Wednesday 1 May 2024

Meet Senator Sherene Golding Campbell and Talk with Opal Lee on SpotOn

Senator Sherene Golding Campbell

Senator Sherene Golding Campbell will be my special guest for My Representative on Thursday, May 2, 2024. My Representative is a popular feature in SpotOn With Vernon Derby on KLAS. SpotOn is aired from 1000 to 1100 hours EST. Join us as we look at our representatives and learn more about their challenges. We will talk about solutions which will assist in improving leadership for the betterment of the people.

Opal Lee - Immigration Lawyer and Realtor

Opal Lee will join us for Travel Talk. We will talk about what is happening in the United States of America and also give you immigration-related information.

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NEWS FLASH - EARTHQUAKE




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Earthquake Felt i Jamaica

 


I have been getting reports that people felt an earthquake after 2000 EST. If you felt the earthquake please send me a voice mail to 876 816-5261. Your message could be played on air during my show tomorrow, during SpotOn With Vernon Derby.

Let me know if there is property damage in your area.

All the best.

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Woman Killed In Manchester

The killing continues in Jamaica and this time it is reported that a bartender lost her life during a robery in New Green, Manchester this afternoon.

I hope to get more  information from the police later. If you have more information then send a  WhatsApp messaget with video text or voice-mail to 876 816-5261.

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Horane Smith Was Nominated as Finalist in the Prestigious US Booknews Best Book Award

Horane Smith

Celebrations abound for Horane Smith, the esteemed writer and former news editor of the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). Smith recently received recognition through nomination as a Finalist in the prestigious US Booknews Best Book Awards for his outstanding contribution to Historical Fiction.

With an impressive repertoire of 14 published books under his belt, Smith stands on the brink of releasing his 15th novel, later this year   "The Queen’s Plate," through Baymar Publishers. His literary prowess has garnered praise from esteemed scholars, who commend his ability to breathe life into historical narratives, shedding light on obscured truths and forgotten tales.

Reflecting on his latest work, "Reggae Silver," I found myself immersed in the gritty underworld of reggae music,  a realm often entangled with complexities, crime, and violence. Smith masterfully pilots this landscape, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by newcomers seeking success in an industry rife with corruption and exploitation. Through the protagonist's journey, Smith highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love and family amidst adversity.

While tempted by the allure of wealth and fame at the hands of top producers, I couldn't help but empathise with the protagonist's moral dilemma. Much like Smith's exploration of the music industry's underbelly, "Reggae Silver" serves as a poignant reminder of the moral choices we face and the triumph of integrity over temptation.

In hindsight, perhaps "Reggae Gold" would have been a more fitting title, symbolising the protagonist's ascent from the depths of injustice to reclaim his rightful place in society through sheer talent and resilience.

As I embark on a journey to explore Smith's literary body of work,  committing to devouring one book a month, I am reminded that this feat is no small undertaking. Each of Smith's works promises to offer a unique perspective on history, culture, and the human experience, leaving an indelible mark on readers worldwide.

Contributor
Lois Grant

Lois Grant, JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a powerhouse in the communications realm. Known for her groundbreaking achievements as  Co-founder of Innercity Promotions, she along with her former partner, revolutionised the branding of dance hall music. In the '90s, Grant founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, orchestrating innovative events for top brands like Tastee Limited, COK Credit Union and Jamaica National Building Society. Her influence extends to shaping political landscapes across three Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, where she served as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007-2013). Though retired,, Grant continues to make waves as a consultant for esteemed entities like NBC Sports and as a travel influencer.


NWA and Those Sink Holes!

 

The intersection of West Kings House Road and Waterloo Road.

Two potholes indicated by the yellow circles on Waterloo Road and West Kings House Road in Kingston have existed for months.  They fixed the pothole on West Kings House Road and the other one on Waterloo Road is being fixed. Many vehicles have dropped in these sinkholes. I lost a part of my car which will cost JAD6,000 to replace. You can imagine the cost to those motorists whose vehicle front ends have been damaged. 

The NWA needs to tell us why potholes cannot be fixed before they become massive sinkholes. The money used to pay Stephen Shaw to talk on the radio could be used to correct these roads promptly. Talking does not fix the potholes!

The intersection of Washington Boulevard and Red Hills Road.

We have two more sinkholes where Washington Boulevard intersects Red Hills Road. These are indicated by the yellow circles in the picture above. These sinkholes negatively impact the flow of traffic in the mornings. What is the cost of these sinkholes to the nation in Kingston? Cost in terms of gas, time and damage done to vehicles.

I am convinced that those people at the NWA do not care. These challenges make it difficult to live and enjoy life in Jamaica.

Note: Water is running below the surface of Waterloo Road at the  Waterloo Road pothole. After the area is fixed,  the sewer could seep onto the road surface.

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Tuesday 30 April 2024

Remove Criminal Taxi Drivers From our Streets and Leave the Few Law-Abiding Ones!!!

There was an accident in Kingston with a taxi driver and the video below shows the action that the taxi driver resorted to. 

Government must take charge and have these terrorists removed from our streets NOW! I understand from a news report that this taxi driver has many outstanding tickets.

We are joking with these people. We need to build a country where decent people feel comfortable to live, and criminals and indiscipline persons feel like they are living in hell.

The state must get the support of the people and act now. I have some ideas for dealing with the problem. It is time decent citizens take back our country from hoodlums. You could be the one in this situation with this taxi driver.

Show that you want action now. Add your comments.


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Everton Pessoa Makes His Mark as Producer of Musical Excellence

Singer and Musician, Everton "Peso" Pessoa, held his first live concert, at the Stella Maris Auditorium on Shortwood Road this past Sunday, April 28, 2024. The evening unfolded as a treasure trove of Jamaica's finest talents took the stage.

Dahlia Harris, emerging as a prominent emcee at retro concerts,  captivated the audience with her growing prowess, adding an extra layer of charm to each presentation.

Much to everyone's surprise, Errol Lee ignited a lively participation from the predominantly female audience, coaxing even the most reserved men to join in. Dressed immaculately in all white, Lee not only serenaded the crowd with hits from Richie Spice, Abba, and more, but also showcased timeless elegance.

Grace Workshop Ministries set the tone for the evening with the National Anthem and then the  gospel anthem "Sing to the Goodness of God," proving once again the universal appeal of gospel and love songs, drawing the audience into a sweet reverie.

In a spontaneous moment, Peso found himself serenading a beautifully dressed young woman from the audience, only to be interrupted by another eager participant, who pulled her away and took over embracing the performer,  much to the crowd's amusement of what appeared to be unscripted.

It’s been a while since we last saw a performance by Harold Davis who delighted with a repertoire spanning jazz, ska, and reggae. He paid homage to legends like Shirley Bassey, John Holt, Lou Rawls, and Karen Smith, leaving an indelible mark on the evening.

Maria Myrie, showcasing the indomitable spirit of women in reggae, delivered stirring renditions of hits from Marcia Griffiths and Ken Boothe, reminding us of the powerful legacy they have forged.

As the night progressed, it became evident that showcasing Jamaica's abundant talent in a single evening does a disservice, particularly to elderly patrons. Performers like Kush High, Dennis Rushton, D'Mario McDowell, and the enduring Abyssinians of “Satta Massagana” fame, deserve their spotlight.

George Nooks, closing the show with his timeless hit "God is Standing by," took audiences on a journey through nostalgia with classics from Dennis Brown and John Holt, before culminating in a soul-stirring gospel medley, inviting audience participation and leaving us longing for more.

In essence, the evening was evidence of the enduring elegance and richness of Jamaica's musical heritage, a treasure chest waiting to be further explored.

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Pesso, the producer of Musical Elegance

Actress and Broadcaster Dahlia Harris


Pesso and DiMario McDowell

Kush High


Errol Lee

Dennis Rushton


George Nooks



Maria Myrie

Harold Davis



Abyssinians, Peso and Nazzle Man




Donald Manning member of the Abyssinians wrote the song, Satta Massagana.


Normally she entertains us - she had a whale of a time!
Who is she?


She stole the show with her outfit and beauty



Contributor
Lois Grant

Lois Grant, JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a powerhouse in the communications realm,.Known for her groundbreaking achievements as  Co-founder of Innercity Promotions, she along with her former partner, revolutionised the branding of dance hall music. In the '90s, Grant founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, orchestrating innovative events for top brands like Tastee Limited, COK Credit Union and Jamaica National Building Society. Her influence extends to shaping political landscapes across three Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, where she served as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007-2013). Though retired,, Grant continues to make waves as a consultant for esteemed entities like NBC Sports and as a travel influencer.

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Jehvoun Byfield Awarded Top Performing Boy by the Child Protection and Family Services (CPFSA)

The Following is a Press Release from the JIS - 2024/04/29:

Jehvoun Byfield being honoured by Chief Executive Officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams-Thomas


Ward of the State, Jehvoun Byfield, has been honoured for being the Top Performing Boy in the 2023 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). 

The Kingston College (KC) lower sixth-form student attained nine subjects in the CSEC sitting, copping seven distinctions in Add Maths, CSEC Maths, Physics, Information Technology, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, English A, and two credits in Spanish and Social Studies.

He is currently sitting five subjects in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE), unit one. These are Spanish, Accounts, Computer Science, Pure Mathematics and Communication Studies. 

Mr. Byfield, who is from the CPFSA’s Southeast Region in Kingston and St. Andrew, tells JIS News he aspires to have a career in Actuarial Science in the future.

“I have always liked numbers and I like to find an easier way to do stuff. That kind of motivated me to get into Actuarial Science or pursue Maths and Science. Based on my skill set, the main place where I can see myself is in Actuarial Science,” he says, noting that while his career choice is mainly aligned to his areas of interest, he also has an interest in Politics.

An avid Lacrosse player, Mr. Byfield, who is a member of the KC Lacrosse team, is seeking to qualify for a sports scholarship at an overseas university where he can combine his passion for the sport and continue his academic studies.

“I would like to pursue that sport at the collegiate level. That will most likely be overseas. I would like to go overseas and study Actuarial Science while I am doing Lacrosse. If that is not possible, then I will stay in my country and attend the University of the West Indies (UWI),” he says.

Mr. Byfield is forging ahead with his academic pursuits and is applying to sit the Suite of Assessments (SATs) in August this year to boost his chances for scholarships to pursue his studies overseas.

He notes that the CPFSA’s support has been invaluable in charting his academic path. 

“I came into the CPFSA at three years of age and from then until now they have been taking care of me and making sure all my needs are met, that we are comfortable at the Home and that we are being treated well, and that has pushed me [to do what is right], knowing that I have a family at this place, and it pushes me to be a great person,” he shares.

Mr. Byfield recounts that during his preparation for the CSEC examinations at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency ensured that all its facilities and clients were equipped with devices and Wi-Fi access to facilitate online learning.

“During COVID, I was preparing for CSEC  and we needed to get online, and we needed better Wi-Fi. The CPFSA assisted with that, making sure that there is Wi-Fi at all locations where we needed to do online classes. They provided devices – tablets and laptops – so we could get our work done. Because we had the devices and technology, it helped us to continue to do our work,” he recalls. 

From his experience, Mr. Byfield says the CPFSA has been diligent in ensuring that the children in its care are equipped with all they need to succeed academically. 

“It is important that we have these needs met, so I can do well at school, because if you have other things that are bothering you, then you will bring that into your education and that can have a negative impact, and you will not be able to excel. So, it’s important to show them that what they are doing for me is not going to waste and that I work hard to turn it into something good,” he adds.

Annually, the CPFSA spends in excess of $40 million for tuition, educational grants, and school supplies for children from early childhood to the tertiary level. Nearly $2 million was spent to offset the expenses for the 2023 May/June CSEC and CAPE.

Last year, a total of 170 youth in State care sat secondary external examinations (CSEC, CAPE) and other vocational exams, such as City and Guilds. 


Editors Note:

Please add your comment. It makes a difference!

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Monday 29 April 2024

God a Badman?

Most members of this Jamaican society including myself want rapid trials for murderers and punishment including rapid executions for the guilty. How can it make sense to reward/award long life sentences when said person has shortened the lives of others.

If they kill 1-100 the court rewards them with maximum long life at a cost to taxpayers, approximately $US10,000 per annum. This is neither fair to society or cost-effective to have long sentences for guilty murderers. This only reinforces violent Jamaica as a Criminals' Murderous Paradise (CMP).

This violence has become so endemic that our nation's youth has become socialized into it. Violence has now become sadly a way of life of our people a part of our culture.

Culture is the way of life of a people excluding nothing.  The way you think walk, talk, dress, dance sing, pray, drive and preach.  I mean your total expression of life not excluding your politics or religious practices.

A deeply religious associate I heard preaching and the sermon title was "God A Badman". The conclusion is that we live in a violent society.

The approach to curtail or reverse this trend has to be a holistic multi-pronged sociological all-inclusive approach.

An essential ingredient of all stable societies is crime. Crime is any behaviour that attracts a fine, imprisonment or some kind of demonstrable punishment. This is important to reinforce the valuable stabilizing behaviour patterns of society  (norms/values).

Thou shalt not kill, rape or injure your fellow man. Such offences must be met speedily by the harshest penalties to demonstrably reinforce those norms and values. 

The last two persons executed for murder in Jamaica were in 1988 for the murder of a cockeyed man I knew only as "Busta". This murder occurred in the Bethel Town Police Division of Westmoreland.

Since then the entertainingly violent Criminals Murderous Paradise has been growing exponentially. Jamaica is presently the 10th most murderous country on the planet earth. According to the 2023 World Population Review, the country has a crime index of 67.42 crimes per 100,000 citizens.

A piecemeal State of Emergency (SOE) mentality will not yield significant long-term results except for stimulating the dispersal of a most lucrative fast-growing Crime Industry. 

There is a legitimate and a illegitimate sector growing side by side competing for dominance. The Crime and Violence industry is at least 10% of GDP.

The World Bank has certified that Jamaica spends 5% of its GDP on crime but made no allowances for the in-our-face but not quantified illegitimate sector. Adding another 5% making it 10% total.

For comparison, it should be noted that Agriculture is only 8% of GDP. The Crime and violence sector leads the way.

Only a holistic approach can achieve a reversal. Crime and violence must be approached rapidly with severe punishment including rapid executions of guilty murderers.

For the religious let us get on with it if indeed "God A Badman".


Contributor

mics 🖊 pen

Former Principal of Hampton High and Ardenne Teacher Dr. Ivy Mitchell Has Taken Her Final Bow

With the passing of Dr. Ivy Mitchell, another visionary exits the stage of Jamaican education. Along the corridors of Ardenne High School,(Kingston, Jamaica)  her presence was unmistakable.

 Back in the 70s, a vision of youthfulness, she defied convention with her elegant attire, challenging the conservative norms imposed upon us. To us, she was not just a teacher but a pillar of boldness, unafraid to embrace her femininity with grace. As our literature and English teacher in the '70s, Dr. Mitchell left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to be in her class. Her passion for literature ignited our own, urging us to delve deeper and transcend the words on the page. Under her guidance, critical thinking became our compass, leading us to new realms of understanding.

On obtaining a scholarship to the BBC (London) to study broadcasting,  I fondly recall the vivid landscapes of England coming alive before me, each scene a reflection of the lessons imparted by Dr. Mitchell. Her teachings surpassed the classroom, shaping my perception of the world around me. In recent years, visiting her in Gloria's Home, where Alzheimer's had robbed her of her brilliance, was a heartfelt reminder of life's fragility. Her once-sharp mind now clouded, her words reduced to mere babble, served as a stark contrast to the vibrant educator I once knew.

Amid the heartache, her impact remains undiminished. For every mind she enlightened, for every soul she inspired, Dr. Ivy Mitchell's legacy endures. As we bid her farewell, we carry forth the torch of knowledge she ignited within us, ensuring that her influence lives on through the generations.

Rest in peace, Dr. Mitchell. Your work here is done, but your spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. And to my fellow Ardennites of our era,- Patrick Bailey, Judy Brown-Cousley, , Patricia Stevens,  June Colthirst, Noel Martin, Joan Rodney-Reid, and “the backbenchers” (Lois Lewis-Grant, Marcia Ferguson,  Hilca Smith-Thomas, and Dorothy Reid-late) and others too numerous to mention   - let us honour her memory by continuing to strive for excellence in all that we do.

Dr. Mitchell is on the right.




Dr. Mitchell in the middle.


Dr. Mitchell at Ardenne High School with the graduating class of 1977.


Dr. Mitchell at Ardenne High School with the graduating class of 1977.


More Reading


Contributor
Lois Grant



Lois Grant, JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a powerhouse in the communications realm,.Known for her groundbreaking achievements as  Co-founder of Innercity Promotions, she along with her former partner, revolutionised the branding of dance hall music. In the '90s, Grant founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, orchestrating innovative events for top brands like Tastee Limited, COK Credit Union and Jamaica National Building Society. Her influence extends to shaping political landscapes across three Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, where she served as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007-2013). Though retired,, Grant continues to make waves as a consultant for esteemed entities like NBC Sports and as a travel influencer.

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Meteorological Service Predicts Rainfall

The Following is a Release from the Meteorological Service in Jamaica:




A Trough across the central Caribbean has been producing a broad area of unstable weather across the region since the weekend.

This system is expected to move closer to Jamaica by tomorrow morning, and therefore bring increased rainfall across the island starting Tuesday.

The forecast is for periods of showers and thunderstorms to affect most parishes, and especially eastern parishes, for the remainder of this week with the peak in activity expected Tuesday through Thursday.

Fishers and other marine interests should exercise caution as sea conditions will deteriorate in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms. 

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor this system. 

For an automated recording of this message, please dial 116.

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Sunday 28 April 2024

Bark Di Trute - Barking Worldwide Louder!



The Bark Di Trute Blog continues to bark louder in Jamaica and internationally. Thanks to my supporters and On The Ground Reporters who continue sending me pictures and information. Thanks to my fantastic guest writers. Your support has given me the edge in getting information out first. I am still appealing for more assistance in getting information. I need your financial support and I need to grow my distribution database. You can help me to make a big difference by sending this post to your friends. Ask them to click the link below and complete the form to become a Bark Di Trute Supporter. 

Click and Join Bark Di Trute Support Group

Achievements

  • We have confirmed three more Violet Edwards scholarships tenable at the UWI for 2024/25
  • It's a record - Bark Di Trute had over 98,000 views for August 2023.
  • Our record views for any post is over 23,000 for the story about Christopher Seaga.
  • Bark Di Trute promoted several community events.
  • Offered prizes to our supporters.
  • Assisted consumers in dealing with their issues.
  • Shared valuable information with consumers.
  • Getting the news to you first.


Persons from across the world continue to access the blog. The following table shows the total views per country 




Figures were captured on April 27, 2024. The data is updated in real-time so the total page views above are not the same as the table showing views by country. This is due to the time difference in which the information was captured.


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Saturday 27 April 2024

Kissing Girls a Teaching Moment

In Jamaica two schoolgirls were seen recently on a WhatsApp app link kissing and at least one was expelled from her High School. This has to be a teaching moment so let us start at the beginning.

The science of kissing is called Philematology and the scientific name for kissing is OSCULATION. This is the pressing of one's lips against a person, animal object, insect or thing.

The approach of the school was misinformed, misguided, simple-minded, shortsighted, narrow-minded, dunce, vulgar and heavy-handed.

Buggery, bestiality, Zoophilia, kissing and lesbianism - which ones are legal/illegal in Jamaica. Certainly not kissing  - ask our Director of Public Prosecutions to enlighten you.

Now is kissing/osculating an animal, another human being male to male, male to female, female to female, plant or insect illegal.

There are at least 24 or more types of kisses ranging from a lip kiss, French kiss, forehead kiss, earlobe kiss, nose kiss, foot kiss, Lizard kiss, body kiss and wrist kiss. Which ones would you make illegal or a gender prohibition?

Which ones would warrant imprisonment, expulsion from society, school or other institution?

The more one thinks of the expulsion/exclusion of the girl child from school for kissing another girl the more it seems like a ridiculous injustice. It may even be a violation of one's human, educational and constitutional rights.

If it were a girl-boy kiss would the reaction be the same? 

A girl showing appreciation/love to another girl might have been as innocent as that. 

Being dealt with even more harshly than if they were in a fight is misplaced.

What message is being broadcasted "that it's better to show war than peace and love"?.That Act by the school should be rescinded immediately. When was kissing ever considered a subversive, terrorist or treacherous.

The necessary sanctions and apologies should be demanded/taken/made. This should not be taken to mean supporting or embracing LGBTQ tendencies.

This is about fairness, human, constitutional rights and freedoms that must take precedence at all times in a society that seeks to be civilized.

There should be no letup or free pass. Always remember  "Tiday fi yuh, tomorrow fi mi"


Contributor:

mics 🖊pen

27/04/24

Most Popular Post.