Bark Di Trute, the blog for Jamaicans at home and abroad. Bark Di Trute welcomes your financial support and materials submitted for publication. Please add your comments to the blogs. Comments that are libellous, abusive, or nonsensical will be deleted. This blog is about sharing information, helping others, and lobbying for a better life for us all.
Wednesday, 29 September 2021
What's Happening, September 29, 2021
Senior Citizens' Week Message Form Hon. Karl Samuda, OJ, CD, MP
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| Hon. Karl Samuda, OJ, CD, MP |
The theme “Recovering with Resilience” speaks to the character of our nation’s older persons in the fight to adjust to and recover from the health, socio-economic and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the global health crisis has been significant for the older adult population, and it continues to affect their health and wellness, safety, income and food security and their social engagement and participation.
Regrettably, we continue to experience the passing of seniors from COVID 19 complications. I share the grief and empathize with those currently ailing. As Minister with responsibility for seniors, I join with the health team and all well-thinking Jamaicans to encourage older persons to observe the infection prevention protocols: wear your masks, sanitize or wash your hands, avoid crowds, stay 6 feet away from others and get vaccinated.
I am committed to improving the well-being of our seniors. The Revised National Policy for Senior Citizens has been approved by Cabinet and will shortly be tabled in Parliament. The Ministry continues to provide services for the elderly including the Social Pension for persons 75 and older, PATH, NIS pensions, various social assistance grants and emergency relief and special accommodations during the pandemic. The National Council for Senior Citizens continues to engage and advocate for healthy, active and productive ageing for seniors. The seniors’ toll free line (888) SENIORS remains operational during business hours as a point of contact for them.
This Senior Citizens Week, I encourage all Jamaicans to be more respectful of the rights of older persons. I denounce and condemn violence in all forms but especially against senior citizens and encourage greater support, care, inclusion and protection. I commend all Jamaicans including our church and corporate partners who contribute to an enabling and supportive environment for seniors.
We join the United Nations to promote Digital Equity for all ages, bringing awareness of the importance of digital inclusion of seniors while tackling stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination associated with digitalization.
Ageing is not just about seniors, it is a process that spans all generations. Let us show appreciation for our older citizens who have and continue to contribute to national development. To all Jamaicans, 60 years and older
HAPPY SENIOR CITIZENS’ WEEK!
Tuesday, 28 September 2021
Oh Yes - Jamaican Artistes Still Produce Good Clean Songs!
A number of Jamaican artistes are working together and assisting one another in the music business under the banner of Artistes For Change. Let me express thanks to the various Artistes who are supporting the concept and are therefore keeping our Jamaican flag flying high. They are keeping brand Jamaica alive internationally.
You can play you part in supporting these artistes by sharing this post today and also sharing the channel. If you are a broadcaster then please play music from this channel. I will feature some of the artistes and their music today. See the list below:
Monday, 27 September 2021
Professor Verene Shepherd Addresses The UN General Assembly
Prof. Verene Shepherd.
Professor Verene Shepherd delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly at a high level meeting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Anti-Racism Conference held in Durban, South Africa in 2001. The speech was delivered in New York on September 22, 2021.
Professor Verene Shepherd is a Professor at the University of the West Indies at the Mona Campus and she has given many lectures internationally about slavery and it's impact on humanity.
She host the programme 'Talking History' aired on Saturdays from 0900 to1100 EST on Nationwide News Network.
More Readings:
- Professor Verend Shepherd's Profile - UWI.
- JAD350 million slave money belongs to Jamaica.
- You are dissing the people of Jamaica.
Sunday, 26 September 2021
What's Happenng, September 26, 2021
Nastiness A Way Of Life In Papine - The University Town!!!
It is amazing that we have the KSAC, we have a police force, we have councillors and we have members of parliament yet have a look at the Papine Market in Kingston. Covid-19 is still with us and I wonder what will join Covid-19 soon? You will notice that not only the rats are facilitated but the mosquitos are also welcomed. We need a sign at the Papine Market which says, 'Human beings are not welcomed' or one which says, ' Human beings enter at your own risk'.
Trouble Brewing At A Government Organization
That Diplomatic Passport
The People We Honour!!!
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| PM Andrew Holness |
As a nation, if we recognize persons who are not of high moral standing, this not only affects the credibility of the award, but it also sends the wrong message to the country. A nation cannot just give awards to persons because they are popular in an area and there are clouds over their heads. After awhile persons might start to think that having a cloud over your head is a pre-requisite to getting a national award.
I have seen a leader in the church who the community accused of playing around with little girls and he received the OD. This is a church leader who adopted children saying that he was taking care of them but persons believed otherwise. It is a pity that at my age then, I did not realize the seriousness of what was happening.
We have had a leader who was convicted and charged for more than one offence getting a national award! Another individual getting an OJ and the stories going around about that person cannot be repeated on this page.
Social media is now abuzz with the interesting news about a Jamaican who has received a diplomatic passport. Read this Jamaica Observer article and you will see some names that might be linked to person who are known internationally. These persons are not convicted of a crime but the story is very interesting - Jamaica Observer article.
There are also stories going around about persons who it is alleged sit on government boards and get sweet heart deals. Some Jamaicans are saying that these persons have top level connections - Jamaica Gleaner.
The challenge is when public servants or other citizens do anything such as even stealing some ackees they are taken in her Majesty's limousine to one of her hotels were the await trials which could end up in an extend stay at the hotel. Others high up are just asked to just step down.
I write this piece not because I want to tear down the government, but because I want my country to succeed and there is too much debris floating on our national waters. It must be cleaned up now or else we will be in big trouble. If it is cleaned up now, then the nation will sigh a sigh of relieve. These things have been going on for too many years. The problem is, Jamaicans don't really seem to care! In reacting to an official who got arrested for I believe misappropriation of funds, Jamaicans said, "Dat dey man fool sah, 'im no know how fi tief".
Other Readings:
Friday, 24 September 2021
Sex & Relationships - A Forum Put On By TLC2
ZOOM Forum
Come and hear from a Dr. Karen Carpenter -University Lecturer, Rodney Campbell - a broadcaster, communications consultant, Kemar Whittingham - Comunity leader and business man chaired by popular talk show host on Nationwide Radio - Vernon Derby
ZOOM Meeting ID and Password
Please note the information below for logging on to the webinar:
Zoom Meeting Website:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81315274758?pwd=bTFvQnZKRmxBcDdLT3BBWGxYRktzUT09
Meeting ID: 813 1527 4758
Passcode: 431897
____________________________________
TLC2
The team has decades of experience in developing and delivering workshops and seminars and has been formally registered as a charity in 2019. Our training and Awareness programme, # ‘Enough is Enough’ is being supported by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) and has been engaging government, civil society, and community-based organizations to better intervene in incidents of domestic violence.
Directors of TLC2
The Directors of TLC are Novelette Grant - former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sharene McKenzie - Development Practitioner and Oberlene Smith-Whyte - former Superintendent of Police.
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| Novelette Grant - Director |
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| Oberlene Smith-Whyte - Director |
Thursday, 23 September 2021
Stop Spread Rumours On Elaine Thompson-Herah!
False news! Elaine Thompson Herah has not left the MVP club.
Children Should Be Treated As Adults For Certain Crimes
If the fine for not wearing a mask is JAD200,000 I wonder what is the fine for wearing a mask! I would like to to know if someone passes Covid-19 to someone else deliberately and that person dies, would the person passing on the virus be charged for murder? So we feel that because a youngster is not an adult he should not be charged for a crime? Mark my word the gangs are getting smarter and soon they will ensure that children carry out acts of murder for their gangs.
Some persons have written to me stating that they have a right to do what they want to do with their bodies. I wonder if that is why we feel we have the right to destroy the life of an unborn child? That child's body apparently belongs us? What is funny is that they feel that they have the right to tell me that I should not say anything about their behaviour because they have a right to to do what they want to do with their bodies. Well I have a right to say what I want to say with my month, so long I do not say anything that is libelous and I do not incite anyone to brake the law.
If we believe that we should have the right to do what we want to do with our own bodies, then why is it if we attempt to commit suicide we can be charged by the police? Since we should have the choice to do what we want to do with own bodies, then we should be free to tell a doctor when we want to end our lives.
Finally when youngsters break some laws they should be treated like adults. A 17 year old not wearing a mask knows exactly what he is doing. If the parents cannot train their children to obey the law, then parents should pay for their children when they commit certain crimes.
What's Happening - September 23, 2021
Tornado In Manchester, Jamaica
| Tornado in Manchester |
I got a report yesterday about a tornado in Cobbla, Manchester. I understand that residents were very alarmed at the sight of the tornado, because that is an unusual phenomenon for them in that area. Below you will see a video of this tornado.
New Political Party In Trouble With The Law
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| Joseph Patterson (TVJ picture) |
The United Independent Congress' (UIC) President, Joseph Patterson declared yesterday that he will be taking legal action against the police for what he believed was very aggressive and forceful handling of people who participated in a protest for which no permission was given. The state is contending that the march and gathering had breached the Disaster Risk Management Act.
Mr. Patterson says that he is calling on all members of parliament to resign😀 When I heard that I said to myself, was this going to be a new Pantomime for the first time in a long time at the Ward Theatre?
The Power Of Media
The media workers travel with their pens, notebooks, cameras recorders and other instruments of their trade. The police on the other hand have tear gas, big guns, but a war against the media is a war in futility. A war against the media is a war against the people. Yesterday, police officers went downtown to deal with an illegal gathering of the United Independent Congress but ended up in a confrontation with working media persons, If this was not a matter relating to freedom of the press, then a few members of the JCF have just participated in it's greatest comedy show featuring the JCF. I wonder if the Commissioner of Police is proud of these performers. His silence on the matter is deafening.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force has some intelligent persons so one would have hoped that the intelligent ones would have engaged the members of the media and diffuse the situation. The media can and has helped in the fight against crime, so I was indeed flabbergasted to see members of the JCF roughing up media persons yesterday. The JCF members should be happy to know that media persons were there to capture quite accurately what was taking place. Is it possible that a few rogue cops wanted to be on camera the same way that the demonstrators wanted to be on camera.
Click to see video of media person being manhandled - TVJ
Things Are Not Copacetic With The PNP
There are three registered political parties in Jamaica now, but based on recent polls, the electorate is not giving an overwhelming support to any party. The Don Anderson' poll shows that 57 % of those polled, is made up of those who do not know which party they will vote for and some who will not vote in the next election. This is a serious sign!
The PNP is not just divided into fractions but I wonder if there is any dominant group in the PNP at this time. The polls are showing that the party is now doing worse under the current leader. The question is who next and what next?
Recently there was a voice mail being circulated on social media purportedly to be the voice of Karen Cross a member of the PNP. The voice mail indicated that there was going to be a demonstration at PNP headquarters and today there was one. She is probably smarter than Patterson of the UIC, so she kept her numbers small so as not to come into conflict with the law.
The Voice Purportedly To Be Of Karen Cross
Neither Are Things Copacetic With The JLP
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| PM Andrew Holness |
There is also news circulating via the peoples mouth to mouth network, that persons in high government positions are linked to the corruption. This added to the reports in the media of investigations being carried on by the Auditor General and the Integrity Commission have added more fuel to the developing fire. This will continue to have a deadly impact on the legitimacy of the government and the government's ability to lead the people. Those leaders who the people have little or no trust in, should back their bags and go. If this is done, then the JLP will not only win the next election but it will have the confidence and trust of most of the people.
Tuesday, 21 September 2021
We Deserve What We Get - Look At What We Promote
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| Buju Banton Festival Song Winner 2020 |
Jamaicans have been observing how some persons are being promoted as outstanding citizens, and therefore they did not see it as farfetched that a convicted murderer could be used to promote the Covid-19 vaccine. What gives me hope is that I was able to encourage an elderly lady to have hope in her country, and to send to me that now famous letter criticizing the thought of a convicted murderer promoting the need to get the covid-19 vaccine.
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| Rev. Al Miller OD |
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| Grace Jones OJ |
Jamaicans have questioned the recognitions and support given to persons like Rev. Al Miller, Grace Jones, Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel.
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| Vybz Kartel |
Thank the Lord for those who are not recognized, those who do not make the headlines, but they are persons of integrity and class. May God continue to bless them and Jamaica Land We Love.
Other Readings:
- No...No..No..Mr. Prime Minister - Bark Di Trute.
- Grace Jones reeives OJ.
- Al Miller gets OD.
- Grace Jones.
- Vybz Kartel.
- Observer publishes blog on Kartel
Note: We could go back into history and look at some of our leaders attending the funerals of persons who were regarded as criminals (Many had no convictions but that is not unusual in Jamaica). We have had persons who have worked closely with Ministers who have been charged for crimes and we are unaware of what happened to those charges. We also have heard that many of these gangs had very close links to the political parties.
Sunday, 19 September 2021
Professor Errol Morrison OJ, Speaks Out About Dealing with Covid-19 Crisis
Dear Vernon,
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| Prof. Errol Morrison OJ |
The government started out on a wrong footing where politicians have been at the forefront giving information and advice with the medical experts to follow on and merely being asked to make comments on policy directions being taken.
This paradigm needs a 180 degree shift to bring the medics out of the shadows and for them to lead the TOTAL process. Not only do they bring scientific credibility but also their presence and leadership removes any semblance of politicizing, which no matter how the government tries, once the politicians lead, the whole process gets mired in partisanships etc.
It is no wonder therefore that less than 10 % of the population has been vaccinated and this hesitancy and poor turnout is also fuelled by a slew of scientific half-truths and outright falsehoods pummelling the social media.
We need the CMO and her team plus the several medical experts who have been very vocal to take full charge of this campaign. That is the nature of the composition of personnel needed to influence the direction of this vaccination thrust and to get the population to understand the gravity of the situation. It is not a status to be trifled with and to oversimplify via entertainment and entertainers. This requires serious communication away from all politicking and political one-upmanship.
Further, there is this focus on Covid variants which is for the main part, a mere distraction as the core approach needed to contain the whole gamut of Coronaviruses is still vaccines, masks, physical distancing, sanitizing and frequent washing of the extremities with soap and water!
Let’s halt this dangerous and erroneous path being taken and correct the approach NOW. Let our MEDICAL EXPERTS LEAD.
Prof the Hon Errol Morrison OJ, MD, PhD
Consultant Physician & Biomedical Researcher
Former Director General & Advisor to the Prime Minister National Commission on Science & Technology.
Note:
Prof. Earl Taylor replies to Prof. Errol Morrison.
Saturday, 18 September 2021
NO...NO...NO...MR. PRIME MINISTER
Dear Mr. Derby,
I read the article titled “PM Not Ruling Out Kartel as Vax Ambassador” in the Weekend Gleaner of Sept. 18-19, 2021 with dismay. The fact that PM Holness would be ambivalent in his response to such a recommendation to use Kartel as a vax ambassador is outrageous.
Kartel (aka Adidjah Palmer) may be one of the most influential figures in the country’s entertainment industry but he’s not the only one. Surely there are others in the entertainment industry without criminal records who could be enlisted. Furthermore, Palmer has reportedly recorded many songs from prison in contravention of regulations. This smacks of glorification of criminality. Our vaccination ambassadors should be people who are worthy of emulation.
We are relying on our leaders to exhibit good judgment in matters such as these.
Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen
And a convicted murderer shall lead them?
Note: I had asked Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton if there was any consideration to use this convicted murderer in the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, and he had said no.
Click HERE to read the post on Minister Christopher Tufton's response.
A number of persons have said this convicted murderer is very influential. Some might be wondering if this murderer is motivating other young persons to become an artiste, a murderer and a star?
More Reading:
Wednesday, 15 September 2021
What's Happening - September 15, 2021
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| MP Floyd Green |
Floyd Green Resigns As Minister
MP Floyd Green and former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, was seen in a video of a party on the government's 'lock down day. The party animals were not complying with the Covid-19 protocols. This video went viral and although MP Floyd Green is a good man, he has slipped in that he was not in compliance with laws made by his own party. If you slip then you have to slide. His apology for his action was classic. This event should be studied and remembered by all politicians. They should know that for every act there is an action. Today MP Floyd Green resigned in Jamaica from the Cabinet of Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and his action has strengthened our democracy.
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| Andrew Bellamy Councilor |
There are other leaders who must be shaking in their boots. Let us not fool ourselves because there are leaders in politics, in professional organizations, board members and others who also need to consider packing their bags and go. Many of them are a disgrace to themselves, their families and to the country. Many rightly call for Floyd's resignation but they should also look into themselves.
Yes, there are others who have done far worse than Floyd Green, but because the public spotlight has not been focused on them, they have literally gotten away with murder. We only have to look back over the past thirty or more years, and I am sure that you can come up with a long list of leaders who should have packed their bags and left. Some have spent many years serving at the political level, on state boards and in other leadership positions such as the church and also in business.
Floyd Green has set the example and stepped aside. Who will follow the lead? Some will say, this looks bad because here we have another Minister having to step aside. My concern is not about another Minister stepping aside, but who next should step aside. Yes, there are others who must step aside and the question is, will they wait until something becomes a public scandal before they step aside? Old time people wudda say, 'Time longer dan rope'.
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| Who is next? |
- Floyd Green resigns. Gleaner
- Gabrielle Hylton Floyd Green's advisor resigns - Jamaica Observer.
- Video of the party
- Floyd Green resigns.
Banks Must Help To Reduce The Number Of Dormant Accounts
Banks can help to reduce the incidence of dormant accounts by requiring that persons add someone to their customer information record, who can be contacted in case the bank is unable to contact the customer. The banks also should not wait until the account becomes dormant, but send a message to the account holder prior to the account becoming dormant.
I do believe that sometimes when persons become old or they leave the country the account is not maintained and the banks have no other contact for them. Someone could suffer from dementia for example and their relatives might not know where they have bank accounts. Having one or more persons who can serve as contact persons for a customer would certainly make a difference.
Customers stand to loose billions due to their accounts becoming dormant! Many business persons are anxiously waiting to get their hands on these funds. The see it has cheap loans.
Senior Citizens and Citizens With Special Needs
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| Citizens standing up for three hours at the bank. |
Help me to encourage business and utility companies especially to allow senior citizens and citizens with special needs to to business at their business place between 0830 and 0930 EST. Other persons could be served if enough senior citizens and special needs persons are not waiting to be served.
Tuesday, 14 September 2021
What's Happening - September 14, 2021
Sam Carty Does Another One For The Lovers
Sam Carty is affiliated to Artiste For Change which is a group of creative persons who are working to ensure that great uplifting music of the highest standard is produced for Jamaica and the world.
Click to play 'Love Will Never Be The Same'
This Is One Fit Lady!
This lady is certain a fit lady who no man should test. She will outlast you on the dance floor. I am still trying to ascertain which country this video was taken.
Large Crowds Gather At Vaccination Centres
DSP Elsa Smith Sees Sandra Whyte Off At NMA
OUR Rules On JPS Rates - How Will Consumers Take It???
(KINGSTON, Jamaica; 2021 September 14): The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has made its decision on the 2021 Annual Review Application submitted by the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) on 2021 May 5. The OUR’s decision took effect 2021 September 1 and will be reflected on customers’ 2021 October bills.
The outcome of the OUR’s rate review means an overall average increase of 1.4% in customers’ bills (non-fuel and fuel charges). JPS had requested an average increase of 3.5%. The table below shows the major decisions by the OUR, compared to the requests made by JPS.
|
Major Decisions |
|||
|
Description |
JPS Proposed (J$M) |
OUR Approved (J$M) |
|
|
Approved
Revenue Cap |
37,857 |
37,857
|
|
|
Annual Rate of Change |
27.02% |
19.27% |
|
|
Adjusted Revenue Cap |
48,086 |
45,152
|
|
|
2020 Revenue True-Up
(incl. WACC) |
1,044
|
(573) |
|
|
2021 Annual Revenue
Target |
49,130 |
44,579
|
|
|
Heat Rate Target
(kJ/kWh) |
9,927 |
9,667
|
|
|
Overall Bill Impact (incl. fuel and IPP charges): |
3.5% |
1.4% |
|
|
Residential Customers
(RT10) |
Upward of 3.8% |
Average |
1.2% |
|
Small Commercial
Customers (RT20) |
2.2% |
Average |
1.1% |
|
Large Commercial
Customers LV (RT40) |
3% - 4% |
Average |
1.5% |
|
Large Commercial
Customers HV (RT50) |
3% - 4% |
Average |
1.4% |
|
Large Commercial
Customers HV Standard (RT70) |
4.30% |
Average |
1.6% |
|
|
|||
A determination that there is a net over-recovery balance (including WACC) of J$297.1M owed by JPS to its customers with respect to the decisions in the 2018 Annual & Extraordinary Rate Review Determination Notice arising from the lapse of time between that decision and the implementation of the 2019-2024 Rate Review Determination Notice issued by the OUR in 2020 December. JPS is therefore required to apply a reduction of J$0.113 per kWh to its average non-fuel tariff over an estimated 10-month billing period to effect this repayment.
Other Decisions By The OUR
- The revision of Time of Use (TOU) rates for Rate 10 (residential) and Rate 20 (small commercial) customers. The revision minimizes the risk of revenue losses to JPS. The company is required to roll out its TOU programme over the next six (6) months and engage customers in a public education programme.
- The maintenance of the relationship between the energy rates for Electric Vehicles at public charging facilities at Rate 10 TOU rates plus 5%. This decision was first made in the 2019-2024 JPS Rate Review Determination Notice.
- The approval of non-fuel pre-paid rates as follows:
Rate 10 Customers
- J$13.85/kWh for the first 117kWh within a thirty (30)-day consumption cycle
- J$21.03/kWh for each additional kWh thereafter within that thirty (30)-day consumption cycle
Rate 20 Customers
- First 10kWh - J$122.45/kWh
- Each additional kWh - J$9.03/kWh
The IPP rate for both Rates 10 and 20 customers is to be displayed as a separate line item on bills.
- .Further, the OUR was of the view that the JPS’s proposed Heat Rate target of 9,927 kJ/kWh for the 2021-2022 rate adjustment period was not in line with optimal economic generation dispatch. Consequently, the 2021-2022 Heat Rate target of 9,667 kJ/kWh established in the 2019-2024 Rate Review JPS Determination Notice was maintained for the next rate adjustment period.
- JPS’s proposal for the revision of the OUR’s determined 2021 System Losses targets was not approved. In this regard, the overall System Losses target of 23.8% specified in the 2019-2024 Rate Review JPS Determination Notice is applicable for the 2021 period.
Note: Government must now make an effort to ensure that those who steal the electricity and NWC water pay. It is not fair for decent citizens to pay for those who do not pay.
We cannot have children growing up seeing their parents stealing and end up believing that nothing is wrong with stealing. These children will become the future leaders of the nation.
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