Your Support Has Kept Vernon Going

At first, it was just a little lump that was an abscess, and it had to be removed. This was followed by more tests, which showed that I had a PSA reading of 16. This was a signal of trouble ahead. I did a biopsy of the prostate, and it was confirmed that I had an aggressive cancer.

That was just the beginning of a rocky road. The great thing is that the heart tests showed that all was OK. It took about five months to get that result. There was bad news, and I had to see the nephrologist. The good news is that the nephrologist felt I was ready for the operation. Further tests showed another unusual result. I have to visit the gastroenterologist, and I need to have a colonoscopy and an endoscopy done. 

During all of this, I had to do an MRI, a body scan, two ultrasounds, and various blood tests. Let me remind you that it is not easy to save, but medical challenges can wipe out all your assets, so try to save for that. My tests and consultant fees cost approximately JAD 1 million.

It seems I am reaching the point when a radical prostatectomy can be done. This has been a rough road, made smoother by some loving, wonderful people. The financial assistance given by some people has gone a long way in removing the stress of thinking about that cost. I was looking at the cost of JAD 4 million for the operation, plus the additional costs for tests.

Persons coming from the USA to Jamaica made sure to leave space in their luggage for me. Some send me a message every morning. Some have literally taken me in as a member of their family. I join their family for dinner and lunch many times.

Since I am no longer on the radio, Bark Di Trute has become the only avenue for my creative output and helping others. You will notice that more people are contributing material to the blog. They are also sharing information with me because I have had to reduce my workload.

I thank you all for your support. One lady has been providing me with items for about 15 years now. Members in the transport sector have involved me in their work so that they can assist me in what I do. I have been through hell, but with the support of the medical profession and other caring people, it feels like heaven.

Always remember this: There are evil people around, but equally, there are good people around. Try to attract good people, and when you see the evil ones, make sure you can beat Usain Bolt. I have done well not because of me but because I am blessed, and I have some loving and caring people around me who have prayed for me. Some of them I have never met.

To all of you, thanks again, and remember that the good you do will follow you and your family. Have a great day. I love you.

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Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes. There are also highlights from CNN and BBC.

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Woman Killed In Christiana?

 I just received a message that a woman was murdered on Wildman Street in Christiana yesterday.

No further information is available at this time and we hope to hear from the police soon.

If you have any information about this matter please WhatsApp this information to 876 816-5261. 

Be a part of the solution.

Make America Great Again or Make America Go Away?

Contributed by Mics

In this ongoing USA blockade and developing Cuban crisis, I ponder, where's the United Nations in all this?

Has that body become impotent, or is it the USA's significant funding and veto power that has turned it into a mere spectator? 

The US shouldn't create a starvation-induced crisis in Cuba. We must stand with our Cuban brothers and sisters! Trump, stop this! The 350 million Americans aren't on board with this. 

Blockading fuel, food, and medicine could lead to a Gaza-like catastrophe in Cuba, with women and children dying and suffering, affecting most of the 11 million Cuban population. 

We fear the US's brute force under Trump's leadership, but let's not underestimate the admirable resilience of the Cuban people at home and abroad.

Some clearly oppose the present regime and economic and political system.

The Supreme Court did block Trump's excessive global tariffs, showing America's democracy works. 

Americans are patient, and their system withstands tests.

MAGA: Make America Great Again... or is it Make America GO Away?

Mics 🖊pen

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Our Black Leaders Hate Us!

Contributed by Valerie Dixon

Valrie Dixon

I wish every Jamaican could have their DNA testing done so that we can have proof that we are all related to one another. To calm their fears so that they could get some sleep at night. It became necessary for our slave owners to separate us and scatter us all over Jamaica.

This, they thought, would stop us from meeting and gathering and so make plans on how to unalive them, because we greatly outnumbered them. 

This 'divide and rule' operation has come back to haunt and bite us, as we are and may forever be unable to trust and love each other. 

As once described by a former Most Honourable Prime Minister, Jamaica is divided into 2 hostile tribes, perpetually at war with each other, fighting over scarce benefits and spoils. So instead of leading us to prosperity, our leaders continue to divide us and say, "Stick 'em," like we are dogs to fight each other. We are unable to realize that the ancient policy of 'Divide and Rule' has caused us to be unknown blood relatives, still after many generations fighting our blood relatives, and we are now further divided along political party lines. 

To my mind, our Black leaders hate most or all of the 90% of the population so badly that it is almost impossible for the leaders from both political parties to rule in the interest of the Black majority. And to my mind, the Black majority, for the most part, hate themselves so much that many believe deep in their hearts that they are too Black to succeed. Suh dem hole dem cornah, which is at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, and continue to fight dem one another for the scarce benefits and spoils.

Editor's notes:

Valrie Dixon published the book 'Too Black To Succeed'. She writes for local newspapers and Self Help News, a newspaper in London. She is also the presenter for Lifestyle Pages aired on Nationwide 90 FM before the 7:00 am news during the week.

The article was written after she saw the post highlighting the fracas that took place at Bellfield during the opening of the commnity health clinic. 

 

That PJ Patterson Cuba Initiative Cannot Succeed!

PJ Patterson & Donald Trump

The initiative of the Most Honourable PJ Patterson and other former Caribbean leaders to get the US to end its blockade against Cuba is a grand waste of time.

It is a war that is going on. and press releases and public statements will not further the best interests of Cuba. When you have a war, you will not get anywhere just giving support to one side. That can further aggravate the situation. 

Those who believe they can help should find out what the concerns of the US government are and what its strategies are. The same should be done for Cuba. Hopefully, these former Caribbean leaders are closer to the Cuban regime, and therefore, they could play the role of emissaries. This is important because I don't believe that there is a cordial relationship between the Cuban leaders and the leaders of the USA.

There is a long history of challenges between the US and Cuba. My understanding is that there is no love for the Cuban regime by Cuban Americans who now hold key positions in the US government. They are exercising significant influence on US policy towards Cuba.

I understand that many Cubans had to run away from Cuba when Castro took over from Batista. Many of their friends and relatives became political prisoners. 

Emotional press releases will not cut it. Many of us do not understand what this rift between Cuba and the US is all about. We need to be given more information.

We must be practical and understand that an ant cannot take the fight to the elephant. It will only take a second for the elephant to step on the ant and snuff the ant’s life out. Sometimes, quiet diplomacy can be far more effective than hot air. 

I believe that the press release from these former Caribbean leaders regarding the Cuba vs the USA challenge is doomed to fail. All it has done is remind us of those Caribbean leaders who have served. This has also provided material for local radio and TV.

CLICK TO SEE PRESS RELEASE FROM CARIBBEAN LEADERS.

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NEEDED

• A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
• Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
• Do you need a live-in caregiver?
• Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

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Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Expect Anything When You Visit The Bank

On Friday, February 20, 2026, I went to Scotia Bank on Constant Spring Road to make a lodgement. The management and staff at this bank are very courteous.

I noticed all the chairs were taken. You will be aware of my joke about these chairs. Many years ago, I created a scene at Scotiacentre because customers had to stand in line for sometimes an hour. before being served. I used to feel it for pregnant women and the elderly.

They now have chairs in the banks and a numbering system to call the customers to the counter. Recently, I went to the Scotia Bank in New Kingston, and I was sitting on one of those chairs for about an hour. I created another scene again, and I told the staff members I needed to see the manager. They mentioned to me about having an appointment. That further aggravated the situation. I told them that customers pay the manager, and I need to see the manager. 

In a few minutes, the manager rushed out of her office and she called me by name. Yes, she was one of the young tellers at Scotia Centre when I made my views known dramatically about customers having to stand so long in line.

The manager is a pleasant lady, and we both had a good laugh. I said to her, when you were a young teller, we had to stand for an hour in the line. Now we have chairs to sit for an hour. I said to her that we now need beds so we can sleep for an hour.

Back to my story about my visit to Scotia Constant Spring. The bank was full, but the tellers were doing a good job dealing with customers.

In a few minutes, an announcement was made for CA27. My number was C28. The announcement was made more than once, and the number was displayed on the screens for all to see. Customer CA27 was nowhere to be found. I thought the agent was wasting time not calling my number. When I went to the teller, she explained that she had to give the person time to get to the counter.

She eventually had to attend to me. While she was there dealing with me, an elderly lady came to the counter, and for a second, I thought she wanted to displace me from my position. She interrupted the teller while she was checking the funds. The lady told the teller that her number was not called. 

I looked at her quite firmly and said to her, "The teller is dealing with me. You cannot interject and distract her." She gave me one nasty look and puffed up her face like those croaking creatures. It was a good thing that the manager was nearby, and he had class. He invited her to join him at the end of the counter.

While there are challenges at the bank, we cannot sit on our telephones and become involved in doing other things and then lie about your number not being called. 

When I was leaving the bank, the lady was still puffed up like those croaking creatures. I kept my distance because I did not want any of the poisonous milk to catch me.

You Now Have Some Control Over Your Debit Card

Ensure that you get the Scotia Bank app on your phone. This app allows you to block your debit card so no one can shop with it. Now, for the negative side. Someone can find your debit card and use that card to withdraw funds from your account. That does not make sense. It also means that a bank staff member can still withdraw funds from your account. When will the banks get it right?

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NEEDED

• A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
• Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
• Do you need a live-in caregiver?
• Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

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• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Police Had To Be Called In To Quell Tufton's Clinic Opening Disturbance

You must watch this video to see the effect of nasty politics on the people. We have a long way to go in learning how to deal with political differences.

Click here to watch the video.

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Bark Di Trute requests that you click on the advertiser's link on the page and also donate to the work of Bark Di Trute. It takes cash to care!

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NEEDED

• A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
• Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
• Do you need a live-in caregiver?
• Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Michael Spence Calls For Tax Reform

Contributed

As Jamaica navigates its economic landscape, it's time to reconsider our tax structure. The current system places a significant burden on individual taxpayers, while key industries like tourism and agriculture enjoy exemptions.

Tourism, a major contributor to our GDP (35%), and remittances (10%) are crucial revenue streams. However, hotels have been exempt from direct taxes since 1890, and agricultural incentives offer 0% taxation. It's time for these sectors to contribute their fair share.

Abolishing direct income taxes and focusing on the General Consumption Tax (GCT) could simplify our tax system and promote fairness. A People's Incentives Act could help reduce corruption and level the playing field for all Jamaicans.

The question is: can Jamaica afford to maintain its current tax incentives? Some argue that targeted relief is possible if matched with revenue measures or spending cuts. Others warn that abolishing direct taxes could lead to revenue gaps ¹ ².

I think Jamaica should reconsider its tax policies to promote economic equity and growth now. No time to waste.

Contributor 

Michael Spence

Micspen2@hotmail.com

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The big news out of the United Kingdom today is that King Charles' brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested after police officers swooped down on his Sandringham residence. This is in connection with his relationship and activities with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This matter could be having a serious impact on Andrew's mental state, and therefore he must be closely monitored.

The British police are executing searches in other residences, the international media reports. 

In his response, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom says that no one is above the law. 

The anti-monarchists have descended on this issue to show why the system of the Royal Family should be abandoned. The monarchy is an institution, and it is a former member of the institution that has been arrested and not the institution. Andrew, at this time, is still not a convict.

I believe that the press could show more empathy and refrain from asking the King and Queen how they feel about Andrew being arrested. This must be a difficult time for the family or for any family with that challenge. We should distinguish between the institution called the British Royal Family and Andrew, who is no longer a member of the institution. 

All of this concerns Jamaica because King Charles is the Head of State of Jamaica.

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Bark Di Trute requests that you click on the advertiser's link on the page and also donate to the work of Bark Di Trute. It takes cash to care!

_____________________

NEEDED

• A very qualified IT expert is seeking to go on a new project. He has over twenty years of experience in the field. He has an MSc in the field.
• Do you need a decent and honest person to work three days each week in your home?
• Do you need a live-in caregiver?
• Place needed to store bookshop stocks. Stocks are being sold at a reduced rate. 

Send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261 if you are interested in any of these people. 

 These persons have been endorsed by Bark Di Trute.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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