Galma Rae Blogs About Jamaica Today

H1N1 Swine Flu Now in Jamaica.

2009-06-11T01:18:00.001-05:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention in the USA, H1N1 is a new flu virus that causes illness in humans. It's incidence was first noted in April 2009 in the USA rapidly followed by many incidences in Mexico. Canada was one of the earlier countries reporting the incidence of the swine flu. Today, H1N1 has spread through countries in Europe, Australia, the Far East and now the Caribbean - with Jamaica reporting its 5th casualty yesterday, June 10, 2009. It is feared that the H1N1 virus could begin to spread locally in Jamaica, independent of foreign influence. Luckily, our health authorities are being pro-active and are putting relevant measures in place to tackle the problem when and if it reaches the local level. Incidentally, all identified cases of the H1N1 Flu case in Jamaica had their origin in New York, New York - incubated people having just returned from a travel to that part of the USA. So that argument about when people sneeze in the USA, the rest of the world catches the cold is no joke after all!

With all of the occurrences, the World Health Organization has not branded the swine flu as pandemic and there is hope that cure and vaccines may be found very quickly.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus in people?
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to those of the seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. These symptons may be accompanied by bouts of diarrhea and vomiting which may in some case lead to death, particularly in very vulnerable groups of people.

In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1 virus infection as well.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak.

How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are contagious - spreading mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
It is believed that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. Studies have shown that people may become contagious from a day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they become sick. Children, especially younger children, may take longer period to be potentially contagious. Further study of the virus should provide the opportunity to learn more and spread more current information as they become available.

In children, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
•Fast breathing or trouble breathing
•Bluish or gray skin color
•Not drinking enough fluids
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Not waking up or not interacting
•Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
•Sudden dizziness
•Confusion
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Contamination & Cleaning
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Influenza viruses have been known to survive on environmental surfaces and to infect a person for up to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat at 75-100°C. In addition, chemical germicides viz. chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs spread when a person touches a contaminated surface full of germs and then touches his eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from an infected person and then touches his eyes, mouth or nose before washing his hands.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?

Thrown in the trash,tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person.
Wash hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

To prevent the spread of influenza virus How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?

Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick need not be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting.
Caregivers should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves.
Caregivers should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

For further information on this topic please contact the CDC directly at:
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
or

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton RdAtlanta,
GA 30333800-CDC-INFO(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-634824
Hours/Every Daycdcinfo@cdc.gov

USA - Greatest Country on Planet Earth

2008-11-05T10:24:00.007-05:00

President Elect Barrack Obama and Family

(courtesy - MSN.com)

Congratulations to President elect Barrack Obama for a well fought race and well deserved win.

I don't share the views of many African-Americans that never in their wildest dreams do they not expect a day like this to happen in America's history. I believe that it is quite possible in a true democracy like America and the people have spoken. Barrack grew up in a home where true American values prevailed having been brought up by loving but stern grand-parents. He did what all teenagers did and more, and the result of the extra effort , hard work and dedication, incredible people and organization skills and what the Chinese call heavenly timing propelled him to where he is today. Obama understands the younger generation and when you interact with the younger generation, you get to be attuned to their needs and to really understand what the future direction is.

Haven't blogged for months as a result of an automobile accident and a vision that is challenged from time to time, but I couldn't let this event pass me by without putting in my two bits.

It is my believe that this amazing young man, Barrack Obama, would, with the help of everybody who call themselves Americans, deliver on his promise not just to his fellow Americans, but by extension to the rest of the world.

Happy belated birthday to Senator McCain, whose humor and spirit I love and respect. The Mac shall be back! Unfortunately, there cannot be two presidents at the same time. But he put up a good fight right to the end, which is a lesson for us all in itself. His chances may have been better had he not accepted the advice of negative campaigners. Didn't they learn from the Democrats' Primary campaign? My advice - next time, leave mud slinging and dirty politics to the banana republics.

The world looks out to the USA for leadership and it is my believe that 'our' [i.e. USA and the world's] president elect would do all he can in his power to deliver to a world waiting and seeking for peace before prosperity.

Yes We Will!

Condolences to the Obama family for the loss of the president-elect's grandma. She did a good job and may her soul rest in perfect peace.

Recommending a Must Attend Webinar

2008-07-01T00:29:00.004-05:00

Hi,

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Here's the schedule:
---------------------
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You may very well be the person to write the next testimonial!
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I am sure that you'll thank me for introducing you to the webinar.

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Catherine

Riding on the JUTC Buses - My Experience Narrated

2008-06-30T23:09:00.004-05:00

The Jamaica Urban Transit Corporation (JUTC) has once again

made the headlines and top stories on the Jamaica landscape

particularly after the senseless assassination of its chairman,

Mr. Douglas Chambers on Friday, June 27, 2008. I had promised to write about my experience travelling on public transportation in

Jamaica in my last blog, and my concern then was that it is highly unlikely for the JUTC to ever become a profit-making company for a number of reasons. My reasons are totally different to those already identified by the present government of Jamaica (GOJ), which may have prompted them to seek Mr. Douglas Chambers' services.

A lot of people may disagree with me, but I dare say that in my opinion, the JUTC tries its best to run an efficient transportation system. I spent about ten days travelling on the JUTC (a.k.a. Chi Chi) buses including JUTC express buses after a motorcar accident, which required my car to be in the body shop for a while. I also travelled on 'robot' taxis, chartered taxis, 'robot' buses and the Ezroy Millwood NTCS luxury, air-conditioned buses. Of all the above means of transportation, I was especially impressed with the JUTC buses. I shall confine my writing here to just the JUTC buses, and reserve my discussion of other means of transport in another blog. In general, I found the JUTC bus drivers civil and polite. Only on one occasion did I experience an impolite driver who scolded me for attempting to enter the bus from the front instead of the rear of the bus. Now, I have taken a numberof the JUTC buses and I am yet to decipher which ones you enter from the front of the bus to which ones you enter from the rear.

The Bus Interior:

The buses interior are fairly well kept, except for the littering of everywhere by High School kids (aka schoolers), who suck their bag juices and blatantly dispose of the plastic bag either through the bus windows or on the floor of the buses. There aren't many visible defacing of the interior, possibly because of vigilance by the bus operators or because graffiti isn't exactly part of Jamaica's culture. No litter bins for used tickets are visible anywhere in any of the buses that I took. Perhaps the management of the JUTC needs to look into this as a measure of curtailing the 'litterbugs' (a.k.a. schoolers) riding on these buses. Each bus clearly had a 'No Eating or Drinking’ sign on it, yet eating and drinking are regular, very regular. Indeed, I actually observed on one occasion a 'sky juice' /bag juice vendor enter the bus to sell his product items to schoolers. This contributed to unruly behaviour by many boys and girls, bouncing anything or any person in their path to get to 'juicey man' - all in the presence of a bus conductor!

I actually lost my bracelet watch as a standing passenger during this event, and almost regret ever getting on the bus with my old bones with these juveniles. The bunch of bananas, which I had purchased at the Sovereign super market just before my journey was reduced to pulp in their skins by the time we reached Naggo's Head in St. Catherine. I had to combine this banana puree with mangoes and guava in an impromptu juice later on, although I had purchased the fruit for snacking purposes.

My faith in Jamaica was reinforced when we got to Naggo's Head depot and the conductor returned the lost watch to me. I actually glimpsed my watch as she was locking up her Till. After telling her that my watch had fell from my wrist in the packed bus, the conductor asked me for its colour and description, which I was able to provide. She opened back her till and told me that a passenger handed it to her, having found it on the floor of the bus! How marvellous - this show of honesty by fellow Jamaicans made my day, and I remain convinced that there is hope for the JUTC if the 'bad eggs' are weeded out or redeployed for useful service elsewhere.

My opinion of the JUTC as a business entity:

Despite their best efforts, it is going to be mighty difficult to break even - even after cutting down on the number of excess staff. With the growing global oil crisis, the cost to refuel these buses must be horrendous. The load factor is barely efficient during slack times with the buses carrying as little as twenty passengers on a busy day. This translates into revenue of a mere $1000 per trip during non-peak hours at $50 per adult passenger. During peak period when the load factor moves to 100%, up to ninety percent of this increased passengers are students in uniform who only pay $15.00 per trip by law. So if a bus carries 120 passengers for instance, and 90% are scholars, JUCT's revenue for that trip would appear to be (120 x .9 x $15.00) plus (120 x .1 x $50.00) or $2220 per trip.

I leave it to readers to decide if the JUTC can break even when you factor in the cost of gasoline, maintenance, staffing, security etc.

I would like to use this paragraph to express my sympathy for the family of

Mr. Douglas Chambers, who lost his life to unknown assassinators on June 27, 2008 shortly after concluding what was said to be an amicable agreement

between the Union and the company that he represented. Mr. Chambers

lost his life serving his beloved country. Some of the positive observations

made about the JUTC above may very well have been as a result of some

of the changes taking place at the company through his efforts.

I invite readers to visit the website of the JUTC and see the transformation taking shape day by day. May his soul rest in peace.

Hike in Toll Rates Expected Anytime Now

2008-06-21T11:02:00.006-05:00

Portmore Toll plaza (courtesy, Jamaica Gleaner)

The Jamaica Gleaner's headline suggesting a 66% hike in the toll rates sent

immediate jitters down one's spine. What with the current galloping increases

at the gas pumps, consumers cannot take no more even though the spike at

the toll at the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 was anticipated once the appeal

to the Privy Council was lost.

Cabinet accepted a proposal for a hike in toll rates of between 16.6 and 66.6

per cent,with the Spanish Town leg of the toll taking the biggest whack of

66.6% increasing from $60 to $100 for class 1 (motorcars) vehicles.

The Portmore commuters can still count their blessings in that their toll rate

for the class 1 group is going up by a mere $10.00 and this is the first time that

they would experience an increase for that leg of Highway 2000.If the rates

accepted by Cabinet hold, drivers of class 1 vehicles traveling through the

Vineyards Plaza will now pay $230, a $40 hike on what they now pay.

With the hike in gas prices reaching a record high exceeding $86 a litre at some

gas stations, motorists are in a quandary as to how to balance their pocket books.

Living in the suburbs and in the rural parts of the country and having to

commute to Kingston is becoming a real nightmare for most.

During Honourable Mike Henry, Minister of Transport's contribution to the 2008-2009

Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, said there has been a change in the toll policy under

the concession agreement - there will now be an annual review of tariffs by the

developer, instead of the twice-yearly review, with the next possible

review-cum-further increase due in July 2009.

The Government of Jamaica (past and present) has always talked about bringing

back Downtown Kingston to its old glory. Had the talks been put into action over

the years, downtown could be seeing adequate housing solutions and guest houses

that could substitute for the endless commuting, unnecessary energy consumption

and lost productivity. It could help reduce Jamaica's balance of payment, improve

quality of life and even reduce crime and violence in the inner city. A cleaner,

more orderly environment where the richest live side by side with the poorest

of the society could result in better relationship with the Police, less antagonism,

more respect. Won't it be nice to have workers leave their motor vehicles behind

at home and just commute to work in Central Kingston on foot or bicycles?

Don't for a minute think that this is not possible. Government and the private

sector must lead the way.

Jamaicans need to trust each other some more and car-pool to save on energy

and wear and tear on the motor vehicles. If you have not experienced being carried

around in an automobile, and you are not the driver, you ought to give it a try.

I had the mixed fortune of experiencing a motor accident recently and experiencing

having to run to catch the bus, charter a taxi now and then, take the robot taxis,

take the Jamaica Urban Transport Company (JUTC) buses, the JUTC Express,

the Executive bus,bump a ride here and there. While not perfect, the

transportation system being decried by most has come a long way and is a far cry

from what it was 30 years ago when I first came to Jamaica.

I am sold on leaving my car at home at least twice per week to go on

the JUTC buses during the slack period of the day. It is hell during peak hours.

I made some critical observations that should be useful to the

Minister of Transport, and plan to have this available in another blog. Suffice to say

here that the transport service is a social service from the Government of Jamaica

to the Jamaican Taxpayers. It is worse than operating a Non-profit organization

because the latter at least aims to break even.

Tim Russert - 1950 to 2008

2008-06-14T12:36:00.002-05:00

The breaking news on CNN.com cable channel of

the sudden loss of Tim Russert brought an unusual

swelling in my eyes followed by uncontrollable tears

running down my face for a few seconds.

Tim Russert was bigger than life every time he is seen on our cable telly -

soft spoken, firm, considerate and reassuring always making his guests comfortable.

He is described as the last man to go home on election night and the first to be on

the air at NBC the next morning. As the person charged with the mandate to fulfill

the mission of the 'Meet the Press' program, each and every Sunday, Tim Russert had

to learn as much he ccould about his guest, what's on the guest's mind - on his or her

issues and then Tim must take the opposite side that helps to cover the burning

questions that Americans want to ask of his guest.

In Tim Russerts own words, "the Meet the Press program becomes a town meeting

for the American people" as well onlookers from around the world, where they all

make an appointment to learn about the US government, fundamental information on education, taxes, war - even peace. Tim Russert had a most enviable, audacious job,

yet he felt blessed to have had the opportunity to step to the plate, reading, thinking

and preparing to meet the press - a task that he took seriously. When he asked his

guests questions that are in the minds of American people, you have the feeling that

you know this man personally.

I am glad that he was able to spend quality time with his family before passing on.

A true father that he was, he was said to have recently returned from Italy where he

and his wife celebrated the graduation of their son, Luke, from Boston. A caring man

that he was, he had also just recently moved his 86 years old father into a more

comfortable home.

Tim Russert departed on Friday the 13th, but Tim represents my definition of a

true icon for Father's Day. His familiar face would forever remain in my memory.

Sleep on Timothy Russert.

Dr. Michael DeBakey, Heart Surgeon - 99 And Still Going

2008-04-10T09:09:00.002-05:00

Dr. Michael DeBakey, 99, bless his heart, made my day just reading about his life story, career and philosophical journeys through heart surgeries that spanned several decades. Dr. DeBakey has done more than sixty thousand operations and I think that is remarkable.

The article written by Carl Fussman narrated Dr. DeBakey's life achievements in a soliloquy that makes you connect with this esteemed statesman - you want to sit at his feet and learn some more.

Dr. DeBakey makes you think and relish the knowledge that 'thinking' costs the thinker, nothing. How about that?
DeBakey's magnanimity is revealed in the article when he said "if you had a heart problem right now and needed an operation and I was the only doctor around, sure, I'd do it". It makes one realize that heart surgeons are a rare breed that do their work, not for the financial rewards, but for the betterment of humanity - his mantra is about doing all you can to help others. Dr. DeBakey's story has helped me to understand my older son who is a medical practitioner in the UK and who plans to specialize in heart surgery - I recalled asking him if he wanted to starve, but now understand that the calling isn't about money, it is about serving humankind.

I love DeBakey's recount of the best lesson his mama taught him, and in today's materialistic society every parent and every child should borrow a leaf off his book and give more to the needy around them. But this is easier said than done when you live in a society that is not appreciative of used items, hand-me-downs and slight seconds. I recall how people laughed to scorn the bails of relief items sent to Jamaica after a major hurricane that devastated the island. I equally recall being mocked by teenage kids at my church as being mean when I suggested that I buy my jean pants from the Goodwill stores in the USA. I am ashamed but not sorry to say that that was the last time I contributed to the church's benevolent fund. I still give regular offertory whenever Iattend church service.

In Dr. DeBakey own words - "The best lesson my mother taught me involves an orphanage we had in town. Every Sunday after church we would get in the car and drive to the orphanage. Mother would bake bread and cookies, and she would go through our clothes and give the items we'd outgrown to the children at this orphanage. One Sunday, she was putting clothes in the basket and I noticed she had put one of my favorite caps inside. I immediately protested, but she reminded me that I had a new cap. "The child that's going to get this cap doesn't have a parent to give him a new cap," she said, "and you do." She told me I ought to be glad that I could give up the cap. I never forgot that."

In my own experience, as the middle sister of 3 siblings, I was the one to receive my older sister's hand-me-downs and I kind of hated my sister all these years because of this. I blamed her for depriving me of getting new clothes and had to monitor how she used her clothes at all times. My younger sibling was bigger in size than me so mum bought her new clothes. Looking back today, I could only thank my mom for teaching me to live within my means and save the extras to help others and for the rainy day.

Ah Yeah, I agree absolutely that Okro is the key to good gumbo. Mum fed us all kinds of recipe that uses Okro as ingredient, and I swear by the weekly Okro meal for making my 14 year old look - oh so healthy.

Dr. DeBakey doesn't think that the difference between ninety-nine and a hundred is that important. May be not to him, but we would love to read about him when he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Addendum (straight from Carl Fussman's Article )- DeBakey pioneered numerous cardiovascular procedures, including the coronary bypass and the artificial-heart transplant. In 1954, he devised a technique to repair arteries using a Dacron tube he made on his wife's sewing machine. In 2006, he became the oldest survivor of the procedure he invented

http://men.msn.com/articlees.aspx?cp-documentid=6564495&GT1=32001

Babsy Grange Opens New Office

2008-04-01T01:33:00.008-05:00

Isn't it just marvelous how the government says one thing, but goes on to do the exact opposite? Why would Ms. Grange be seeking to open new office in New Kingston when her government is saying that every body else must head downtown? Was the recent news about the government acquiring land around Gordon House for Parliament Building a disinformation used as a precursor to Ms. Grange’s announcement?
It is so important that the government not only be truthful in what it promises Jamaica, but must demonstrably appear to be doing so in its deeds. It is a pity for one to say that you can't trust any politician, but P J came and sang about his plans or vision for Downtown Kingston, Portia never got the chance to say 'mom', and now Bruce come back with the same rhetoric, only him dress it up wid him first passion a.k.a. talk-show hosting. And while the masses are burning off their Digicel dollars waiting to connect to our prime minister turn Mutty-wanna-be, Babsy is beating her chest that it's gonna be Knutsford Boulevard or High waters for her. Meanwhile tax payers are being called upon to fork out more money to pay for ‘High Gluten’ Flour-based products that are sure to shorten our lives and lead to more tax revenue to support wasteful habits of politicians. God please come down, fast.

Minister of information, culture, youth and sports (MICYS), Olivia Babsy Grange

I respect Babsy Grange and hope that she does not allow herself to be drawn to the path
where she becomes blind to the needs of the poor. And by the poor I am not in the least referring to the populace’s definition of the poor. I am referring to the newly poor, who aren’t accustomed to the new experience but are quite prepared to weather the storm until the economy turns around. The newly poor won’t sit around and let you spend the people’s money willy-nilly. The newly poor have all the skills in the world, they have the most recent qualifications in addition to their wealth of experience, but they’ve become newly poor because neither they nor their offspring are employable. They are newly poor
because they have depleted their savings and investment waiting for the tide to turn. With no life or health insurance; with debilitating diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, even Alzheimer, the newly poor may have been stupid to allow a government to trash them for 18 years, but they are not going to take it lying down this time around. If 64 Knutsford Boulevard is government’s property, then that may be OK, but if not, the tax payer deserves to know whose back is being massaged.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080401/lead/lead7.html

Leonie Forbes - One In A Million Jamaican Lady

2008-03-31T23:55:00.005-05:00

Ms. Lee, as she's affectionately called by those close to her is such a wonderful creature; even God forgot to save the template when she was made. We were neighbors at Barbican Close, where Turah Cosmetiques Ltd. came into being and Turah brand was borne. Miss Lee voiced all the radio and TV commercials FOC asking only to ‘sample’ the products. I have been blessed with some of her crochet creations, wearing a lovely full length one for my wedding reception. I was privileged to meet many distinguished Jamaicans through her - for instance, she took me to the Manley's home to braid Mrs. Beverley Manley's hair when her husband was still in office. I met a very friendly, down-to-earth Michael Manley and till today I know that if todays PNP is purportedly corrupt, there is not a single corruption in Michael Manley's bone based on the way they lived and the conversations I heard. Leonie introduced me to Jeff 'Freei' Dixon and his wife and got to meet Peter Tosh through them eventually. Fay Ellington is another great Jamaican who also ended up living on Barbican Close and is a great friend of Miss Lee. How can I forget Jean Rhone (Trevor Rhone's sister), of the then JBC? I can go on and on and on, I only met Miss Lee's last three children - Karen, Moyo and Dionne, and they were all family to anybody who visited their mom's home.

I am so heart broken to read about Moyo's passing in the Jamaica Gleaner. He was such a good guy, very un-assuming, very respectful like from the past generation, soft spoken. It breaks my heart that this happened almost a year ago and I am only just reading about it in the papers. The last time I saw any member of the family was when Dr. Amiel and I met at Tastee Patties at Cross Roads and he was telling me that Moyo was getting married. Moyo was also indirectly involved with getting Turah off the ground. He used to work in Montego Bay and every Sunday would come to my home to load up his Honda Civic Shuttle with deliveries for a distributor in Montego Bay. I have been hibernating at home, afraid to go out because of the incessant news of crime and violence on the air waves, worrying myself silly over my teenage boy that could become a Police or gunman statistics any time. And then to be hit in the face with news like this is really very devastating. Leonie, wherever you are, I have to find you. We have to connect once more.
I am so grateful to the Jamaica Gleaner for that in-depth write-up about our Ms. Lee. I have always questioned the rational behind waiting until somebody is gone before the paper recognizes the person or national honors are bestowed upon such person. I am grateful that the Jamaica Gleaner see it fit to do it now, and I wish Miss Lee many, many healthy years to come.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080330/out/out1.html

Jamaica Easter Bun Tradition

2008-03-21T00:49:00.003-05:00

The photograph of the Bun and Cheese is per courtesy of Jamaica NationalBuilding Society.

Easter comes early this year. Traditionally, one looks to the month of April to celebrate Easter.
Jamaica being a predominantly Christian nation, even though the number of Churches and pubs compete neck'n'neck with each other, we are nevertheless a nation of Easter celebration observers. Jamaicans tend to refrain from eating any kind of meat, especially red meat in the 40 days preceeding Easter Sunday, which represents the Lengthen period. In other parts of the world Christians go into fasting to commemorate the period that Christ spent in the wilderness fasting and praying. During the Lengthe, people who are ardent pub visitors and who love their white rum often give up their drinking habits for the period. Some people even give up sex.

Come Good Friday right to Easter Sunday, Jamaicans live on Easter Bun and Cheese.
Over the years the brand names of Easter Buns have proliferated, however, Maxfield Bakery, HTB, Captains Bakery and home made bakeries feature on the dining tables of Jamaicans right across the island.

Tastee brand cheese is the favorite choice and come packaged in tins. The more refined cheddar, gouddar, or blue cheese will be allowed for the popular taste during this period.

JAMAICA EASTER BUN RECIPE BY Locksley F. Smith

(Revised March 26th, 2005)

http://www.jamaican-recipes.com/jamaicansnacks.html

Ingredients: -

Flour, Brown Sugar, Wet Sugar or Molasses, New Zealand Cheddar Cheese, one bottle of Port Wine (use PORTA if you are in Jamaica), Dried Orange Peal, Raisins, Currants, Cherries, Mixed Fruits, Almond Extract, Vanilla Extract, Butter, Rose Water, Cinnamon Powder, Salt and Yeast.

Make One Dozen Buns:

1. Put seven 1/4 OZ.packages of dry Yeast in a 7 gallon pot
2. Add 3 tsp. salt
3. Add seven cups of hot water to the yeast and let it set for 10 minutes then stir.
4. Add 3lbs of flour then mix to a glue soft watery texture and let it set until mixed flour rises to the top of the pot. Caution:If the flour does not rise, your buns will notcome out right. Change the yeast you are using.
5. Dice Cheddar Cheese and Parched Dried Orange Peel.
6. Pour 750 ml. bottle of Port wine in a container and then add 1 bottle of molasses, 5lbs of brown sugar or wet sugar, 1 tsp. of salt, 4 tbsp. of Cinnamon Powder, 1 cup of dried parched orange peel, 1 tbsp. of Almond Extract, 3 tbsp. of Vanilla Extract, 2 tbsp. of Rose Water and 1 tsp. salt and then stir.
7. Empty raised flour from pot to the dough kneading table or countertop.
8. Add 12lbs of flour, 2lbs of mixed fruit, 2lbs raisins, 1 pint of cherry 5 packages of diced cheddar cheese to the raised flour.
9. Add mix from step 6 then start to knead dough.
10. Knead until it becomes tight and firm, this will take awhile so you will have to be paitent.
11. Grease your baking pans with butter, cut and shape buns to your desire, and add dough to pans. You may choose not use baking pans and instead form the buns with your hand and bake them on a baking sheet, one or the other it does not matter.
12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
13. Place buns in oven for 1Hr 15 minutes

MAKE THE GLAZE
14. Put wine mix in container in a small pot and boil for 10 minutes, this will make the glaze to give the buns a finished appearance, and taste.
15. After the buns are fully baked, brush on the glaze with a small brush using wine mix from small pot.
16. Wrap buns while hot with plastic wrap and let them sit overnight at room temperature.
17.Clean up your mess.
Although this recipe makes 12 buns, you can reduce the size of the buns and you will get more than enough to give away to your friends and loved ones.

In Praise of Obama, Role Model

2008-03-20T22:14:00.003-05:00

It is amazing how the Democrats election campaign started
with the idea that no race or gender issue would be used in the
race to the White House.
The world looks up to America to set example, and initially one gets the feeling that this is truly a democracy at work that other world leaders could borrow a page from. But as the drama unfolds, it becomes clear that the Republicans' rules for nominating their candidate is far more straightforward, if not superior, than those of the Democrats.

The USA primary election has gotten the attention of a lot of the youths, not just in

the USA but around the world, who otherwise show no interest in politics, period.

In my opinion the surge in interest emanates from Senator Barack Obama's infectious energy and inspiring aspiration to be the agent of change as the future President of the greatest country on the globe. Even my 14 year old son, who only does 'itunes', ‘You Tube’ and 'Messenger' would pause to listen to Obama's speeches. I was pleasantly surprised when he corrected a suggestion by one of CNN's commentators one evening that perhaps Obama's speeches are too long and may put one to sleep (not her exact words) - well my boy retorted

by saying "no, he doesn't put me to sleep, in fact I identify with most of what he is saying…"

I said a silent 'Hallelujah' and 'Thank You Jesus' that night. It dawned on me that God had just sent a mentor and role model in the form of Senator Barack Obama into our living room via CNN.com's Situation Room.
My son who, since turning a teenager one year ago has been having several growing issues and dark days that I cannot help him with as a single mom, was able to connect with Barack.

There has been such a dramatic change, he is calmer, and he engages me in conversation
once more, and it was no longer an issue for him to return to putting out the garbage bin or doing the occasional dishes. Thank you Senator Obama.

The press and newsmedia could obviously sway an election and ought to learn from what took place in Florida during the last presidential election. As for the race card, maybe it's time that the greatest nation on earth learn from a small nation like Jamaica where the Motto is 'Out of Many, One People'. Yes, we may have all kinds of problems, but what makes this little rock called ‘Jamaica’ the greatest little country on earth is because 45 years into independence, we see ourselves as God's people, not colored, black, white or yellow.

I think that when the dust settles, Barack Obama may well make the greatest history of the 21st century by becoming the President of the USA, But even if he doesn't make it (kitchen sink and/or press manipulations all thrown in), he would have made history for daring to try and would most certainly remain an inspiration to millions of dis-enfranchised youths worldwide for generations to come - including my boy who has travelled to the UK with me on 3 occasions as a child without a problem but as soon as he turned 11, couldn't get his UK visitor's visa approved and yet he ain't no criminal.

I have a grandaughter in the UK who is 3 years old that my 14 year old has not been able to meet even though he was in the UK during my daughter-in-law's pregnancy. Splitting up family by authorities makes one angry and resentful but you can't fight the system. The monkey is on their shoulder, eventually. It wouldn't be as hurtful if the dirty job had been done by a true blue British from the British High Commission, but to have an indian with nose-ring turn down the settlement applicatiom was worse than a below-the-belt blow because another indian, Mike Jatania, almost 20 years before practically stole cosmetics business by 'passing off' my brand name. Meanwhile, the business that I was about to start in the UK in 2006 had to be shelved indefinitely because I cannot live an adolescent on his own in Jamaica. C'est la vie.

Now you understand why my boy has dark days and why I got to thank Senator Obama for lifting some of his pains.

Oh, I just love Anderson Cooper of CNN.com, he's so gorgeous but Larry King takes the cake because I just love guys in blue jeans. I danced too, watching him dance with Janet Jackson - pretending he was dancing with me. Go Larry!

By the way, I have no dislike or hatred for indians - my best friend at college is an indian seikh, who taught me how to appreciate the taste of indian cuisine.

'Brains Over Guns' - Jamaica Police Commisioner's Advice to the JCF

2008-03-12T14:56:00.006-05:00

'Brains over guns' -

Lewin urges cops to outsmart criminals

In the wake of the announcement by the new Commish to replace
the M16 assault rifles with the more modest but equally powerful
MP5 rifles for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), a number of
calls to the indefatigable Mutty Perkings show, 'Perkins Online'
on Power 106 FM have expressed mixed reactions. Some of these
range from applause to utter disagreement even amongst callers that
appear to be members of the Police. What Commish Lewin said was that
while in the line of duty, a policeman's best weapon is his brain
and he must use it.

During the course of the day, the ‘forum’ like discussion ventured into
the subject of what positive things have taken place in Jamaica since
the new government took over and Mr. Wilmot 'Mutty' Perkins challenged

his callers to pin point some of these. Most of the callers were frustrated in
naming and pin-pointing examples even though they all believe that
things are improving. And that's a start - the feeling that things
are improving should help allay stress in our daily lives.
The reassurance that our police department is gradually taking shape
in positive ways is to be applauded.

The new initiative by the commissioner should help calm a few more
nerves because if the truth be told, the sight of those assault rifles
protruding haphazardly through police vehicles during a traffic jam is
unnerving to innocent motorists and may also be provoking 'cop killers' into
action to 'test' their own fate. Is it unrealistic to expect the return one day of

the JCF to using the baton for policing communities?

Rear Admiral Hadley Lewin's thought-provoking remark that the police
should combat crime with their brains and not with their weapons is probably
the best he's made since taking up the position of Commissioner of Police.
Mr. Wilmot Perkins asks of his callers to name what good things are happening to

Jamaica since the new government came into power, and while the writer
is no spokesperson for the Jamaica Labor Party government, Mr. Perkins may note

the following:

Urban transportation appears to be working, a number of roads in the
corporate areas including Portmore and Montego Bay have been rehabilitated and major works are currently going on at Marcus Garvey Drive to ease motorists' tension. Kudos to Minister of Transport, Mike Henry and to that illustrious Mr. Shaw of the National Works Agency for being so effective at easing the motorists' frustrations and tension on the roads.

Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, appears to be tackling education woes in
schools – prompt reaction to damage control at violence-prone schools, sexual permissiveness of teenagers in schools and on the buses as well as textbook censoring. While the minister is to be commended; there is always room for improvement in being proactive and not reactive in preventing many of these woes.

Dr. Christopher Tufton, the (‘remember to put your head beside the head’)
Minister of Agriculture, has done a lot to reduce poverty for a lot of Jamaicans
through subsidies, reduction and/or removal of customs duty on a number of food
and agro products. If the local merchants refuse to pass on the savings to consumers, then Dr. Tufton's job is yet to be completed. The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ought to make it more known to the public, how much the government is giving up in duty and other concessions to make the food basket easier for the pocket of ordinary Jamaicans. This is so very important with the rising world economic and food crisis. What use is it if the Government subsidise food items but their big time friends just pocket the savings without passing it on. This would not work, and the consumers ought to start sticking out for what is right starting now...

The Minister of National Security, Hon. Derrick Smith, is very often criticized by many as not being eloquent enough in response to daily crisis pertaining to crime in Jamaica. It is said that 'the proof of the pudding is in the tasting', and also that 'silent river runs deep'. There was recently a news item that Jamaica had a 'crime free' day recently. That is good news and Minister Derrick Smith is to be commended for were it the opposite that happened, we would not hear the end of it in the news media.
Minister Derrick Smith may not be as loquacious as his predecessors in the post and his management style may be one of working behind the scenes to get the work done – if the nation can garner more crime-free days, more grease to his crime prevention style. Recently, an 11 month old child lost his life at the hands of a careless cop as reported in the news. Minister Smith was criticized by some who enjoy listening to garrulous government ministers trumping the news media with any kind of news, so they can foster their personal agenda. While the good minister couldn't bring back the child's life, none of us knew what he was doing in the background to evoke a redress of the situation to not only placate the child's family, but also to discipline the policeman in question. The Minister of National Security does not have to come trumping his chest to the nation every time something happens - how effective can his ministry be if that's all he can do. In comparison to other nations, first world or otherwise, how many ministers of national security come a running to tell the nation of everything that his ministry plans to do, or has achieved? - certainly not the USA nor the UK that we tend to emulate.If working behind the scenes is the forte of Mr. Derrick Smith, then all allow him to do his job.

Senator Barrack Obama in his presidential nomination campaign talks about change and the audacity of hope. Jamaica, through the audacity of hope, has effected change in the government that it wants as its leader. Then give that hope the chance to fruition, even in the face of world economic crisis that is affecting Jamaica as part of the global village. If we don't, we would have ourselves to blame, and many waters would have already run under the bridge downstream. In other words, when is time for the opposition PNP party to pick up the pieces, it wouldn't be just them but all of us who would have to ‘sleep in the bed that we have laid’.

Happy Holidays - Get Bargains and Free Gifts On Me

2007-12-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas time is that time of year when we have a little extra time in our hands - what with the Bank holidays rolling into Christian festivities and the New Year's vacations. Time goes very fast when visiting family and friends, but when the hams and the turkeys and Christmas pudding have been devoured, it is time to find something meaningful and purposeful to do with our time.

What better way to settle into thus than to toy arround with the various links that I jave provided for you below. When you have attempted or begin to master some of the content of the the site that the links take you. I invite you to return and complete a survey of your user experience on this blogsite. Remember though that the survey lasts for 3-6 days. If you return after that period, the poll would have closed. If this happens to you however, you may still enter your comments at the end of the blog or contact us through our website
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I wish you God's richest blessings for the rest of 2007 and in the coming years.

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Stay blessed. One love.

Have you seen the price of basic food items in the supermarkets lately?

2007-12-23T00:46:00.000-05:00

Bread, cornflakes, soy milk and anything made out of grain or legumes will all cost a lot more in 2008. Chicken meat, beef and pork that come from grain fed animal stock will not be excluded. Between August and October, coinciding with the rise up of the Jamaica Labour Party led government, the price of food in the USA went up at a 5% annual rate, almost three times faster than that country's overall inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Over the same period, Jamaica experienced hurricane Dean and shower, shower and more shower, that almost devastated our farms produce. The price of items like tomatoes, Irish potatoes, bread, have all sky rocketed. Farm eggs have practically disappeared from some supermarkets until recently and the price that this commands is indicative of the inelasticity of this item at Christmas - Christmas pudding is a must and eggs are definitely required in the 'mix'. Jamaica's consumer price index that had the bread basket holding down inflation for several years got 'modernised' and the inflation rate now reflects closer to what the situation entails in today's Jamaica. The truth is, our inflation rate has been closer to double digits for much longer than the previous administration cared to admit.

The galloping food prices in the supermarkets make people afraid to shop for grocery. Ever heard of supermarket phobia? We hear talks daily of what government intends to do for the poor and a lot of us are asking the question "who are the poor"? Expect prices to climb further in 2008, whether or not the U.S. economy slips into a recession - Jamaica's substitute farm produce as well as whole grains come from the USA, and what we are experiencing is a double whammy effect of the US experience and world food prices that our governement isn't able to subsidise.

World wheat prices as of Dec. 1, 2007, were almost 65% higher than they were a year ago, while those of soybean almost 70% higher, milk at 100% higher and chicken prices at a 10-year high, according to the United Nations (U.N.) Food and Agricultural Organization. The U.N. agency's food price index, up 9% in 2006, had already climbed 37% in 2007 as of Sept. 30.

While we need to produce more of what we eat in Jamaica, our local farmers must become more proactive in their farm management and conservation efforts. There is no reason for Jamaica not to be self sufficient in ground produce, whole grains, meats, poultry and vegetables. The Government of Jamaica should provide incentives for farmers by providing new land that can be put into cultivation, water for irrigation, cheaper source of fertilizer, R&D to improve seed health and quality through technology. This should not only ensure self-sufficiency, it would boost Jamaica's contribution to the over 200 million tons a year grain harvest.

Footnote: the statistical information quoted in this blog was adapted from Jim Jubal's article.

Hellshire Wetlands Under Siege

2007-12-04T06:35:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this blog, please help to broadcast our concerns about wetland conservation in the Hellshire area and other parts of Jamaica by linking to this blog through your weblog or web site.

Hellshire residents are nature lovers and we love the natural beauty of our habitat, which we share with a host of ferns and fauna as well as almost extinct animals mostly indigenous to Jamaica. The peace and quiet of Hellshire, the ocean breeze, and yes - the crime free environment that we enjoy were all part of the lure for many to live in this protected area, some 18 kilometres away from the hustle and bustle of Kingston. Hellshire Heights Housing Community is home to many civil servants, teachers, firemen, and other professionals - an housing solution that was once the jewel of the parish of St. Catherine. We love our matchbox homes with their sunbaked concrete roofs, compensated for only by the very mangrove forest that harbours from crocodiles to crabs and, which provide us with the much loved salubrious air of filtered sea breeze.

The Hellshire wetlands include the static swamp, the salt marsh and at least one quick-sand spot. It is no secret that the wetland, which is below sea level has a water table characterised by sluggish-brackish water that provide excellent ecosystem for an abundant variety of exotic plants, reptiles, birds, fish, water bugs, frogs and mammals indigenous to the area.

Our Plight

The Urban Development Centre (UDC), that has the government of Jamaica (GOJ)'s mandate to be the custodian of this ecologically important area however, does not appear to share our sentiments. The UDC appears to have scant regard for any of the inhabitants of the area. At least a highly placed UDC official with responsibilty for high level decision making appear to view the wetlands as obstacles to development, which should be eliminated and the land reclaimed for urbanization, ghettorization and other environmentally unfriendly purposes. As a result of this type of thinking, the UDC recently swapped with the Ministry of Education and Youth (MEO), 16 acres of the wetlands with 5 acres of an originally proposed primary school site at Johnson Hill.

The Ministry of Education is hell bent on going full speed ahead with its plan to start construction by December 10, and is said to have signed the contract and disbursed $18 million to a contractor, because according to one MOE official, “if the funding money isn’t used, it may be lost for good” so “it is a done deal”. Meanwhile, the residents of Hellshire Heights were only made aware of this officially on Sunday, December 2, 2007. And to that we say “it is no done deal, no sir!”

Wetlands support a rich biodiversity outside and within the surrounding landscape, and can impact on the health of the wetlands and the productivity of the environment.
In 1971 the Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran (the Ramsar Convention) and reflected the communities concerns. The Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty which has been signed by more than 150 participants of which Jamaica is one. Over 1600 sites totalling 145.2 million hectares have been listed as wetlands of international significance including 3 in Jamaica. The Convention aims at stopping the worldwide loss of wetlands and conserving the remaining wetlands through wise use and management such that activities which affect wetlands will not lead to the loss of biodiversity or diminish the ecological, hydrological, cultural or social values of such wetlands.

Jamaica signed off to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on February 7, 1998. We ask that all Green living well wishers and all others help us to implore the government of Jamaica to halt or reverse the proposed construction by the Ministry of Education. This at any rate will be in fulfilment of its obligations to the Ramsar Convention to conserve and protect the wetlands of Jamaica. The proposed construction of a Primary School between Hellshire Heights residential community and the wetlands adjoining the complex smacks short of scant regard for the environment, the residents and the proposed school children that the UDC is hell-bent on feeding to the crocodiles, all because the time limit for an IADB/OPEC funding earmarked for development of new schools in Jamaica is about to expire. When prompted about the danger that the animals in their natural habitat would pose to 6 to 10 year olds attending the proposed school, the UDC official simply brushed this off by saying that the animals can be rounded up and taken elsewhere. The UDC plans to build a secondary school as well as a university as part of a stage 2 and 3 plan for the wetlands.
We ask that the UDC and MOE pay attention to the work done on Nature Conservation in Israel on the one hand and learn from it (you can google it), but more so to pay closer attention to the devastating effect of the assault on the rain forest in Nicaragua by ignorant and greedy nationals of that country. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof. The country needs responsible custodians of the environment, not people that think only of money grabbing and the bottom line for their organizations. We invite people to post their various experiences of UDC's actions all over Jamaica on this blogsite, and stop placing every blame on different administration of the GOJ.

The UDC owns a vast array of land in the Hellshire area and in the past everything was blamed on a certain god that has become mere mortal! Since he is no impediment, the new 'god' at UDC can and must find suitable, safer, alternate location for this school elsewhere within the 3 - 5 km radius. It is no secret that crocodiles cross the road frequently from the swamp to the sewage-cum-waste-water pond which the UDC not too long ago plunked right in front of our complex (apparently in exchange for not placing any concrete physical structure within the vicinity)! The sewage location was said to have once been slated for a golf course plan! Who are these planners and where do they come from?

The haphazard manner with which the UDC has managed the planning and development of the Hellshire area including the beaches is disgraceful and certainly not world class. They can begin to correct years of irresponsibility by doing something socially correct for a change. Swapping a school location with the view to building upscale town houses at the nearby Johnson Hill, while presenting potential dangers to future generations do not strike one as good planning. None of those planners would ever send their offspring to that primary school!

The UDC should concern itself with an urgent expansion program to the Hellshire main road construction if population explosion is in the making. The UDC in the past 10 years has added at least 3 housing communities to the area without ever addressing the matter of how the people will be evacuated in the event of a major catastrophe. There is a one way in and same way out of Hellshire and as it is now, people have to get up at 4:30 a.m. to struggle through potholes galore to go pay $60 at the public ‘car park’ (a.k.a. Portmore toll booth) and the children who hardly got any sleep from reaching home late from the previous night's traffic jam still cannot reach their school before 8:00 a.m. resulting in records against their names at their respective schools. People are so fed up of the commute and would give their right arm to relocate downtown if they can be assured of Hellshire's type of safety. But this is a dream because downtown is a political football and the UDC's plan for downtown has for about 30 years pretty much been on the drawing board. There are so many derelict buildings that the UDC can find ways to demolish and replan into a beautiful city, but no, they prefer to go into the rural and semi-rural areas to ravage the environment.

Where there is a will, there is a way - the UDC can and must find safer, alternate location for the construction of the primary school or let the Education ministry that sat on the funding all this time give back the money to the Inter America Development Bank /OPEC funding and learn to "make hay while the sun shines" rather than trying to force 'pupulele' down our throats.
No study was ever made by either the UDC or the MOE of the demography of the inhabitants of the properties that may otherwise be affected by noise pollution, street littering, increased security costs and unprecedented traffic congestion on the private road. The residents are mostly baby boomers and semi-baby boomers whose kids have either grown up and migrated or are on their way out. These are people that have put upwards of 40 years to serving Jamaica in their respective fields and looking forward to a peaceful golden age in their sun-patched roof tops. Besides the concern for the safety of children, there is also the need to respect their investment because they cannot now afford to go elsewhere, nor to pay for increased security costs beyond what they now have to endure.

The residents' intention is to take this matter further a field if nothing is done to address their concern. Please join us in our fight and forward this via email to as many people as you know. There may be a petition to be signed and we ask that you return to show your solidarity by signing the petition.

Forex Trading - A Solution For Jamaica's Balance of Payment?

2007-10-20T05:11:00.000-05:00

David Smith of Olint Corporation is said to be willing to trade Forex on behalf of the Jamaican government if asked to do so.
For a country where 60 cents out of every dollar earned goes into debt
servicing, the immediate question that comes to mind is, "why won't the
government ask Mr. Smith?"

Jamaica's debt to GDP ratio stood at an estimated 130 per cent in June 2007. With a fiscal deficit of 5.4 per cent, the country continues to miss its revenue projections, and the year's budget allocation of J$380 billion for expenditures has recently been shown to under-report to the tune of J$15 billion. A bleak situation for Dr. Omar Davis as minister of Finance, had his PNP administration been returned to a 5th term in the recent general elections - an even bleaker truth to swallow by the new JLP administration that has to 'correct it'.

David Smith took off from Jamaica to make Turks & Caicos Islands his home in the wake of how his Olint Corporation was treated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulatory body for financial institutions in Jamaica.

Olint Corporation claims to be an investment club, but that does not exclude this organization or any other like it from being under the regulations of the FSC. Having said that, one must quickly qualify the statement by saying that there is nothing illegal about David Smith's business or what the business does.

David Smith was quoted by Caribbean Business Report as saying: "If asked (i.e. by Jamaican government), I would utilise my skills on behalf of my country, and it is a responsibility I would take on. However, trading foreign currencies for a members' club is a totally different proposition from trading for a country. I would insist on having a solid team of hand-picked traders around me in order to get the very best returns for Jamaica."

Supporting this patriotic gesture with valid precedent from more advanced economies than Jamaica, Mr. Smith sited the case where Australia had used Forex trading to virtually eliminate its national debt. What is stopping Jamaica from following suite? If Legislation is not already in place to facilitate this, a proactive government with an equally reactive opposition could for once

have consensus on the matter in the national interest.

The past few fiscal quarters, have seen several Jamaica Stock Exchange listed financial institutions posting less than desirable results at best, and worse results than those of same period in preceding years. All sorts of reasons are provided for the unpalatable results, but one is yet to see an investment banker who would call a spade, 'a spade' - clearly David Smith and Cash Plus operations that give their clients what they want and consistently so, are beginning to make visible dents in the operations of the regulated institutions. The former, now shadow minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Phillips was once quoted as saying that in Jamaica, only those who play by the rule get 'shafted'. Right now, it is looking more like the regulated financial institutions and their clients are the ones being shafted big time.

There can be a win-win situation for all players viz. Government of Jamaica, Financial Services Commission, David Smith and his Olint Corporation, Cash Plus, regulated financial institutions and the investing public in particular.

'Finsac' is a bad word to many past Jamaican entrepreneurs because it not only left a bitter taste in the mouth for some, but also emasculate a number of stalwarts in business, turning them totally against enterprise and normal production. But Finsac came about as a result of the financial meltdown of the nineties. The unsustainably high interest rates regime preceding the meltdown sweetened the hearts and pockets of bankers and investors alike.

If Jamaica thought that Finsac was wicked, try for a few minutes to picture a scenario where heaven forbids, the bottom drops out of the Forex trading business through Legislation from elsewhere (look what happened with online Casino gambling in US territories). Imagine how many Jamaicans at home and abroad, dignitaries and otherwise, politicians, even bankers risking their clients’ investments would then need to be bailed out.

Now imagine another scenario where David Smith's business is allowed to operate in Jamaica - with more investors able to take advantage of his offerings, unemployment level drops drastically and by extension, criminal activities. Other financial institutions get to offer similar products to their clients thereby levelling the playing field for all; and the government gets to collect humongous amount of tax (even at reduced rates) from the investing public. And since it is all legal, GOJ and BOJ also trade Forex regularly, blasting off Jamaica's deficit and the country is celebrated as an economic model to watch once more.

Male Marginalization And Crime In Jamaica Society

2007-10-08T23:50:00.000-05:00

Emergency! - Strong leadership, stricter laws and male programmes needed to reduce crime was the cry from the Jamaica Gleaner published on Tuesday October 9, 2007 .

The solution to the crime problem in Jamaica is not as simple as stated, nor is it ascribable to a number of cause and effects. Yet, when all the symptoms are put together into one 'jug' and shaken up together, one begins to realise that the hybridization effect is a mammoth called 'crime' in our country.

Power 106 FM Talk show host Wilmot Perkins laments frequently on his show about the reasoning behind the criminal 'mindset' - the criminal he recognised as a victim of the system; a man who was once born an innocent baby to his parents; just like the four-month-old baby whose life he has just snuffed-out for no apparent reason in the recent East Kingston rampage.

At what point in the criminal's life does he change from being a sweet little boy, doted on by all, certainly loved by his mama who wanted and hope the best in life for him, sacrificing much

of her own life to ensure that her boy becomes something in life that she could be proud of.

When in the continuum of events does change occur? Is it an abrupt change that brings insensitivity to the heart and soul of the Jamaican male criminal, or is it a gradual turn of events, failures and lost dreams, of disappointments in the system, of inequalities on how the social spoils are distributed such that the haves still end up having more, while the poor become even more impoverished.

After the Breaton massacre I wished not for my now teenage son to be anywhere near Jamaica during his six years as a teenager for fear of becoming entangled with the Jamaica Police. That fear was real for me because I recognised that being brought up properly does not change the fact that any common police constable can decide that he doesn't like me or my son, and that is enough to end my son's life and nothing will come out of it - he will just become another statistics, a 'misadventure'.

Our society knows the typical police's story when a youth is killed - he was either reaching for his gun, or knife or trying to attack the police, the police retaliated and the youth lost his life in the process. Statistically, it is questionable why 99.9% of the time, the police who did the killing never gets hurt in the process.

Several years ago when I first started a small manufacturing concern, my then Customs broker had just received his firearm licence, told me that when he went to pick up the licence at the police station, the police on duty threw him a pen knife. The police then told him that he must always carry it (the knife) for alibi - "when you shoot a boy, you have to show the system that it was in self defence, so you plant the knife on the dead youth's body."

A shocking revelation that stuck to my mind to this day, and to which I always recall whenever I heard another news with another typical police story of killing the assailant in self defence. How can crime go away from our country if this atrocity is not abated?

When the Braeton seven and the Tivoli 27 were snuffed out by the police a few years back, and absolutely nothing came out of it, Jamaica thought that because it didn't affected their family directly, every thing was honky-dory. But several younger boys listening to the news and asking their parents, especially single mom parents 'why?', whatever response provided and how it was received would determine how callous their reactions to crime and criminal acts become in the future. Mr. Ronnie Thwaites' Breakfast Talk show once sited certain inner-city youths who never believe that they would ever live to the ripe old age of 25 in Jamaica (so they might as cheap misbehave and enjoy themselves while at it).

My son attended a very good preparatory school and he used to ask me why is it that the female bathroom at his prep. school had mirrors and hand towels and other niceties while the male bathroom was always stack and stink and why nobody cared to see that the male bathroom was in good order. He was only about 6 when he asked this. Now he learnt from age 2 that personal hygiene included lifting up the toilet seat before 'tinkling', as a show of respect for female members who must sit to do their thing. Are our boys being marginalized from early?

When my son went got to high school he asked me again - "mummy, why is it that the Boys school do nothing for the boys on children's day yet the sister school to his school always have special treat for the girls on children's day?" How do simple acts of segregation or marginalization impact on the psyche of the male child in Jamaica? How do these help to encourage or discourage the boys to want to do well at school, to want to excel to the point where University education becomes a natural goal?

Digicel Rising Stars is a good family show that has over the past four seasons helped to bond families and friends together, in addition to its primary and subliminal goals. But the news that one member of the One-Third group that won last year's show has decided not to pursue his intended university education is rather disappointing. Dr. Leachim Semaj once stated on Ronnie Thwaites show that our boys need motivation to know that education and what you make of it always remain with you. Thus, a medical doctor will always get a job in that field way into his ripe old age, but statistics would show that it is a miniscule fraction of the 'bling bling' followers wanting to break into a singing career that actually makes it.

Finally, no amount of military training nor national youth service would influence positively a criminal mind, if that mind is not moulded from early to respect not just the laws of the society, but the basics of the ten commandments in Old Testament.

A Lesson From India - Part 1

2007-10-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

University of Pennsylvania's renowned magazine, Knowledge@Wharton, on October 03, 2007 quoted India's finance minister, Palaniappan Chidambaram as saying : 'India Will Be an Economic Power, and Nothing Will Stop Us.' A profound statement by a confident finance minister, who, as part of India's economic dream team, sounded confident in his contribution to the 2007-08 Wharton Leadership Lecture Series.

"Nine percent growth is completely meaningless," says P. Chidambaram, who spoke about his nation's surging economy, currently growing at more than 9% annually. The finance minister also predicted that this 9% growth won't be sustainable if the gains are not shared by hundreds of millions of poverty-stricken Indians still mired in remote villages, and who have no access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation, adequate schooling close to home, basic medical care, electricity and roads.

Chidambaram is however, optimistic that the framework does indeed exist to pull up several hundred million citizens from deep poverty to share in India's current boom. The keys, he said, are better schooling and improved local infrastructure - something that is much more possible today than ever because of the country's soaring economy. The 9% surge in growth affords India the opportunity to make life a little more meaningful to the poor - it provides the revenue volume to allocate more money for health education; it provides room to involve private and public sector players to provide the growth and the liquidity.

Chidambaram's confidence that India will be alone among large countries that will continue to grow for another generation, until roughly 2040, is supported by a working-age population compared to a population of dependents and the expectation that the resulting gains in jobs, income and investment should guarantee a steady cycle of growth "as long as we don't do anything stupid."

Today, India has the world's second-fastest growing economy after China as a result of a succession of economic successes that took place in the decade of the 1990s and continuing to the current decade. Its current gross national product measures an enviable 9.4% in 2006-2007 . Goldman Sachs recently estimated that while the Indian economy is now the world's 12th largest, the country should be number three behind China and the United States by 2035. A growing urban, largely English-speaking middle-class has fueled growth through scalable, sustainable growth in back-office operations, such as call centers, for multinational corporations.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's economic policies, before his assassination in 1991, helped turned India's policies away from socialism and toward a free market economy; Chidambaram was a key player then, and for more than a decade helped push through the government reforms that helped spur economic growth. He survived various shifts in India's often rough-and-tumble parliamentary-style politics to regain the key job a second time, in 2004.

Chidambaram has served twice as India's finance minister during the era of free-market reforms. The first time he was successful in curbing government spending and then in carrying out tax reforms in a nation where, even today, just 3.5% of the population actually pays taxes. If there was anyone who did not realize the significance of the economic liberalization that began in 1991, Chidambaram carefully retraced that history, when in the space of six weeks, exports and imports were made free, exchange controls relaxed, licensing virtually abolished and Indian businesses put on notice that the socialist model would make way for an open and competitive economy.

The reforms, which allowed Indian companies to compete on a global stage, have today permitted the country's growing array of software and biotechnology companies to acquire foreign rivals - today 32% of India's foreign investment is in the United States.

One of Chidambaram's key mantra is the belief that economic freedom and competition, rather than aggressive state controls, is what will lift the lower classes in a developing nation out of poverty. He acknowledged that the heavily rural nature of India poses special challenges to sharing the spoils of an economic growth. "There is no organized production of goods and services in villages -- only what you can consume locally," Chidambaram said. "There is no market beyond a few kilometers." However, he believes that the rural economy can advance on several fronts. For one, prices paid to farmers for their crops have lagged behind other costs in India, and that needs to change and the Indian government, which has seen tax revenues increase by a whopping 40% in just the current fiscal year needs to reinvest much of that windfall in rural infrastructure for drinking water and sanitation, and better schools and healthcare.

But most importantly is training that will "wean" some of the rural population away from agriculture and into more productive manufacturing jobs, a change that would have a vast "ripple effect" on the overall economy.

Addendum: The above essay was summarised by Catherine Galma-Tucker from a post at Knowledge@Wharton.com . Readers familiar with the Jamaica scenario can draw similarities in certain instances, as well as conclusions in others. We advise our newly appointed ministers in the Ministry of Finance and shadow cabinet leaders to borrow a leaf from this illustriuos finance minister from India in

putting Jamaica first for the long hurl,

putting in place strategies and policies that go beyond a term in office,

sticking with the strategies and policies and riding out the tides.

Look out for Part 2/the completion of this blog in another issue.

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Who Is Don Wehby?

2007-10-06T00:39:00.001-05:00

Educated at St. George's College, the University of the
West Indies, Stanford University - Advanced
Management College and Institute of Chartered
Accountants; and born to Donald George Wehby
(Sr.) and Marie Elena, Donald Wehby is considered
by colleagues in the private sector as one of the most
dynamic professionals in the financial arena in today's Jamaica.

Don Wehby joined GraceKennedy Ltd. in 1995 as group
finance manager and rapidly moved on to become deputy
finance director by 1997, when he was also called to the Board.

In 1998, Wehby was appointed group chief financial officer.
He became the group chief financial officer (including heading
a new Strategic Planning Unit) in 2005.
During his tenure as chief operating officer of the
Financial Services Division, pre-tax profit for the division
surged 406 per cent from $280 million in 2000 to $1.417 billion
in 2005. In 2006 Wehby became deputy chief executive officer,
GraceKennedy Ltd., and chief executive officer, GK Investments.

Don Wehby contributed to making GraceKennedy Ltd. one of
the region's largest food conglomerates, and the first
Jamaican cross-listed company. In addition to being a
major player on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, GraceKennedy Ltd.
was also listed in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and the
St. Kitts' based Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange.

Wehby played key roles for several acquisitions made
by GraceKennedy Ltd., including a 100% ownership of
First Global Bank Ltd. (FGB) and WT Foods - a successful U.K.
ethnic Food company.

GraceKennedy Ltd. is renowned for its tradition of encouraging
its executives to give public service - Hon. Carlton Alexander
and Mr Douglas Orane having successfully paved the way
in the past. So when the newly elected Prime Minister of Jamaica
Hon. Bruce Golding asked Don's hand in 'marriage' to the 'supposed
mess' left at the Omar Davis-lead Ministry of Finance, it was with
the blessings of GraceKennedy Ltd. "Don's decision to proceed is
in keeping with this tradition (of giving public service), and
reflects our deeply held belief that one of the best ways to
demonstrate our 'Grace We Care' philosophy is through actions
such as these to develop the country we love so dearly"
said Mr.Douglas Orane, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

However, due to much furore by detractors to Wehby's two-year leave
of absence with pay granted by GraceKennedy Ltd. for him to serve
in the Jamaica Labour Party Cabinet, Don Wehby has had to resign
his post outright in order to serve his country. For a person
known to be of high discipline and integrity, it remains unclear
what his detractors (or are they JLP administration's detractors?)
have achieved by proverbially "boxing food out of the man's mouth".

Senator Don Wehby tendered his resignation from the GraceKennedy
Group, severing his employment with the private sector entity
on 30th September 2007.

Jamaica wishes him well and we shall continue to blog on his efforts
at the MOF.

Jamaica Labour Party Regains Power After 18 Years

2007-10-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

Jamaica Labour Party regains power after 18 years of being in the political wilderness, albeit by a very narrow margin. There are still wranglings here and there, by losers in certain constituencies to reverse the fortune for themselves or their parties. For the rest of us, we are just too ready to get on with the business of rebuilding our lives, and by extension, Jamaica - Land we love. After all in sports we all accepted a situation where Veronica Campbell won her gold medal by a photo finish over her American competitor. No sweat, we'll do the same for Parliament.

We hope that the new opposition shall be a formidable force to reckon with, and Jamaica wishes them well. But while we continue to love our Sister P, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, we certainly hope that the People's National Party's plan to be the ruling party's 'worst nightmare' would not materialise. Oppose, oppose and oppose in the nation's interest, yes, but turning this into a nightmare may very well help to keep Sister P and her party in the real estate spot commissioned by Mr. Roger Clarke for the JLP in the House of Parliament for much longer than 2 decades.

Bob Marley sang in one of his songs:
"there's a natural mystic flowing in the air...
if you listen carefully now, you will hear..."

May be it's my imagination, maybe it's not; but people's faces all over Jamaica seem to be more relaxed than before or immediately after the Jamaica elections. If it is the usual euphoria that comes with a new beginning, then our new Prime Minister, Honourable Bruce Golding should not be too comfortable in his shoes. Indeed, we would advise him to "tek sleep mark death". Bruce must take a leaf off Portia's experience and put in place policies that would convert the euphoria into something tangible for the Jamaican voters. Never mind that half of them couldn't bring themselves to vote for you, you must nevertheless deliver on your promises or at least provide a realistic and sustainable time frame in which we can start to expect some 'feel good' effect.

The good news is that Jamaicans are getting positive vibes that things would change for the better and that at least for once, the government is listening to them. Boy, I love Bobby Pickersgill very dearly, but I was hoping that the PNP would never win in Portmore even if Portia wins overall because of the Toll situation. But the Portmore electorate gave the mandate to Portia even though Bobby 'TOLL WE SO TILL..'

Do Mass Bruce, if your government can find a way to help us in Portmore, you would'a pick up all the extra votes to make Portmore a JLP country or at least a PNP and a JLP country - do Sir, see if you can bring down the Toll cost to a $50.00 fi wi - the Toll is taking a toll on our pockets, and on the resale value of our properties, and on the ability for spinsters and single moms to get boyfriends. Then to add insult upon injury, our children and us still have to get up at ungodly hours in the morning in gridlock traffic to get to Kingston via the Toll.

By the way, a which 'sour grapes' burst pon the JLP dual citizenship holders? Bet you, dem know which ones from the new opposition PNP party hold dual citizenship too, not necessarily of the USA. So why the carrot and a stick tactics? But what a hell, when the whole truth comes out... interesting times ahead.