The bright side of the big political payday

Photo Captions

 

Senior Superintendents Charmaine Shand and Natalie Palmer Mair lead athletes (unified and Special Olympian) with the symbolic torch of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. 

Dr Lola Ramocan as she delivered the Rose Leon Memorial Lecture, with a portrait of the legendary political and entrepreneurial powerhouse in the foreground.

Observer Column published MON 22 May 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

In last week's column I appealed to our politicians to dedicate sleepless nights to the issue of public safety and welfare.  Well with the new salary increases they can now afford the best Blue Mountain Coffee to keep them awake as they deal with this national crime emergency. So let us look at the bright side of how this big payday can redound to the Jamaican people:

1.      Now they can pay for their own security, freeing up the police officers who drive them around, so they can to attend to the security of the wider population.

2.     They are quite fashionable. Now they can support our fashion industry, wearing only locally designed and tailored ensembles for the opening of Parliament and other high-profile events.

3.     Their Alma Maters can benefit.  They can pledge a percentage of their salaries for scholarships and development of their schools and universities.

4.     They can now afford to hire efficient staff in their constituency office to ensure that projects are fast-tracked.

5.     They can create or expand entrepreneurial projects to create good paying jobs.

In this land of wood and water, it is a shame that so many communities do not have access to running water. Roads in some rural areas are impassable, putting their residents at risk. The YouTube 'Chris Must List' shows the marginal existence of inner-city dwellers, with zinc sheeting creating rusty narrow passages. We hope that with this windfall, the public and civil society will not have to be constantly begging and pleading with the political directorate, our public servants, to attend to the basic human rights of their people.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has assured us that accountability measures are underway: "We have established and I will announce shortly a series of accountability measures that the price of this, the cost of this, is accountability. Every single MP, all Ministers are now committed to ensuring that they earn the salary; they understand that, that this is not an argument that we were not paid well from the beginning and therefore on that basis is justification. No, the argument within the MP caucus is that having got this increase we must now prove to the Jamaican people, even harder than we were working before, that the increases are justified and they understand that. They understand that the accountability issues are foremost in the minds of the people and that we must do tangible things."

As humble Jamaicans stretch their dollar to support their families and hide under their beds with trembling children when gunshots ring out, let us see how our revitalized Ministers and their Ministry teams will bring them the relief they so desperately need.

Women in Local Government

It was serendipitous that the topic for this year's Rose Leon Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr. Lola Ramocan was 'The Role of Women in Local Government.' I believe with the new salary for parish councillors, this should attract more women, important for achieving gender balance in government. Dr Ramocan named five key challenges for women:

1.    The generally low level of trust in political governance

2.    The low confidence among women regarding their ability to aspire for political leadership

3.    The gender balance disparity in political leadership

4.    The restraint of the advancement of women in politics due to politically motivated violence

5.    The limitation of upward mobility of women in local government due to lack of resources.

Noting that women only account for 20 percent of those in local government, she said this was unacceptably small as women bring to the table: "representation, diverse perspectives, policy priorities, role models, the balancing of gender equality and community engagement."

Many thanks to the representatives of the Women's Political Caucus and the Women's Bureau in organizing and participating in this event: Merline Daley, Pastor Elaine Jackson, Faith Webster, Hermione McKenzie, Alessandra Chung, Sharon Robinson, Makeda Ramgeet, Gloria Alvaranga and Marie Thompson. While we dearly missed the late Gloria Leon Millwood who was a dynamic member of the organizing Committee, we were heartened that her son Brendon attended the event.

As we call for the teaching of Civics in our schools, let us affirm the proven advantage our women offer in promoting integrity and performance.

Special Olympics highlights

The past week was one in which volunteerism was in full force. Last Tuesday Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson, fresh from the impressive JCF Expo, hosted the launch of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics. Participating uniformed groups and government agencies in this volunteer event, with Jamaica being the first country outside of the US to participate in this worldwide effort, are The Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Defence Force, The Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Customs and the Passport, Immigrations and Citizenship Agency (PICA). We were moved by a poem by Special Athlete Sheneel Williams appealing for an end to violence.

Jamaicans everywhere can do their part to support our Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) athletes heading to the Berlin World Games by joining in national and community Law Enforcement Torch Runs to achieve their $3 million target.

Last Friday it was a joy to participate in the launch of the SOJ National Games with teams representing every parish of Jamaica. Lorna Bell, Allie McNab and Coleridge Howell have organized an amazing event, assisted by parents and volunteers who have made our Jamaica organization a model for other countries. The Digicel Jamaica Foundation created the Special Olympics multi-purpose courts and stands where the athletes will compete in basketball, volleyball and bocce among other disciplines. Contributors to the SOJ efforts include the CHASE Fund, Sports Development Foundation, Restaurants of Jamaica, longstanding Emcee Fae Ellington, photographer Colin Reid, Restaurants of Jamaica, and JIS.

 

The SOJ will be sending unified female and male football teams to the Berlin Games, part of a 65 strong contingent led by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and the dedicated Sergeant Gladstone Sealy. Kudos to SSP Nathalie Palmer- Mair and SSP Charmaine Shand for their contribution to the week's successful activities and the LETR.

 

JEF Convention

 

The Jamaica Employers Federation held their annual convention last week, featuring great speakers tuned into our economic, security and social issues. It was an honour to present on the role of mature workers in the business place and to share CCRP's experience in advertising vacancies for companies and receiving their plaudits for the 'high quality resumes' which they receive from our members.  

 

 I also shared some business opportunities which this growth of the senior population cohort  offers:

o   Senior friendly real estate developments

• Medical centres retrofitted for their comfort with in-home services
• Supplies for retrofitting homes
• Mobility aid supplies
• Drivers who give assistance for medical and other needs
• Personal shoppers
• Home repairs and maintenance
• Special offers from restaurants, clubs and hotels on slow days or off season.
• Security systems

 

Respect is due to our experienced, dedicated and ethical seniors – no certificate can replace that!

 

Jean Lowrie-Chin is Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

www.procomm.com.jm 

www.ccrponline.org 

 

 

Calabash - The “greatest likkle festival”

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 5 June 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Seldom surprised, our CCRP tour organizer could hardly believe the overwhelming response to our Calabash excursion. She had to stop taking bookings when the numbers topped 100. Last Sunday five busloads of these fun-loving folks arrived to find the perfect seating area reserved for them, great food stalls, and danced their way into the evening to Third World's rousing music.

This Literary Festival, founded by Justine Henzell, Colin Channer and Kwame Dawes started in 2001 in the little town of Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth where Perry and Sally Henzell had made their home and created Jake's Hotel. Beyond that, they nurtured the Treasure Beach Community and founded Breds Foundation which has been promoting education, entrepreneurship and sports. At the launch of the sports complex seven years ago, the conviviality or 'livity' among residents from all walks of life gave us an insight into what all Jamaica could be if we had that synergy between business and community.

Therefore what better place for Calabash than Treasure Beach, where locals and visitors could enjoy the warmth of the setting. The icing on the cake was the celebrity sighting of Angelina Jolie and Padma Lakshmi. Top Chef star Lakshmi found out that our Bombay mangoes were the most delicious she had ever tasted, posting photos and videos enjoying the fruit. Mutabaruka was the envy of the Jolie fans, pictured in an embrace with the world-famous star.

In her review of the Festival for Essence Magazine, writer Kristin Braswell quoted a fan of Calabash, who described it as the "greatest likkle festival in the greatest likkle district in the greatest likkle country in the world."

She explained, "Calabash is not a festival of pomp and who knows who. It's an experience where you'll sit next to a Pulitzer Prize-winning author or Oscar-nominated actress, share a rum punch and move into a midnight concert replete with dancehall and Afrobeat tunes. Here it's art, not titles, that takes center stage." 

Jamaica shone at the Festival, and we must single out Justine Henzell who, like the movie was 'everything, everywhere all at once' for her beloved Calabash. She and her team garnered support from Amazon Audible, Jakes Hotel & Villas, The Jamaica Tourist Board, The Tourism Enhancement Fund and Wisynco Trading, the Embassy of the United States, the Canadian High Commission and individual donors including author Beverley East.

Marubeni celebrates with JPS

Senior executives of Marubeni Power Company in Japan Ryota Kobayashi and Yuji Sato journeyed to Jamaica to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), in which they are significant investors.  Regional and local Marubeni senior representatives Mohamed Majeed, Damian Obiglio and Keisuke Harada accompanied their colleagues for courtesy visits to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, PSOJ President Metry Seaga and PSOJ CEO Imega Breese McNab. Their discussions centred around continued cooperation between the two countries, which have well established diplomatic relations since 1964.

Minister Johnson Smith was pleased to know that Jamaica's Ambassador to Japan Shorna-Kay Richards is well known to Marubeni, who have supported some of her activities. The Minister noted on social media, "we discussed Marubeni's global work in renewables and #GreenTransition, as well as the correlation between #SustainableDevelopment, private sector investments and social cohesion." 

The issue of the cost of electricity supply to the commercial sector was discussed at the PSOJ meeting, against the backdrop of massive investments by Marubeni in

increasing available capacity while reducing carbon footprint - in particular the South Jamaica Power Plant in Old Harbour.

 

Mr Seaga noted the ongoing process of incorporating emerging technologies in Jamaica and opportunities for Marubeni to further contribute to the Jamaican economy through the sharing of its longstanding and diverse global operating expertise. Founded in 1858, Marubeni is one of Japan's largest industrial conglomerates.

 

A special Pentecost Sunday

I could not be at Calabash because it was Pentecost Sunday and a very special moment for our family, as my brother Sydney 'Tony' Lowrie was ordained a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. Tony is a retired Lecturer in Communications from Utech and a well-known public relations executive. As Deacon Ronnie Thwaites commented, we know our late mother and special minister of the Eucharist Maisie Lowrie was "dancing in heaven" as she saw her son vested by her daughter Sandra.

We also witnessed the ordination to the priesthood of former Deacon Patrick Muchiri Kihugi, and to the diaconate of Kurt Andrews, Colin Christie, Andrew Daley, Mark Hitchener, Anthony Jones, Andrew Thomas, Glendon Thomas and Dario Wilks.

Led by Archbishop Kenneth Richards, clergy, religious and congregants from parishes across Jamaica gathered at the National Arena for a day long celebration of one of the most important feasts of the Christian church. The event was addressed by both the Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding. Coincidentally, they both attended Catholic high schools: St. Catherine High, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and Campion College, founded by the Jesuits.

The combined choirs of the churches gave resonance to the worship.  We were happy at the turnout of young people and the strong cadre of clergy including lead organizer our Pastor Father Richard Brown. Now, to use the spirited energy which graced to arena to nurture the values needed to bring comfort and hope to our people.  There is a lot of work to be done and our churches have the schools, the services, the Sunday schools where they can make a meaningful impact. The real celebration of Pentecost is meaningful participation in the upliftment of our people.

Corpus Christi Procession

St Thomas Aquinas is hosting a Procession to celebrate the Solemn Feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday, June 11 together with Christ the King, Sts Peter and Paul, St Martin de Porres, Stella Maris, Holy Cross and other parishes. The Procession starts at St Thomas Aquinas and ends at Sts Peter and Paul Church.

"We are looking forward to this marvellous opportunity to give public witness to the wonderful mystery in the Sacrament of the Eucharist celebrating the true presence and Divinity of Christ," noted Pastor Father Clifton Harris.

They will have a special focus on the youth and anticipate strong participation from our First Communicants and Confirmation candidates.

The schedule is:

• Eucharistic Adoration at St Thomas Aquinas at 2:30pm

• Corpus Christi Procession starting from St Thomas Aquinas at 3:00pm

• Final Benediction at Sts Peter and Paul Church Hall at 5:30pm.

The procession route is about two and a half miles and will take about two hours. They will have two Altar Stations for Benediction on the route. You may join at any point along the route or for the Final Benediction at Sts Peter and Paul Church Hall.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

Photo captions

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith in meeting with Marubeni senior executives Ryota Kobayashi, Damian Obiglio, Mohamed Majeed and Yuji Sato.

Deacon Sydney 'Tony' Lowrie with sister Sandra Lowrie and Godson and nephew Noel Chin, after blessing new equipment at PROComm.

CCRP Members having a great time at the Calabash Literary Festival.

 

Heart-breaking cruelty

Observer column published Monday 12 June 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

I can hardly repeat it: a cruel parallel of Jesus' journey to Calvary. First, we hear of a child abducted from Braeton Primary School (reports are that it could be two children). An evil thug slashes her throat; she is driven to Vineyard Town where she is thrown out of the car on a busy road. (Yes, weep with me.) She wanders in shock and bumps into a car; the merciful motorist speeds her off to Bustamante Children's Hospital. There is a call for blood donations in a desperate attempt to save her precious life. But on Saturday morning we learned that eight-year-old Danielle Rowe had succumbed to her injury.

This brings back memories of the murder of nine-year-old Gabriel King last January in Montego Bay. Reports are that he was being driven by his mother when she slowed down to navigate some potholes and was pulled from the vehicle. Later the child was found dead with his throat slashed in the abandoned vehicle. To date the mystery of that murder has not been solved. When our children become prey for evildoers, we have entered into a sad chapter. It is horrific enough when children lose their lives as innocent bystanders, but for children to be targeted and wilfully murdered is the foulest of crimes.

Last month we joined the Kingston and St Andrew Metropolitan Corporation (KSAMC) at their Secret Garden monument memorialising our murdered children since 2015. There were over 780 plaques bearing the names of children from 0-years-old upwards. As I visit various schools, I hear the children singing one of their favourites, "I am a promise, I am a possibility." Now the voices of hundreds of children have been silenced, their promise and possibilities transformed into loss and mourning. In his statement, describing Danielle's murder as "Deeply disturbing and barbaric," Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that since the start of the year, eight children had been killed, including three under 12 years old. And so since 2015, we have lost nearly 790 children.

This is a heavy column to write. This criminal behaviour shamefully includes the deeds of men whose "church" is a place of abuse. Over 20 children had to be rescued from one such property in Montego Bay last week by the Child Protection & Family Support Agency (CPFSA). This column has been calling on the Umbrella Group of church organizations to have a registration process; then we can check the bonafides of churches and pastors alike. Government may have to step in and demand this. 

There has been embarrassment and anger at the news that Jamaica would not be included in the recently announced list of countries whose citizens would no longer be required to have visas to travel to Canada. We should be embarrassed indeed. This country with so many paid servants of the people in Government, Opposition, parish councils, public service; this little rock - population 3 million, has the majority of us living behind bars because the criminal minority is having a field day terrorizing us. We will not make the grade until we get crime under control.

 

Special Needs Centre in Santa Cruz

 

Thanks to the Ministry of Education and the Digicel Foundation, a new learning centre for special needs children was launched in Santa Cruz last Thursday. The centre is the first of its kind in the Ministry of Education and Youth's Region 5 and will positively impact the over 800 students with special needs in St. Elizabeth and Manchester who need special intervention and support.

 

"With an investment of more than US$280,000 into its renovation and expansion," noted Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels, "the Centre accommodates 62 students across three classrooms. …. But beyond the dollar figure, this expansion represents

partnership and new hope. Partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth, which we have of course maintained since 2004; partnership with HEART Trust/NSTA, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, the Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) – all organizations with which we have been collaborating since the Foundation's inception."

 

State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth Marsha Smith enthused, "Through your Foundation you have shown your corporate responsibility in embracing the vision for education for all and we thank you for the significant investment that you have made in supporting our schools islandwide."

 

New Inductees in BPW St. Andrew

 

The Business & Professional Women's Club (BPW) of St. Andrew inducted three new members at their recent Annual General Meeting Chaired by President Dr Lilieth Nelson. The organization is part of the worldwide BPW International and promotes professional development. They are co-founders of the Jamaica Women's Political Caucus which encourages the participation of women in politics and conducts seminars for their guidance

 

Founded 49 years ago by attorney-at-law Mavis Watts, BPW St Andrew Club's senior members were happy to welcome young inductees, designer and musician Carol-Ann Dexter Dwyer, engineer Tandose Samba and student member from UWI, Brianna Hinds. Special honours went to Dr Mearle Barrett, Monica McNeil and Venita Walker while appreciation gifts were presented to Alassandra Chung and Dr. Marcia Williams.

 

I must make special mention of Gloria Langrin who assisted CCRP in researching model legislation for the care and protection of the elderly. We shared the information with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security five years ago and we are hoping that Jamaica will very soon migrate our National Policy to meaningful laws.

 

The Mavis Watts Award will be presented by the Club to an outstanding Jamaican woman next month, so watch this space for the name of this phenomenal woman.

 

ECC Board completes term

 

The Board of the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) recently completed their three-year term under the fine leadership of Chairman Trisha Williams-Singh. Other members who also gave active service on several sub-committees were:

Dasmine Kennedy, MoEY's representative

Easton Williams, PIOJ's representative

Ann Marie Rowe-Mittoo, MoLG's representative

Marcia Faulknor, MoFP's representative

Dr. Melody Ennis, MoHW's representative

Suzette Morris, MoLSS representative

Ms. Samara South, Minister's nominee

Carlene Lecia Edwards. Minister's nominee

Nicole McLaren-Campbell, Minister's nominee

Dawn Woodstock, Minister's nominee

Kemesha Swaby, Minister's nominee

David Salmon, Minister's nominee

Jerome Palmer, Minister's nominee

Patricia Duncan-Sutherland Leader of the Opposition's nominee

 

It was an honour to serve on this Commission as the Minister's nominee. The ECC celebrated 300 certified early childhood institutions last October with another 70 well on their way to achieving the 12 required standards. The Early Childhood Commission's staff is headed by Mrs Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes and have also established Brain Builder Centres and Parenting Places islandwide. We wish them continued success, because a strong early childhood foundation is critical to the preparation of our children for a successful future.

 

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder and Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

 

lowriechin@aim.com

 

Photo Captions

Woodlawn School of Special Education student, Darlone Miller recites "Jamaica", a poem he wrote at the launch of the Santa Cruz Learning Centre.

BPW St Andrew Inductees Brianna Hinds, Tandose Samba and Carol-Ann Dexter Dwyer