Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. Sends Off Ninety Six Farmworkers To Canada

Press Release From The Ministry of Labour - 20250106: 

Despite freezing temperatures in Canada, the 96 farmworkers who were sent off by Minister Charles Jr last Friday, received a warm welcome upon arrival at their destination.  

The Jamaican Liaison Service (JLS) led by Chief Liaison Officer Althea Riley, was on hand with several partners, at the Pearson International Airport in Toronto Canada, on Friday January 3, to greet the first set of farmworkers who arrived in Canada for the 2025 agricultural season. 

Partners on location included Jamaica’s Consul General in Toronto Mr. Kurt Davis, Claude Thompson of JN Money and other members of the Jamaican Liaison Service. 

In welcoming the workers, Riley said, “Welcome to Canada gentlemen, I want to encourage you to exercise professionalism in executing your duties and interacting with your peers. Also, please be mindful in maintaining the established standard of high performance for which we are known. The continued success of the programme rests heavily on their shoulders as does your own welfare. So, it is your responsibility to report to the Jamaica Liaison Service any issues or concerns that may arise, rest assured that all matters will be swiftly and confidentially addressed.” 

In acknowledging the JN representative on location Riley described the partnership established with JN Money. JN Money has been providing farmworkers ease of access when sending money back home to their families. “Last season the JLS powered by JN Money embarked on a series of social events across all the provinces in Canada which was aimed at engaging farmworkers and building more sustainable relationships with their liaison officers, employers and peers. These events were a success, and we are already planning future iterations of the series” Riley said. 

The cadre of 96 workers have benefitted from several recent changes made to the programme including improved services from the JLS with an increase in the frequency of visits and 24-hour access to liaison officers. Further, upon arrival in Canada, all farmworkers are to be greeted at the airport on arrival a briefing session held with them before they are dispatched to their respective farms. 

Chief Liaison Officer, Jamaica Liaison Service, Mrs. Althea Riley is
surrounded by arriving farmworkers

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NEWS FLASH!!!

US Experience first human bird flu death. the first severe H5N1 in the US. Jamaica has to be on watch!!!

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A Hug From Leo Bennett Saved a Man's Life Today!

Firefighter Leo Bennett: The Peoples Hero

Leo Bennett, the man who climbed atop the Transport Authority Building in Kingston in 2023, to highlight the challenges of our firefighters. Many wrote him off as a madman. In that case, we could write off some of our national heroes as mad people also. Busta bared his chest and told the security forces to shoot him first. Nanny and the Maroons took on the British forces.

When Leo Bennett took action to bring the plight of firefighters to national attention, the Fire Chief was in the studio with me. I prayed and hoped the regulations would not be thrown at Leo Bennett. The man was demoted, but the fire continued to burn in him, the fire to help others.

Leo heard a former colleague had climbed atop the Transport Authority Building. He was aware the man was facing challenges. What did Leo Bennett do? He left his house at lightning speed. In seconds, Leo was atop the transport building with a man who was minutes away from possibly ending his life. Who else could get up there so quickly? I understand that this man was under Leo Bennett's command in the past. Bennett approached the man atop the building, reached out, hugged him, and pulled the man back and saved his life.

If Leo Bennett did not answer that call, my story would have been different. The last time someone attempted to jump from a building, he was encouraged to do so by a person or persons on the ground, and the advice was taken.

Leo Bennett in the past, highlighted certain challenges in the Fire Brigade, and this gentleman today is an example of a challenge that is not just a Fire Brigade problem but a national one. Jamaica needs more social workers and more psychiatrists. It seems that a significant number of people are under stress and are crying out for help.

The rest of us need to understand and learn more about the signs of mental-related illnesses and challenges. If we did, then a journalist would not be attempting to interview a man who, it is reported, was about to commit suicide. 

By the way, I am sure that attempted suicide is a criminal offence? If that is so, then something is wrong with the system.

Join me in appealing nicely to the authorities to promote Leo Bennett to a rank above the rank that he was demoted from. This would be a just recognition for a man who was a hero today. Add your voice by adding a comment to this blog.

Mr. Prime Minister, what do you think, Sir?

Leo Bennett, The People's Fighter

Other Information

Leo Bennett's interview.

Please share this post with at least ten people to show support for Leo Bennett.

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Breaking News - Man In Halfway Tree Transport Centre Threatening To Commit Suicide

I just got word that a man is currently atop the Transport Centre Building in Halfway Tree, threatening to commit suicide. Let's pray and hope this man's life is saved. Let's also be aware of our friends and relatives who might be going through depression at this time. Try and get help for them before it is too late.

If someone says to you that they feel like committing suicide, take it seriously and get help for that person.

If you are in the area, please send me information by WhatsApp about what is happening to 876 816-5261.

Note:

One media house reported that the man who attempted suicide earlier today in Halfway Tree was escorted away by the police.

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Vernon McLeod Had No Interest in Politics - Now Serving Over Twenty Years.

I invite you to listen to this interview with Councillor Vernon McLeod. It will give you an insight into what happens in the political arena. Click on the picture below.

Click to listen to the conversation

Please add your comments. You may commend Councillor McLeod or criticise him. He will be monitoring the blog.

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What's Happening - Sunday, January 5, 2025

Rupert Bent

I got a message that Rupert Bent has passed on. He is former Miss World, Cindy Breadspeare's husband. This information is being circulated on social media. This has not been confirmed by his family. Rupert is a very talented musician, and I understand he is a very accomplished sailor.

Emancipation Park

One of my guest writers and on-the-ground reporters shares what Emancipation Park looks like at this time.

During last year I had complaints about the need to improve the maintenance of the park. The condition of the walkway, for example, was deteriorating. I hope that the park downtown and the one in Halfway Tree can also regain their past glory. I remember the beautiful fountains at both parks, and people used to flock to the parks to have their pictures taken.

Halfway Tree Park has been captured by vendors.

Crime and More Crime?

I have been informed that the body of a woman has been found in Devon Pen in St. Mary. The body was found wrapped in a tarpaulin. I am awaiting a report from the police on this matter.

The Weather Is Deteriorating in Cold Countries

Some areas of North America are facing snow storms, and in England they expect plenty of ice to be on the roads. At this time, it can be very dangerous to drive on the road or even walk. Yu slip and yu slide. Yu slide and yu bus yu head or bruk yu foot. Winter is not pretty in those countries. Snow or no snow, they have to go to work!

BBC is reporting that more than 60 million Americans across more than 30 states are in the grips of a huge winter storm that could bring the heaviest snowfall and coldest temperatures in over a decade.

On The Ground Supporter in Canada

Padmore Clinic in St. Andrew Getting Attention

Last year, one of my on-the-ground reporters brought it to my attention that the Padmore Health clinic was not being used and it was in bad condition. I said to myself, "How can a poor country afford to have a government building stay like that?" Where are the responsible public servants?

SOS JPS

This is a video of a JPS pole which is in a bad state and attention is needed immediately. I am sure my friends at JPS will have this matter dealt with at the earliest possible date. Thanks to my supporter for bringing it to my attention.

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Universal Service Fund Gets New CEO

The following is a Press Release From The Universal Access Fund:

Charlton McFarlane

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Charlton McFarlane as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 6, 2025.

This appointment follows the untimely passing of the previous CEO, Dr. Daniel Dawes, who died on May 24, 2024, after being found unresponsive in his home. Dr. Dawes was deeply committed to advancing Jamaica’s digital transformation, and his sudden loss has left a significant gap at the organization's helm. 

During the interim, the Fund was led by its Financial Controller, Mr. Andrew McRae, who stated, “It was a privilege to lead the agency through this transitional period, and I extend my best wishes to Mr. McFarlane as he embarks on his tenure.”

The Board of Directors is confident that Mr. McFarlane's vision and expertise will continue the progress set by Dr. Dawes and lead the USF into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Mr. McFarlane brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, and innovation from his previous role as CEO of the Registrar General Department (RGD).  His appointment is a key step in the USF’s mission to deepen Jamaica’s digital transformation and provide access to affordable technology services for all Jamaicans.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr. McFarlane expressed his excitement about taking on this critical role. 

"I'm really looking forward to joining the USF team. I'm particularly excited about finding innovative ways of deepening Jamaica's digital transformation through the Fund," Mr. McFarlane said. 

He continued, "Be ready for cutting-edge, highly creative, forward-thinking solutions to build a digital futuristic society."

Mr. McFarlane’s leadership is expected to bring fresh insights and strategies to drive the Fund’s ongoing initiatives and further strengthen its commitment to enhancing Jamaica’s digital infrastructure. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, with numerous projects aimed at increasing digital connectivity across the island, including Connect Ja Public Wi-Fi and Community Wi-Fi launches, as well as other transformative initiatives in the pipeline.

The USF looks forward to Mr. McFarlane’s leadership and continued success in fulfilling its mandate to improve access to communication services and contribute to the economic development of Jamaica through digital inclusion.

The Universal Service Fund is an Agency under the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport mandated to ensure access to information and communication tools to facilitate development. In 2005, the USF began operation as the Universal Access Fund Company Limited following a Ministerial Order which mandated that all domestic telecommunications providers are obligated to collect a universal service levy on all inbound telephone calls.

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Fire On Spanish Town Bypass

I received two videos of a fire on the Spanish Town bypass.  Proceed with caution. If you have any information about this fire, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

Note:

It seems as if I have picked up a bad virus. I might be out for awhile. Pray for me and let us hope for the best.

I am at the hospital now.

Breaking News - Principal and His Wife Have Died?

I was just advised that the Jessie Ripoll School family in Kingston has lost their Principal, O'Neil Stevens and his wife who both died in an accident on their way to the airport in California, USA. 

If you have information about this matter, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

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NSWMA Quick Response - Customer Satisfied and Workers Shown Appreciation

Dunrobin Acres

The head of the NSWMA, headed by Mr Audley Gordon, is one of those government entities that continues to keep in touch with the public and assist the people as much as possible. When a system is not fully computerized and you have to depend on humans for reporting and for accountability purposes, it is a challenge. We have had garbage pile up in the past, especially when there is a shortage of garbage trucks. The NSWMA has acquired more trucks during this financial year, and from all indications, garbage collection has improved. We still have more to achieve.

This week a citizen called me about garbage not collected in her community for two weeks. Although she was unhappy about the situation, she still commented on how nice the sanitation workers are. She was also very anxious to give them a little Christmas gift. She noted that they no longer give out their envelopes for Christmas funds. I assume that because they are now enjoying the security of job tenure, the company does not like the idea of the staff members soliciting funds. Jamaicans still continue to dig deep into their pockets to ensure that these workers know that they are appreciated by citizens.

I reported the matter to the NSWMA about the garbage not being collected in an area identified by this lady, who sent me a voicemail just after Christmas. Today, January 3, the lady who had the garbage challenge sent me a voicemail to say thanks. Oftentimes, when you help people they don't remember to show appreciation. I am posting her voicemails on this post so the sanitation workers and their supervisors realize that people do appreciate the organization and its workers.

Click the icon below to listen to the citizen's complaint:

Click the icon below to listen to the citizen's response after NSWMA responded:

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Breaking News - PM Will Resign!

Dr Keith Royley, PM of Trinidad

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has announced that he will resign as Prime Minister.

Click the picture below to listen to Dr. Royley's statement:

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Concerns That Fabuloso Not So Fabulous and So is The Response From a Public Entity!

The government is being hampered by bureaucracy. Individuals who stand in the way of progress, need to pack their bags and go. I note, for example, that Tufton has expressed concerns about the service offered in some hospitals. We have gotten into the habit of blaming politicians for everything, while some public servants are to blame for the poor service given by some public service entities. 

I made a report to a senior public servant on December 18, 2024, concerning my supporters expressing concerns about the Fabuloso product. I sent a reminder on December 23, 2024, about the matter. I sent another reminder again today, Friday, January 3, and I called the officer today. I am yet to receive a satisfactory response. There is little or no respect for the concerns of the people. 

I should point out that Mrs. Dolsie Allen, head of the Consumer Affairs Commission, took the time to respond to my query near midnight. The officer at the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority will give an answer when she awakes from her slumber.

Click on the link below to see the blog that was sent out:

Fabuloso May Not Be so Fabulous?

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