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.
A video being circulated with information claiming that the wife of Mayor Scott has died, is false. I just spoke to Mayor Norman Scott, the Mayor of Spanish Town and he has denied it. There are many persons sending out false stories and it is clear that they bent on creating confusion in the society. Please stay with your reliable sources for factual information.
Remember to share this story with others and to follow this blog.
I had first proposed 0900 to 1200 on Mondays, but many persons seem to prefer 0830 to 0930 EST. Our elderly and person with special needs have been having major challenges for a long time, but with the Covid-19 virus affecting the country, it has become far more challenging for these persons to do business.
Please write a letter to the head of an organization recommending that the organization implement this system. At the end of your letter, you put
C: Vernon Derby - Consumer Advocate
Scan the letter and email the scanned copy to ayswithvernon@hotmail.com. You can leave a copy of the letter at 6 Bradley Avenue, Kingston 10.
Omar Azan will be my guest at 0845 and that will be followed by Immigration Mondays at 0900. Let's hear what is President Biden's next move to make facilitate DACA move to citizenship. Find out how soon you can get an interview to get your US visa and also your Canadian visa.
Click HERE to hear Mr. Steele's song for the show.
Note: Let me know what you think of Mr. Steels song by adding your comments to the blog.
Remember to click on the follow button on the left and follow my blog. Please share this blog with as many persons as possible. You support will help me to do even more for other Jamaicans.
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| Sandra Whyte |
Sandra leaves on Tuesday, September 14, on the longest trip in her life to join over 5000 participants at the Arab Youth International Model United Nations 2021 Conference. This conference will be held from September 17, to September 21, 2021, at the Marriott Hotel, Al Jaddaf, Dubai.
The Arab Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) is a recognized United Nations Simulation Conference that challenges delegates to debate the rising global issues, draft resolutions in response to the problems, and collaborate with other youths who are equally motivated and passionate in creating change in the world.
The Police Youth Club movement is one avenue through which the Jamaica Constabulary Force continues to provide a positive outlet for youths to develop into the best version of themselves.
Stephen Price
General Manager and Vice President
Stephen Price, Flow’s General Manager and Vice President stated, “We continue to invest to connect even more communities across Jamaica. Since January 2020, we’ve connected over 420 communities to our fibre network which means that more than 90,000 homes can now access the internet via our network. We are doing our part, ensuring that our students and teachers can have a better online classroom experience and that employees are able to maintain their productivity while working from home. It also means that all institutions in these areas can now apply for our fibre-fast service which will deliver a faster and more reliable experience.”
Reflecting on the landscape across the country as it relates to access to fixed connectivity, Price also underscored Flow’s role in connecting the unserved and underserved. “We are focused on nation building which means the digital inclusion of all Jamaicans regardless of their community. As such, seventy-three of the communities connected this year are outside of the Kingston/St. Andrew/ St. Catherine region. For areas where we do not yet provide service, we’ve added additional LTE mobile sites to support connectivity. We recognize, however, that the best experience is on the fibre network and so, as the only provider investing in deploying fixed connectivity into every community across the country, we are committed to adding more communities to our network annually.”
Flow is also demonstrating its commitment as a corporate citizen and is supporting hundreds of schools and students via its Foundation. Under its Internet in Schools Programme, the Foundation upgraded the free broadband service that it provides to over 250 schools. These schools were migrated to the best technology and upgraded to the fastest speeds available to help with the online teaching experience.
Eric McLean, Principal of Mountainside Primary School confirmed the enhanced connectivity that his school is experiencing and stated, "The Internet service is much more stable than before and faster. I can now do my Zoom and Google Meet Sessions without the service dropping."
This sentiment was echoed by Dahlia Thompson, Principal of Galina Primary School in Gordon Town, St. Andrew. "Internet connectivity is much better, and all my teachers are now able to access the Internet. We are most grateful for the upgrade," she said.
The Foundation also donated over 300 tablets to students across the country, in partnership with various non-governmental organisations, to help students access online learning.
Flow is continuing its network expansion programme and will add even more communities to its fibre network as well as LTE mobile sites before the end of the year.
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| Technician working on the line. |
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| Technician working in the bucket. |
Our forefathers were taken from Africa and across the Atlantic Ocean in the holes of ships and only the toughest were able to survive that journey. We have been though slavery, World war I and World War II, Gilbert and others and some of us behave like we cannot defeat a virus called Covid-19!
Today many of us are graduates of universities and I am surprised at the type of conspiracy theories that we have about Covid-19. Many years ago when the majority of Jamaicans were illiterate one can understand when persons believed that birth control was devised to kill black people and NIS stood for SIN and thousands in the 1970s came out to see this three wheel coffin with a John Crow on top asking for Mr. Brown.
We can fight this virus, but we just organize ourselves and be disciplined. Many of us are anti-discipline and the only thing we will achieve with this approach is chaos. Just look at what was achieved with the creation of this video by young people working together with creative minds:
KINGSTON, Jamaica; September 11, 2021:
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| Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett |
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, outlined that “this will be the third cruise ship arrival following the reopening of cruise tourism in August 2021. The schedule for the cruise season had been agreed on with Carnival Cruise Line prior to the imposition of the no-movement days under the Disaster Risk Management Act.”
“The two previous cruise arrivals in August were successful and all the required protocols that had been agreed on with the cruise line were very strictly observed and monitored,” he added.
Minister Bartlett explained that the protocols and strict monitoring will remain in place for this and subsequent cruise ship calls. Arriving cruise visitors are permitted to visit only establishments within the Resilient Corridors that are certified by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and permitted to travel only on transportation licensed under the Tourist Board Act.
“Carnival Sunrise has to meet strict measures governing the restart of cruise shipping, requiring approximately 95% of passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated and for all passengers to provide evidence of negative results from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of sailing. In the case of unvaccinated passengers, such as children, a PCR test is mandated, and all passengers are also screened and tested (antigen) on disembarkation,” Minister Bartlett underscored.
Minister Bartlett also emphasized that the port of call has met protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the cruise companies, with TPDCo also monitoring conformity to the rules.
“The Cabinet made a decision to facilitate the cruise arrival on a no-movement day to honour our agreement with Carnival Cruise Line. We are confident that the robust protocols and controls that have been put in place are sufficient to keep both our population and the arriving passengers safe” Minister Bartlett added.
He noted that: “In our quest to protect lives and livelihoods, the Government seeks to maintain Jamaica’s position as the premier cruise destination in the region while working closely with our cruise partners to maintain the highest standards of safety.”
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| Minister Edmund Bartlett |
I believe that our leaders are in a quandary and making decisions at this time is not easy. My perceptions of the concerns of many Jamaicans are as follows:
The ability to continue to earn is very important, but we have to ensure that all precautions are taken so that we can earn in a safe environment. If people cannot live and earn, then this could lead to instability in the country and therefore result in major social disorder which consequently could become violent!
Everybody should be able to enjoy themselves if we are able to ensure that we minimize the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The tourists who come here should be required to be fully vaccinated, and they should have a negative covid-19 test result for a certain period prior to visiting the island.
Jamaican's going to Dunn's River generally will not pay with foreign exchange, we not be able at this point require them to be tested before admitting them to the Dunn's River Fall and when they leave, will they go back to their communities unlike the tourists who will leave the country and not spread the virus here. If you understand some of these points then it is not a matter of being fair or not fair but of being practical.
If we close our borders completely then we could end up closing out significant amount of foreign exchange which we also need to fight this virus. Closing our borders for an extended period could mean closing our country and closing our lives.
The challenge is not about Jamaicans not being able to enjoy themselves in their own country yet tourists are able to to so. It is more about protecting Jamaicans from the virus, and protecting the Jamaican economy from collapse.
Finally, we know that in all of this, politics or politricks play a central role. It should not matter which party benefits, but what is better for the people of this country, and the country itself.
Persons wrote me and asked me to contact the authorities about this cruise ship coming to Jamaica on Lock Down Day. I immediately contacted Minister Bartlett who is the Minister of Tourism and I had a conversation with him. The Minister gave me some good arguments as to why his ministry was doing what it was doing and it seemed logical to me.
My concern is if we are able to manage those who are visiting on that cruise ship properly, ensure that all have been vaccinated, all have tested negative for the Covid-19 virus and they will have to limit their movements to the areas that they are booked to go, then no problem 'mon'. We need the money because right now we need more spaces and more beds, we need oxygen, we need medications and we need more of other things. We also need the foreign exchange to pay for all of this.
I expect to hear further from Minister Bartlett this afternoon.
Click HERE to read the release from the Ministry.
A race well executed,
A clear path other could follow
You did your best karen
Well done
Nuff salutations
Rest well.
I am grateful and will cherish the time I spent in her space. Karen always had a smile from her heart each time I saw her. Pleasant and bubbly. She booked me for several shows at the Hilton Rosehall Resort on the North Coast back in the day when I was doing Cabaret. Thank you. She was an inspiration to me and many and when she performed... What a lady she was. I loved when she performed my favorite "Die with my dignity". Karen you were the best of us. My love and condolences goes out to the Jackson family at this time. Karen 'til we meet again, sleep in heavenly peace.
Karen you came
You made your mark
In a way only you could do
Thanks for the great work
Thanks for blessing us with your voice and your charm... rest well
Sista Karen, your contribution to the industry is invaluable. And, one bright morning when our work is over we must fly away HOME. Your wonderful WORK is done, so fly away HOME my sista, RIP.
Karen like a flower she bloomed one morning
And the world admired the beauty
The scent of the flower permeated the air
The bloom lasted but for a time
It's now evening
The flower has faded
The beautiful scent still remains
The bees will have to find another flower
To make more honey so sweet
Sweet Karen Smith, Rest In Peace.
Today the sound of her voice is unable to fill our hearts, but we can give the family the love and support which they need at this time. Continue to fight Karen because we are hoping for the best. Let us continue to pray for the song bird, and Jazz singer, Karen Smith.
We love you Karen.
Note: I will continue to update you as soon as I get new information from the family.
Add your comments to the blog and the family will see it.
Karen died a few hours after this post was put up.
Read More About Karen
Roy Rayon has had a long history in theatre and in music. The First time I performed with Roy was in a play called 'Migration Fever'. This was done in the Michael Manley years when many looked to the greener stores for opportunity and took one of the five flights to Miami and to other places.
I did another show with Roy in the 1980s in St. Vincent and The Grenadines. This time he performed with the Fab 5 Band and also Gem Myers.
Roy is also known as Mr. Festival because he has won a number of festival songs over the years. His festival songs are known to lift the spirit of the people at our Independence Celebration events. Roy who has a strong stage presence and who always make good use of the stage is known to perform with such energy that he sometimes send his fans into a frenzy of excitement and sheer fun.
Roy Rayon did a 16 track called Country Boy Gone International studio album which was released in 2008. It has songs such ‘Set my people free, Children Of A Lesser God, Dusk to Dawn Curfew, Put back the fish and Easy to Play are some of the tracks that got some attention.
The project was supported by a myriad of top musicians such as Grub Cooper, Dean Frazer, Paul Castic. Donavan Belnavis, Trevor Bonnick, Wayne Armond, Irvin Allah Lloyd just to To name a few.
It was not until 2015 that Rayon saw an opportunity, took it and did a video for Easy to Play. Rayon says his inspiration for that song happened when he was listening to Clair de lune, a radio play on RJR.
The video did get some traction but not enough to" bus di chune, " using the local vernacular.
Recently rayon used the song in a production for Mini Miss.
His recent release is 'Easy To Play'
Roy Rayon Songs
The Ministry of Labour Social Security and You Live.
Many persons don't realize that even if you are not working, you can make contribution to the NIS. Those who employ helpers, gardeners and others in their homes, are not even aware that they are to pay NIS for their workers.
If you artye a head of an organization then please forward this blog to all your staff.
Contact Information:
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Due to heavy rains, areas in Belvedere have been badly affected and the roads are in a terrible state. Residents have great difficulties navigating in and out of the area. Persons are also very concerned about the wear and tear on the motor vehicles. A resident said that the water comes from Red Hills and deposits muds and debris at this point. There is also a huge crater in the road as well. The matter has been brought to the attention of Minister Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn and Mr. Anthony Hylton whose constituencies include parts of the area..
If you live in the area and can give more specific information in terms of location, please add as a comment to this post.
Pictures Taken Of The Area
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| Sam Carty |
Perry has transitioned from the flesh at age of 85. lf Bob Marley had prevailed in flesh to the present, he would be 76, making him roughly half of a generation younger than Perry. The question of legitimacy of claim that Perry honed, nurtured and guided Marley's sound, imagery attitude and execution of talent to become king of reggae has never been controverted, and because yours truly was there as a part of that journey, l am well positioned to attest to this and other truths on this phenomenon.
My vocal talent is prevalent to this very day in Perry's Black Archives and Arkology catalogues with four of my six songs produced by him doing perennial rounds in the works. The fact that myself, and l would imagine, numerous other artistes were never financially compensated would be a matter for discussion at some appropriate time with relevant parties if one can get audience with them. My up coming book will probe some of the marketing strategies in quest for these answers.
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| Lee 'Scratch' Perry |
The Upsetter or Setter as he was also called, set out to do just that culturally, and though he initially rented studios like any beginner producer, he had full sway at the Ark to engineer his brand. The sound and stamp is on Marley, and many others. Of note is his 1968 hit, People Funny Bwoy where he got explicit with the "bawling baby" depicting worries a yard, that was only the tip of the ice, by the time the Ark came about. A uniquely compelling and distinctive brand was honed. Scratch Perry' act of burying microphones to capture sounds of nature was the naturist in him coming out as a country producer, whose dimension was to coincide with the city vibes (Trench Town). l believe that as an agrarian creature, he outdid himself. The jungle resonances and reverberations echoing through Marley, were not by coincidence, it was craft at work.
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| Bob Marley |
It was a treat to watch Perry mix - it was a performance. He did not play guitar, bass nor keyboard, but he pulled out from each player what he wanted, or danced it out of them. By the way, he got the name Scratch from a 60's dance he influenced called. "chicken scratch".
Scratch's fascination with jinxes, voodoo, obeah and those innate retentions from Mama Africa were never founded on ill will, but was a part of his mischief to the time of closure of his illustrious innings. If Marley urbanized and globalized the agrarian from "Scratch". A much suppressed and less heard about artiste was his mouthpiece on jinxes, Leo Graham who also sounds like Scratch.
His image, attire brand and overall personage bore out his mischief to finality. Some say eccentrics. Call it what you will, many close to him, like myself, are familiar with the mystique and the mischief.
Songs performed Sam Carty for Scratch:
All outpatient clinics with the exception of the Orthopaedic Clinic will be relocated to this venue.
The clinics will be opened to the public Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Patients will be allowed to park in the church parking lot.
Where possible, patients are asked to utilize the National Health Fund Quick Prescript programme and the public/private partnership programme with participating pharmacies to have their prescriptions filled. The participating pharmacies include Caledonia Mall, Haughton’s and Jermac’s pharmacies.
The management of the hospital would like to publicly thank the Mandeville Seventh-day Adventist Church for its partnership and support as the hospital manages the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on its services and staff.
The accidents...sorry the incidents continue in the land of indiscipline and crime. When will it end? Can you figure that out? What needs to be done to bring this indiscipline to an end?
The following two videos were send to me yesterday with information that this incident took place yesterday near the Flat Bridge. Do you have any details?
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| Councilor Vernon McLeod Havendale Division |
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| Hon. Delroy Chuck MP St. Andrew Northeast |
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| Councilor John Myers |
Covid-19 has changed how we do business and how we live our lives. Many have lost their lives due to Covid-19. Many persons are learning that if they are tested early and treated early, then this can make a major difference with how successful they are in fighting this virus. Rural folks must be happy that Covid-19 testing is being done in rural Jamaica for Covid-19.
We need to know our Covid-19 status prior to travelling overseas and this is why J & J Medical Services decided to facilitate you. The beauty about J & J Medical Services is that you can be tested in the comfort of your home. They offer testing for groups and also for workers at companies on site.
J & J Medical Services is managed by doctors who have had experiences in both the public and the private sector. The organization employs current proven and safe medical practices in the management of positive Covid-19 patients. I must say it is a beauty to enjoy the cool salubrious climate in Mandeville, perched on the hills of Manchester and at the same time get medical services of the highest standard.
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| Oliver Samuels OD |
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| No vaccine demonstration in Kingston, Jamaica |
A few persons have been saying that they do not want to take the Covid-19 vaccine because they do not know what is in the vaccine. I ask myself, we buy food on the road, do we know what make up these food items? We buy things from the supermarket shelves and some of these items are not in sealed containers. Do we know what is in them? We take taxis and we don't even know who these drivers are. Do you trust them with your life? You go to your physician and he gives you prescriptions to get medications at the pharmacy. Do you trust the pharmacy to give you the right drugs and the correct amount?
The persons who demonstrated against the Covid-19 vaccine in Halfway Tree recently chanted, "No vaccine". They should have chanted, "No vaccine, we prefer to die." If would be interesting to find out what they would do when they find out that they have Covid-19!
Today I went to Shoppers Fair Supermarket on the Washington Boulevard in Kingston ,and I must say that it was good to see that all staff members are now wearing their masks. Can you imagine they never use to wear masks and they use to leave customers exposed to the possibility of getting covid-19. The persons who refuse to wear masks, if they should become sick from Covid-19, who would be responsible for their medical bills? Those who work in offices and refuse to wear their masks, who will be responsible if other workers get the Covid-19? Jackass sey di worl' no lebel... Ah bwoy.
The US government says that all immigrants to their country will be required to take the Covid-19 vaccine. I wonder if the same decision will be taken for visitors to the US! If visitors and immigrants will be required to take the vaccine before entering the USA, then there would be no need for Jamaica to enforce the taking of vaccine!
A Few Jamaicans Chanting In Halfway Tree, "No Vaccine"
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The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica has decided to put on another ZOOM forum to educate the public more about the Covid-19 pandemic. The last forum, Pharma Vaxx I was a major success with over 400 participants participating.
Participants found the forum very informative and the major news houses reported extensively on the Forum.
The next Forum will be on September 13, starting at 1500 hours EST and will end at 1630 hours EST.
I received unconfirmed report that two persons were shot and killed on Browning Avenue in Kingston. I understand also that there has been another killing in Harbour View. This killing is said to have been committed by an ex-army person.
