to join the (JHWU) to have strength in numbers. Having served on the panel of judges for the GK-Heather Little-White Household Workers of the Year Awards, I can attest to the dedication of our household workers, women and men. Indeed, they are nominated by their employers who clearly appreciate the years of service they have given to sometimes more than one generation.

From these interviews we learn that household workers are entrusted with keys and funds when their employers travel. We learn that they hone their skills and practice time management. We learn of their compassion in assisting with the care of special needs children and elderly family members. They have noted the kindnesses of their employers, sometimes allowing them to include their children in live-in arrangements.

The ILO Convention requires that a contract be created for the employee and the Ministry of Labour & Social Security has made it clear that once a household worker gives three days or more of service, the employer must ensure that vacation and sick leave are given. With increased NIS benefits we must assist in registration and payment of the modest contributions to the scheme which will provide well needed funds in their twilight years.

To mark International Domestic Workers’ Day, the BGA and JHWU are collaborating to host an Awards ceremony with the theme “Uniting and Celebrating Domestic Workers!” this Saturday, July 20 at the Altamont Court Hotel, where they will be recognizing 27 domestic workers with over 20 years of service with Invisible Giant Awards.

Why am I so passionate about household workers? My Mother would repeatedly sing the praises of Fanny Ricketts, both of them of blessed memory, who stayed by her side during hard times when she had a terminally ill husband and was caring for four small children. When my mother told Fanny that she would have to terminate her employment for lack of funds, Fanny organized with her partner to reap produce from our small farm in Hartford, Westmoreland, and sell them in the market to pay herself. Later we ensured that Fanny would spend her years as an elder in the comfort of her own home.

Farewell wonderful women - Janette, Elinor and Elaine

 

Janette Stewart (right) with Friends of Devon House Committee

 The kindness of Janette Stewart remains in the hearts of her colleagues on the Friends of Devon House Committee. Never a prima donna, Janette was the perennial volunteer and donor for the Committee’s fund-raisers, happy to give help wherever it was needed.  Now when I admire Devon House, I see Janette’s beauty shining through.

Ambassador Elinor Felix - Photo by
Dr Lucien Jones

At the Thanksgiving Service for her life, her niece Jaime Stewart-McConnell said in her tribute, “No matter what craziness was happening around her, in our family, or in someone's health, she always was that positive calm we needed and learnt from.”

As we reflect on the life of Ambassador Elinor Felix, we wonder how one so young could have accomplished so much. She became such a part of the fabric of our lives that we are having difficulty processing what for many of us was her sudden departure.

Dr Lucien Jones, her church brother at St. Andrew Parish Church wrote: “The late Ambassador Elinor Felix, a friend, and church sister, was a very special person. Lively. No nonsense. Dependable. Knowledgeable. Extremely good at what she did - walked with Kings, literally, and maintained the common touch as former chief of protocol at OPM over the years ... A lady, in the truest sense of the word, who we all loved. A lady of faith. She worshipped at St. Andrew Parish Church with her sister Hilary … A little piece of Jamaica goes with her, as she is irreplaceable.”

Elaine and her beloved Ken Chaplin

The elegant Joan Elaine (Cherry) Gruber Chaplin former Managing Director of Pyramid Training & Placement Institute, Senior Lecturer at the College of Arts Science and Technology passed away last month after several years of illness. Elaine and her husband, Hall of Fame journalist Ken Chaplin hosted wonderful ‘Meet the People’ events, gaining many international friends for Jamaica.

We extend condolences to the families and close friends of these three outstanding women. Let us honour their memories by aspiring to their excellence. Rest in peace, dear Jamaican Sisters.

That day will come – if you’re lucky!

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Column published in Jamaica Observer 10 June 2019

Presentation by CCRP representative Angela Foote
 on Centenarian's Day

Yes indeed, if you are lucky, you will be counted among the elderly one day, and so regardless of our age, it serves us well to be interested in the care and protection of the elderly. This digital age can dehumanize our relationships if we are not careful.  So while it’s great that your Grandma is on Facebook, take the time to let her hear the voice that makes her heart soar – yours. 

Your making time for your elders may very well be assuring your care in old age, as your children learn more from your example than from anything you tell them.  Moreover, the stories that our elders have to share will keep your children grounded, understanding and valuing their heritage.  Stories of sacrifices to ensure the well-being of their families will help children to appreciate the contribution made by elders to their own development.

Members of the Lions Club of New Kingston support the
CCRP outreach to infirm elderly by donating personal care products.
L-R - Lions Club former President and CCRP Board Director Mrs Vilma McDonald,
VP for Health Merle Bernard, Jean Lowrie-Chin, Executive Chair, CCRP and
Executive Member Joy Richards

The wisdom which comes with age is a treasure that we should encourage our children to respect. Our elders have braved many obstacles, experienced goodness as well as negativity in their encounters.  Discussions with their elders will help children to navigate difficult circumstances at school and in the workplace.

The debate continues regarding who is a senior and who is an elder. I have been advised that you become a senior at 65 and an elder at 80. We should be careful of ageism however, as most seniors are as active as ever. We have been delighted to recommend our CCRP members for positions in various organisations, and to receive feedback that they are outstanding in their performance. Think about it, many over-sixties are up with the digital age, and have a wealth of experience.  They are a boon to the workplace, while some like our CCRP Northeast Jamaica convenor Pixley Irons, run their own successful businesses.

Minister Robinson’s call

Convenor of the CCRP Northeast Jamaica Chapter Pixley with
Hon Shahine Robinson, Minister of Labour & Social Security
at the Launch of the Chapter on 7th June 2019.

CCRP had a good day last Friday when Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson launched our Northeast Jamaica Chapter. Our convenor Pixley Irons, immediate past president of the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce and President Vana Taylor hosted the event at their John McDowell Conference Centre. 

Minister Robinson reminded us that her Ministry’s Green Paper, proposing a revised policy for the elderly, will have two public sessions in Mandeville and Kingston this month, and is urging the public to attend and participate in ensuring what she describes as “an all-embracing policy which will in a comprehensive way seek to address the issues affecting our seniors in a more effective and purposeful manner.

The Minister emphasised that persons over 60 who would like to benefit from the assistance of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) should register with their parish offices.  The NCSC assists in enrolling senior citizens in the National Health Fund, the Jamaica Drugs for the Elderly Programme and the Poverty Alleviation programme (PATH). She lauded the over 3,000 volunteers who assist the NCSC in their work and appealed for more, bearing in mind the help that must be offered to the 12,000 shut-ins who are registered with the NCSC.

In commenting on the scourge of elder abuse, she said “if these matters are not reported to the Police for action, then certainly they will continue to take place … What in effect we need is for the communities to be more vigilant and that instances of abuse are reported either to the Council or to the Police.”

In congratulating CCRP on the launch of the newest Chapter, the Minister said that it “speaks to your desire to enhance your membership and to offer the services to a wider cross section of Jamaicans … the Government recognizes the worth of organisations such as this in mobilizing support and creating assistance for such persons. There is no political regime that can ever fulfill all the needs of everyone.”

CCRP Northeast Jamaica planning meeting (l-r) Pixley Irons,
Jean Lowrie-Chin, Joan McDonald, Chyna Whyne,
Earl-Robb-Brown and Denyse Perkins.

 The minister noted that Jamaica was seeing an increasing number of centenarians, which her ministry lauded in an advertisement on Centenarians Day, May 24, listing the 168 centenarians that they have on record. “Interestingly … in St Ann the Ministry celebrated with three centenarians, all living in the same household,” she said. We had read reports of the event in Content Gardens: Melvin and his wife Icilda Scott are 100 and 101 years old respectively. Icilda’s sister Evelyn Gibson celebrated her 104^th birthday on May 23.

It was great to catch up with the good folks who packed the Centre for the meeting. Among them were St. Ann Chamber of Commerce Past President Jeanne Dixon, emcee Joan McDonald, Joyce Tweedie-McDowell, Denyse Perkins, Chyna Whyne, Lorna Davis,Earl Robb-Brown, Evelyn Sangster and Iva Walters,. The Northeast Jamaica Chapter will serve members in St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland and has a part-time desk courtesy of the St. Ann Chamber.