Time To Say Bye To.....

The Governor General of Jamaica

Something is very wrong at King's House. A few people have left that place, grumbling but not saying much. The GG is a man of God, but some things are very wrong at the King's House. Now I understand a lawyer who worked at King's House is demanding JAD 31 million owed to her in emoluments.

The first time I met this current GG, I said to myself that this man is not ready. I will never forget when I was the National Director for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme, and Princess Anne was coming to present the Gold Awards to the young people.

The JCF and the JDF have always been very supportive of the programme. The musicians from both entities have always been willing to play at our functions, especially to play the national anthem.

I was told there was no need for the JCF or the JDF because the anthem could be played from a CD. I was hopping mad. I was told that the JIS would provide the CD.

The big day had arrived. It was now time for the function to start, and I asked for the CD with the anthem. There was no CD, and the official party was already descending the stairs into the ballroom.

They had taken everything out of my hands, and all I could do was put my hands on my head. An official from King's House asked a teacher who brought a group of students for awards to play the national anthem."

As the chair of the function, I asked all to stand for the singing of the national anthem. I heard some chords and some strange chords being played on the King's House Grand Piano. I did not hear any chords that sounded like one of the chords in our national anthem.

After about a minute, I said to the gathering, "Please be seated." My face must have turned red, redder than the hottest coal furnace.

I could have played the anthem, but I felt that Vernon Derby was not the one to get on the King's House grand piano for a royal visit and play it. When I went outside, I used a word to describe the governor general, and I am almost sure he heard what I said. The lovely King's House grand piano was used as a table for the function.

Years after, I went to a church where I was the guest speaker, and a man decided to play a version of the national anthem on the piano that I had never heard in my life. I went across to him and firmly said, "Stop playing!"

I am not a singer, but I decided to lead the congregation in singing the national anthem. The congregation took over the singing and relieved me of the responsibility of singing.

I said to myself, I should have taken the same action at King's House some years ago.

Back to our Governor General. Hardly anyone knows him. The man can barely move sometimes. Can someone whisper in his ear and tell him,

Your Excellency, It's Time To Go.

It is widely felt by the public that our governor general, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Linton Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, is not well. Probably it is time to go because the nation is not feeling him.

Don't laugh, but I did not remember his name!

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MOCA Statement On TAJ Workers - Something Smells Fishy!

MOCA and RPD Statement Regarding TAJ Employees - May 6, 2026

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) notes the recent outcome of proceedings in the matter involving former employees of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and recognises the public concern that has arisen following the court’s decision to dismiss the charges.

As a law-enforcement agency, we are committed not only to the vigorous investigation and prosecution of serious organised crime, fraud, and corruption, but also to the observance of fairness, due process, and the timely administration of justice. In light of the ruling, we have commenced an internal review of the case management and court attendance issues arising in this matter and will take appropriate next steps in order to ensure that we maintain the high standards of professionalism and integrity that is in keeping with our core values. 

Based on our initial assessment, we can report to the public that this case, which was investigated by the Revenue Protection Division (RPD), was prosecuted in conjunction with MOCA’s legal and prosecutorial department. As part of that process, fiats were obtained to allow legal officers employed to both agencies to prosecute the matter on behalf of the Crown.

Over a number of years, the matter has been affected by a range of delays due to a multiplicity of circumstances, many of which were outside the control of the prosecution. When the case came before the court on Monday, May 4, 2026, the prosecution was in a position to proceed despite the fact that the fiat counsel were unavailable to attend, with two being affected by illness and the other unable to attend court due to particular personal circumstances. These factors, when viewed against the background of the matter’s prolonged history, appear to have contributed directly to the court’s ruling in terminating the matter.

As a result, we and our RPD partners are currently in the process of consulting with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding potential options for the way forward, even as we collectively review the situation in order to identify any possible systemic learning and to prevent a recurrence. 

We would like to remind the public that we remain committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, accountability, fairness and the proper administration of justice, in order to preserve and maintain the high public confidence that has been placed in us over the years.

Editor's Note

This is a nice press release, but persons or persons fell down on the job. With the high incidence of crime, when we are quick to lock up someone who stole some ackees, this does not go down well.

Someone must be held accountable. We need to know for example, if persons involved in prosecuting the case were habitually sick. We need to know if people deliberately drag this thing out to get someone off the hook. This nice press release is coming off as just plain public relation efforts.

Something is not smelling right, and this matter must be investigated by an independent body. 

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Part I of III - Can Jamaica Turn the Corner?

Contributed

Seeing Ourselves Clearly

Can Jamaica turn the corner? Can we truly achieve Vision 2030 and become “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”? These questions linger in the national conversation, often overshadowed by a familiar refrain: “Nutten nah gwaan” or “Nothing is happening.” Some even argue that we are worse off than we were at independence.

Yet the national statistics tell a different story. When we compare Jamaica in 1962 to Jamaica in 2026, progress is undeniable across multiple areas. Could we have done more? Absolutely. Did we make mistakes? Certainly. But the past should serve as a teacher, not a chain that holds us back.

The claim that “nothing has changed” simply isn’t true. Much has changed. The challenge is that our collective mindset often leans so heavily toward negativity that it obscures the progress in plain sight. Good work has been done, and continues to be done, but it must be accelerated, sustained, scaled, and strengthened.

So here is a perspective framed by questions that deserve deeper reflection:

• Have we understood why the National Family Board’s “Two is Better Than Too Many” campaign worked so effectively?
• Do we understand why the seatbelt law was implemented with relatively little resistance?
• Do we understand how Jamaica reached the FIFA World Cup in 1998?
• Why do we continue to dominate global athletics on a per capita basis?
• Do we fully grasp the reasons behind the success of the Economic Reform Programme supported by the IMF?
• Do we understand why Jamaican music is instantly recognizable across the world?

And by “we,” is meant all Jamaicans, our institutions, our leaders, and our people.

These successes did not happen by accident. They emerged from a combination of mindset, aspiration, discipline, and national alignment. Understanding them is essential if we are to turn the corner again.

Look out for Part II on Saturday

Contributed by Devon Rowe

Devon Rowe OD

Devon Rowe is a career public servant and university lecturer who received his BSc from the UWI and his MA from John F. He was the Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance & Planning in Jamaica.

There Is A Murderer Lurking Nearby

Press Release From The Jamaica Heart Foundation - May 7. 2026

The Killer

World Hypertension Day will be observed on May 17, 2026, during World Salt Awareness Week under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together!” This global observance highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, accurate blood pressure measurement, and healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Deborah Chen
Executive Director,
Heart Foundation of Jamaica

World Hypertension Day is observed in alignment with Salt Awareness Week (11th to 17th May), to encourage reducing global dietary salt intake to combat high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume less than 5 grams of salt per day—roughly one teaspoon. This may be challenging, considering a significant portion of the salt we consume is hidden in ultra-processed and packaged foods.

Hypertension, commonly called “high blood pressure,” remains one of Jamaica’s most pressing public health challenges. Local data indicate that approximately one in three Jamaicans—about 34%—is living with hypertension, with as many as four out of ten unaware of their condition. 

Screening data from the Heart Foundation of Jamaica also show a high prevalence of elevated blood pressure among adults with 44% of the blood pressure checks done found to be at a level that required medical evaluation (Stage 1 or 2) while another 35.8% had “elevated” blood pressure.  Further finding indicate that:

• 25.3% of persons who reported that they did not have a history of high blood pressure had a reading at Stage 1 or 2 
• Another 41.4% had “elevated” blood pressure reading 
• And 62.7% of those who knew they had high blood pressure were uncontrolled.

These statistics reinforce the urgency of early detection and management. 

Hypertension is a major driver of cardiovascular disease, which accounts for a significant proportion of deaths in Jamaica. It is also the leading cause of end-stage kidney failure in the country, placing additional strain on already limited dialysis resources. 

Beyond its impact on health, hypertension imposes a heavy social and economic burden. Treatment costs, long-term medication use, and hospitalizations continue to strain the national health system, where a significant portion of public pharmaceutical expenditure is directed toward hypertension management, reflecting the scale of the problem. 

For families, the cost is equally severe—lost income, reduced productivity, and the emotional toll of caring for relatives with chronic illness. Left unchecked, hypertension threatens national development by affecting the country’s workforce and increasing healthcare spending.

This year’s theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together!”, underscores the importance of collective action. Individuals are encouraged to know their blood pressure numbers and regular checks from their health care providers or local health facilities as early detection and consistent management are important in the management of this disease.  The public is reminded that “pressure”  often has no symptoms but can silently damage the heart, brain, and kidneys if left undiagnosed.

Jamaicans are reminded that controlling hypertension is achievable through some very practical, everyday choices like

• Reducing salt intake and limit processed foods 

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods 

• Doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily 

• Maintaining a healthy weight 

• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption 

• Manage stress and get adequate rest 

Also try incorporating the following menu tips:

• Use fresh herbs and spices instead of salt to season meals 

• Limit salted meats such as saltfish and processed foods 

• Include local staples like callaloo, breadfruit, yam, and fresh fruits 

• Choose grilled, steamed, or baked meals instead of fried options 

• Replace sugary drinks with water or natural, unsweetened beverages 

Executive Director of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Deborah Chen, is urging Jamaicans to take proactive steps to protect their health. She notes that “If you don’t find time for health, you will have to find time for illness. Get screened, make healthier choices, and take control of your heart health today.” 

Mrs Chen also emphasized that hypertension is largely preventable and manageable through lifestyle changes and adherence to treatment. Efforts to reduce salt consumption, improve food environments, and promote physical activity must be supported at the individual, community, and policy levels

On this World Hypertension Day, The Foundation encourages Jamaicans to:

• Get tested and know your numbers 

• Adopt healthier eating and lifestyle habits 

• Encourage family and friends to check their blood pressure 

• Support national efforts to reduce salt intake and improve nutrition 

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer,” but it does not have to be. By working together—individuals, families, communities, and policymakers—Jamaica can reduce its impact and build a healthier, more productive nation.

Add in the comments how salt can make you salt! I am trying to find a prize for the winner.

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If You Can Read This, Thank A Teacher

Contribution

TO MY BATCHMATES and all teachers on TEACHER'S DAY, May 6, 2026 and beyond. The Teacher: An Ancient Craft that Keeps Us Alive.

1. One of humanity's/Jamaica's oldest professions  

Teaching is right up there with healers, obeah men, priests, singers, pastors, storytellers, shopkeepers, doctors, writers, scientists, politicians, and farmers. 

A profession that guarantees the planet’s survival, evolution, and continuation, notwithstanding today’s selfish capital formations and destructive wars.

2. Before schools, there were teachers:  

Elders passed down how to track animals, look for wood, make fire, milk cows/animals, navigate by stars, wind, mountains, and oceans, shape tools, and remember histories.

Every skill humans have kept alive, "EDUCATION" comes through someone teaching someone else.

Laptops, computers, AI, internet, TikTok, or cable can never replace the teacher.

With all of that, Jamaica's literacy and numeracy rates have been falling, with males the greatest concern.

Back to TEACHER basics for a civilized solution.

Today we drive cars, fly planes, sail boats, dispense medicines, and yes, even missiles. 

All of it started with a teacher.

3. Teacher's Day is honouring that unbroken chain

Whether it’s Socrates, Confucius, Aristotle, Vernon Derby, Andrew Holness, or Mark Golding.

Jesus, Ras Tafari, or Mohammed with their disciples, or your basic and primary school teachers who made ABCs or fractions finally click, it’s all the same craft: 

The Teacher

In Jamaica, we celebrate Teacher's Day on the first Wednesday in May. That’s today.  

Wednesdays are special to me, too. I went to Moneague College on a Wednesday to apply for entry. I got through

The teachers we must remember are those who taught us more than the syllabus.

Mr Laing was my favorite. I still live by his quote from a class presentation:  

"Sir, how many arms do you have?”  

Quite confused, I replied, “Two, sir.”  

He then said, "Ok, we need not be introduced to any more arms." I live by that even today. I share it with my children, students and associates.  

Today, I hear public officials and presenters “deafening listeners with arms in excess.” Missa Laing needs to talk to dem.

To the teachers who gave us more than syllabi: 

BATCHMATES, CELEBRATED MONEAGUITES and other college graduates.

Thank you all for those extra arms you saved us from. Also, the strength and camaraderie displayed throughout.

All TEACHERS BLESSINGS AND MORE STRENGTH.

ONCE A TEACHER ALWAYS A Maas VERNON.

A TEACHER CAN IMMEDIATELY FIT IN ANY PROFESSION GO ON BARKE THE TEACHER'S TRUTE.

Michael Spence

Micspen2@hotmail.com

Security Guard At UHWI Continues To Collect Cash For Parking Fees

What the hell is happening at the University Hospital of the West Indies? It seems to me that it is business as usual, or should I say business unusual? I was shocked when I saw the building of that car park at the UHWI to make money off poor people, while others live off the hospital.

Eric Hosein

The first time I went there to check out the car park system, it was a security guard who collected parking fees at the gate. I did not see anything in place that would ensure that the funds collected would go to the hospital.

I am certain that I heard the acting CEO Mr. Eric Hosein, saying that this matter would be dealt with.

Today, I got a message that the parking fees are still being collected by a security guard who is not employed by the UHWI. I wonder how much goes into his pockets and how much goes into the pockets of the person to whom he hands the money.

These people take Jamaicans for a 'pappy' show, and the people have no respect for themselves because they refuse to stand up.

Mr Hosein, do you know how much is collected each day for parking? Sir, check if the accountant knows and can tell you how many drivers were accommodated there for the various time periods.

While the poor get poorer, many are getting fatter.

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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.

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Update on Scarce Drugs For HIV/AIDs Patients

Bark Di Trute has just received some important updates about the scare drugs for HIV/AIDS patients. Click on the icon below to watch the video.

Click here to watch the video.

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Click here to see what's happening.

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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.

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Update On Shortage of HIV/AIDS Drugs

Click on the icon below to watch a video with the latest information about the HIV/AIDs drugs that are in short supply. Please share this information with as many people as possible. This information has not been aired on traditional media as yet.

Click here to watch the video.

Please add your comments at the bottom of the blog. Share this blog with all your friends and relatives.

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_________________

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Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

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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.

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