Tired Sunday: August 18, 2013

 

Just like the rain which comes and goes, I feel I have been missing something these past few days. Because the local media has been obsessed with races at the World Championships, other important news items seem to have been sidelined. We are still in holiday mood. And I just feel tired.

How many flew off to China? Meanwhile, our low-key Prime Minister is now “off the island” as we say. We are told she left on Saturday (17th). She is traveling to China for a five-day visit, along with two Ministers, a Permanent Secretary and an unknown number of “support and communications personnel.” Prior to leaving she had a “touch of the flu” according to one of her ministers, so missed a couple of public appearances. I do have some questions though: If she left on August 17, why is she not returning to the island until August 27? That is not five days, that’s ten. And how many people are included in the “personnel”? Did they all fly first class, as the PM always does? What is the cost? Explanations, please – the reports are confusing.

Questions on the economy: I wish someone would tell me why the Net International Reserves are dipping again (according to the excellent and informative diGJamaica)? I thought the numbers had been improving. Is the Bank of Jamaica propping up the Jamaican Dollar again? I am hoping one of my economist friends can enlighten me. Meanwhile, news on the bauxite sector seems more positive, and I am glad that the sale of Clarendon Alumina Partners has finally gone ahead.

STILL upset about chicken back? The criticism of his “chicken back” comments still seems to be bothering our Agriculture Minister. Mr. Clarke brought the topic up again, commenting in a speech aired on CVM News (and another speech reported today) that Jamaicans should “stop buy chicken back for di dog.” This is a new twist, I think. Minister Clarke already explained to us that the Americans are all now barbecuing chicken back. But who is buying chicken back for their dogs? Certainly not those who complained about a shortage. I think we are missing the point again, Minister Clarke. Perhaps we should just drop the subject now. Just let us know when it is available again, and let’s leave it at that.

And perhaps Minister Clarke should be more concerned about the situation at the Chinese-owned sugar factories. His colleagues at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security seem to have failed miserably in bringing the matter of the firing of 100 security guards by the Chinese firm Complant to some kind of resolution. I thought some agreement should have been reached by today, but have not seen an update yet. Maybe I’ve missed it.

Let’s not take our eyes off an investigation regarding the multiple rape case in Irwin, St. James last year. Two men were acquitted of the rape of five women last month, and are demanding an apology. But the concerns are regarding the police handling of the matter. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is to make a statement by tomorrow.

Sports is a lovely distraction: For a while, Jamaicans have been jumping up and down patriotically, praising Javon Francis (who ran a blistering anchor leg to win silver in the 4 x 400 meters relay); the simply wondrous Usain Bolt; and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who came up trumps again with a gold (the first Jamaican woman to win two gold medals in the athletics World Championships, I understand). We will soon be back down to earth, I guess, sadly; but the unemployed ones were happily partying in Kingston’s Half Way Tree, where a big screen is erected for such events. Meanwhile, with the English Premier League season starting this weekend, this die-hard Arsenal fan is in for the long haul. Week after week, it’s a bit of a contrast to the intense few seconds/minutes of excitement that sprinting brings. It’s an extremely long marathon – which started very, very badly for Arsenal yesterday! (I will say no more).

But Jamaican sports fans’ cup overflowed when the Jamaica Tallawahs won their T20 cricket match at Kingston’s Sabina Park this beautiful afternoon, in a nail-biting finish. I am only faintly interested in the game of cricket, but this certainly rounded off the weekend nicely. As someone commented on Twitter, however, how is Jamaica going to “capitalize” on its sporting prowess? I won’t hold my breath on that one.

Speaking skills needed: Meanwhile, the overjoyed athlete Javon Francis, who ran his heart out, could only say “Mi ‘appy, ‘appy… Big up mi fans.” This is the product of a “prominent” Kingston high school. Some coaching in interview skills is needed (yes, I know he is young, and was excited…)

Apropos of nothing: May I suggest that the Gleaner’s Sunday magazine, Outlook, needs a complete makeover? Only the Profile section, about a young IT entrepreneur, is worth reading. Can we do something radical with it, please?

Again, too late…But I love you, Delroy: Once again, a wonderful contributor to Jamaica’s culture has received a national honor – this time, eighteen years after his death! Sunday Gleaner columnist Ian Boyne is clearly a major fan of singer Delroy Wilson (as I am) and writes a fitting tribute today. His wistful, yearning songs and his silky smooth voice are sheer delight. “I’m in a Dancing Mood” is surely in my Top Ten. If you are too young to know Mr. Wilson, look him up on YouTube!

Yesterday was Marcus Garvey’s birthday: So I think my quote for today must be: “If you haven’t confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.” I am sure that must be our medal-winning athletes’ motto – they have certainly learnt this lesson.

Major bouquets to be handed out to:

• ALL the Jamaican athletes who worked hard in the World Championships in Moscow. Some were expected to do well, others surprised us; they all did their best. I must say I could do without some of the spiteful Twitter comments about athletes from other countries who did not do so well in races where Jamaicans excelled; but that is what extreme patriotism (call it jingoism) produces, I’m afraid. I particularly liked what Ms. Fraser-Pryce said, “I don’t believe in luck, I believe in hard work.” Well said young lady!
• Wayne Marshall and Tami Chynn, two young representatives of Jamaica’s entertainment fraternity. They welcomed a baby boy, Jackson, on July 26th. They may not be controversial, flamboyant or anything (and I don’t know much about their music) but I think they are such a sweet (married) couple. Setting a good example for the youth. Congrats!
• The Beecher Town Give Back Association. These organizations, made up of Jamaicans living abroad who came from humble beginnings, make a difference to the communities they left probably decades ago. Their support and sheer kindness is heart-warming. See the link below for a story about the BTGBA’s philanthropy this year.
• diGJamaica – as always, for their useful and informative posts. I find the economic information especially enlightening. diGJamaica has launched an essay competition for high school students only on an interesting topic – see link below. Deadline is August 30. Keep digging!
• Scheed Cole, a young and highly creative entrepreneur (his business is called Props and More) whose life-size camel has been enjoyed by many in the grounds of Devon House (a very popular relaxation spot in Kingston – we have very few of these unfortunately). Camel is made entirely of recycled materials. Sadly, he has been vandalized on several occasions, and so I think his days are numbered.
• Local children’s book writer Helen Williams, who has written a free e-story for 8 – 12 year-olds. It’s about an inner-city boy who is inspired  by Usain Bolt. You can find it here: http://www.smashwords.com/b/204693
• And talking of books, great idea of the Jamaica Information Service to launch a book exchange program. Books are really expensive for parents on a tight budget. See details below…

There is so much sadness. The Observer newspaper is particularly good at chronicling the pain of those left behind by the continuous stream of violent crime in this country. The story of Jessica King, a young girl killed in such a picturesque spot in Port Antonio, Portland by her jealous partner who also attempted suicide, is especially poignant. So too, is the continued suffering of the mother of a young child shot dead in Allman Town, Kingston, in January. We all move on to the next news item, but let’s remember that each of these deaths leaves behind lingering sadness and pain.  My condolences to all grieving families and friends. 

Christopher Barrett, Hannah Town, Kingston

Patrick Shaw, Jones Town, Kingston

Mera Medley, Barry Street, Kingston

Doveena Haase, Mavis Bank, St. Andrew

Chadwick Greene, teenager, Mt. Salem, St. James

Omar Watson, 29, Aboukir District, St. Ann

Fabian Murray, 24, Lucea, Hanover

Killed by police:

Alvin Stern, 30, Denham Town, Kingston

Steve Allen, 17, Denham Town, Kingston

Related articles and links:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/2013-14-sugar-crop-in-danger-as-worker-tension-grows_14878349 Sugar crop in danger as worker tension grows: Jamaica Observer

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Need-for-greater-investment-promotion_14871217 Need for greater investment promotion: Jamaica Observer editorial

http://digjamaica.com/blog/2013/08/16/chart-of-the-week-alumina-vs-crude-bauxite-production-2013-plus-industry-news/ Chart of the Week: Alumina vs crude bauxite production 2013, plus industry news: diGJamaica.com

http://digjamaica.com/essay_competition diGJamaica Independence/Back-to-School Essay Competition: “Jamaica at 51: A True Democracy?”

http://digjamaica.com/blog/2013/08/15/economy-update-july-2013-net-international-reserves/ Economy update: July 2013 Net International Reserves: diGJamaica.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130815/lead/lead1.html Port skills exodus – industries buckle as technicians, truckers flee to Canada: Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130818/lead/lead4.html Can a job czar do it? Worrying unemployment rate sparks talk on need for a minister to drive growth: Sunday Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130811/focus/focus1.html Social partnership more heat than light: Robert Wynter column/Sunday Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130816/business/business2.html Citrus farmers switching to sugar cane: Gleaner

http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/34822 Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to visit the People’s Republic of China: Jamaica Information Service

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130815/news/news1.html UWI begins research on Pedro Cays: Gleaner

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Holness-goes-on-attack-Asks-Ja-to-reject-attempts-at-creating-disunity-in-JLP Holness goes on attack: Asks Jamaica to reject attempts at creating disunity in JLP: Jamaica Observer

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Leadership-contest-would-be-good-for-the-JLP_14896817 Leadership contest would be good for the JLP: Sunday Observer editorial

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Reinvent-yourselves-Thwaites-tells-unemployed-teachers_14870778 Reinvent yourselves, Thwaites tells unemployed teachers: Jamaica Observer

http://jablogz.com/2013/08/the-challenged-chronicles-five/ The Challenged Chronicles – Five: jablogz.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130816/letters/letters1.html Letter of the Day: Divine help a sideshow: Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130811/focus/focus3.html Who is to blame for shaming Jamaica? Gordon Robinson column/Sunday Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130811/focus/focus2.html Delroy Wilson finally gets “respect”: Ian Boyne column/Sunday Gleaner

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/JIS-launches-book-exchange-programme_14882417 JIS launches book exchange program: Sunday Observer

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130816/letters/letters5.html Sick secularism: Letter to the Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130816/cleisure/cleisure4.html Balancing cross-dressing: Peter Espeut column/Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130818/lead/lead3.html We won’t ask, no need to tell – Neita-Headley: Gleaner

http://blog.biancawelds.com/2013/08/making-a-city-good-for-tourists/ Making a city good for tourists: biancawelds.com

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130817/lead/lead4.html Grateful mom donates items to Spanish Town Hospital: Gleaner

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130817/news/news6.html Good times in Beecher Town: overseas residents treat community: Gleaner

http://lowrie-chin.blogspot.com/2013/08/happy-earth-strong-marcus-garvey.html Happy Earthstrong, Marcus Garvey: Lowrie-Chin Post

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/More-bloodshed-in-West-Kingston_14885989 More bloodshed in West Kingston: Jamaica Observer

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jessica-King-s-final-moments_14888244 Jessica King’s final moments: Sunday Observer

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Rushawn-Burford-s-mom-suffers-sleepless-nights_14888157 Rushawn Burford’s mom suffers sleepless nights: Sunday Observer

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130816/lead/lead3.html Cops in Shrewsbury triple killing offered bail – relatives of dead men upset by court proceedings: Gleaner

http://rjrnewsonline.com/local/indecom-to-probe-cops-conduct-in-irwin-rape-case INDECOM to probe cops’ conduct in Irwin rape case: RJR News

The incomparable Delroy Wilson.

Eighteen-year-old Javon Francis, who single-handedly brought home a stunning silver in the Moscow World Championships, is from Nine Miles, Bull Bay. (This photo is not from Moscow but an earlier competition).

Children’s writer Helen Williams. (Photo from her Facebook page)

Lovely couple: Singers Wayne Marshall and Tami Chynn now have a baby son. Congrats to them!

The mother of Rushawn Burford, who was shot dead in a tenement yard in Allman Town, Kingston in January this year. The community is angry that no one has been arrested for the boy’s murder. They think this is because Rushawn is “poor people’s pickney”… “To be poor is really a crime,” said one. (Photo: Jamaica Observer)

Jessica King was a graduate of Port Antonio High School. (Photo: Jamaica Observer)

Cricket lovely cricket: Young Kemesha Kelly waves the Jamaica Tallawahs flag at Sabina Park. (her Twitter photo)

This life-size camel, created by Scheed Cole, has been enjoyed by many at the Devon House watering hole in Kingston. However, it has suffered from vandalization and will now be removed. Shame!

The much-discussed, humble chicken back (this at least has some meat on it) – an important source of cheap protein for poor Jamaicans.

 

“Joy” grieves over the death of her son, seventeen-year-old Steve “Frenchie” Allen, who was killed by the police in Denham Town, west Kingston, on August 17, 2013. (Photo: Jermaine Barnaby/Gleaner)

Bringing a smile to your face: Usain Bolt and Warren Weir after finishing with gold and silver medals at the men’s 200 meters World Championships in Moscow yesterday. (Photo: Gleaner)

Relatives and friends of brothers Andrew and Triston Brydson and their cousin Kingsley Green wear T-shirts and carry placards bearing pictures of the trio while standing outside the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate’s Court in Westmoreland Thursday.The three were shot dead by the police in March. – Photo: Christopher Thomas/Gleaner)

Related articles

• Jamaica Sweeps 6 Sprint Events With Relay Golds (npr.org)