So many positives in our Jamaica

Jamaica Observer column published 23 January 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

It would have been easy to become absorbed in the alleged fraudulent activities in one financial institution, but three events last week reminded me that Jamaica still has so many positives.

We empathize with all who may have lost funds from this institution, particularly the elderly. However, they received some comforting news last week when The National Health Fund kicked off its 20^th Anniversary celebrations by announcing new benefits – let us ensure that our family and friends enjoy these new offerings.

At the press conference we heard from Health and Wellness Minister Dr Chris Tufton, Acting NHF Chairman Shane Dalling, CEO Everton Anderson, Anne Logan, Acting Senior Director - ICT, Individual Benefits and Research and Shermaine Robotham Director Health Promotion, PR & Customer Care.

The NHF is offering increased subsidies, new active pharmaceutical ingredients and the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test subsidies for male beneficiaries who are 40 years or older. Subsidies will be increased for approximately 400 drugs, benefitting over 350,000 active NHF cardholders. The new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) will be added to the NHF Programme for conditions including arthritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, breast cancer, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease.

For the JADEP programme (for persons over 60) new APIs will be added for five conditions: arthritis, asthma, glaucoma, hypertension and vascular disease. Approximately 21,000 active JADEP beneficiaries are in this programme. JADEP drugs are free of cost at JADEP participating pharmacies; beneficiaries are only required to pay a small fee to the pharmacy for dispensing the drug. The fee is $40 per prescription item for 1 to 5 drugs or $240 for six or more. The cost to fund the addition of these new benefits will range from $600- $900 million per annum.

We were reminded that the NHF card covers both NHF and JADEP benefits. There are now and 150 DrugServ and pharmacy locations islandwide where the JADEP benefits are available. There is a new online facility on the NHF website where doctors can confirm the conditions for which patients are being treated, thus quickly updating their benefits.

 

As reported by the Jamaica Observer's Balford Henry, Minister Tufton "called for advocacy around things, like school nutrition, sugary drinks, salt, sugar, fats, front-of-package labelling and tobacco legislation" citing them as being among the key issues affecting the NHF's resources.

He quoted the Minister's entreaty: "Don't just tell people that you have medication. Tell them how they can avoid needing the medication. Be bold in that regard; don't be shy. The marketers are not shy when they promote what they are promoting, so we shouldn't be shy."

Praying for community strength

Last week's annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) was held under the theme 'Strengthening Communities through Peace, Justice and Forgiveness'. 

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen called for unity at the event attended by political leaders, clergy, diplomats and private sector bosses: "A house divided against itself cannot stand," he warned. "There is so much in Jamaica which requires us to work together, to work in one accord, from the level of leadership. We, as leaders gathered here, must first demonstrate this by setting the example for the people to follow. We must always consider the impact of divisiveness when we, as leaders, make decisions."

Main speaker Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche, the first woman District President of the Jamaica Methodist Church, continued along this line as quoted by Observer reporter Brittny Hutchinson:  "We must join hands to work for the benefit of all, setting aside our differences. The Church is not in competition with the State or vice versa for scarce benefits. The Church is a microcosm of this society. We share a common experience. Even where there are differences in methodology, all objectives are clearly outlined in the National Pledge and they remain the same."

She continued: "We must speak truth to power and this begins with the Church, under the spotlight fulfilling our God directed mandate. The Church stands ready to create safe spaces and common ground to facilitate engagement as we work towards efforts at peace-making and community building."

Youth Speaker 2023 Rhodes Scholar David Salmon said in his message: "We must also have a consensus on crime and maintain an unwavering commitment to its implementation. Placing our communities at the centre of these discussions is essential."

We were uplifted by the song of faith by the Manchester High School Choir, and the prayers from our three counties. Congratulations to the VMBS Group for their continued sponsorship of the NLPB.  We at PROComm consider it a blessing to have introduced the live broadcast element for the NLPB over 25 years ago and  continuing to serve.  "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."

National Sports Awards

It was a moveable feast of athletic talent – as we celebrated the triumphs of our Jamaican athletes at the 62^rd National Sports Awards sponsored by the RJR-Gleaner Sports Foundation. There was a sense of pride as we welcomed guest speaker Ambassador Nick Perry, the first Jamaican-born US Ambassador to Jamaica; to the delight of the KC members in the audience he applauded his alma mater's sporting prowess.

There on the stage were our super stars Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson receiving a series of awards, culminating in Fraser-Pryce's 5^th victory as the National Sportswoman of the year. Fraser-Pryce began her reply by lauding Shericka Jackson's "phenomenal performance" and symbolically sharing her award with her. "I'm really grateful that I had an amazing season last year," she said. "The aim was I wanted to run 10.5 and 10.4 … even though I didn't get that it was just still mind blowing to see year after year you continue to push and to show you know, athletes, young women .. that anything is possible when you put your mind your heart and your soul into it."

She continued: "It was just amazing to see everything unfold… I've been able to affirm in women athletes that nobody gets to write your story but you. It's not about who is standing next to you, who you're competing with; it is about doing you, being and becoming extraordinary in every single thing that you do and I'm grateful that I had the support of my team and very solid team. I cannot go without ever acknowledging them because they have been the source of inspiration .. and to see everything unfold is not just for me it's for them. It's for my husband my son of course my coach."

Sportsman of the year was the powerful hurdler Rasheed Broadbell who won Gold at the Commonwealth Games and impressed in the European Diamond Leagues. Cedella Marley received the Chairman's Award for her unstinting support of our Reggae Girlz and her smashing designs of sports gear for our athletes.

Allow me a 'big-up' to family friend Stella Maris altar server and Campion College Sports Woman of the Year Isabel Matthews for her young sportswoman's award.

Surely we can use these positive developments, expressions and performances to move Jamaica out of this bog of scandal. Yes, we can.

Photo caption

Celebrating NHF's 20th Anniversary:

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Chris Tufton, Acting NHF Chairman Shane Dalling, CEO Everton Anderson, Anne Logan, Acting Senior Director - ICT, Individual Benefits and Research and Shermaine Robotham Director Health Promotion, PR & Customer Care.

Re-setting our moral compass

Jamaica Observer column published 16 January 2023

Re-setting our moral compass

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

It was Shakespeare who wrote in 'The Merchant of Venice':

"Mark you this, Bassanio,
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
An evil soul producing holy witness
Is like a villain with a smiling cheek,
A goodly apple rotten at the heart:
O, what a goodly outside falsehood hath!"

Thus, when this individual, having been de-certified in the US for child molestation, arrived in Jamaica in 2005, he named his organisations "The Father's House" and "Embracing Orphans", allegedly duping officials.  The YouTube clip shows a good-looking man joking about his hometown called Walla Walla in Washington state.  When people are fed with the Hollywood and comic book images of saviours like Tarzan and The Phantom, it is scary how easily they can be deceived.  Police sent terrified victims who begged to be rescued, back into the arms of the cannibal, Dahmer.

Then we are hearing about wealth advisors who are alleged to have stolen millions of dollars from various institutions.  What could have influenced such behaviour by individuals, making their way up the corporate ladder, working in sought after positions? Imagine, Usain Bolt could have invested his money anywhere, but as a keen nationalist he chose to invest in a Jamaican financial house, only to discover that millions of US dollars have gone missing from his account. This type of incident can erode the credibility of our financial institutions whose personnel are in the majority professional and ethical individuals.

This decay in morality has been happening worldwide and so it was welcome news when Yale University announced last month that its Divinity School (YDS) has established a Center for Public Theology and Public Policy with moral movement leader Bishop William J. Barber appointed as its founding director. YDS said the Center "will serve as a training ground for students, equipping them with a moral fusion framework as a guide for their chosen vocations and training them to engage in moral articulation, analysis, and action."

Here in Jamaica, outstanding citizens have cited the influence of parents, grandparents, pastors and teachers who have helped them to develop a strong moral compass. However in societies where materialism has eroded those foundational values, it will now be up to corporates and governing bodies to ensure that their customers and shareholders are protected from unethical employees. Our tertiary institutions include ethics in their business offerings but with this stream of offences coming to light, they may have to beef up their courses. Our churches and schools have been working at this but with issues of poor parenting, the role they play as moral leaders is even more important now.

This column has quoted futurist Edie Weiner who declared that time used to be the greatest luxury, but today it is trust that leads the way.  When we encourage our children to be trustworthy, check their schoolbags, promote diligence and loyalty among family and friends, we are building a society that will free us from the corruption that is holding us back.

Recently, Letta Gayle, Mentorship Officer of ICD's Multicare Foundation wrote to CCRP inviting our members to assist in their mentorship programme for at-risk young people. This is a welcome project, and we are sure that the response will be good when the invitation is circulated. The participation of seniors and retired persons in such programmes may bring the tender guidance that these young people had not experienced in their early childhood. Teachers who go the extra mile with their students have experienced this transformation and received much gratitude from past students who have set them on the right path.

Protecting our elders

Those of us who have been lucky enough to 'spend time' during our summer holidays with grandparents in rural Jamaica look back in thankfulness at our grannies' care and attention. However, these precious grandparents are now at risk with the scourge of elder abuse, particularly financial abuse, becoming more frequent.

At CCRP we have heard of a caregiver who took an ailing elder to the bank, persuading her to sign a sizeable withdrawal, and the stealing of furniture and appliances from people suffering from dementia. We are hoping that the Jamaica Banking Association will encourage their membership to take steps to protect their elderly account holders.

We have reports of physical, psychological and even sexual abuse. This is why, for the past five years we have been in dialogue with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to implement legislation for the care and protection of the elderly. We were advised that a Working Committee was being formed in preparation for this and are looking forward to participating in the discussions.

In checking the website of the Ministry of Health and Wellness we have noted that the certification of the Care Homes listed there has not been renewed since 2021. Our Jamaican elders who have built this country deserve better. We hope that the pleas of CCRP for regular monitoring of care homes and for legislation to protect our elderly will soon be answered.

Special Education Centre for Santa Cruz

As they forge ahead in their efforts to address our special needs community, the Digicel Foundation last week signed an agreement to partner with the Ministry of Education and Youth to renovate and expand the Santa Cruz Basic school to accommodate a Special Education centre for the town and the wider population of St. Elizabeth.

According to a JIS release, "Minister Williams commended the Digicel Foundation, noting that the entity's support to education over the years has assisted the Government's vision to develop the nation's children to their fullest potential, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds."

Senior Operations Manager at the Digicel Foundation, Jodi-Ann McFarlane noted that since its launch in 2004,  the Foundation has renovated 19 special needs schools, trained more than 746 teachers and parents in literacy and caregiving, thus benefiting more than 100,000 students.

Promising sports scene

What would we do without the generally positive news that we get from our sports women and men? The Sunshine Girls, fourth in the world got a generous boost from the National Baking Foundation and at press time had levelled the score 1-1 with the England Roses in their Three Test series. We are hoping for a great outcome when the final match is played.

Meanwhile our Reggae Girlz are at a training camp in Florida as they prepare for the Cup of Nations in Australia in February. Our women's senior national team is rated third in Concacaf and have again qualified for the Women's World Cup in July.

With JFF General Secretary Dennis Chung at the helm and the arrival of new Reggae Boyz  Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and assistant John Wahl, hopes are high for our World Cup qualifying campaign.

We are still holding out hope for West Indies Cricket with our Under 19 Women's Team beginning their campaign for the ICC Women's U19 World Cup. Cricket is a treasured unifier of the West Indies and we continue to cheer for their return to their former glory.

 

Merrick Needham – a Colonel and a Gentleman

Jamaica Observer column published MON 9 January 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

As the tributes poured in on the passing of Merrick Needham, it took me back to those intense days and nights preparing for Carifesta 76. The top players had some funny nicknames but the one I remember for Merrick was true and respectful: 'Merrick, the collarless cleric'.  Merrick Needham who had responsibility for Logistics and Communications for the Festival featuring 40 Caribbean countries, still had time to mentor us younger ones. I remember one team member who was framed by wrongdoers and when she tearfully related her story to Merrick, he comforted her in his signature style saying, "Chin up, be brave now – we will support you." He gave us the day off to accompany her to the trial in a rural area and celebrated with us when she was vindicated.  

To hear Merrick coordinating the transportation and accommodation of hundreds of participants, to observe how he prepared notes to ensure that we all understood our duties, to hear him address others firmly but respectfully was an education.

It was at Carifesta that Merrick forged a close friendship with netball legend Vilma McDonald who was on secondment from a Government Ministry to oversee the Festival's budget.  They were of one mind when it came to the stewardship of taxpayer's funds.  Vilma noted, "Since Carifesta, whenever Merrick was asked by the Government to manage a conference, he would insist that I was seconded to handle the budget."

Their families became close and it was only last year that Vilma's daughter, Michelle, who worked with Merrick Needham & Associates, wrote a tribute to her former boss in honour of his 88^th birthday. She wrote, "One could not pass through Merrick's hands without understanding what it meant to be meticulous, to always have a contingency plan, and be excellent in every way."

Merrick cared deeply about his country; he was born in England but returned to Jamaica with his English father and Jamaican mother to escape the dangers of World War II.  Merrick told me what a joy it was to ride his bicycle to St. Andrew Prep from their home on Trafalgar Road without any worry and how concerned he was that Jamaica's children could not enjoy the same peaceful environment.

After Carifesta, Merrick recommended me to serve on the Board of the Jamaica Family Planning Association (FamPlan) where co-founder Beth Jacobs leaned on him for guidance.  Our trips to the meetings in St Ann with then President Peter Myers at the steering wheel were replete with stories from Merrick's and Peter's schooldays at Priory High School and side-splitting humour from fellow members Joyce Gordon-Martin and Fay Harrison. I can just imagine the stories they are now swapping in their heavenly home.

During Carifesta, Merrick was dating the fabulous Camille Needham and the two married a few years later, a power couple for excellence in Jamaican protocol and hospitality. They were both so busy in their areas of responsibility that you rarely saw them together, and so it was a special delight that Hubie and I spent some lively evenings with them.

Camille recalls that there were murmurs about their age difference, "But anyone who knew Merrick well would know that I was the one trying to keep up with his pace." I remember the love and care they had for each other and in his later years when he went through a series of illnesses, he would say, "I don't know how I would manage if it weren't for my dear Camille."

Merrick loved his children Christopher, Fiona (from his first marriage to Erica Allen) and Dominic.  Yes, like most fathers he was a 'girl-dad' and appreciated Fiona's care and attention. But I also remember how touched he was when Dominic wrote him from England after he saw 'The King's Speech'.  Merrick treasured that letter in which Dominic told him that it brought back memories of Merrick's coaching of prominent Jamaicans who held their own on the podium thanks to his gifted father.

Merrick was so passionate about standards that any conference handled by his company impressed overseas participants and in Camille's words, "This is why Jamaica became so popular as the go-to location for international conferences."

In the Jamaica Observer's first report on Merrick's passing, Camille is quoted as saying, "Jamaica and the world have lost a most wonderful human being, a decent and generous man." Merrick was the personification of decency, a man of his word and generosity: he would take calls from anyone who needed assistance with matters of protocol and never asked for payment.  I would argue with him a lot about that, but he just couldn't help himself when it came to spreading the gospel of correct form.

We felt very much like Prime Minister Andrew Holness when he stated in a tweet, "What a tremendous loss we must now live with as we learn of the passing of protocol expert and passionate Jamaican nationalist Colonel Merrick Needham."

Merrick also had a special place in his heart for the Sisters of Mercy as his maternal aunt and late Mother Superior at Alpha was Sister Marie Therese Watson. When the then Alpha Boys School had a fire in the 80s it was Merrick who rallied a group of us to fund raise for the replacement of the building. There are still so many stories of his kindness left untold.

After his years of selfless service to the Jamaica Defence Force, Merrick Needham became the first Jamaican civilian to be commissioned as an Honorary Colonel. The Jamaica Observer reported: "The citation, read before the presentation of the commission on November 22, 2018 at the JDF's Up Park Camp headquarters in St Andrew, noted that Needham had been a dedicated supporter of the JDF for four decades and had participated in numerous military activities by freely offering his services in the production of the JDF's Alert magazine over many years, the Change of Command parades as a narrator, and the Military Tattoos in 1983 and 2012."

Merrick Needham touched countless lives. These were some of the many comments from my social media post on his passing:

Oliver Watt: "Thanks for the lessons Mr Needham. I've never again read out post nominals as you've advised."

Ambassador Aloun Assamba: "I remember being in the first Seminar he gave on Protocol for Corporate leaders in the early 1990s. What I learnt then from him has served me well over the years. When I was appointed to the Court of St James we spoke about what I should expect when I went to 'Buck House'."

Terry-Ann McDonald Tomlinson: "Merrick was the emcee at my wedding reception. He made it a night to remember. Happy memories."

On her last visit to Jamaica, Queen Elizabeth said to Merrick Needham before departing, "You have worked hard. I hope you get some rest."

Rest in peace my unforgettable brother-friend Merrick Needham. May your legacy give us the courage to make our Jamaica a banner for excellence in this New Year and beyond.

Photo caption

Merrick and Camille Needham

Press Association Condemns Attack on Journalists

Press Association of Jamaica Condemns Attack on Journalists

 Calls For Swift Investigation and Action From Police

 

November 29, 2022: The Press Association of Jamaica is condemning the attack of a cameraman and newspaper reporter in Homestead, Spanish Town, St Catherine on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

The photojournalist and reporter told us that while on assignment at the Homestead Primary School, covering a sick out by staff members, they were filming a scene by the school gate when the photojournalist was attacked by a man from the community who punched him.

The photojournalist also pointed out that the man grabbed his camera, ripped the microphone cable and attempted to damage the camera. He also tried to seize the mobile phone of the newspaper reporter.

We were informed that the police visited the scene and took statements.

The Press Association of Jamaica condemns unequivocally this reprehensible act and display of thuggery towards our workers.

The Press Association also wishes to remind the public that journalists must be free to conduct their duties without any form of threat or injurance, and is calling on the police to ensure a thorough investigation is done and appropriate penalties are applied to the attacker.

-30-

--

"A Free Press, Oxygen of Democracy"

Our silos of selfishness

Observer column published Monday 17 January 2022

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

There are no words for the terrible murders that are shaking our country. But there are words for us who have stepped up to be leaders, whether in politics, the public or private sector, church, media or civil society. We have failed our country. With our tiny egos, we have created silos of selfishness instead of joining together to be a powerful instrument of change. We can quarrel, criticize and 'speechify', we can shout God's name from prayer breakfasts; but nothing can happen if we do not become active in this social emergency.

This hunger for power has shredded the true definition of politics, a means by which the people of a nation can be well served and assured of their human rights. Study well these rights at https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights .

Article Three states: 'Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.' In this tiny rock of three million, our leaders from this and previous administrations just cannot seem to give us these rights. We are locked behind bars in our homes while the criminals run free. One of Jamaica's most positive souls, Nadine Sutherland, posted on social media: 'Today I feel like a prisoner in my own country. I'm tired, I'm really tired! I live always on the lookout for criminals. Every day, I wake hearing about criminal activities of the worst kind. We are the ones hiding, they seem to have free rein, rampaging!" She added, "The death of this kid!" referring to the horrific murder of nine-year-old Gabriel King.

The PSOJ and JCC launched the Crime Monitoring and Oversight Committee two years ago, and have been reporting that several of the important crime-fighting steps that had been agreed by them, including Government and Opposition stakeholders, have not been met. Again, PSOJ President Keith Duncan has called for a state of emergency, and we can expect the usual quibbling while we hold our collective breaths.

On Thursday, church leaders will meet at the Pegasus Hotel for the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. We believe that if we did not have dedicated church leaders and members, Jamaica would be in a worse position. It was Peter Mais who marshalled a group of us together some 30 years ago to form the Stella Maris Foundation in Grants Pen at a time when it was an area of unrest. By initiating the HEART Training programme, partnering with psychology experts at UWI for mediation and counselling, and with the assistance of the Digicel Foundation and USAID, we were able to bring peace to the community.

This did not happen overnight. It required the focus and planning of resolute volunteers and a diligent staff. At each board meeting, we reviewed our key performance indicators (KPIs). How many lives did we touch? How many enrolled in training? How many graduates? We established the Norma Chang Day care Centre so that mothers of infants could, and still can, attend classes while their children are cared for. We have seen moving success stories out of that Foundation.

The Salvation Army, the Anglican Church's Mother's Union, the Seventh Day Adventist's Good Samaritan Inn, Mustard Seed in the heart of Olympic Way, Sister Benedict's Laws Street Centre, the leading schools founded and run by Churches and the Government – yes, we have noble examples of the splendid work of the Churches.

Churches have the ear of women in crime-ridden communities. They do not want to see their children and grandchildren murdered by fellow gang members or in a shootout with the police. How can we help them to persuade these young men to turn themselves in? We have international colleagues with the experience; let us learn from each other and help our young men to redeem themselves.

Now to our overworked and underpaid members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. It is good news that police stations are being refurbished and better equipment and motor vehicles are being provided for the police. However, they must be paid a fair wage in keeping with the demands we make of them. If we continue like this, we will lose some of our finest officers who would readily find employment in the global security industry.

We beg our leaders to have a conscience: cease the grandstanding in Parliament and at press conferences. This situation requires the urgent attention of both Government and Opposition – by their example we can come together and end this mindless violence.

MPs study Parliamentary Governance

Eleven JLP MPs, along with politicians from other countries, completed the Parliamentary Governance Programme at McGill University last week. Congratulations to them all, and kudos to Ann-Marie Vaz who scored straight 'A's. I hope PNP MPs will also take up this course; good governance is the only way forward.

Ian Forbes – St. Andrew Custos Designate

Dr Patricia Dunwell's term of office as Custos of St. Andrew will end shortly. Dr. Dunwell served with distinction, ensuring that Justices of the Peace attended development sessions and delivering inspiring addresses at myriad events. She balanced her duties as Custos and her professional life with grace and dignity. We are grateful to her for her national service, supported by her husband Stanley Dunwell.

In a letter to us JPs in St. Andrew, she announced that Ian Forbes, well known business leader who has been a driving force for years in the JAAA and a Trustee of Jamaica College, is our Custos Designate. We congratulate him and know we can enjoy the support also of his wife Lana Forbes. How can we give up on Jamaica? We still have good people here, willing to serve.

TEDx Mona – day of pride

Last Saturday, five brilliant Jamaicans spoke at the TEDx Mona event on the theme, 'Creating your own reality': Antoinette Aiken, founder of 'TONITERP'; Emprezz Golding, CEO of 'Talk Up Yout'; Dr Dingle Spence, Palliative Care Medical Doctor; Dr Diana Thorburn, Director of CAPRI and Maurice Wilson, Principal of GC Foster College. If you missed the live event, it will shortly be posted on YouTube. Make the time to enjoy and learn.

Jamaican to ski in Winter Olympics

Benjamin Alexander, British-born with a Jamaican father, will be the first skier ever to represent Jamaica in the Winter Olympics next month in China. Inspired by the film 'Cool Runnings', Alexander who started skiing in 2016 qualified last week for the Olympics by finishing seventh in the giant slalom at the Republic of Cabo Verde National Ski Championships.

According to Sky News, 'Two years ago the engineering graduate decided to make a plan to "get to Olympic standard piece by piece." He said that on his four-month visit to Jamaica in 2020, he learned to appreciate our 'cool factor'. He commented, "The biggest cheer at the Olympics is always for the host country, but the second biggest cheer is always for Jamaica."

Well, look at that: let us help Jamaica step up to our cool, 'one love' reputation.

 

Private Sector and Civil Society Groups Implore the Opposition to Support Extension of SOEs

MESSAGE FROM THE PSOJ - 24 November 2022

Dear Jean, On November 25th, 2022, the Senate will debate the extension of the States of Public Emergency (SOEs) until January 14, 2023, in the select parishes where SOEs were declared on November 15, 2023. This broad-based grouping of Private Sector and Civil Society supports the extension of the SOE and urges the Senate to pass the extension on the condition that the Government addresses outstanding key issues, critical in achieving full Opposition's support until January 14, 2023, in the select parishes where SOEs were declared on November 15, 2023. Murders have Declined Since SOEs Declared Since the declaration of the SOEs on November 15, we have seen murders decline significantly nationally, and in the parishes where the SOEs were declared nine days ago. Nationally, the data shows 63 murders being recorded the weeks before the declaration of the SOEs. Data shows that 12 murders were recorded in the first week of the declaration of SOEs. This is a significant decline. Since yesterday, within the parishes and specific zones where SOEs were declared murders have recorded a dip from 21 for the period November 7th-14th to 6 from November 15th-22nd. The data demonstrates that SOEs can help to save lives. Appeal for Extension of SOEs through the Christmas period until January 14, 2023 Jamaicans across the length and breadth of the country are living in a state of fear and anxiety and consider the crime situation a chronic crisis. While the use of SOEs to contain the current surge of crime and violence is not a long-term solution, it has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing murders. We recommend that these emergency measures be employed over the Christmas period as a surge in criminal activity is the norm during this time as criminal elements look to rob, extort, and murder, to increase ill-gotten gains. JCF and JDF Recommend the SOEs  The leadership of the JCF and JDF recommend the extension of SOEs to mitigate the loss of lives. This temporary measure, we anticipate, will ease the constant bloodletting, and enable law-abiding citizens to enjoy the holiday season.  SOEs are an Interim Measure  We agree that SOEs should not be a routine measure in normal times but believe that the trend in recent months suggests that we need additional measures now to disrupt criminal networks as soon as possible in order to reduce violent crimes and murder.  Enhanced Security Measures  We are aware that the Enhanced Security Measures (ESM) have been outstanding from Q-1 of 2021 as signed off in the Crime Monitoring & Oversight Committee (CMOC) consensus agreement. We acknowledge that there has been progress, but this deliverable requires finalisation.  The Enhanced Security Measures will provide greater powers in the law to target, detain and neutralise known violence producers by providing strong intelligence to the Justice system.  Collaboration of GoJ and Opposition on the Drafting and Passage of the ESM  The Opposition leader has indicated in Parliament that he has proposed a framework for the ESM and the Prime Minister has indicated that these measures are being drafted.  We strongly recommend that the GoJ collaborates with the Opposition on drafting the ESM with a heightened sense of urgency to ensure that it has the smoothest possible passage through the lower and upper houses so the measures can be utilised in the shortest possible time frame. We recommend that the draft legislation is brought to the lower house before the expiry of the SOEs on January 14, 2023.  Political Maturity required  Jamaica is bleeding, and we are at a point of great frustration as citizens. We expect our Prime Minister to lead this process and engage the Opposition with humility and inclusiveness. We are hopeful that the Opposition will reciprocate.   We strongly encourage the GoJ to consider suggested changes made by the Opposition on the clauses of the Emergency Power Regulations once they don't reduce the effectiveness of the SOE.    The Private Sector and Civil Society encourage a unified approach to crime fighting, one that is without politicisation. The citizens of Jamaica deserve the right to life and to raise their families in a society that will allow them to do so without fear.   We must win the war.  The following groups are supporting this appeal:  The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)  The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC)  Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA)  Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA)  MSME Alliance  Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ)  The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry   The Negril Chamber of Commerce  The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce   The May Pen Chamber of Commerce  Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF)  Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA)  Dunn's River Craft Traders Market Association   Ocho Rios Craft Council   Jamaican Craft Traders & Producers Association     -END-

Riding out this fourth Covid wave

Observer column for published Monday 10 Jan 2022

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Health Minister Dr Chris Tufton and Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie did not mince words as they warned at last week's press briefing of the fourth wave of Covid, dominated by the highly contagious Omicron variant. Many of us are getting calls from family and friends who went abroad for the holidays that they must postpone their return as they have tested positive for Covid. Now these are not careless people. They have double-masked, worn face shields, remained in the homes of relatives. But somehow that sneaky Omicron found its way into their system.

This virus travels in an aerosol from the mouth or nose of infected persons. It sprays far and wide and its particles are so light that they linger in the air for a long time. Surgical masks offer minimal protection as there are gaps at the sides. Tying the strings makes an even bigger opening. It is recommended that you wear a cloth mask over the surgical mask for full protection, though the ideal is the N95 mask.

We love to sing in church, but this is now forbidden in some churches overseas; the aerosol travels further when released from singing, as well as loud talking and laughing. Covid is a total wet blanket, but if we want to come out of this crisis, we must Zoom and FaceTime the laughter.

We continue to have one of the lowest vaccination rates in the Caribbean: less than 25 percent. A JIS report by Alecia Smith quoted the Minister: "We need to continue to emphasise to Jamaicans that the persons who are most affected by COVID-19, irrespective of the strain, whether it's Delta or otherwise, are persons who are not vaccinated, and it is a sobering message to those who are not, that you are in increased danger and you should make every effort to get vaccinated."

Between last Thursday and Friday, Jamaica recorded 2,862 new cases and nine new deaths. The CMO said that in reviewing the deaths from Covid since March of last year, 98.5 percent of the 1,953 persons who passed away, were unvaccinated. Yes, you can get Covid even if you are vaccinated, but the symptoms will not be as severe as for those who are unvaccinated.

I have been one of those pushing for schools to be reopened but in the face of this massive surge which we believe will pass in three to four weeks, it may be best for the Ministry to take a break once again from face-to-face learning. It is very hard for children to stay safe when they are boarding crowded buses and using taxis. However, we are appealing to the many churches in the inner city to open their doors so children can get some level of supervision. The stories coming out of those places are frightening; we will have 10-year-old alcoholics and weed-heads in these communities if we are not careful.

As to the destruction of 900,000 doses of Covid vaccine at the NHF warehouse, we are hoping that this is a result of negligence rather than sabotage. We Jamaicans go 'the full hundred' of enjoyment at Christmas. This breach happened on Christmas Eve when the celebrations are at peak. It would be bad enough if the loss was caused by negligence, but utterly despicable it is proved to have been done purposely by anti-vax team members.

Young entrepreneurs shine

It is wonderful to see young entrepreneurs making their mark in Jamaica. Monique Powell of QuickCart (formerly QuickPlate) continues to widen her offerings and locations, while Larren Peart, creator of Blue Dot is making his way through his financial challenges.

Tyrone Wilson, CEO of iCreate, was understandably bullish about the digital training and media services company's prospects at its recent AGM. Having survived the downturn of the early stages of COVID, rationalized and reduced expenses, iCreate has again attracted significant investment and is forging ahead with its visionary Creative City project as well as the core business of training for the digital economy through iCreate Institute.

The iCreate Institute has trained some 4,000 individuals to date, and earned over J$150 million. We have a soft spot for the Institute which offered 500 CCRP members free training last year.

 

Farewell great Jamaicans

We said farewell last week to four amazing Jamaicans, and I confess that my heart is heavy as I reflect on these great individuals.

First came news that my mother's best friend, Mrs Josephine Lowe, a stalwart of the Women's Federation, passed away at 103-years-old. We have fond memories of her 100^th birthday party hosted by her son Dr Henry Lowe at Eden Gardens. She stood and danced as they played 'She's Royal' and kept us all in lively conversation. Her house was the centre of fund-raisers for the community, and she was honoured several times for her contribution to the Federation.

Then came news that Dr Glenda Simms, gender activist and former executive director of the Women's Bureau had passed away in Canada. Dr Simms was a renowned feminist; she was president of the Congress of Black Women of Canada and was appointed by the Canadian government as president of the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

On Saturday, we learned of the passing of the matriarch of the Chen family, Hyacinth Gloria Chen. We shared Mrs Chen's memories in this column some years ago: a single mother who was a bookkeeper at Frenchman's Cove and later opened a small shop in Port Antonio. She then married Vincent Chen who was a wonderful father to her son Michael Lee-Chin, and together they raised a large family. Mrs Chen's guidance influenced her children to aspire to higher learning and entrepreneurship. She was adored as a loving and wise grandmother and quietly reached out to help many. Her contribution to nation building is immeasurable. In her honour, Michael Lee-Chin named the Courtyard at the Royal Ontario Museum Crystal for his mother and later, the Hyacinth Chen School of Nursing at NCU. On meeting her, she immediately became to me as to many others our beloved 'Aunt G'.

Soon after hearing of Mrs Chen's passing, I received the news that my friend and steadfast Board Director of CCRP, Michael Fraser had suddenly passed away. Michael Fraser was the retired Vice President of Sagicor, and it was he who collaborated with them to introduce a health plan for the members of CCRP. This plan literally saved hundreds of lives. Michael gave generously of himself – he served on the board of the Jamaica Cancer Society, the Medical Foundation of Jamaica and supported numerous philanthropic activities. His son Richard says he takes comfort from one of Michael Fraser's regular sayings: "We are not here for a long time; we are here for a good time."

The tributes which have come in from the humble to the high, signal that the late James Moss-Solomon 'walked with kings, but never lost the common touch.' To hear Kadeem Petgrave and Yaneek Page speak of his guidance, to hear Don Wehby speak of his leadership, to hear the Prime Minister speak of his patriotism are testimony of an extraordinary man.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these unforgettable Jamaicans. May their souls rest in peace.

Photo captions

 

Hyacinth Gloria Chen – portrait at NCU by Viv Logan

Michael Fraser

Tyrone Wilson

 

 

Archbishop Kenneth Richards calls for prayer to Emancipate Jamaica from Crime

From Archbishop Kenneth Richards

Chairman of the Umbrella Group of Churches

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

The time is at hand! 

Saturday July 30, and the following day, Sunday July 31, are the Two Days designated to Pray for our Nation! It is our sincere commitment to appeal to Our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for an intervention that will transform the temporal order in our Nation. Our intercession rests on God's promise:

 …if my people who bear my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my presence and turn from their wicked ways, then I will listen from heaven and forgive their sins and restore their country (2 Chronicles 7:14).

May our hope in Our Lord's promise be manifest by our personal repentance, as we lead our people in repentance. For with Daniel we declare:

 I pleaded with The Lord my God and made this confession: 'O my Lord, God great and to be feared, you keep the covenant and show faithful love towards those who love you and who observe your commandments: we have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly, we have betrayed your commandments and rulings and turned away from them. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our chief men, our ancestors and all people of the country (Daniel 9:4-6).

 

May the Lord make sincere the cry of our hearts, as we seek His providential purpose.

In consideration of our hope that The Lord will "Emancipate" our Island of commonplace murders and criminal activity, may The Holy inspire the petitions we will formulate in raising our voices to Heaven. May each of us humbly pray:

 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer (Ps 9:14).

Peace,

Archbishop Kenneth Richards

Chairman

Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches