‘I can see clearly now’

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 27 November 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

We emerged from the storm and in the days following, the blue skies, freshly washed trees and blossoming shrubs refreshed our spirits. My friends in the hilly parts of Jamaica had a few scares but can now be joking about them. However, our farmers and citizens who live in former river courses have been left with losses and expensive repairs. According to the old saying, 'every crisis is an opportunity', and we now have a clearer view of what needs to be tackled to minimize a repeat of these crises.

We can learn from our tourism interests who reported no damage despite sustained rains in the West. Just as they continued to fill their rooms without a hiccup, we can strengthen the resilience of the building and agriculture sectors. The introduction of tougher penalties for praedial larceny and a RADA technology application (App) for the farming community are significant steps for a sector whose crops and products are gaining momentum worldwide. A Jamaican in New York told me of a distributor who is ready to distribute any Jamaican food he can get his hands on – whether crops, sauces or our Christmas cake.

Our Jamaican Diaspora between the US, Canada and the UK is estimated to be two million. Two million who yearn for our flavours and warmth.  We understand that there is a growing Jamaican cohort of tourists and when you watch the food channels, you see that our Jamaican restaurants and food-trucks are sought after not only by Jamaicans but by a fast-growing number of 'converts'.

The building industry is racing along and for the most part, producing long needed housing solutions and opportunities for the Airbnb sector. The recent landslide in Jacks Hill is a teacherly moment for developers and the authorities. There is still a considerable amount of undeveloped land with fewer risks, so let us take the necessary steps to avoid costly mistakes. The highway systems are opening up development opportunities islandwide. I met a charming, retired couple who had lived all their lives in St Catherine. They opted to move to Trelawny and have no regrets.

The most crying need is to find decent shelter for the poor. Food for the Poor has made this a priority in this their fortieth year. There are guidelines for qualifying for these homes, the first being ownership or long lease of the land on which to build. It was heartening to hear that land titling is moving apace as this will promote eligibility.  We understand that modest schemes and apartment buildings are also being spearheaded by the government. Economists see home ownership of one of the driving forces for a robust economy.  Indeed, it is a right for every Jamaican especially with the more frequent climate incidents.  

As we watch the growing refugee camps around the world, wars and starvation, we in Jamaica have much to be thankful for. Our problems seem small in comparison, and we have the wherewithal to solve them.

Election Season

Election Season is here, and the 360-degree use of media is impressive.  The Greens are currently outpacing the Oranges in social media. The postings of constituency conferences show impressive attendance. The Oranges are yet to show their marketing hand. What we should love is this splendid acknowledgement of our democratic system. I saw a few offensive remarks being traded but on the whole it has been a pretty decent campaign. Let's keep the light of democracy shining and respect each other's political choices even if we may not agree with them. The most important place for your voice to be heard is in the ballot box.

A chance for juveniles

Instead of allowing them to learn from the wrong influencers, Agent Sasco's Banks of Hope Foundation and the Forward Step Foundation initiated by Miguel 'Steppa' Williams have been nurturing the talent of juveniles in correctional facilities.

Digicel Foundation partnered with Agent Sasco's Banks of Hope Foundation to supply musical equipment for the wards at the Metcalfe Street Juvenile Centre for the building of a music studio at the facility. They were assisted by the ever-generous Music Mart owners.

In August, Forward Step Foundation conducted Creative Expression Workshops across four juvenile correctional facilities, involving 200 juvenile offenders. Their music and shared experiences gave hope. The initiative aims to benefit citizens in remote areas by creating jobs, improving living conditions, and facilitating social transitioning.

Creating a 'Blue Zone' for Cancer

The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) held a seminar last week titled 'Creating a Blue Zone for Cancer'. One of the facilitators Dr Owen James, award winning family doctor and CCRP Board Director shared thoughts on the discussion. "The seminar was essentially to share, collect, collate and later disseminate information from/to interested parties relating to making Jamaica one of the places enjoying longevity ("Blue Zone"), controlling prevalence of diseases like cancer, by modification of lifestyle."

He continued, "To this end there were presentations on occurrence, severity and costs of management of certain cancers, including cancers in children and the very difficult disease of Multiple Myeloma."

 

He said the seminar shared sources of sponsorship and the valuable role of the NHF which recently extended its list of diseases eligible for coverage, including Multiple Myeloma. 

 

Novel treatments were mentioned, including Art and Music therapy. There were discussions around "commercial determinants of health" e.g., alcohol consumption and "Social Prescriptions" e.g., visits to libraries and museums. There was a searching question from a panellist: "Is enough time being given to manage cancer cases and are the young getting preferential treatment over the elderly?"

 

A statement on cancer from the World Health Organization noted, "To achieve the target of reducing premature mortality from cancer and other NCDs, these gaps must be filled with evidence-based and cost-effective programmes that facilitate early diagnosis and access to treatment and palliative care for all."

IDEVAW #NoExcuse

Today is the third day of the 16 days of activism which started on Saturday, November 25^th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW). We in Jamaica are distressed at the horrific acts of violence committed against our women and girls. The statistics from UN Women tell a harrowing story:

·        More than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.

• Almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life.
• 86% of women and girls live in countries without legal protections against gender-based violence.

Let us join with government and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness of this blight on our country. Share widely the contact numbers on this page so women in danger know where to turn for help and shelter before it is too late.  Please use the #NoExcuse slogan in all your social media postings on the protection of women and girls during these 16 days of activism ending December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Photo caption: Numbers in Jamaica to call for help

Launch of Jamaica Sign Language Bible

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer Column Monday 6 November, 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin in conversation with Blake Widmer

The Jamaican Deaf community gathered at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston recently to celebrate the launch of the Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) Bible Translation, spearheaded by Tashi and Blake Widmer. Community members from across the island came together to learn about and celebrate another beginning in God's ongoing work among the Deaf of Jamaica.

Participation came from local Deaf schools and churches; from Wycliffe Caribbean and even the Global Sign Language Translation Team from SIL, a global, faith-based nonprofit that works with local communities around the world to develop language solutions. The endeavour was launched with the theme "God's word made alive in JSL"

Renca Dunn, a veteran Bible Translator from the American Sign Language (ASL) Bible, reminded the audience that Bible translation is not easy, yet God provides what we ask. Matt Knapp of HarvestCall and Zandrea Pitterson, one of the translators, exhorted the audience to focus on knowing God and making Him known. There were songs, dramas and Bible stories shared, young and old coming together as one, including Jamaican Country Sign.

International guest speaker from Deaf Millennial Project, the founder Brandon Gaskin inspired the audience and encouraged all to think and to dream about what God could and would do in and through this ministry. Special communal prayer was offered on the JSLBT staff and engaged the whole audience in coming together and praying that God would sustain and add the increase as they begin training and research.

With the support of Krystal Clear Productions, the launch was also streamed on Zoom to the diaspora. Danya's Coffee Barrel provided delicious fare. With volunteers happy to serve, it all came together as a well-executed, encouraging and uplifting event. glorifying God and the beginning of something fruitful and beautiful... God's word being made alive in Jamaica Sign Language. Please follow the team on Instagram and YouTube @jslbibletranslation or email info@jslbibletranslation.com

Photo caption:

Special Guest Brandon Gaskin prays for the JSL Bible Translation Team (l-r): Sheree Henry, Zandrea Pitterson, Damion Stewart, Tashi Widmer, Clifton Blackellar, Blake Widmer and  Francine Richards.

Caribbean Domestic Workers Network calls on the Caribbean to stand in solidarity and appreciation of Domestic Workers on the International Day of Care and Support! - Jamaica

Media Release

 

Caribbean Domestic Workers Network calls on the Caribbean to stand in solidarity and appreciation of Domestic Workers on the International Day of Care and Support!

 

Caribbean Region. October 29, 2023: The Caribbean Domestic Workers Network (CDWN) is proud to pledge unwavering support for the inaugural celebration of the International Day of Care and Support, a United Nations Day of observance dedicated to recognizing the vital contributions of workers in the Care Economy. This significant day recognizing the Care Economy will be celebrated each year on the 29^th of October and provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of domestic workers who play a pivotal role in caring for households, children, and the elderly in our communities.

 

The CDWN joins its global partner, the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) in emphasizing the central role of domestic workers in the Care Economy. Despite our vital role in the functioning of households, making all other jobs possible, paid domestic work is undervalued and invisible. It is the lowest paid feminized profession with the least access to social protection, with simultaneously, the highest rates of informality and the most exposure to occupational risks, violence, and harassment. The Covid-19 pandemic also showed the world that domestic workers are essential workers.

 

Shirley Pryce, Chairperson of the CDWN, expressed her sentiments, saying, "Domestic workers are the backbone of many households in the Caribbean. They work with dedication, often without the recognition they deserve. The International Day of Care and Support is an occasion to honor their contributions and ensure they receive the respect, fair wages, and working conditions they so rightfully deserve."

 

Domestic workers represent 25% of the care workforce worldwide (almost 250 million women of which over 500,000 are in the Caribbean), providing both direct and indirect care services: caring for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, as well as cleaning, laundry, and cooking, among other tasks. They are care workers and skilled workers.

 

We are facing an imminent care crisis. The ILO estimates that 2.3 billion people will need care services by 2030. Population growth, aging societies, new family structures, the role of women in the labor market, and deficiencies in social policies require urgent measures to ensure the well-being of the population and decent work for care providers.

 

Elaine Duncan, IDWF Executive Committee member for the Caribbean stated emphatically, "This crisis can only be mitigated through the development of comprehensive care systems and implementation of transformative policies that ensure labor rights, human rights, gender equity, autonomy, and well-being for both care recipients and caregivers."

 

On the International Day of Care and Support, the Caribbean Domestic Workers Network joins the IDWF and calls on decision-makers and all actors in society to:

 

·      Recognize domestic workers as part of the care workforce.

·      Ensure decent work and fair remuneration for domestic workers as care workers, in line with C189.

·      Ensure access to quality public care services for domestic workers and their families.

·      Ensure the right to social protection for domestic workers.

·      Guarantee occupational health and safety for domestic workers.

·      Protect migrant domestic workers, who make up a high percentage of care workers and are often excluded from labor protection, exploited, and victims of various abuses.

·      Combat violence, discrimination, and stereotypes related to care work.

·      Promote freedom of association, social dialogue, and collective bargaining for the sector.

·      Encourage training, professional development, and recognition of domestic workers' skills.

·      Ensure the representativeness of domestic workers in decision-making processes related to the care economy and include them in the public care agendas. Nothing for us without us!

 

The Caribbean Domestic Workers Network invites everyone to stand in solidarity and appreciation of domestic workers and grassroots women on the International Day of Care and Support and throughout the year. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable society where the contributions of domestic workers are recognized, respected, and valued.

 

About the Caribbean Domestic Workers Network (CDWN):

The CDWN is a network of unions and associations from Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Grenada, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis and St Lucia. With the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) and Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) as partners, the CDWN fights for the rights of Domestic Workers, advocating for the welfare of Domestic Workers across the Caribbean.

 

#CareForThoseWhoCareForYou #Care2023 #InternationalDayOfCare #DomesticWorkIsCareWork

---End---

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Shirley Pryce, Chairperson, Caribbean Domestic Workers Network (CDWN) at:

CaribbeanDomesticWorkers@gmail.com, +1876-397-9664

 

Elaine Duncan, President, Jamaica Household Workers Union

+1876-463-5768

Farewell ‘Gentle Giant’ Domonic Strachan

Excerpt from Observer column published MON 2 October 2023

 by Jean Lowrie-Chin 

Women who were not even acquainted with Aloun Ndombet-Assamba poured out their sympathy when they heard that her only child Domonic Strachan had passed away suddenly last month. Those who knew Domonic referred to him as a 'Gentle Giant'. 

In a letter of condolence, a fellow parishioner at the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ocho Rios wrote of Domonic's warm hug, saying: "I felt enveloped with love and care." Domonic's friends told his mother that he was their 'rock', always there for his friends.

We regarded Domonic as an IT geek, setting up systems for various companies, especially before 2000 when everyone was fearful of the 'Y2K' virus. At that time, he was in his early twenties and had not yet attended Miami Dade College where he was a student leader. 

While Aloun was in the UK, serving as Jamaica's High Commissioner, her mother became seriously ill and required thrice-weekly dialysis.  Domonic quit his business, as digital connectivity was then limited at the family's Moneague homestead, and with his aunt Eleanor Wood, assisted in caring for his grandmother.

It was then that he started his journey as an innovative farmer and a central figure in the Moneague farming community where he conducted meetings and shared research findings.  Aloun said he used no chemicals. The wasp nests around the Grierfield Great House played a key role in keeping his crops pest-free. His rainwater harvesting methods supplied the house and the farm where he implemented drip irrigation. 

Domonic was so passionate about influencing others about farming that his farm tours became popular among CCRP seniors and schoolchildren alike.

Aloun related that during the summer holidays, Domonic was keen on 'making memories' for his two young sons. "He always spent quality time with them but this summer he went even further, taking them to camp by a riverside in St. Mary."

We grieve with Aloun at the passing of her extraordinary son whose achievements belie his short 43 years. May his soul rest in peace.

Photo caption

Aloun Assamba shares a joyous moment with her son Domonic Strachan.

Good enterprises suffer for the bad

Jamaica Observer column published MON 2 October 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

With the Companies (Amendment) Act 2023 which came into being on April 1^st of this year, all companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now faced with stricter requirements. They are mandated to 'appoint an officer who shall be responsible for conducting verification of Beneficial Ownership information', to confirm the location of such documents and would be liable for fines of up to J$5 million if such arrangements are not put into place.

Attorney-at-Law Camille Facey of FaceyLaw and Chair of the PSOJ Governance Committee, explained that these amendments "were made in accordance with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as Jamaica was in danger of being blacklisted by the FATF. The main revisions relate to the beneficial ownership of companies."

The FATF comprises 20 countries which, on inspection of countries' activities in money laundering and terrorist financing, will rate their status. Jamaica is on the FATF 'grey list', and we are 'blacklisted' by the UK and EU. In order to protect our country's status, it is said that the amendments were made hurriedly, derived from international legislation and not wholly suited for domestic application. There are now appeals to make further amendments.

Camille Facey shared important points from the current amendments: "Every company must:

•        keep documents relating to members/ beneficial owners for not less than 7 years.

•        notify the Companies Office of where the Register of Members is kept.

•        notify the Registrar of Companies of any changes to the beneficial ownership information, the Register of Members or registered office within 14 days of the change.

•        record the measures taken to verify beneficial ownership information as well as any supporting documents used in the verification process.

The powers of the Registrar have also been expanded to inspect companies and verify beneficial ownership information."

There have been appeals from MSEs to reduce fines and licensing fees, as these may not only drive them out of business, but also may be a deterrent for the creation of new businesses.

Camille Facey recommends that company officers acquaint themselves with the amended legislation by reading the following on the Companies Office website:

COJ's Beneficial Ownership Hub: https://www.bohubjamaica.com/

 

COJ's Beneficial Ownership Booklet: https://issuu.com/cojadvisory/docs/beneficial_ownership_new_2_

 

COJ's Presentation on the Companies (Amendment) Act 2023:

https://www.bohubjamaica.com/_files/ugd/f4ad2c_5a7575773cd6432f8d28499f85f0b20d.pdf

Many thanks to her for her guidance as she reminds, "there is still liability, whether directors/ officers /employees are not aware; have nothing to do with the collection of information or have taken reasonable steps to ensure compliance."

Marubeni-UWIDEF Scholars shine

Marubeni Power International in collaboration with the UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) awarded scholarships to five students pursuing Engineering degrees at the University of the West Indies Mona campus: Brianna Smith, Daniel McGregor, Martin McDonald, Dwight Simpson and top performer Rochelle Stephen.

 

At last Wednesday's presentation ceremony, Managing Director of Caribbean Operations for Marubeni Power International Mohamed Majeed praised the exceptional quality displayed by the five recipients. "We commend your accomplishments thus far and anticipate the impact you will undoubtedly have as you progress both academically and in your future careers," he said.

 

His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, in his address,

said all Japan stood in support of the development efforts of the Jamaican Government

and people for continued progress. He said he looked forward to many more acts of support for Jamaica's development both on the part of Marubeni as well as the Government of Japan.

Reynold Scott, Board Director of UWIDEF urged the students to continue to excel, adding that programmes such the scholarship presentation are at the heart of the Fund's function.

 

Responding on behalf of the quintet, Rochelle Stephen noted the "life-changing" nature of the scholarship. Rochelle, dressed in black, had lost her mother just a few days after she was notified of her success earlier this year. We wish this brave young lady and her colleagues continued success.

 

Memorable events

The beautiful Temple of Light was the venue for their seventh annual "Poetry, Prose & Rhythms in the Garden." Michael Reckord's 'Brief Walk Down Memory Lane' captured the highlights of the previous events. Hosts Dr. Lilieth Nelson and Hanief Lallo guided us through the rich programme featuring poets Dr Michael Abrahams, Rev Michele Synegal and Neto Coard; amazing cellist Emily Elliott and a band that could play on any big stage, Sebastian Miller and Friends. We were charmed by the little ones, showing off in 'Playing with Fashions'. It was good to see Professor Edward Baugh and Professor Mervyn Morris, ever supportive of our arts and culture.

Last Friday members of the Chinese Cultural Association (CCA) celebrated the Moon Festival at which guest speaker was Dr. Lei Feng, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, UWI, Mona.  He shared the legend of the Moon Festival and both English and Chinese poetry evoking the romance and mystery of the moon. We were greeted by President Set Yoon Smith, past president and Jamaican Nobel Laureate Professor Anthony Chen, and Secretary Professor Ronald Young. The evening brought back fond memories of late President Dr Kai Meng Lui.

The membership of the CCA comprises Jamaicans of all ethnicities.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is Executive Chair of PROComm, PRODEV and CCRP

lowriechin@aim.com

Photo captions

1.     Attorney-at-Law Camille Facey

2.     Top Marubeni Scholar Rochelle Stephen and fellow Scholar Daniel McGregor (left) in conversation with Mohamed Majeed (2nd right), Managing Director of Caribbean Operations for Marubeni Power International and Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice-President, Marubeni Power International.

 

Technology and education in Jamaica

Observer column published MON 4 Sept 2023

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Technology has been a Godsend for parents and children. Toddlers can be seen reading, singing along, doing simple arithmetic via games before they even begin pre-school. As we hear parents complaining about the expensive booklists, to get their children ready for 'September Morning', we believe that more textbooks should be available online although we understand that some workbooks may still have to be bought.

We welcome the news from Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams that her Ministry will be holding sensitization sessions to promote greater use of 'e-books'. She posted on social media, "The Biggest advantage of e-textbooks is the ability to include videos, animations and simulations to help students understand complex concepts and make learning more fun."

This sent me back to a lecture in 2017 by Edie Weiner, Founder and CEO of Future Hunters. I share here revised excerpts from my column in April 2017 on her look at education.

Weiner turned to the hot topic of education, reminding us that the brain grows fastest before the age of three and that it is ridiculous that after being exposed to iPad and smartphones, children are then taken to schools that are still using the same system that was designed for their grandparents. This was actually quoted at the finale of the Education Enrichment Programme which, with the support of the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information, USAID and the Digicel Foundation, covered 104 schools improving the literacy and numeracy of 43,000 primary school students. The Enrichment Centres in 43 schools are heavy on information technology and bright visuals which are particularly attractive to boys, have turned unenthusiastic students into high achievers. This was reinforced by Weiner as she demonstrated the difference between the way that male and female brains develop and what stimulates this development.

 

Edie is predicting a dramatic transformation in the delivery of education. Information technology will make education available to millions in experiential forms. Therefore, she says, "critical thinking is the most important thing we can teach our young people". 

 

She says that all of this recent technology is creating disruption. "In future," she says, "no one will be paying for 'smart', only 'intelligent'. This is the kind of intelligence that will enable you to figure out things that you have never seen before."  

 

She suggested that university students should not major in any one thing but take multi-disciplinary courses and challenge themselves to see the connection. The Antiguan student who sat all 26 CSEC subjects seems to be on the right track!

 

While we need to limit the time our children spend on gaming, we should note that there is a brand-new category of sports called "e-sports". Wiener said that video games are evolving into competitive events, one of which has been held in California, attracting 35 million online viewers. She said that universities will shortly be recruiting students who excel at e-sports for their teams.

 

IGT's After School Advantage Programme, Digicel Foundation and NCB Foundation this summer sponsored coding and robotics camps, gearing our children to make the best use of technology, learning how to create websites and apps that can create a better planet.

Now, let us allow our children to transition to the new school term, making use of technology to give them the best chance as this Fourth Industrial Revolution described thus by the World Economic Forum: "The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by extraordinary technology advances commensurate with those of the first, second and third industrial revolutions. These advances are merging the physical, digital and biological worlds in ways that create both huge promise and potential peril."

 

The WEF statement continues, "The speed, breadth and depth of this revolution is forcing us to rethink how countries develop, how organisations create value and even what it means to be human. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about more than just technology-driven change; it is an opportunity to help everyone, including leaders, policymakers and people from all income groups and nations, to harness converging technologies in order to create an inclusive, human-centred future. The real opportunity is to look beyond technology and find ways to give the greatest number of people the ability to positively impact their families, organisations and communities."

 

The gift of technology is that regardless of the size of one's country, the tools are there to help us stand shoulder to shoulder with leading professionals anywhere in the world. Let us seize the day.

 

Running for worthy causes

 

Airports Limited (MBJ)/Team Sangster raised $4.5M last year from their run-walk, which went in entirety to academics grants for primary, secondary and tertiary students. They are back again on Sunday, September 10, with generous sponsors stepping up to give great prizes: airline tickets from JetBlue, Spirit and Virgin Airlines, as well as weekend stays at Couples, Hyatt, Hilton, Zoetry, and S Hotel and day passes at Royalton. Additional prizes include Chukka Adventure Tour excursions; tablets from Digicel; gift baskets from Tortuga, Reggae Mart, and CPJ; and gifts from the Airports Authority of Jamaica and MBJ Airports Limited. Participants will be refreshed after the race with breakfast, courtesy of Express Catering Limited, Goddard Catering Group, VIP Attractions Limited, and CPJ Beverage Station and will also be able to enjoy an after-race massage.

 

Deadline for registration is this Wednesday 6^th September. The fee is J$2,000 for adults and J$1,500 for children. Participants will have the option to register for a 5/10K Run or 5K Walk, which will run from the Commercial Pick-up Area at the Sangster International Airport to Flanker/Whitehouse.

 

Meanwhile, Bert's Auto Parts have partnered with Food for the Poor Jamaica in their 4oth Anniversary 'Build Back the Love' house-building programme. The 'Build with Bert's 5K' will be held on Sunday, October 1 at Emancipation Park with the target of US$49,000, the cost of building ten houses.

 

Marketing Manager Waynette Strachan noted that the company has been giving back over the years, in appreciation of the support from their fellow Jamaicans. I can attest to that as Bert's is a kind discount partner of CCRP.

Andrea Williams-McKenzie honoured with CBE

Our family was delighted to learn that Andrea Williams-McKenzie was invested with the CBE, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles earlier this year at Windsor Castle. A Human Resource Development Specialist, Andrea has led significant projects for the Government. One of the most challenging was leading the workforce planning, resourcing and training to support all UK borders for the 2012 Olympics, an unqualified success. Andrea volunteers widely: she was a school foundation governor for her church parish, chair of governors for the parish Roman Catholic primary school, and a Eucharistic Minister. She has been volunteering at the winter homeless shelter and in other community activities.

Andrea has joined the ranks of famous individuals who have been invested with the CBE: Stephen Hawking, Harold Pinter, Hugh Laurie, Jonny Wilkinson and Helena Bonham Carter.

Heartiest congratulations to you Andrea!

 

Jean Lowrie-Chin is Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

lowriechin@aim.com

Photo Captions

MBJ/TEAMSANGSTER 2022 5K Winners Brandon Kerr and Danielle Terrier

 

King Charles converses with Andrea Williams-McKenzie CBE after her Investiture

 

 

A week of hope and suffering

Column published in Jamaica Observer – Monday 21 August 2023

A week of hope and suffering

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

It was a week of hope, starting with Yasus Afari's Jamaica Poetry Festival which sparkled with the classic poetry of Professor Edward Baugh, the youthful voice of octogenarian Boris Gardner and a surprise performance by our Renaissance Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.

 Yasus had us chanting with such phrases as 'Poetry can nyam!' – his response to his mother's criticism of his career choice; and 'Mek it 'tan deh!' to those who would misappropriate people's money.  

This year's Festival, the 13^th, was dedicated to legends Louise 'Miss Lou' Bennett Coverley, Harry Belafonte and Kahlil Gibran. Their biographies set the stage for the event, challenging us to bring excellence to the stage. We stepped up: 10-year-old Jazmin 'Jazzy J' Headley wowed us with a grown-up "This Woman's On Fire!" and acapella "Impossible Dream for an encore. We understand we will see her on the Hollywood big screen next year – she deserves it all, this child who raised a grand sum for the Jamaica Society for the Blind, the Show's Charity.

Professor Edward Baugh had the audience in awe with his memories of Portland, his birth parish and chuckling along with "Carpenter's Complaint" about "that mawga foot boy" who passed him by, despite building his father's house to give the making of his late father's coffin to "that big belly crook who don't know him ass from a chisel." At the end of his performance we were on our feet with sustained applause.

Boris Gardner gave us the story of his world-famous song, "Every N*****r is a Star!". He said it was the theme song for a movie of the same name which failed after two nights showing at the Carib Theatre. Then a few years later he got a call from Kendrick Lamar who introduced his album with the song's chorus and racked up sales of 5 million albums. But that was not the whole story. Seven years ago, he got a call from a top Hollywood production house that they wanted to use the song in a movie; that movie was 'Moonlight', which won eight Oscars including 'Best Picture of the Year' at the 2017 Academy Awards. Those are amazing royalties for the King of Jamaican balladeers.

Minister Bartlett took the opportunity to share a publication in which he contributed, discussing Jamaica's creation of a Tourism Resilience Programme in response to the Covid pandemic. "I presented it at the UN," he said, "and before I was finished the endorsements were coming in from other countries and at the end 94 countries were signatories for what Jamaica has given to the world."

Hats off to all the performers – it was an honour to share the stage with (in order of appearance): Master Drummer Calvin Mitchell, Poet Ossie Gee, Singer Sotera, Prof Clinton Hutton, Dr Emerson Henry, and Ras Jaja.

The soft side of Law Enforcement

It was a morning of joy last Thursday when the Jamaica Constabulary Force, in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force; Jamaica Fire Brigade; Jamaica Customs Agency; Department of Corrections; and the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency handed over J$4 million to Special Olympics Jamaica, collected during three months of taking the Special Olympics Torch in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) throughout every Parish of Jamaica. Lead representative of the Caribbean LETR Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay reminded us that our Law Enforcement agencies have been dedicated to this project since 1986, raising tens of millions for our Special Olympians. JCF's Head of Community Safety and Security Branch, ACP Charmaine Shand and Senior Superintendent Natalie Palmer Mair have given sterling service to the LETR over the years.

The video of the law enforcement officials starting each parish race shoulder to shoulder, then joined by citizens of every walk of life shows the genuine good heartedness of Jamaicans for our special needs community. Special Olympics of Jamaica (SOJ) Chair Aldrick McNab and Executive Director Coleridge 'Roy' Howell thanked the organizations profusely for the boost to SOJ's funds.

In turn our Special Olympians have made Jamaica proud in the World Games, the most recent of which was in Berlin where our United Team won the World Cup and we gained 18 medals.

On a personal note, it was wonderful to see Jamaica Customs Agency Commissioner/CEO Velma Ricketts Walker as we consider ourselves 'daughters' of our mentor Sister Mary Benedict Chung. In true Convent of Mercy 'Alpha' spirit, she vowed that she loved a challenge and was looking forward to contributing even more to next year's LETR.

Maui Tragedy

The scale of the tragedy of the Maui fires kept growing over the past two weeks, as the news reports showed the historic town of Lahaina literally burnt to the ground. The stories of families rescued from the ocean, the only place they could flee, were harrowing. We understand that some Jamaicans live on that island and though they lost property, they are safe with family members in another area of the island that was spared.

The death toll at press time was 114, but FEMA representatives have estimated that over 1,000 persons have been unaccounted for. There has been criticism of the emergency management agency for not having sounded warning sirens earlier and also of the power company for not shutting down power lines. However, others believe that the speed of the fire driven by hurricane winds would have been inescapable.

Relief efforts have been compassionate, with citizens being given hotel accommodation for seven months and promises of assistance to rebuild their homes and businesses. Such tragedies are sobering reminders of small island states like Jamaica that disaster preparedness requires knowledgeable professionals and well-informed citizens to maximise our safety.

Gregory Park suffering

Natural disasters are heart-wrenching, but disasters wreaked by criminals against their fellow Jamaicans are infuriating. Now over 80 people are homeless because gang members fire-bombed their homes in the early hours nine days ago. Young children and the elderly have been injured in these fires, while one young man has lost his precious life.

I ask again, as this column keeps asking, what is the role of the Office of Disaster Preparedness (ODPEM) in such cases? These same designated shelters should be opened and a central operation involving such willing organizations as Food for the Poor and the Jamaica Red Cross so that citizens can be housed and fed while permanent housing solutions are pursued.

MP Alando Terrelonge has been working assiduously to bring relief, but it cannot be left on one person's shoulders when there is so much to be done.

All eyes on Budapest

Let's cheer on Team Jamaica as they give of their best in Budapest. Medals there will be as our top athletes arrive with Season's Best records. May they remain in good health throughout the World Games. Gratitude to our coaches, sports medicine experts and organizers. Go Jamaica!!!!

Jean Lowrie-Chin is Executive Chair of PROComm and CCRP

lowriechin@aim.com

Photo Captions:

Representatives of Special Olympics gratefully accept the symbolic cheque for $4 million from the Commissioner of Police Antony Anderson and representatives of Jamaica's law enforcement agencies, raised by the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett reads at Yasus Afari's Jamaica Poetry Festival.  

Professor Edward Baugh has the audience in awe at the Jamaica Poetry Festival

Boris Gardner charms the Jamaica Poetry Festival Audience.