There is still cause for celebration

 Observer column published MON 4 April 2022

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica PM Andrew Holness welcomed by
US Vice President Kamala Harris 

We can become so mired in the negative news of the day that we do not celebrate Jamaica’s many wins in recent weeks. We could see that warm genuine smile on the face of US Vice President Kamala Harris as she welcomed our Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Ministers Senator Kamina Johnson Smith and Dr Nigel Clarke to the White House.

Indeed, Vice President Harris remarked, “As a point of personal privilege, I grew up going to Jamaica.  My family — half of my family is from St. Ann Parish in Jamaica. And I know I’ve shared that history with millions of Americans who have their roots through the generations in Jamaica.”

PM Holness noted in his response, “Madam Vice President, let me say that you have been a source of inspiration and great pride for many Caribbean people — in particular, our young women in the region. And we are, indeed, seeing an increase in the political participation of young women. And this diversity in the political space will augur well for the — for the region. “

According to a White House report, “The Vice President underscored that the U.S.-Jamaica partnership is a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and that this year, the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two nations, we are committed to strengthening our ties.”

Our delegation did not return home empty-handed, as Vice President Harris announced a US$20 million grant over a five-year period “to strengthen and expand key industries for Jamaica”, and a further US$10 million for the support of violence reduction with special focus on our at-risk youth.

We saw that Ambassador Audrey Marks was very much at the table of talks and thank her for her efforts in keeping Jamaica front of mind.

It is a big deal that our small country, population three million, is afforded valuable time on the busy agenda of the White House. However, let us not forget that our geographical location at the crossroads of the Americas, our proud history as a strong democracy and our cultural impact are notable factors. Let us take the goodwill and the gifts as a challenge to make Vice President Harris even more proud of her roots, as we tackle crime and violence.

Jamaican leadership

Dr Nigel Clarke 

We were proud to learn that Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke was last week elected unanimously as chairman of the Board of Governors of Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) for 2022. Dr Clarke was nominated by the governor for Paraguay, Oscar Llamosas Díaz, and seconded by the temporary alternate governor for Canada, Andrew Hurst.

Diaz is quoted by Jamaica Observer Senior Reporter Andrew Laidley as saying, “because of his great leadership and his ability to bolster public finances in his country we are sure that his vision, commitment and leadership will also guide us in this process to renew and strengthen the IDB Group as the needs of our countries and the region currently demands.”

During the White House visit, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen congratulated Dr Clarke on his election as the Chair of the IADB Group’s Board of Governors.

We also learned that the Government is proposing Senator Kamina Johnson Smith for the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Although there are mutterings about our move because the incumbent Baroness Patricia Scotland had been recommended at a Caricom meeting, we should be aware that there has been controversy around her governance of the organization. The election of the Secretary General will be made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, to take place from 20th to 25th June 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda.

We wish Senator Johnson Smith success in her campaign as she is widely respected as an accomplished professional.

We are in recovery mode

STATIN last week reported that for the fourth quarter of 2021, Jamaica’s economy grew by 6.7 percent. The Institute noted that the services and goods producing industry registered a 9.5 percent growth. STATIN said the relaxation of some COVID-19 measures, including the easing of global travel restrictions and reduced curfews hours may have impacted this growth. Hotels and restaurants represented the fastest recovering sector, with gains of 79.5 percent. May we continue to recover, but please don’t ditch your mask.

Vincent Hosang UWI Awards

Entrepreneurship awards at UWI: Douglas Lindo (Chairman, Vincent HoSang Entrepreneurship Programme), Dr. David McBean, (Executive Director, Mona School of Business and Management), Dr. Leighton Ellis, 3rd Place Winner, Trae-Ana Wilkins, 1st Place Winner, Joshua Anderson, 2nd Place Winner, Christopher Brown, (General Manager, Project Management Unit, Development Bank of Jamaica) and Tamra Thomas, (Programme Coordinator, Vincent HoSang Entrepreneurship Programme).

The Vincent Hosang UWI Venture Competition, offering J$1 million cash and prizes attracted eighty entrants, with eight finalists emerging to deliver their pitch earlier this year. The winners were: first place ZRise, an undergraduate team from CARIMAC who developed an online marketplace platform that connects businesses and brands with Caribbean creative influencers and content creators; second, Fresh Fuel, an undergraduate team from the School of Engineering; third, Team Ouro Preto represented by Dr. Leighton Ellis a UWI Faculty member also from the School of Engineering. Fresh Fuel is a start-up looking into the development of modular anaerobic digestion technology for implementation in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean, while Ouro Preto is a business that converts organic waste to composting material for gardening and farming purposes.

Other prizes included the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Award for Corporate Social Responsibility won by Team T&S Delivery and the Baymac Award for Digital Transformation and Implementation which was won by Team Swaze.

At the finals, Mrs. Sabrina HoSang Jordan, CEO, Caribbean Food Delights announced that the HoSang family will be contributing US$20,000 in additional support to the Vincent HoSang Entrepreneurship Programme at the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM).

Dr. David McBean, Executive Director of the MSBM in his remarks stated, “We remain dedicated to ensuring that the UWIVC moves business ideas from mere concepts up the value chain to commercially viable entities that are market ready as we work towards playing a more integral role in the strengthening of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

This was supported by representatives of co-sponsors, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Chairman Patricia Duncan Sutherland and Nari Williams-Singh, Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

The excellent Donna-Marie Rowe

Donna-Marie Rowe receiving Gleaner Honour Award for JIS 

We note the departure of Donna-Marie Rowe from the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), after 21 years at the organisation, the last thirteen of which she served as Executive Director. We know that in yesteryear this post is vacated quite swiftly as soon as there is a change of administration. It is a reflection of Mrs Rowe’s excellence that she was retained in the top post for 13 years under both PNP and JLP governments.

When you Google “Jamaica,” JIS is usually near the top, having developed under Mrs Rowe’s watch into a dependable and timely source of information on our various Government ministries and agencies.

Clearly Donna-Marie Rowe will continue to make her mark wherever she decides to go. We will miss her at the JIS, and we are grateful for the high standard she has set at the organisation.

Speaking positivity

 I am posting this very late after publication but it still has value.

Jean

Published in the Jamaica Observer 3 Jan 2022 

Jean Lowrie-Chin

Archbishop Tutu - photo from Africa Report 

What will we write on this clean sheet of 2022? Let us look to the lives of two beloved figures who we lost recently for inspiration: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and actor and comedian Betty White. They loved, they laughed and they never stopped working.

My brag is that my sister Frances met and spoke with Archbishop Tutu when he visited her late boss Bishop Walker of the Episcopalian Diocese of Washington. She enthused, “Bishop Tutu could be the best stand-up comedian in the world” after he left them in stitches at the meeting. So here was a man who did not take himself very seriously, but took the pain of apartheid into his heart and helped to heal his beloved South Africa. At his funeral over the weekend, South African Prime Minister Cyril Ramaphosa said, “He was our moral compass … he was the conscience of South Africa.” The beloved Archbishop requested “the cheapest coffin possible” and asked that his ashes be planted at the root of a tree. Because, of course, he knew that his mortal condition would be giving way to immortal glory to which no funereal trimmings could compare.

At 87, Betty White co-starred as Grandma Annie in ‘The Proposal’ and at 88 was host of the legendary Saturday Night Live (SNL), cracking jokes with style and aplomb. SNL alum Seth Myers posted on social media: “RIP Betty White, the only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party. A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed till the bitter end.” She was the antithesis of the airhead Rose Nylund she played to the hilt in ‘The Golden Girls,’ celebrating ageing with humour.

You get energy from these great humans. We have excellent examples right here in Jamaica: the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Karl Hendrickson and Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe. None of these three had anything much of an inheritance. They built their businesses from the ground up and used every failure to create their next success. That indefatigable patriot Stewart-Hinchcliffe declared when she received the CCRP Living Legacy Award last November, “I am a young 82: retirement is not on my agenda!”

You get energy from stories of pain and persistence, like that of Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams. The movie ‘King Richard’ starring Will Smith shows the dedication of a father who would not quit on his dream for his daughters. In their humble household, education remained number one as he insisted that his children should have straight ‘A’s and be multi-lingual to stay in the game of tennis. And so, his daughter Serena wowed the French press when she answered their questions in their language after winning the French Open.

You get energy from working hard but happy. “Have fun,” Richard Williams told his daughters as they headed into their games. Williams wrote on a piece of cardboard that he hung on the fence of the tennis court: ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’

During our Advent Crusade, our Pastor, Dr Howard Thompson, used the symbols of gift-wrapping to challenge us to offer up ourselves in the New Year. That offering was up to us, he said but we must resolve to make it. Now that is something to consider in a country where there is great mourning for those who passed from Covid and other illnesses, from traffic crashes and most tragic of all, from murder. Even if we have nothing material to give, we can make a call to listen with love and understanding. We can turn off our devices and giving special attention to the children and elderly in our families.

None of us is planning to fail in 2022 but are we doing what our friend Gordon Swaby keeps reminding us to do: “Ignore the noise. Focus and execute.” We need to listen to this young man – whose EduFocal has helped tens of thousands of Jamaican students and posted recently, “1/EduFocal x Transport Authority x BCIC Driver Training platform officially launched. Come January 10, 2022 we will be onboarding more than 10,000 public passenger vehicle drivers on our platform (phase 1). More than 2 years of work went into this. Very happy about today!”

As Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” Go for it in 2022!

Growth despite Covid

Dr Nigel Clarke - photo from Loop Jamaica 

Recent Statin findings are that our Jamaican economy grew by 5.8 percent in the quarter ending September 2021, compared to the previous year. Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Nigel Clarke noted, “The services component of our economy, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of economic output, grew by 7.1 percent in aggregate.” Hotels and restaurants enjoyed a whopping 114.6 percent increase.

We have to be grateful to the members of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), chaired by Keith Duncan who was also recently re-elected President of the PSOJ. This man is passionate about his country’s development, dedicating his time and his own resources to ensure full disclosure on the status of main drivers of our economy.

Duncan noted this growth and spoke with optimism at last month’s EPOC press briefing. However, his warning of the arrival of the Omicron variant is now coming to pass: “With the inevitable arrival of the Omicron variant of the virus … we could see the anticipated fourth wave of COVID-19 impact. Efforts to contain the spread locally and internationally could see restrictions on economic activities in the domestic and international markets, which could lead to a slowdown in travel and disruptions in production and distribution.”

People who are not vaccinated are not only playing with their own lives, but also with the future of our country.

Back to school

Education Minister Fayval Williams says her Ministry has passed over 800 infant, primary and secondary schools for safe re-opening. Please teachers and parents, our children need to get back to school. One lady who lives in the inner city told me they are “running wild” in the lanes. She said there is a seven-year-old smoking ganja on her lane and that he has absolutely no supervision.

Both UNICEF Jamaica has conducted studies showing extreme learning loss among Jamaican children, and has called on the authorities to reopen schools in an open letter supported by other stakeholders, the Business Process Industry Association of Jamaica (BPIAJ), Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS), Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) and National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ).

“Jamaica’s children have lost an estimated 1.3 billion in-class hours over 19 months of physical school closures. The learning loss is staggering. The most vulnerable children who struggle to access remote education have been hit the hardest,” noted the letter dated October 2021.

It continues: “We call on the government to urgently ensure the safe face-to-face re-opening of Jamaica’s schools and to remove any barriers that stand in the way, including vaccination targets for schools. .... This has been done elsewhere, and we can do it too.”

Keith Duncan and Donna Duncan-Scott honoured at 2022 AFJ Jamaica Charity Gala

Keith Duncan and Donna-Duncan Scott, Ambassador Glen Holden (ret.) Honored by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) in Miami New York, NY - April 29, 2022 - Forty years ago, the American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. (AFJ) was founded on the vision that all people should have access to opportunity - a vision that remains unchanged today. The portico at Miami's Perez Art Museum (PAMM) was the venue for the AFJ's 2022 comeback gala on Friday, April 29th.  The sold-out affair honored Ambassador Glen Holden, former United States Ambassador to Jamaica together with Jamaican business leaders and philanthropists, Keith Duncan and Donna Duncan-Scott.  Sponsors included JetBlue, BankUnited, JMMB Group. Glen Holden served as US Ambassador to Jamaica from 1984 to 1993 in his official capacity.  He has since continued his commitment to helping Jamaican people by serving on the Board of the AFJ for nearly 40 years.  Ambassador Holden is recognized throughout the insurance and financial industry for his innovative leadership policies which opened significant industry expansion and developments in effect until today. Keith Duncan is the President of the Jamaica Private Sector Organization (PSOJ) and CEO of JMMB Group.  Donna Duncan-Scott is the Executive Director at JMMB.  Keith Duncan was recognized for his leadership and business impact.  Donna Duncan was recognized for her contribution to humanitarian efforts in Jamaica. To date, the AFJ has dispersed over U$16 Million to valid programs across Jamaica.  Patrons at the Gala enjoyed an inspirational evening as the organization showcased beneficiary programs in Education, Healthcare and Economic Development.  The Holden Legacy Fund, ProjectStar and GK Food Bank were also highlighted.  The night raises funds for the AFJ's discretionary grants and donor advised grants. It was a night of glitz, glamour and fun for a purpose.  The Gala began with island themed drinks and small-bites followed by a three course dinner and the presentation of awards.  Dancing to Grammy nominated band Inner Circle and DJ Richie D made for an energetic and fun party vibe.  Novel table top arrangements featuring things Jamaican, i.e., coconuts, orchids, driftwood, starfish, seashells, sugar cane and the island's famous scotch bonnet peppers made for great table conversations. The silent auction featured a unique collection of art, jewelry, luxury vacation experiences, Jamaican coffee as well as other products from the island.  Artists Richard Natoo and Oneika Russell were present and engaged patrons throughout the evening.  Both artists are from AFJ grantee, Kingston Creative. In attendance were AFJ Board Chair Wendy Hart, Board Members Ambassador Sue Cobb, Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, Christopher Ohrstrom, Roddy Klotz, Kathleen Newman, Barron Channer, Executive Director Caron Chung, Mayor of Broward County Dale Holness, Consul General Oliver Mair, popular entertainer Walshy Fire. About the AFJ The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. (AFJ) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit built on the principles of service and philanthropy, established to render assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare and Economic Development.  The AFJ Grant Cycle begins in November each year and grants are distributed in April of the following year.  The AFJ takes pride in the fact that all former United States Ambassador to Jamaica continue to serve on their Board.    Contact Info The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. 1697 Broadway, Suite 501 • New York, NY 10019 • T 212-265-2550 Email: info@theafj.org Website: www.theafj.org Social Media Handle: afjcares

This country of contrasts

Observer column published Monday 28 March 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Even as there were reports of multiple incidents of violence, Jamaica was getting herself ready for a Royal Visit. The front pages spoke of tragedy while the social pages featured highlights of the tour. While I support Prime Minister Andrew Holness's announcement that we are taking the path to becoming a Republic, it was quite in order that we greeted our royal guests with our signature Jamaican warmth. And yes, I am proud that we can organise elegant events on par with any other country.

The arrival of Maverley-born Raheem Sterling, now a leading footballer in Britain, was symbolic of this, our country of contrasts. The joy of the little ones watching the Trench Town match in the presence of the royal couple, signalled their hope for better days. A few days later there was a shooting in Maverley which left three dead and six injured. As I write this, a curfew is in effect in the area.

In one week, there have been three incidents in which teenaged students have lost their lives or been injured: at Morris Knibb High, in a fight over a 'guard ring', at Liguanea Avenue in upper St Andrew where a schoolboy was killed in a cell phone robbery, and at Excelsior High where a student was stabbed in an altercation. Statistics show that Jamaica is losing more lives to violence than countries which are at war.

In the Morris Knibb incident, we asked where are the fathers? There was one weeping mother at the hospital where her son was pronounced dead, and another weeping mother at the police station where her son was taken into custody. It is not only the breakdown of the family that is causing these tragedies, but also the breakdown of the community. Many successful Jamaicans have been raised in single-parent homes, but this was in more peaceful communities where people would socialise and watch out for each other's children.

When we see the danger our children face, we realise that this is not just a job for the security forces. We need more social workers to collaborate with communities in averting violent confrontations. They could conduct parenting sessions in church halls to help strengthen families and engage pastors and mentors to provide support. Churches have now reopened, and the role of pastors and resolute church leaders is now more important than ever. They can be an oasis for troubled individuals and a support system for families and schools.

We are seeing even more resolve in the Jamaica Constabulary Force to clean up their own ranks, with the arrest of four police officers and the search for others in connection with a gang. This gives us hope, as it will build trust in the JCF, crucial for their crime-fighting efforts.

JAID promotes self-advocacy

The Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) welcomed the implementation of the Disability Act at their annual Forum last Friday. Executive Director Marilyn McKoy introduced their programme to promote self-advocacy by persons with disabilities, who now have the law firmly on their side.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Digicel Foundation are sponsoring the education programme. We heard from the Acting Country Representative for JICA Toru Togawa, that JICA Alumni Association in Jamaica has supplied knowledge transfer programmes for the past two decades towards capacity building of the staff of JAID associated schools.

Social worker Deborah Manning and moderator Brithney Clarke facilitated discussions with students at the Randolph Lopez School of Hope and a graduate, Andrew. They related incidents where transportation personnel would not accept their Government permit which entitles them to a discounted rate. Lovelette said as she struggled to explain her condition to a health care worker, she was told, "Gwaan home, yu no have no sense."

Persons with intellectual disability (PWIDs) also have difficulty with the police who display a lack of patience with them. They believe more signage could help PWIDs in understanding directions. They are asking for sensitization of police, army and security guards.

The JAID will be launching a campaign with the theme, 'Allow Me'. It features PWIDs showing their achievements and appealing to society to allow them and others like them to enjoy the rights that all human beings deserve. Nigel Davis, Special Olympics gold medallist, was featured on the job at Parang Industries proudly explaining his duties.

We were entertained by drummers of the School Of Hope – their music teacher George Jobson directed the group, whose mature and harmonious performance showed us the excellence which can be achieved by persons with disabilities who are taught with kindness.

Chain of Hope mending hearts

Last week we caught up with Emma Scanlan and Nola Phillpotts Brown of the Chain of Hope charitable organisation at the Jamaica Children Heart Centre, Bustamante Hospital. Chain of Hope funds visiting cardiologists and special care nurses to conduct surgery on children born with heart conditions. The ultramodern facilities for which the Digicel and Shaggy Foundations were key donors, began operations in 2017 and have treated 150 children since then. The local team is led by Dr Sherard Little, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon whose dedication has been remarkable.

Farewell Great Women

We lost two great Jamaican women recently, and I was blessed to have known them.

Evelyn Smart, lifetime Civil Servant, author and coordinating founder of the Women's Political Caucus, was an unremitting activist for women's rights. She celebrated our women parliamentarians in two books, Jamaican Women on the Road to Parliament: From the 19^th to the Early 21^st Century and Electoral Winnability: Women's Key to Parliament. Evelyn Smart was co-founder of the Rose Leon Memorial Trust, past president of the St Andrew Business and Professional Women's Club; a fellow of the Jamaica Institute of Management; member of the Women's Social Service Club and the Women's Liberal Club. A Thanksgiving Service for Evelyn Smart will be held at the Lyndhurst Methodist Church on Thursday.

 

Gerda Theobalds was our brilliant English Language and Literature teacher at Convent of Mercy 'Alpha' Academy where she served from 1950 to 1992. She was so affirming of our creative talent that I probably would not be writing this column today if she had not encouraged me on this path. My classmate Margery Campbell Newland spoke of her 'depth of intellect and breadth of knowledge' at her Thanksgiving Service last week. Margery went on to teach at Alpha and Mrs Theobalds mentored the younger teachers including another classmate Dr Denise Wehby Aloma. Margery quoted Denise's description of Mrs Theobalds: "She was memorable, beautiful, priceless. She emboldened me … what a gift she has been to thousands of students." After her retirement, Mrs Theobalds continued to conduct English classes well into her eighties at her home.

 

We send condolences to the families of Evelyn Smart and Gerda Theobalds. May their beautiful souls rest in peace.

 

Dr Paul Farmer 'asked uncomfortable questions'

Excerpt from Lucy Gaffney's Thesis. She notes. 'It was on the GBV in the camps after the earthquake. But the history and vulnerability of Haiti and its women are so interlinked, that's why I used Dr Farmer's writings.'

 She shared this with me after news came of Dr Farmer's passing. 

By Lucy Gaffney

Violence is traditionally conceptualised as direct physical or psychological violence. However, Johan Galtung's concept of structural violence expanded that orthodox view of violence and used it to describe indirect violence, which is not necessarily tied to an identifiable actor or agent (Galtung, 1969). Galtung linked his conceptualisation of structural violence to social injustice, and It was widely considered a seminal work in peace and conflict studies. This violence "is built into the structure and shows up as unequal power and, consequently, unequal life chances".

Physician and Anthropologist Paul Farmer's used Johan Galtung's framework of structural violence to examine the intersection between universal healthcare and human rights. He asked uncomfortable questions about the inequitable structure of power which resulted in unequal access to medical attention and education, and the link between poverty and disease.

In his seminal Book 'Pathologies of Power' (Farmer, 2005), Paul Farmer looked at how some nations such as Haiti, with a history of slavery, racism, and neo-colonialism, have been denied basic human rights. These rights such access to health care, education, and other social services, led to Haiti's inability to deal with the earthquake of January 12, 2010.

At 4:53 pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake lasting 35 seconds devastated Haiti's capital, Port-Au-Prince, and several other locations. An estimated 300,000 lives were lost, and nearly 1.5 million homes were destroyed (Schuller & Morales, 2012). It is calculated that more than 1 million people began living in the 1300 displacement camps created around the country (Katz, 2013). However, as Paul Farmer writes, this was not just a 35-second event, but a process which was '…historically deep and geographically broad…' (2011, p. 2).

He viewed Haiti's history and its relationship with the International community, the tragic earthquake of 2010, the subsequent cholera outbreak, and today's ongoing violence, as interrelated and linked to the structural violence experienced by the nation of Haiti. He regarded Haiti's vulnerability as a nation as a result of the structural violence in its colonial history.

Macroeconomic policies interlock with a nation's population, and the adverse outcomes of these policies experienced by the Haitian people, were a form of structural violence. His book 'Haiti, after the earthquake' examined the lived experiences of people 'who live in poverty or are marginalised by racism, gender inequality or, as in the case of Haiti, 'a noxious mix of all of the above' (Farmer, 2011). Haiti's vulnerability from poverty, environmental destruction, and political chaos, often orchestrated outside the country, began with its history of colonialism and slavery, with its original Taino population destroyed by a combination of slavery and illness imported by early settlers. The Independence sought and gained in 1804 came at a price and Haiti, eager for trade and recognition, began its inequitable relationship with major nations through their agreement to pay reparations (Farmer, 2011, p.127).

Through all his books he wrote on Haiti, what emerges is his quest to make visible the invisibility of violent, embedded structures, ensuring that these inequities are made live by the stories of humans. He wrote, 'Health care does not exist in a separate universe from politics' (Farmer, 2011, p. 23).

Bibliography

Farmer, P., 1996. On Suffering and Structural Violence. Daedalus, 125(1, Social Suffering), pp. 261-283.

Farmer, P., 2005. Pathologies of Power - Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Farmer, P., 2006. The Uses of Haiti. 3rd ed. Monroe: Common Courage Press.

Farmer, P., 2011. Haiti after the Earthquake. New York: PublicAffairs.

Galtung, J., 1969. Violence, Peace, and Peace Research. Journal of Peace Research, 6(3), pp. 167-191.

Katz, J. M., 2013. The Big Truck That Went By - How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster. 1st ed. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Martin, H., Lewis, T. M. & Martin Morain, N., 2012. A Critical Review of Haiti Earthquake of 2010: Key Development Problems and Focussed Solutions. Japan, The 8th Annual Conference on International Institutions for Infrstructure, Renewal and Reconstruction (IIIRR).

Schuller, M. & Morales, P. eds., 2012. Tectonic Shifts: Haiti Since the Earthquake. 1st ed. Sterling: Kumarian Press.

Marcus Garvey Quotes for 2022

Marcus Garvey Quotes

With thanks to shoppe black.us

"If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves."

"I trust that you will so live today as to realize that you are masters of your own destiny, masters of your fate; if there is anything you want in this world, it is for you to strike out with confidence and faith in self and reach for it."

"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

"Take advantage of every opportunity; where there is none, make it for yourself."

"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life."

"Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men."

"The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness."

"With confidence, you have won before you have started."

Memories of General Colin Powell

Ambassador Sue Cobb with General Colin Powell

Excerpt from 

Jamaica Observer Column  

published  1 November 2021

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaicans felt deeply the passing of General Colin Powell earlier this month. This son of Jamaican parents rose through the ranks of the US Army to the chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Powell, who grew up in the Bronx in New York and was raised in a humble household by caring parents Maud Ariel (née McKoy), a seamstress and Luther Theophilus Powell, a shipping clerk, was appointed as the 65^th US Secretary of State by President George W. Bush in 2001.

I had a chat on Saturday with former US Ambassador to Jamaica Sue Cobb who became a close colleague of General Powell.

 "I met Colin Powell in 2001 when he attended my swearing-in, and I was very flattered that he did that because he doesn't have time to do everyone," she said. "Even though he didn't know me very well then, he did his research and gave a beautiful talk to my family and friends.  He said he had told the President that the job he wanted in the Bush Administration was Ambassador to Jamaica and he told my friends that the President said [jokingly] "No, I have someone who is more qualified' – which was such a fabulous start!"

 "Because of his Jamaican background and just the kind of person he was," she shared, "we really hit it off from the beginning and we had a bit of a two-person admiration society. He couldn't make many official visits because he said he had to pay attention to world affairs and when he does come, he has to pay attention to all 35 of his cousins."

"At end of my term, the Aristide issue arose. It was very difficult for Secretary Powell," she recalls. "I think there were some hard feelings with the Government of Jamaica, maybe some miscommunication between Washington and Kingston; that is the part of leadership that is difficult, when you have to make difficult decisions."

Asked about the renaming of 'Crowne Plaza', 'Powell Plaza', Ambassador Cobb said, "I made the recommendation to Congress for the naming of 'Powell Plaza' in Jamaica just before the end of my tour as Ambassador."

Ambassador Cobb said after she returned to the US, General Powell called her to say that he had visited the building and that he was very pleased. He said he had stayed at the US Ambassador's residence then located at Long Lane and chuckled, "I slept in your bed!"

After her tour of duty ended, she said they would see each other at various events in Washington. "As time went by, we spoke about three or four times yearly. I remember about three years ago, we had a call and he said he had got a diagnosis of multiple myeloma – but he was very upbeat, very sure that would get through that. On a later call we talked about the treatment he was getting at the military hospital practically in the backyard of where he lived and he was always very positive."

However Ambassador Sue said, "In the past 9 months I had a foreboding because he hadn't called. I hadn't called. Then the news came that he passed from Covid but clearly he had difficulties with underlying conditions."

"He was a wonderful leader but he was also a wonderful human being, with all the great things he had done in his life and the blessing he was for many, many people," she said feelingly.  "His book, 'My American Journey' was about as great anyone can be on leadership – many of my colleagues speak of having read the book, and that will be a strong contribution for many, many years."

"Leadership is solving problems," stated General Powell. "The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership." Let every leader remember this lesson.

‘What’s in the water in Jamaica?’

Observer column published Monday 15 November 2021

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica's Ambassador to the US, the indefatigable Audrey Marks has a knack of packing a room with dynamos and last Thursday's 'Jamaica Connect' was no exception. Under the theme 'Moving Diaspora Engagement Forward' she invited two women of whom Jamaica can be truly proud: Global Teacher Honouree Keishia Thorpe and The Lt. Governor-Elect for the State of Virginia, Winsome E. Sears.

Keishia Thorpe said she had an "overwhelming feeling" about her Award from the Varkey Foundation as Global Teacher 2021 which comes with a US$1 million prize. She has received numerous awards for her advocacy, assisting her students to access college education. Thorpe teaches at the International High School at Langley Park in Prince George's County and came out the winner from 8,000 nominations submitted by 121 countries.

The culturally aware Thorpe modified her English curriculum for her mostly immigrant students. An AP report from the Jamaica Observer said: "Thorpe, who came to the United States from Jamaica on a track and field scholarship, founded the non-profit US Elite International Track and Field with her twin sister, Dr Treisha Thorpe, to help "at risk" student-athletes around the world use their talents to pursue scholarships to US colleges and universities, according to the foundation."

 

"Covid brought to light the importance of teachers," she said, a statement which will be applauded by many a weary parent. She said Covid magnified the inequalities in the education system. "Vulnerable children need to know we are championing for them… Let us create a legacy of education to break that cycle of poverty," she said. "I will forever wear the Jamaican flag with pride."

Winsome Sears says she has been asked several times, "'What's in the water in Jamaica?' because so many of us excel."  Sears recalled that her father came to New York with $1.50 in his pocket. She said at that time the Jamaican Dollar was stronger than the US Dollar so when he sent home money it didn't seem like a lot!

Sears was taken up to the Bronx when she was six and she had a hard time adjusting to the weather and the new environment, living "behind six different locks". Since she was not progressing well in the public school, he sent her back to Jamaica where she was enrolled in the Greenwich Primary School. "My father said, 'if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for you'," she shared.

She passed the Common Entrance for Immaculate Conception but ended up attending Ardenne High where she did well and "had a wonderful time." She returned to the US after third form where her transcript did not seem to impress her new school until she tackled biology and chemistry. "I aced these subjects," she said, "so big up Jamaica!"

A former Marine, Ms Sears said the first Black woman to become Brigadier in the US Marine Corps is Jamaican Born Lorna Mahlock. Wikipedia describes the weighty responsibilities of General Mahlock: she is Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and the Deputy Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer of the Marine Corps.

Questioned as to why she became a Republican, she says she used to be a Democrat until she listened to a speech by President George H. Bush, in which he said, "If all you ever have is welfare, you will never have anything to pass on to your children."  This inspired her have higher goals, which she has achieved. She was at a recent gathering and noted, "There were six billionaires at the table, and I was the only Black one."

For those with differing political views, she says we should "Live and let live." Whichever political party you support, Black people should make sure that they "always have a place at the table."  

She brought us back to earth when a gentleman in the discussion disclosed that he lived near her in Virginia. "Then why you haven't invited me yet to eat some Jamaican food?" she asked laughingly.

She has assured Ambassador Marks that she will do her best to promote greater trade for Jamaica, unlike the previous Governor who she opined, was more focused on "relations with China."

To underline Winsome Sears declaration on Jamaican excellence, we had news recently that Jamaican-born New York Legislator N. Nick Perry, recommended by senior US Senator Churck Schumer, is the nominee for US Ambassador to Jamaica. Mr Perry is a Kingston College graduate and worked at the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union before migrating to the US. He represents the 58th New York Assembly District and The Jamaicans.com website notes, "Perry was named Legislator of the Year in 2018 by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and has been honoured by the New York Civil Liberties Union and the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators among other organizations."

Diaspora Policy coming

Senator Leslie Campbell, State Minister with Special Responsibility for Diaspora Affairs told the meeting that the Jamaican Government was about to enact a National Diaspora Policy to promote increased trust and cooperation. To the request that Jamaicans in the Diaspora should be able to vote in our elections, he noted that Jamaicans may register and come here on Election Day to vote, but remote voting would have to be an amendment to our current Representation of the People Act for that to place.

Concern about crime was mentioned by several attendees. We believe that if we can address that elephant in the room, we could have a significant uptick in Diaspora investment.

Generous Jamaicans

We had good news from Claudette Powell of the Jamaica Diaspora North-East group. With the assistance of Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson, Dr Karen Dunkley, Dr Trevor Dixon, Dr Robert Clarke and Dr Elaine Knight a team of medical volunteers are now on the ground at the Savanna-la-mar Hospital, giving well needed assistance.

Also at the event was Canada-based Diana Burke, President of PACE Canada, which last week delivered 1,000 'OneTab' learning devices to the Early Childhood Commission  for distribution to kindergarten students without computers at over 200 Basic and Early Childhood Institutions sponsored by PACE in all Parishes across the island. 

PACE Canada was able to obtain these devices thanks to the generous donations by members, supporters, community partnerships including the Jamaica Canadian Association's Women's Committee, George Brown College, Central Jamaica Organization, and family and friend's donations in memory of loved ones such as the Palazzo family and the Margaret Samuels Foundation.

Jamaica's Special Ambassador for Philanthropy, Paula Kerr-Jarrett Wegman, received the St George's Society New York (SGSNY) Commonwealth Award at their English Ball, an event that has been held annually since 1770. It is no surprise that Paula, daughter of the legendary philanthropists Christopher and Michelle Bovell, was so honoured, as she has been 'fostering a culture of leadership and entrepreneurship' said Richard Branson who introduced her at the event.

We are grateful to Claudette Powell, Diana Burke, Paula Kerr-Jarrett Wegman and many others in the Diaspora who continue to keep Jamaica so close to their hearts.

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com

Keep us free from evil powers

Observer column for MON 25 Oct 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The reports around a shadowy individual become increasingly 'curiouser and curiouser.' How could this man become so powerful in his ridiculous 'ark' in St James that his followers allegedly obeyed his instructions to carry out human sacrifice?  

This particular story was published in the 'Lipstick Alley' blog in March, 2020. On behalf of two families, a woman said she had booked a house in St. James in January of 2020 on Airbnb. When they arrived there, they discovered that the host 'Carlette' who confirmed the booking allegedly had sold the house to none other than the so-called 'pastor' Kevin Smith. This is what she alleged happened to them on the second day of their visit: 'We get to the house and there are three cars on the property… one dude is sitting in a black Escalade just waiting…. He's like 'I own this house'."

She continued, "Diane has lived on this property as a housekeeper for over 5 years, she's getting fired and he has his goons start moving all her [items] out of the guest house immediately… In the middle of all this I notice that the new owner's employees were acting really weird around him, like they were afraid of him. I also heard one guy call him 'your excellency'. So, I ask the property manager what's the deal with the new owner and he's like 'he's a descendant of Queen Sheba' …Apparently he's a bishop and owns a church somewhere in Jamaica also."

 

She alleges, "Fast forward to the 22nd. We're mildly uncomfortable because at this point, we've noticed that one of His Excellency's goons is on the property 100% of the time. We were never in the house alone. We have three young children not including my baby…Two days later there was a crazy rainstorm. It's now Feb 24th. My mom wants to go out on the balcony to film the storm but noticed that the door is locked. She goes to check all the other doors. Locked. We're locked in the house."

 

They get permission eventually from 'His Excellency' to go out and arrange with an apologetic Carlette to move to another villa. After they returned and packed however, on orders from Smith, the property manager allegedly locked them in the house. They managed to escape from the house but the gate on the property was locked. They had to throw their luggage over the fence and jump to their safety.

 

"We go straight to the police station to file a report," she said, but was allegedly told that there was "no law in Jamaica against locking people in a house. No one put their hands on you, so no real laws were broken."

 

The drama continued as she alleged: "So we argue with the police for about an hour when His Excellency shows up at the station. He wants to press charges against us for illegally staying at his house without having paid to stay there. I immediately pull up my Airbnb receipts …We're like alright let's just get to this new house before someone tries to kill us. We … get to the new house and literally just sat there and cried for an hour. Every single one of us."

 

Just one month later in March 2020, this 'pastor' embarked on an unbelievable grift, as reported by Rochelle Clayton in the Jamaica Observer last Friday. One of his followers disclosed that Smith used the beginning of the pandemic to trick his followers, offering protection from the virus in his 'ark', demanding $100,000 for entry and had them sleeping on a concrete floor in a state of near starvation for a month. Clearly Smith had a hold on them because the victim is quoted as saying, "Time passed, and we started going back to church."

Sadly, the ill-fated Tameka Gardner who lost her life in an evil ritual at the 'ark' remained devoted to Smith, despite the warning signs. She was persuaded to replace the names of her mother and son with Smith's on her insurance policy – thankfully for her family, there was an error in the request, so the change did not go through.  It is alleged that her murder was ordered when she was accused of taking the vaccine, yet her co-workers are convinced that she was against the vaccine and had not taken it.

This column has been appealing to the Church groups to have a system of due diligence so grifters cannot disguise themselves as pastors. Now that people have lost their lives in this 'ark', Government must step in and insist on a registration system for churches. Let us follow the example of the Rwanda government which passed laws recently to have strict regulations for those who wish to be pastors.

Vaccination appeals

We have received reports of fully vaccinated elderly persons with comorbidities being hospitalised with Covid.  The US has now determined that the elderly and persons with serious health conditions be allowed to receive booster shots and so we are appealing to the Ministry of Health to allow this to be done here instead of dumping vaccines.

We also support Professor Figueroa's call that private doctors be invited to participate in the vaccination programme. Family doctors have built trusting relationships with their patients and may very well be able to convince hesitant individuals better than any campaign.

We join with UNICEF Jamaica in appealing for the reopening of schools in January. They note that 120,000 children have received no education since schools closed. As quoted by the Fi Wi Children Foundation, the organisation notes that "schools are not just a place to gain academic knowledge. They support social well-being, mental health and dramatically help to reduce the risk of violence." We hope the JTA will appeal to their members to get vaccinated.

Climate Change Emergency

Even Queen Elizabeth has remarked that not enough is being done to address climate change. From October 31 to November 12, the UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. The objective is to take stronger action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The COP26 website warns, "If we continue as we are, temperatures will carry on rising, bringing even more catastrophic flooding, bush fires, extreme weather and destruction of species. We have made progress in recent months to bend the temperature curve closer to 2 degrees; but the science shows that much more must be done to keep 1.5 degrees in reach. The world needs to halve emissions over the next decade and reach net zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century if we are to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees."

Jamaica is classified as a "small island developing state" (SID), far more at risk that the developed countries which are the biggest carbon emitters. Let us do as much as we can to move the objectives of COP26 forward – our very lives depend on it.