We Deserve What We Get - Look At What We Promote

Buju Banton
Festival Song
Winner 2020

Bark Di Trute published a letter which was sent to me by an elderly lady. She called me because she was quite concerned  that convicted criminals and persons who are of ill-repute were being highly recognized in this country. You remember the  case of a deportee who was convicted for drugs offence in the United States who was well promoted and he received a big welcome, at a stage show at the National Stadium in Kingston. Jamaicans have also raised their eyebrows over the years when they learned that certain persons have been awarded the OD, CD and the OJ.

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. 

Rev. Al Miller OD

The reaction of the public to this letter and the post in Bark Di Trute, has been fantastic.  Thanks to the Jamaica Observer for publishing this post in their newspaper. The support given to this posts tells me that now is the time for good decent Jamaicans to stand up and protect this beautiful country. It is clear to me that the idea of Kartel being used to promote the Covid-19 vaccine is just not possible. The next thing that needs to happen is that the nation must be assured that Vybz Kartel is not producing records in prison under the watchful eyes of the state. Probably the state is seeing and is blind, is hearing and is deaf.

Grace Jones OJ

One Deputy Mayor called me and said, "Vernon, any day dat man is used to promote anyt'ing, is di day I resign from everything". I got calls from MPs and many other citizens supporting the post. I believe that this discussion can now be closed because it 'will never 'appen'. 

Jamaicans have questioned the recognitions and support given to persons like Rev. Al Miller,  Grace Jones, Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel. 

Vybz Kartel

I have always said that you can judge a country by the government it elects, how it treats those who cannot stand on their own, and the persons who are promoted in the society. Years ago there was this gentleman who was recognized by the state and he was given an OD. His behaviour should have ruled him out getting that award. At a television recording I did with him, and after seeing his behaviour, I told him that his OD meant, Ordinary Dunce. I am fortunate to be here writing this post today, because if it was not for the quick action on the part of the television crew that could have been the end of Vernon. OJ has now become Ordinary Joke!

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.