What's Happening, December 15, 2021

Prof Opal Palmer-Adisa

Female Genital Mutilation

Many of my listeners where shocked to hear Professor Opal Palmer tell my listeners about female genital mutilation which still takes place in some countries of the world. Former Head of the Traffic Police, Ionie Ramsay said that she was driving and she had to pull over to the side of the road to listen to the discussion on radio. Prof. Adisa-Palmer was referring specifically to it happening in Ethiopia and other African countries. She spoke about rusty knives being used not only in female genital mutilation but also to circumcise boys. She indicated that many youngsters developed infections and eventually died from these operations. 

Although as Jamaica we have our own problems here, we must be concerned about what is happening to women  in other countries. We need to speak out about these barbaric practices especially considering that it is happening in the lands of our ancestors.

The Need For Staff Retreat

There is talk about funds being used for staff retreat in the public sector and this is unnecessary spending. While we must look out for corruption and waste of funds, we should not criticize a staff retreat for example, which is in the interest of the staff and the company. You definitely cannot afford to cut out a retreat where you can meet with staff, hear their concerns and suggestions. It is also an opportunity to carry out training and sensitization programmes.

We should look at the expenditure on a retreat as money spent on the human asset. What would be important to know is not just the total cost of the retreat, but what was the cost to the company for each staff. Failure to spend funds on a staff retreat which is necessary, could end up costing the organization far more in the long term. A properly organized retreat for staff is a way of meeting and communicating with them outside of the workplace setting. This could be an excellent opportunity to motivate the staff. I am trying to get more information about this matter.

Jamaicans Who Worked With Cayman Structural Group Ltd (*Very Important)

If you have worked in the Grand Cayman island with the company called Cayman Structural Group Ltd, then it is possible that some funds could be outstanding to you. Please make contact with the Department of Labour & Pensions in the Cayman Islands by emailing them at Gene.Hydes@gov.ky or Loval.Linwood@gov.ky. Copy me at ayswithvernon@hotmail.com.

Letter From Insurance Company (Very Important)

If you have received a letter from your insurance company about the need to increase your premium payments so that you policy does not lapse or your benefits do not decrease, then write a letter to the CEO of the Consumers Affairs, scan a copy of the letter and send it to me at ayswithvernon@hotmail.com.

Food For The Poor Helps Prisoners

Nine prisoners will be able to enjoy Christmas because Food For The Poor has paid for their fines. Each prisoners was given JAD2000 as contribution to their purchase of groceries for Christmas.

Note: Please share this blog especially with those persons who you know will benefit from the information and who probably need to act on the information now!

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Preparing For The Next Covid-19 Wave

Members of the medical profession have told Jamaicans to prepare for the next Covid-19 wave. With Christmas coming up and politics heating up we should expect to wave in 2022 and sadly we should expect that some of us will be waved out. What a wave it might be.

Those who have ears to hear, let them hear!!!!

The wave could be red

The wave could be dread.

The wave could be green 

Oh yes....Seen?

Covid-19 is here to stay

Because we love it that way.

Dearly we shall pay

And trouble is on the way.

This Is A Human Being On The Streets.

Yes this is a human being living on the street. This picture was taken a few weeks ago on Orange Street n Kingston, Jamaica in the vicinity of a garbage pile close to a name brand store. I tried to get a conversation but got no response. His outfit is one of a kind  a work of art. 

Report From On The Ground Reporter MS.

Happy Birthday The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller

Happy Birthday Sista P

Today the former Prime Minister of Jamaica the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, Celebrates her birthday. We wish her all the best as she continues to enjoy those precious moments with her husband The Most Hon. Errald Miller and the rest of the family.

Please add your best wishes as comments to the blog and the blog will be forwarded to her.

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Shocking News All Around and The People are Fast Asleep!!!

Spending Spree?

I understand from a very reliable source that the Directors of a certain government entity now have the authority to approve cheques up to the value of JAD200,000! Can you imagine that! These directors can now sign without the authority of the Interim Executive Director? I assume that outsiders can also direct them how to spend the funds and the Executive Director will not even know.

I also understand that members of the top management team are upset that over four years now a head has not been appointed and persons keep coming from outside to act as Interim Executive Directors! Is that position on the list of positions in the service. 

Eternal Father Bless our Land, Guard us with thy Mighty Hand. What a country what a life.

Head To Court To Pay For Traffic Tickets!

I understand that the traffic ticketing system is not able accept payments for tickets issued to drivers by police officers. If you want to pay for your ticket then you have to go to court. If this is so, then Jamaica is  gone mad. Why not suspend the issuing of tickets at this time until we get the system working properly? The courts will be clogged up with persons trying to pay for those tickets next year? Covid-19 shall have a ball when January 2022 comes.

Note: A message was sent to the Commissioner of Police and his Senior Communications Strategist seeking clarification, but no response has been received.

Bad Mind A Kill Di Whola Wi

While many continue to use the guns to kill people there are others who use other weapons to kill others and one such weapon is called bad mind. You will love the song at the link below about bad mind.

Play this one about bad mind: Atuela - Bad Mind.

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Note: Please add your comments to this blog and make a difference. A copy of this blog will be sent to our leaders. Your comments have helped to change things in the past so let us work together to change Jamaica.

Transportation Ministry Gets JAD10.8 Million Test Driving Simulators

Press Release, December 9, 2021

Min. Robert Montague

Minister of Transport & Mining, Hon. Robert Montague has lauded the Transport Authority’s donation of a $10.8M Test Driving Simulators to the Island Traffic Authority, as a key strategy to infuse the use of technology into driver testing and improve road safety efforts.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony for the donation of the first of two simulators at the Swallowfield Depot in Kingston recently (December 8, 2021), Montague says the donation of the equipment, represents the beginning of the transformation of driver testing and administration of the road code locally. Montague added that the use of the simulator coupled with the electronic database for the road code exams for the provisional driver’s licence, now allow for more effective testing of drivers. Prior to doing the road test, learner drivers will use the test driving simulator, which provides a myriad of scenarios, to assess the drivers’ readiness to be tested on the nation’s roadway. Additional benefits to be derived from the use of the test driving simulator include the ability to provide feedback to learner drivers on the specific weaknesses detected during the sessions and improve the safety for the examiners who administer the tests. 

 Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Transport Authority Mr. Willard Hylton reiterated the Authority’s commitment to fostering a more competent caliber of drivers on the roads with the donation of the simulator. Hylton says through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, the Authority continues to leverage strategic partnerships such as the one with Island Traffic Authority to retrain and recertify Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) drivers. Other such partnerships include the new PPV Driver Training programme, developed by EduFocal and sponsored by BCIC, which is a web based application designed using gamification. Training using this web based application will begin in January 2022.

Met Him by Accident Because of an Incident - Do Good and Good Will Follow You!!!

Dr. Dahlia McDaniel Phd - Pharmacist

December 10, 1967. 

54 YEARS OLD TODAY!

Today I honour my dear mother Enid who in 1967 was prescribed the drug thalidomide for morning sickness, AND DID NOT TAKE IT!!!

I begin my 55th year today, and I have a number of things on my mind and in my heart. 

But before I share a couple of those reflections I am compelled to tell you a story. ALL OF IT IS TRUE. Unfortunately I cannot tell the story without crying, so here I go again….

On Tuesday evening I went to the supermarket in my community after a long day at work, to shop for 2 households. I was already tired and it was only Tuesday. The supermarket assistant placed the items in my trunk and I hurriedly opened my driver’s door to get a tip to give him. The car door got away from me and gave the car to my right a good lick. I got the money and gave the gentleman. 

I was mortified when I pulled my door away and saw that the superficial layers of paint on the other car were gone and I saw grey metal. I took a deep breath and wondered what to do. 

When in doubt, take a picture. 

I took a picture of the damage ( I am bawling again as I type this)… then I looked left and I looked right……nobody was looking…… so I jumped in my car, reversed and….being conflicted, I took another picture, this time of the car’s name and model and license plate, before driving away to go straight home. 

When I got home I told my husband about it and showed him the picture of the damage done, and he immediately said, “So you did the right thing, right? You left a note for the person, did you?” I said, “Aahm……No”, and he sorta hung his head down….no comment. As if to look good with my bad decision I quickly said to him, “But I have the person’s license #!!” No comment from him. 

I put everything in a neat little box and filed it away in my head. 

So Wednesday I went to get my hair done and, having nothing much to do while sitting there I started writing my reflections ahead of my birthday, to post here today. 

Something in there must have resonated with me. 🎼Something inside so strong….🎼🎹

On Thursday I woke up thinking about the picture I had taken of the damage. And then I started to think about how the person felt jilted when he or she came out and saw the car. Is the person struggling? 

And then I started to worry that I was going to erroneously delete the picture of the license plate, that my conscience on this issue would fade with time. Then I started thinking about all the bad days I had ahead of me because of how I did somebody wrong (karma). Last of all I thought about our son…..he did not know about the incident, but isn’t this the total opposite of what we are trying to teach him?

As soon as hubby and son left for school, I jumped on every social media platform with a picture of the car and license plate, and sent the same to a journalist friend asking to announce. “Do you know the owner of this car? It is something good. Please contact me.” I did not think past that. I just did it. 

Many people responded with ????, as if to say,”What’s this?” I either did not respond or said, “it’s something good”. 

As I got in my car at home, a neighbour messaged me say someone sent him my post, and he asked me where he can collect his prize. I chuckled and asked him if he knows the owner of the car. At this point I am driving past the neighbour’s apartment and………I see the car…..THE car. I responded with a written word to my neighbour that I cannot type here…..

I sat there in my car staring at the car. My neighbour came out of his apartment and he looked concerned. He did not know what was happening……I put on my mask, came out of my car and started BAWLING while pointing at the damage, and confessing that I did it. I apologised and told him that I would pay for the damage. 

My neighbour had a puzzled look on his face the whole time. And then he spoke. 

He said that since the damage was on the passenger side, he had not noticed it until this moment. He was in deep thought now. 

I sorta repeated the incident a couple more times (you know me) before I said loudly, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free!” 

I drove away and continued crying….He wrote me shortly afterwards to say that he will pay to fix my damage to his car. He wrote about the importance of truth, respect, and honesty. All now mi still a bawl…….I damaged a stranger’s car, drove away, couldn’t do it, confessed to the stranger who turns out to be my neighbour, and he tells me is alright - he will fix it? 

I think he will become a friend of my family. He is a profound, decent person. 

I feel a sense of purging, especially with my uncontrollable tears, and now renewal, just in time for my turning my page into a new year of my life!!!!

Now for reflections….as I turn 54 and start my 55th year, this year has been the second most challenging year of my life, 2020 being most challenging SO FAR!

I have learned that “When the rain falls, it don’t fall on one man’s housetop (Bob Marley),- we are all in this thing together. My greatest assets are my family and my friends, who call upon me for help and who are right there when I need them. I am learning to appreciate every minute I have. Life is fleeting. 

The most powerful life lessons can only be learned through layers of pain, forgiveness (forgiving ourselves too), humility, humiliation, failure and embracing change. 

I have learned that THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!

Dr. Dahlia McDaniel Dickson Phd - Pharmacist

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Dr Dahlia McDaniel Dickson a Bark Di Trute Guest Writer, has been a a pharmacist for 32 years.  She owns and operates two pharmacies, Charlie’s Pharmacy and Medicine Chest Ltd., and a Medical Center, Medicine Chest Health Centre Ltd which is located on West Queen Street and Beckford Street in Downtown Kingston.

Tributes To Robbie Shakespeare From Friends and Artistes For Change

I got a message this afternoon that famous international musician, Robbie Shakespeare has passed. He was ailing for about a year and he eventually died this morning. 

Robert 'Robbie' Shakespeare was born on September 27, 1953. Robbie was an International Jamaican bass guitarist and record producer. He is  one half of the reggae rhythm section and production duo Sly and Robbie. 

Pharmaceutical Society Of Jamaica Awardees

Outstanding Pharmacists who have made significant impact in the profession were awarded on Tuesday November 24th at the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) Virtual Awards and Induction ceremony held during Pharmacy week. 

Pharmacy week is celebrated annually, this year, from November 21-27 under the theme Pharmacists: Promoting Excellence, Empowering the Nation. The focus was on Pharmacists as healthcare professionals who continue to provide premium patient care whilst finding innovative ways to deliver the standard of practice as the world goes through semantic changes. 

Traditionally pharmacy week began with the Church service and Grace Allen Young Lecture which is conducted by Caribbean Institute of Pharmacy Practice Policy and Research (CIPPPAR) in memory of one of the founders of pharmacy, Grace Allen. Other activities include community pharmacy engagements, public pharmacies drug serv, public forum and the welcoming of the newly registered pharmacists into the profession. This year, 47 student pharmacists who have successfully completed one year of internship in clinical pharmacy at a type A and B hospital were successful at the sitting of the final written exam. In order to become a licensed pharmacist, interns are required to obtain an acceptable passing score in an examination that is administered by the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica (PCJ), which is the regulatory body for pharmacy practice.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Francois Cherestal, Clinical Pharmacist and Medical Liaison Officer from the USA. Dr. Cherestal charged the newly registered pharmacists to be innovators and contributors to the profession. He also made an appeal to pharmacists, especially younger ones, to give back in some way to the profession which will continue to foster their growth and development. In attendance at the ceremony was Chairman of the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica, Dr. Eugenie Brown Myrie who gave the official welcome to the newly registered pharmacists. She also charged the fresh batch of pharmacists to keep the standard of practice as dictated by the PSJ Code of Ethics. Dr Winsome Christie, President of the PSJ, also encouraged the new pharmacists  to become members of the Society. This is a meaningful way to serve the profession. 

As the Evening of Excellence continues, well-known Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sean Moncrieffe kept the audience alive with his rustic and captivating skills as he segued  into the announcement of the Peer Awards. 

The Prestigious virtual ceremony saw some pioneers and newbies awarded for Excellence in pharmacy practice. Among the awardees were Dr. Rose Victory Evans who copped the Jamaican Pharmacy Primus Award, Okeeno McLeod a previous executive member of the Society who was named Pharmacist of the Year.. Content creator and Health Coach Mischa Christie was named Jamaican Pharmacy Youth Leader and Business mogul, Stafford Haughton from Haughton’s pharmacy and Juliet Kosally Chang from Independence City Pharmacy were both named Male and Female Pharmacy Business Leader of the year respectively. Mr. Haughton was also lauded for his contributions in pharmacy and was the recipient of the Order of Distinction National Award on Heroes Day in October . The Order of Distinction is a national order in the Jamaican honours system. It is the sixth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honour. Two other prominent pharmacists were recipients of national awards; Dr. Radcliffe Goulbourne and Mrs. Jean Maude McKenzie, both received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious service.

Dr. Winsome Christie, leader of the 93 year old Organization recognized members of the media and legal fraternity as well as executive members and staff with the President’s Awards for the impact and yeoman's services made to the PSJ. Veteran Media Broadcaster Vernon Derby and Erica Virtue were awarded as well as Shemala Pullen Mitchell from Television Jamaica (TVJ). Mr Alton Morgan from Legis Law firm and the administrative staff were bestowed with the President's Award. Impressively, two of the youngest members of the PSJ executive council, Gabriella Williams and Kevar Bennett were also among the recipients of the President’s  Award.

The Evening of Excellence closes with an astounding performance by Jhennelle Lewis followed by loud applause and cheerful words of excellence via the virtual zoom platform. 

PSJ continues to be the light bearer for Pharmacy week coordination in an effort to showcase the knowledge and creativity of pharmacists in empowering patients and the Jamaican populace to healthier living. 

THE JAMAICAN PHARMACIST PRIMUS (JPP)

            

Rose Vctory-Evans

THE JAMAICAN PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR

Okeeno McLeod

THE JAMAICAN PHARMACY YOUTH LEADER AWARD

Mischa Christie

THE JAMAICAN PHARMACY BUSINESS LEADER AWARD (Female)

Juliet Kosally-Chang (Independence City Pharmacy)

THE JAMAICA PHARMACY BUSNESS LEADER AWARD (MALE)

Stafford Haughton (Haughton's Pharmacy)

THE JAMAICAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AWARD

THE JAMAICAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN PHARMACY AWARD

Yvonne Amair

THE JAMAICAN DISTINGUISHED PHARMACY RESEARCHER AWARD

Lisa Bromfield

HONOURARY LIFE MEMBER

Marcia Williams

THE JANETTE STEWART FAIRPLAY AWARD

Delmore Tyrell

THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF JAMAICA GRATITUDE AWARDS

Christal Campbell

Glendon Lewis

PSJ PRESIDENTS AWARDS 

Gabriella Williams

Kevar Bennett

PRESIDENT'S AWARDS FOR MEDIA SERVICE TO PSJ

Vernon Derby

Shemala Mitchell-Pullen

Erica Virtue

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS IN LEGAL SERVICE TO PSJ 

ALTON MORGAN

 PRESIDENT'S AWARDS FOR LONGSTANDING SERVICE TO PSJ

Lorna Walters 

Kerresha Williams

Christopher Chambers

NATIONAL AWARDS

TRANSPORT MINISTRY REJECTS ASSERTIONS OF IMPROPER ENGAGEMENT OF TOLL AUTHORITY CEO

The Following Press Release Was Received: 

The Ministry of Transport and Mining is rejecting as misleading, the story published in a major newspaper on December 6, 2021 headlined “Montague ex-adviser lands $5m job without basic requirements”.

The story refers to Mr. Lerone Laing who holds a Master of Science Degree in Economics, with distinction and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science with Upper Second Class Honours, as well as three (3) years’ experience at the mid-manager level at the time of his application, encompassing the required competencies – knowledge of laws and transport issues, direct experience as an economist and environmental awareness.

Mr. Laing was selected to serve as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Toll Authority in October 2019 for an initial period of six months, following the resignation of the then CEO and against the background of the Toll Authority being among the Public Sector entities slated at that time for rationalization.

Mr. Laing was chosen after advertisement of the position in a major newspaper on August 21, 2019, further to which ten applications were received. Two candidates were shortlisted, Mr. Laing and one other candidate who was based overseas. Given the uncertainty of tenure within the context of the expected rationalization process, Mr. Laing was considered the more suitable of the two.

Importantly, Mr. Laing was deemed suitable for the assignment based on his qualifications, experience and competencies. The minimum qualifications are that the candidate should hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration OR relevant discipline. Mr. Laing is therefore more than qualified for the position.

As the person selected to do the job, Mr. Laing is paid what is attached to the post, which is clearly identified in the Establishment of the Government of Jamaica (GoJ): a salary range of $3,032,763.00 to $3,605,002.00 per annum, with travelling allowance of $1,697,148.00 per annum if in possession of a motor vehicle or $678,864.00 per annum without a motor vehicle.

The initial assignment of six months was later extended by one year with effect from April 1, 2020, following assessment of Mr. Laing’s performance by the Authority.

The fact that Mr. Laing served as advisor to the Minister of Transport and Mining between March 2018 and September 2019, has nothing to do with the reality that he emerged as the most suitable candidate after a standard selection process and is therefore serving as the CEO of the Toll Authority as a result of that selection.

At the time, the Toll Authority was slated to undergo a transformation process, which would see to the reintegration of the Toll Authority into the Ministry. This consideration contributed to the recruitment process manifesting as outlined.

It should also be noted that these details were provided by the Ministry as responses to questions emailed by a reporter from the newspaper. The Ministry answered the various questions posed through correspondence dated November 3, 2021 and December 2, 2021.

Based on these facts, the Ministry reiterates that this story published today is misleading in its argument that the CEO of the Toll Authority does not meet the requirements for the job. The Ministry of Transport and Mining reassure its partners and the wider public that its processes and operations, as well as those of the Toll Authority are above board, and will remain so.

How To Falla Backa Barbados and Remove Misses Queen!

Mia Mottley
 Prime Minister of Barbados

Barbados has led the way in moving away from having the Queen of the United Kingdom being their head of state. Now Jamaica wan'  falla backa Barbados. We hear persons talking about symbolism of what happened in Barbados but symbolism by itself cannot move this country forward nor put food on our tables. Mia Mottley at this time is proving to be a power house in the Caribbean. Will it last?.

Let me advise my fellow Jamaicans that the discussion about the constitution which is heating up, should not be something for lawyers and politicians alone. It is something for each and every citizen of this country to talk about. Not something that the privilege few  to sit in backra mass house and discuss over tea. The discussions must be conducted in a language that all those of voting age will be able to understand and relate to. Mr. Prime Ministry, you know that I wish you well, and you know that I am a very outspoken person, so I beg of you Sir, take special note of this blog. Mr. Golding you also take special note Sir. Remember that the same ol' same ol', can no longer work.

PM Andrew Holness

We are aware that our laws are not written for the non-lawyers in this .country, yet we are expected to know, understand and comply with these laws or else we could be in trouble with the law. The lawyers will certainly benefit when we run afoul of the law especially due to our lack of understanding of the laws which are not written for us to understand. We will also be at a disadvantage when we do not understand the law in terms of how it is suppose to protect our rights.

Michael Spence one of my contributors and supporters says, "So what if Jamaica becomes a Republic and replaces the queen as head of state, the multimillion US$ cosmetic changes at this time could help to fix literacy now at 88.7% being 97th on the global literacy scale and 9th in CARICOM.

Barbados with adult literacy at 99.6%,  is 20th on the global rankings and 1st in CARICOM. A growing stable economy with their dollar at approximately two Barbadian dollars  to one US.  It has had that value from "Wappy kill Fillup." .Barbados leadership has earned the wherewithal to become a Republic in a small but safe, growing, stable political and civilized socioeconomic environment." So says Michael Spence.

I will add, if we kick out the Queen, will we with the same magic wand, kick out the extremely high crime rate and corruption, kick out the indiscipline in the society, kick out the undemocratic way in which we operate and kick out a security and a justice system which leaves much to be desired?

If this discussions about constitutional reform is one controlled by lawyers and political leaders then this whole exercise will become a symbolic one with the removal of the Queen as Head of State, to be replaced with our own Jamaican Head of State. We could end of just changing the colour of our head of state and the colour of things remain the same!

The development of a new constitution which will enable us to become a republic should be discussed in the homes, the classrooms and in the society generally. First thing we need to come to a consensus on is how to make this society a truly democratic one. Not one in which we elect persons every five years to dictate to us.

I have a few ideas which I would like you to consider and to add your own as comments to this blog. The President the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister must be voted for nationally. They should serve for a term lasting 4 years and allowed to serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

We should have two houses, the legislature where laws are made and the senate where the laws are reviewed. Both houses should have their members elected and not selected as currently exist for the senate. Senators would be nationally elected and should not represent any constituency. Members of both houses should serve for a period of four years and should not serve more than a maximum of three terms..

The President's should serve as a buffer between the  people and those who serve us in both houses of parliament. The President should be the protector of the constitution and in the situation where the government is unable to function then the President shall take control of the country until a new government is in place.

All Ministerial Appointments must be approved by a majority of the legislature and these members of the executive will not be members of the houses of parliament. These ministers will be held accountable by the legislature and will report to the Prime Minister.

Ministers can be removed by the Prime Minister or by a two thirds majority of the legislature.  This would normally be done after a parliamentary investigation has been undertaken by a sub-committee of parliament or if the Minister is found guilty of a crime. Any one with a criminal background shall become ineligible to be a member of the legislature, the senate or be a member of the Executive or be the Governor General.

The legislature should have the power to impeach the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister or the President.

All councilors and mayors should be elected by the people. 

Underpinning all of this would be a system of strong laws which would ensure open government, and also that all government entities would be obligated to report to the people periodically. Corruption in government would be treated very seriously and where you have major corruption then the offenders should have life sentence as the maximum possible penalty.

The discussion about having a new constitution has started again in Jamaica. You can say your bit by adding your comments to this blog. Remember that the discussions are not about political parties but about you and I and the future of this little rock, called Jamaica.

More Readings:

• Mia Mottley's Tweets
• Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
• Barbados CIA Factbook
• The Monarch
• Jamaican Constitution in a nutshell

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A New Release for Artistes For Change

Click the picture in order to listen to the music.

 Artistes For Change Channel

I have a channel with great Jamaican music which you will have a difficulty finding in other places. These reggae and other genre of music are uplifting musing for the family. Music which you can send to anyone anywhere in the world by just sending the link.

Latest Information on Omicron!

There is a new variant of Covid-19 first identified in South Africa but it is now in a number of countries. There are many misinformation going around on the Internet about this strain. Click on the link below and learn about this new strain of Covid-19.

WHO latest information on omicron.

Persons Need Your Help Urgently!!!

Ashnique Williams Operation

Ashnique Williams

Ashnique Williams was diagnosed with Severe Right Thoracic Scoliosis since August 7, 2020 and is in constant pain and this is making her situation uncomfortable.

Dr. Ian Neil (Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon at Contemporary Orthopaedic and Spinal Services) has indicated that surgery is the only recourse to correct her spine and advises that the procedure needs to be done as early as possible to minimize the further curvature of the spine. 

Funds needed for her surgery run upwards of 2.5 million dollars. Due to financial constraints, the surgery that was slated for July 7, 2021, had to be reschedule for June 2022 following the completion of her CSEC examinations. 

Her diagnosis has greatly affected her quality of life as her grades in school has been impacted. She is currently completing her 5th form at the Wolmers' Trust High School for Girls and preparing to do 8 CSEC subjects. Her normal routine is spent laying down or medicating on over the counter pain killers. Despite this she remains passionate and cheerful as she strives to excel and achieve her dream of becoming an Interior Designer.

Contact can be made through her mother - Staceyann Walker-Williams (876) 830-7408 / (876) 426-8634; email address walkerwilliamss97@gmail.com.

Donations can be made to: Ashnique Williams -VMBS account # 448178572,  Duke Street Branch.

Please Vote for Ashnique on NCB’s Grant a Wish at:

http://grantawish.jncb.com/nominee/2540

Wesley Cunningham Needs Batteries for His Wheel Chair

Good morning Mr Derby, I called the program seeking assistance two batteries for my Jazzy 1113 powered wheelchair. I would very happy if anyone can reach out to me.  These batteries are 12"volts and 34 Amp hour.

Thanks for assisting me.

Batteries

Yashecca Brown

Yashecca Brown has been a committed teacher for the past decade at the George Headley Primary School. Though plagued by ill- health over the past 6 years she continues to serve in all aspects of school life. Unfortunately, her health has taken a turn for the worst. She is urgently in need of blood. As a school community we are soliciting the Nation's assistance.

Christopher Seaga

Christopher Seaga, son of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga needs a kidney donor. His life depends on it. He is committed to helping others who need help also. We also need your support in seeing to it that laws are put in place for the donation and the storage of body parts and an organization is set up to deal with these donations and storage of these organs.

Note:

If you are willing to assist any of these persons please send me a text message to (876) 816- 5261. Or you can contact them directly. Please share this post with your friends and relatives.

Join my group of supporters by clicking HERE.

Ties

 

Kenneth Grant

Bold solid colours that binds,

Black or white patterns 

Like the colours of the rainbow, 

Satisfy the desires of

The Human spirit.

She bought a bow tie

This time,

Convinced this knot

 Will be perennial as the grass.

The other three liaisons

Never lasted a wink;

One was a player,

The other crooked as the tree,

And mister cool and deadly

Shot a pistol like an arrow.

She wanted a sure ticket

The jackpot of a relationship,

Following grandma’s advice

Give him a tie,

He will stay for life.

 

Composed by Kenneth Grant

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The Poet.

Kenneth Grant was born in 1962, in the Maxfield Avenue area of Lower Saint Andrew Jamaica. In 1964 his family moved to Trench Town, then the cultural capital of Jamaica. He started writing poetry in 1989 when his first entry in the National Creative writing competition won him a silver award. He followed up that with several other awards in subsequent years before publishing his first collections in 2006, ‘Fragile Global Hope’. Kenneth continued to write poetry until 2018 when he ventured into the area of short stories. 

He won a merit and a bronze award for his two short stories that year and another merit in 2019. He won a Gold award for the first time in 2019 for his poem ‘Conserve water, it is precious’. As a Caribbean writer Kenneth draws on his everyday experience which is vividly displayed in the pictures he paints in the reader’s mind. He has several other books on Amazon including The Heart pumps blood, Test the Fire, Another Spin, and The Dream to play on the National Turf. 

In his latest book he now puts together a collection of his short stories for you to enjoy. They represents diverse experiences thus the title, A Heart, A Scream and Lightning, Kenneth is a Chartered Accountant. 

You can contact him at kennethgrantjm@yahoo.com

Can The Retired And Elderly Trust Our Banks And Financial Institutions?

This is no joke. Neither is it hearsay. Talking from experience both personal and that from other seniors. If you thought scamming ended with #FINSAC, #Cash Plus, #Olint,  #Worldwise, or the #lotto scammers plaguing the elderly whose mental capacity has diminished or challenged with age, think again.  There is no protection from these official financial institutions nor is there any from the lotto online scammers who too have perfected their craft to snatch your hard-earned cash through their lotto scams.. 

The banks and insurance companies, though have brought new meaning to the words.. mistrust and suspicion  '.

Let's start with the insurance companies...Recently a letter was emailed to me advising that my 'investment policy is at HIGH RISK  of being terminated and that I should contact my agent. The name of my financial advisor was given. Needless to say, I never heard of her before. The explanation given is that having reviewed my policy, my current and projected fund values are insufficient to maintain the sum insured beyond the next policy anniversary. Reasons given are significant changes in the economic conditions such as interest rates or withdrawal from the policy. Options are given to decrease the sum insured, increase the premium and or change the death benefit. Long story short...if you do not choose one of their options before the next policy anniversary.. your coverage will terminate. We are talking about an investment policy taken out from the '90s. But hear the options. 

They will lower your coverage by thousands of dollars with a much smaller coverage..Option 2, they maintain the coverage at the same value, and your monthly premiums are increased from $900 a month to over $3k a month!!. Now you tell me!! And if you withdraw any funds from this ' investment' policy it may result in the need for future reviews. Tell me this is not a scam.

The same was experienced with another  Life insurance company that took over policies from Crown Eagle, Mutual Life, and all the other insurance companies that went down in the financial meltdown of the '90s.. When you check it out all the investments made in insurance back then, are not even worth the paper which makes up the policy contracts today. Policies that have matured are paid over to you in parts if you decide to cash them in. Otherwise, the funds sit there until you pass not gathering any interest while they have your money. And upon your passing, the funds which have not accumulated in any way, are paid over to your beneficiary. Remember now, you were promised benefits from them investing your funds in their various policyholder segregated funds, . Now you hear that units are canceled to cover administrative and mortality expenses. What the hell is that supposed to mean?. I guess the same as bank charges.

Upon investigation,  the insurance company sends you to deal with #FINSAC, on the investment portion of your policy, when you never had any dealings with #FINSAC in the first place and the clerk has no idea of where FINSAC is even located nor does he really know what #FINSAC is all about..it being established before he was born.. 

As for the banking sector, there goes another situation in which the elderly and seniors continue to be ripped off while we hear whispers that the PNP's Fitz Jackson claims he will continue to explore the legality of the charges being cast upon bank customers. Where is the outcry? Why are customers being charged for collecting funds from overseas when the sender is already paying to send the money and the receiver must also turn around and pay for receiving the funds? Who is representing the interest of the consumers? 

Meanwhile, all these bank owners are making billions in profits so much so they can have superyacht worth billions of dollars custom-designed for themselves at the expense and exploitation of thousands of poor black people in this country.. Customers are having charges taken from their account for just having their money in the bank under the guise of 'bank charges'.

Who do you turn to as you watch your savings and so-called investments being literally taken from your account each month? 

Coupled with all of these rip-offs utility charges, and all the necessities of life continue to escalate and there's not a damn thing you can do about it .  The government through the OUR and their other agencies continues the exploitation of these inefficient monopolies and the politicians continue to rape the public purse walking away with millions in compensation.. 

Consultants who have not lifted a finger before and during COVID are collecting millions of taxpayers' money for doing nothing and the government believes they can just dissolve a board of incompetent administrators, just like that..each having benefitted from securing contracts based on their 'links'!

You thought you could retire and let your money work for you?. Well, you better wheel and come again. Back to the plantation till the day, you transition it looks like.. or join the 90 percent of the masses who continue to live in poverty in this country !...

Lois Grant

Editor's Note: We have to ensure that we check our bank balances regular because  persons have complained to me about funds being missing from their accounts. Ensure that you give your bank your email address, so that you will be advised when a transaction takes place on your account (This is something that I have lobbied for for years).

Use the bank App on your phone to set limits, to control how much can be withdrawn from your account and also block transactions from taking place if you do not intend to access your account for an extended period.

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Ms Lois Grant- JP, MA, BA. Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London. Lois Grant's involvement in the communications and creative industry saw her moving from JBC news to head of Public Relations, at the now-defunct Grimax Advertising. She then went  in partnership with the creation of the  Promotions/Production agency.. Innercity  Promotions.  Innercity was responsible for the creation of the live dance hall series of concerts at the Harbour View and New Kingston Drive-in cinemas.. firsts in the history of entertainment in Jamaica. At the start of the 90's Grant formed her own agency under the banner..Corporate Image Communications and Productions. She stood out as a trailblazer in developing several innovative events as well as programmes for corporate brands such as  Tastee Limited,  Jamaica National Building Society, City of Kingston Cooperative Credit Union, and various government agencies. Looking back Grant notes that she has played her role in changing the political landscape of three Caribbean islands, including Jamaica. Her last assignment before taking early retirement saw her as the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister from 2007-early 2013..