by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Observer column published Monday 13 September 2021
Prime Minister Andrew Holness
PM Andrew Holness is caught between his effort to protect
his people and his fear of offending anti-vaxxers. Although employers are
obliged under the law to provide a safe environment for their workers and
customers, some unions have come out against a vaccine mandate. Our unions have
fiercely protected Jamaican workers, so we would expect them to join the
Government, the Opposition and the private sector in advocating for Covid
vaccination. If we can reach the 70 percent target for herd immunity, we can
look forward to face-to-face classes for our children, a reduced workload for
our health care workers, and a return to our path of economic growth.
Another obstacle is the misleading advice of religious
charlatans. One doctor has bemoaned the long hours spent convincing his
patients that the taking of the vaccine is not denying one’s faith in God, but
acknowledging God’s gift of knowledge to our scientists. There is the story of
a man whose house was flooded in a storm. As he stood on the roof a boat came
by, but he refused their help, telling them ‘God will save me’. As the waters
rose higher, a helicopter hovered over, and rescuers came down on a rope to get
him but again he refused, again telling them that God would save him. The
waters rose and he drowned. When he went to heaven, he confronted God: “Why
didn’t you save me?” he demanded. God shook his head. “My son, I sent you a
boat and you refused, then a helicopter and you sent them way – what more could
you want?”
We heard of one Jamaican Pastor who refused the
vaccine and called for seven days of prayer when he was diagnosed with Covid.
He died before the seven days were up, and we can only imagine the dialogue he has
had with his Maker.
Health care workers, lab technicians who must analyse
Covid tests are working around the clock. They are weary and traumatized by the
continuous cries of pain, the deaths, the distraught relatives to whom they
must break the bad news. Paramedics are flying about the streets, trying to get
patients into hospitals. TVJ news interviewed one paramedic who showed the
marks on his arm from the grip of a dying young woman, begging him to save her.
People are now sitting outside of hospital buildings, getting oxygen.
President Joe Biden’s declaration of a vaccine mandate
for all healthcare workers and for companies with more than 100 staff members, is
an example of strong leadership. We are blessed in Jamaica that both of our
major political parties are endorsing the vaccine; however, we need go at least
one step further and mandate that healthcare workers, teachers and students
over 12 to get the vaccine.
Twenty years since 9/11
Former US Ambassador to Jamaica Sue Cobb OJ (Hon)
On Tuesday 11th September 2001, terrorist
attacks on three locations changed the world forever. The three locations were
the twin towers of the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon; the fourth was the
Capitol in Washington DC, but the passengers on United Airlines 093 were able
to change the direction of the flight and perished in Somerset County,
Pennsylvania. Someone asked on social media ‘where were you when you learned of
the attacks?’ and the numerous responses show how this dark day in history has
been seared into our memories. Jamaicans were among those lives lost on 9/11
and the many who witnessed the horrific scenes unfolding.
This was the very day that Ambassador Sue Cobb assumed
her new post as United States Ambassador to Jamaica. “I watched my television
in disbelief, in shock, as a second passenger plane hit the World Trade
Center,” she wrote in her riveting book, ‘Lady of Silk and Steel – from Everest
to Embassies’. “I knew immediately that it was an act of terrorism. I also knew
immediately that there would not be one single person in Washington during the next
four years who would care one bit about what happened in Jamaica.” Whether
Washington cared or not, Ambassador Cobb proceeded to pour her heart and soul
into her assignment, supporting significant projects in Jamaica’s development.
“Jamaicans were extraordinarily sympathetic over 9/11
... The church community, supported by the government, held a massive
candlelight memorial,” she shared. We were at that memorial service and were
moved to see Ambassador Cobb warmly greeting the Jamaican Imam. She signalled
that we were not to brand all Muslims, most of whom are peace-loving people. Let
the memories of 9/11 remind us to stand strong for justice and peace – the only
path to a better, safer world.
Pinnock-Dadag made her mark at UDC
Heather Pinnock-Dadag - leaving a trail of excellence at UDC
Heather Pinnock-Dadag has resigned from the UDC after
four brilliant years, first as Deputy General Manager and then as General
Manager for the past three years. Heather oversaw the construction and opening
of the Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, the
hosting of the design competition for the new Houses of Parliament, and the
achievement of the ISO 9001 certification for the UDC’s core business
processes.
Heather, who studied architecture and completed
post-graduate studies in development and management regards the ISO
Certification as her greatest success. “UDC had tried and failed before, so the
team members were doubtful at first, but we stuck to it and got it done,” she said.
“They proved to themselves that they can operate at world class. Structural
improvements are the basis of good operations and by extension, more
transformational projects.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Heather’s management of the UDC had “a focus on staff welfare, financial recovery and the long-term transformation of the Corporation to meet its mandate,” according to a release from the UDC. “The Board of Directors will commence the search to find a new General Manager. Ms. Pinnock has committed her support during the period of transition.”
Whatever her next move will
be, we know Heather will bring to bear her dedication to excellence that will
make our country and our world a better place.
‘Condolences’ trending
There have been so many deaths in recent
times that the word ‘Condolences’ is trending on social media. Among the many
fine Jamaicans who have passed recently are promoter and co-founder of Reggae
Sunsplash Michael Johnston and later his grand-daughter Stephanie Gregg a
charismatic young woman. Two weeks ago, we read of the passing of the legendary
retired Mathematics teacher and Principal of St Andrew High, Ms Joan Reader.
She was also a leader in the Jamaica Girls Guide movement.
Just this weekend, we lost ‘Jamaica’s
Songbird’ Karen Smith, who lifted our spirits with her amazing vocals and her sparkling
smile. We also lost the brilliant Dr Rose Davies, Early Childhood Education
specialist whose work as former head of the Institute of Education at UWI.
author and advocate contributed to the shaping of our early childhood education
policy. We are also mourning the passing of Howard Hamilton QC, Jamaica’s first
Public Defender, who also served as a famous attorney-at-law for 60 years.
We give thanks for the vision,
excellence, love and joy of these unforgettable Jamaicans. Our deepest sympathy
to their families and friends.
