I came across this picture of a Gleaner article which gives you an idea how long I have been lobbying for persons and organizations. I believe that I spent possible two years on this case. While being involved in this matter, I ended up in what could have been a serious car accident while heading to Manchester to meet some transport operators. Those so called Dina busses were sold to these transport operators and they were second hand buses and were not in good condition. These transport operators thought that they were getting new buses.
It was a successful fight in that if my memory serves me right, the operators got back over JAD75 million. The lawyer was paid - I got absolutely nothing; not even a thank you letter. Probably some of us are born to do what we do and therefore we have to continue doing what we do. Of course there are other success stories such as fighting for Nannyville residents in Kingston to get their land titles, preventing business developments in residential areas, fighting for changes in the operation of the JOS and others.
My work was taken to another level when I was invited to go back into broadcasting. I must say that programme did extremely well. One of the most satisfying things for me is when a United Kingdom citizen brought the work that I was doing to the attention of the BBC and I was invited to be on a BBC programme. The work continues on Riddim FM which host's my programme SpotOn. Thanks to Mr. Al Robinson and his team for ensuring that the voice of the people continue to be heard.
I have to point out that from those early days, I realized that I was living in a very corrupt country and if you are too straight you will not survive! Some of you will know that on more that one occasion my life was in danger. This last don who confronted me, ended up hugging me downtown and apologizing to me. I did not even recognize him then. He was subsequently murdered by those who had taken over as dons I understand.
I have more stories to tell. Thanks to many of you who continue to give me support over the years.
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When you talk truth you stand alone you sir
ReplyDeleteYou will get your reward one day Vernon for all the good work you have been doing. God bless you and family. 💖👍
ReplyDeleteThank God for u my brother and for protecting U .But speaking of the truth especially in our country is like ur doing or saying something bad no one want to hear .But if u start to tell all the lies U would be paid for doing that.But one Day The Light will Shine.Hope it's not too late .Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWe and the world have been courting and rewarding corruption, greed and selfishness for decades and woke up one day wondering why is the world so violent and people so heartless. Crazy!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work VLD. The greatest reward is non-material.
Amen.
DeleteThanks for all you do
ReplyDeleteContinue to speak out your reward will come one day
ReplyDeleteOur country is so polarized that those who stand up for justice simply get attacked from both sides and independent beneficiaries are afraid to speak out on their behalf. Some of us live by “to thine own self be true” and that brings you peace. Keep standing up for justice my friend
ReplyDeleteNuff respect when yuh seh smaddy good,Dem good cause yuh NAAH BAFFLE when Yuh talk is publish yuh publish and CAST inna rakstone.
DeleteMy Dear Brother Vernon Derby you were born to win on the highest peak of the Lowe River.
ReplyDeleteFloods of corruption have niether overtaken you or washed you away.Your birth,your existence and utterances are real news no Fake.
I follow this brother for decades and he is the same focussed straight talking individual,it's in his DNA does what he does for the benefit of the people, the good of the nation and like his parishioner Usain Bolt, today it's Vernon Derby "TO THE WORLD ALWAYS SPOT ON".
Missa Derby,
Maas VERNON ,Teacher DERBY or Mr Festival,Mr Solutions.
YUH SAFE everytime naah sell out.
He is SPOT ON everytime.
Missa D the Don of which u speak is initials CD if so I found him to be quite "Ethical Don" is a man weh mi siddung an talk to and perhaps he was thought of to be too "Saaaf".Jah bless di man always.
ReplyDeleteWhen all else crumbles and fails the Father will always have a few good men to fight against the darkness. Cowards like crowds, but the brave need no company. But as sure as the night gives way to daybreak the cowards will slowly grow brave as the number of followers increase. Keep on doing good. All children of light have their part to play Blessings.😊
ReplyDeleteThis story shows how big your heart is. It is refreshing to see advocacy in action like this. More gratitude from the people would be great!
ReplyDeleteLife is a jerney what is for you now nobody can take it away keep doing your good work love you always because you are a bless amen amen
ReplyDeleteI keep getting an error message whenever I try to make a comment to this blog. Hence, I'll leave my comment here....
ReplyDeleteI believe we need to advocate for a return to the days when only a few operators were in the public transportation business and have them pay drivers a set salary so their earnings is not based on the amount of persons they carry. Too many hustlers in the business and it breeds indiscipline and chaos on our roads.