When Last Have You Visited A Church? You Could Find Another Jamaica There!

This afternoon, Saturday, January 1, 2022, the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church had its Installation of Officers for a number of churches. The churches involved were Spring Village, McCooks, Church Pen and Bushy Park SDA churches,  This event took place at the Bushy Park SDA Church which is near to Old Harbour. Officiating Ministers were Pastors Delroy Bicknell, Andre Lewis and Howard Grant.

Many Jamaicans who have not visited a church in a long time, would be impressed to see how well organized the church leaders were in dealing with the Covid-19 protocols. Jamaicans who have not seen fellow Jamaicans function in a disciplined and orderly fashion, need to visit one of these churches. No...I am not referring to a church run by the likes of the now deceased Kevin Smith. ...and no the US Embassy is not a church.

 As I approached the church, I was escorted to the sanitation area where my temperature was taken and my hands sanitized. During the service, congregants were served with a bottle of water each and their hands were again sanitized. I noted that when each microphone was used it was sanitized and the podium itself was also sanitized after each speaker addressed the congregation.

The church has embraced modern technology in getting the word of the Lord out to the people. The service was broadcasted on the Internet via various social media channels. Members of the church who had to sit outside could view the service from their phones.

While seated among the congregation, I said to myself that the church probably could have been more convincing if they had led the nation in how to follow the Covid-19 protocols. The doctors also would have been more convincing than our political leaders in getting the people to take the vaccine.

Our political leaders need to understand that the nation is very skeptical and mistrusting of political leaders  for a long time now. I never for one moment believed that the campaign by the political leaders for people to take the vaccine would have been successful. Who would trust political leader when they not only abuse  and vilify persons in other parties but they do the same to their own party members. Remember now, if dawg no trus dawg, den a goat yu expect fi trus dawg? As fofool as we think goat is, goat no so fofool.

Many of us see the SDA Church with members who worship on a Saturday. but I must tell you that they seem to have all the singers in the country. When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, they preach it and they live it.

I would recommend that you visit some of our churches and you will definitely  see a different Jamaica. I believe that if we have more churches like the Bushy Park SDA Church in charge of our schools we would see far more discipline within our schools. The church certainly needs to have more influence over the society especially when it comes to socializing our young people.

Did you say AMEN!!!

Note: My radio programme and blog supporter Joan Thomas, was installed as an officer at the Bushy Park SDA.

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Happy New Year From Vernon Derby

Many of us have been looking forward with excitement for a New Year. Some of us have lost our loved ones in 2021 and also have had some other misfortunes. Some of us have entered the New Year with challenges, but whatever is our position we have life and there is hope. Have a great year and I hope you will like this video which I made for my friends.

I will appreciate your comments to this blog and remember to click the follow button on the right side of the page. Click on the picture below to play the video:

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Note: On the right side of the blog there is a CNN link, Frankly Speaking with Franklin McKnight and also a link to the live stream from Halfway Tree, in Kingston Jamaica. 

Year Against Crime -2022

One of my supporters for my radio show and also my Bark Di Trute blog site, has given me a great idea. Based on that idea I am now thinking of other things. This persons says that we should declare 2022 The Year of Informers, and I would add it should also be declared, Jamaica's Year Against Crime. This will not just be just about declarations, but a call to action by all. 2022 is the year when Prime Minister Andrew Holness must lead this initiative, and  in doing so, ensure that he gets the overwhelming support of the Jamaican people. This cannot be a PNP vs JLP thing, but a national effort to deal with this crime pandemic once and for all.

It must be all hands on deck. All the mothers, grandmothers, fathers, grandfathers, other family members and friends of these criminals need to take the decision to inform on all criminals connected to them. Comply and the state will reward you well, fail to comply could result in some very serious consequences.

Time to bring back capital punishment for all premeditated murders and life sentence for those caught with guns. I said in a blog recently, that life sentence does not mean being locked up in a prison, but persons can be fitted with electronic devices and they could be required to do hard labour in their communities.

We must cut back the budgets for some government departments and ensure that the judicial system and the police force are given significant increase in resources to carry out their functions. The judicial and the security arm of government must be modernized and computerized and this should be backed by the implementation of the National Identification system. At the same time, we must restructure the Jamaica Constabulary force  so that corrupt cops will find no place of comfort in that organization. We must seek international help in the transfer of technology and gathering intelligence as we fight this monster.

At the same time our judicial system should be empowered to give life sentences for political leaders who are involved in corruption.

Jamaicans must start calling on the government to act now to deal with crime. I expect that the opposition will fall in line because the government would have gotten the buy in of the people. Let our leaders know that it cannot be business as usual in Jamaica. We have lost thousands of our loved ones over the years and we have had enough. The nation needs to send a strong message to our leaders that wishy washy ideas and wishy washy strategies will no longer be tolerated.

Are you ready to take a stand? You can start by sharing this blog and also organizing your Anti Crime Committee Community groups. Time for our men to stand up and time for the women to stop taking care of bad man. Time to tell the Prime Minister to act now or else he should......

2022 Has to be a New Year when we do New Things because it cannot be business as usual! We can start with not just a shuffle  of a the Cabinet in January 2022, but a shuffle out of some Ministers.

Other Readings:

• Convicted murderer gets slap on the wrist.
• Jamaica needs a change initiated by the people.
• Need a reserve police force.
• Step up the heat on criminals.
• What's happening!
• Children should be treated as adults for some crimes.
• Baby left in car yet no action taken.

Note: Dealing with the Covid-19 would be part of the strategy. A robust computerized ticketing system should be developed so that persons who fail to comply with the protocols  would be ticketed.  The receipt of additional tickets would mean the incurring of harsher penalties. 

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Obey,  or disobey and Pay.

Dr. Andre Foote Keeping Abreast of Developments In Medicine and Science

Are our medical  practitioners keeping up with what's trending in their field..especially in these pandemic times? The question came to mind recently after visiting with a nutritionist/dietician.. My takeaway from that visit is that she has not read or opened a book since graduation 40 years ago. Neither has she used the Internet to know what's trending.  Still coming with the "one size fits all approach" to addressing the challenges of diabetes that affects so many Jamaicans.

I try to keep abreast of the developments with regard to diabetes and high blood pressure and the spin-offs that accompany these chronic diseases. My time with this dietician felt like a waste as she came with a printout of a 5-page document that utilizes the 'old and outdated approach to managing diabetes.  

I must admit that the same can be said for some doctors. 60 years and over. And again I speak from experience which I have been going through having reached the grand old senior age like them. 

But all is not lost. Let me address the work of a not so senior medical practitioner  (dentist)who I have known and had the benefit of his services for almost 25 years. One who I can vouch for,  has kept abreast with the technology and the ever-changing times..especially in this Covid-19 era....when people are afraid of the interaction and the need for social distancing.

In 1996, I had the honour and privilege of bringing to Jamaica, the Hon Minister Louis Farrakhan amidst much pressure from corporate Jamaica and threats for withdrawal of financial support to the Mustard seed community which was one of the beneficiaries of the funds that were raised from the project. Its success led to a request from the then opposition party for my company, Corporate Image, to invite South Africa's Winnie Mandella to Jamaica. But politics and controversy intervened. Winnie was arrested and could not leave South Africa..

That project was halted mid-way and never got off the ground but that marked the meeting of one of Jamaica's most highly trained and competent dentists, Dr Andre Foote. As an advisor to the then opposition  JLP, he was given the task to link the organizers of the Farrakhan visit because if we were able to successfully pull off that visit under so much opposition, and duress then Winnie Mandella's would be like cheese to chalk.

Dr. Andre Foote

I have been going to Dentist Andre Foote from that time until now and I have noticed how he keeps up-to-date with the technology and the most important thing..his high level of client/customer service and satisfaction outruns even that of places like in the UK. While I was studying there, I had a tooth emergency. I am very fussy about my teeth which have always given me a challenge being diabetic.

During the 25  years that I have been receiving dental services from Dr Foote, I tried another service once and vowed never to return there again despite their more affordable charges. My endorsement of Dr Foote's professionalism was cemented when I had that emergency in the UK while studying and went to one of their dentists there. His question to me was .."Who does your dental work?".  He thought I was seeing another dentist in England. I told him all the work he had seen in my mouth was done by my dentist in Jamaica. His response was.."Excellent work. Flawless. He's really very professional".

Here's what I enjoy..yes enjoy about going to dentist Dr Foote. He ensures your comfort before you open your mouth. You are given your choice of music with headphones. You are surrounded by beautiful and inspiring paintings and photographs  by some of our top artists..and the receptionists and dental assistants have obviously been well trained to ensure that you are totally relaxed before the procedure. 

Everything is computerized and with the click of a button, your records are all there. Explaining to you the procedure and what to expect is also very calming. Not to mention the follow-up and aftercare. How many doctors or dentists in Jamaica call up their patients to ensure that all is well? This is such a personalized approach to aftercare service especially for those of us with other underlying challenges.

Reception Area

Good Customer service is lacking in almost every service area in Jamaica and this applies to both public and private sector agencies. So when we do come across consistently good service that moves with the times and changes, we cannot let it go unnoticed. Staying with the technology and upgrading with the times, changing the old approach to medical services is key and is required from those who have been in the business for many years..lest they like everything else become outdated, obsolete and bankrupt for new ideas. Covid and the internet (The University of YouTube and Google) have brought many to their knees and forced them out of business!  

Guest Contributor Lois Grant.

Click HERE for the location and contact information.

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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..

Next Year Just Around The Corner

Covid-19 Will Walk & Talk January 2021

Will it be a calamity come the middle of January, 2022, and after?  Jamaicans seemed to have forgotten about Covid-19. The Delta and the Omicron Covid-19 variants are still around. Come January I, 2021, expect one business to make even greater profits. and that is the funeral business. We seem to take Covid-19 as a joke and it is going to teach us a lesson. Delta and Omicron are now creating a hurricane in other countries and it is just a matter of time before we feel the full force of the winds.

On YouTube I saw massive crowds in May Pen with many without masks and they were having a grand time. 

Barbados Elections

Mia Mottley Speaks to her people

Crime - A Call For Action Now For The New Year!!!

Jamaica House

Tonight is Christmas eve, but can we really say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Jamaica, when the criminals have no intention to allow us to have neither a Merry Christmas nor a Happy New Year? Over 1400 persons have been murdered so far this year. We cannot continue like this. (See police statistics.)

The PM has to act now or else we are doomed for another year of Covid-19 and murders in 2022. Corruption leads to crime and we still have leaders who are corrupt seated at the table.

Mr. Prime Minister Jamaicans want a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Time for you and the Leader of the Opposition to get rid of those leaders who we cannot trust.

Corruption breeds crime, and crime is preventing us from having a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Time for some of these leaders who are corrupt and incompetent, to pack their bags and go. Their departure will allow us to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Listen to my commentary which was done on CVM on December 23, 2021.

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All The Best to you and Your Family and let us pray and work for a better 2022.

Bark Di Trute Host Vernon Derby On CVM Tonight at 7:40 pm

Tonight, December 23, at about 1941 EST or 7:40 pm Jamaica time, on our local television station CVM, I will be talking about Crime and Safety for Jamaica. I would love to get your ideas as to what actions you believe should be taken to deal with this serious problem besetting our country for a very long time now. You can add your comments to this blog. Try and add a comment before 1700 EST today so that I can possibly include it in the presentation.

Join the movement to pressure out leaders to take decisive action now to deal with this monster which is crippling our economy! Share this posts with as many persons as possible. We need to start a people's movement against the high level of crime in Jamaica. Let us start the fire now. We can do it as a people.

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Important Notice

A birth certificate was found  belonging to Sandra Elizabeth Ronald Taylor who was born in Stettin near Albert Town. There is also a receipt found in the name of Kenoy Cance. The birth certificate is at the Electoral Office in Christiana. If you know any one in Southern Trelawny, please share this blog with them. 

Transport and Mining Minister Has Good News For Consumers

 The Gayle Post Office, is now opened at the Gayle Civic Center. 

The following is a statement from the Minister of Transport and Mining. Robert Montague:

This is across the road from the old post office. In 2018,vandals set fire to the post office building. The service was moved to Lucky Hill, some two miles away. I am happy to report, that the service is back in the community.  Thanks to the management of the civic center, especially Miss Daidre Moulton,  Councillors Jason James and Leroy "Otop" Sewell . 

The Postal Corporation of Jamaica, especially the Chairman, Professor Felix and the Post Master General, Lincoln Allen. Thank you Senator Aubyn Hill, who was the guest speaker and worked tirelessly to get the service back.

The long term plan is to partner with a business woman, who will build out a building on the land, giving a section, for post office and using the rest for a factory. 

Thanks to the people of Gayle for the faith, love and patience. 

They knew that I would not let them down.

The train is back on track!!

The railway system is back and a new cashless, technology driven service will be rolled out  in January 2022. To serve 400 PATH students from, Linstead and Old Harbour who attend school in Spanish Town. 

This is the first phase of bringing back passenger and cargo service in selected areas. Plans are to offer service, Over time in the urban centres, by using over head lines and fly overs. 

The tourism sector is also being targeted, for the Montego Bay to Appleton line.

"Bringing back the love is  on TRACK!!"

No Electricity Since Yesterday in Fairview St. Catherine - JPS Pole Hit Down

There was an accident  yesterday in Fairway which is in St. Catherine and this has resulted in a JPS pole being hit down.  JPS workers are still in the area trying to replace the pole and re-attach the wires. Residents should have electricity back by this afternoon.

Please share this message with persons who are affected by this accident and persons who might traverse the area.

Note: Electricity is now back

What's Happening, December 22, 2021

Jamaica Observer More Than A Newspaper

We should all thank the Jamaica Observer for showing interest in those of us who are suffering because we cannot afford to do regular dialysis, nor afford to have a kidney transplant. Thanks to the paper which cares.

The Jamaica Observer has not only highlighted the case of Christopher Seaga who needs a kidney transplant, but also the cases of numerous individuals who need  assistance in dealing with diabetes. We encourage the Jamaica Observer and other media houses to do more to highlight the needs of the health sector and also to recognize the work that is being done in that sector.

 Observer Editorial 

See Jamaica

The cameras are live again in Halfway Tree.... Fantastic. Now persons across the world can see Halfway Tree on YouTube. I understand that more cameras will be posted in areas to show off the beauty of our country.  

I am happy that good people stood up and made sure that their voices were heard. Yes put cameras all over Jamaica so the world can see us! 

See Jamaica in Halfway Tree live NOW!

CAC Has Valuable Information for Consumers

Tomorrow, December 22, streaming live on the Internet will be the CAC Live On Facebook. It starts at 1000 EST so don't be late! Visit the CAC's web site.

Even Londoners Feel Covid-19 a Nu Nutten

This is what happens in London with little or no respect for Covid-19. Look out for the new year when Covid-19 and Omicron will have no respect for them either. I wonder what will happen Jamaica in 2022??? If we refuse to take the vaccine and we also refuse to follow the protocol then Covid-19 and Omicron could end up getting permanent stay in Jamaica Land We Love.

Picture courtesy of Dr. Dahlia McDaniel

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Note: Click the follow bottom at the right hand side of the screen. Join my Support Group and keep abreast of what's happening.

Other Readings

• Protect yu phone and yu computer.
• Seymour Newman, the forgotten hero!
• Latty Guzang with a new song.

Protect Yu Phone and Yu Computer!!!

Today I will share some tips which should sensitize you about your computer and your phone security.

Malicious Sites

There are quite a few dangerous Internet links being shared at this time by email and also by WhatsApp.

The following are some sites which you should not click on:

• http://legaliseconcise.top/hilofoodstoresja/tb.php?gyisojog1640023167506
• https://rediroff.ru/e672080061/  
• http://temperamentevaporation.top/hilofoodstoresja/tb.php?tjohnzpe1640180548882

If you come across other suspicious sites please send an email to vderby@hotmail.com so that I can update this list.

Phishing

You will get messages purporting to be coming from reputable companies and they are not. Do not give out out personal information when you go to these sites.

Securing Your Phones

Make sure have Google services installed on your phone. Click Here to watch a video which tells you how to track a stolen phone and how to protect your information.

Using Your Phone For Security

With Google Maps installed on your phone, you can share your location with your family when you are away from home. They will be able to track you in real time while you are away. This could be very useful if you are heading home in a taxi for example. 

Virus Programme

It is very important to have a virus programme installed on your computer and also on you phone. This will help to prevent malicious software from stealing your confidential information or creating havoc with your system. Examples of antivirus programmes are Norton and McAffee.

Sending Documents Confidentially

Sending emails is not a secure way of sending information. If you have a confidential Microsoft Word or an Excel document to send then, save the document with the password option. You can then attached the document in an email and you can sent the password by WhatsApp to the receiver after. Now you can can be assured that no one should be able to open that document even if they able to access the persons emails to whom it was sent.

Please add your comments to the blog and email me ideas and suggestions to deal regarding your computer and cellular phone.

Your Internet At Home

Make sure that your WiFi at home has a very strong password.  If there is no password to access your WiFi then your neighbours will have access to your network. You password should contain uppercase and lower case letter numbers and symbols. Make the length about eight characters.

Phone Codes

Digicel phone codes

Flow phone codes.

Halfway Tree cameras live.

Watch Halfway Tree.

What's Happening December 20, 2021

Minister Robert Montague is now at the launch of the Transport Authority Travel Pal App. Click HERE for a live feed.

Veteran Artiste Latty Guzang With a New Song Called 'King Of Glory'

Latty Guzang

Latty Guzang is associated with Artistes For Change in Jamaica and he has just produced a new song for 2022, called 'King Of Glory'. I like the fact that he uses the ska rhythm with a hint of that revivalist feel as he sings about his Creator. In singing about his creator you will enticed to thing about your Creator - whomever you perceive your Creator to be. 

Latty is an engineer who will tell you that music is embedded in his bones. This veteran performer does not promote religion.  He is a man who is spiritually connected to his Creator, and the man doesn't think that he needs a middle man between him and his Creator. This arrangement he says could be subjected to distortions, but Latty believes that one should have a one to one relationship with ones Creator. 

This conscious Jamaican artiste thinks religion is divisive and destructive, as he notes that most wars are religiously based. This his latest song, is about reverence to the Creator. He wants his listeners across the world to enjoy, 'King Of Glory'. This very spiritual man believes it's  one FORCE, the same FORCE, ubiquitous in nature. 

Click on the picture below to hear King Of Glory:

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Jazz On The Duke Ja

It is all about music this afternoon. It's Jazz On The Duke Ja so enjoy your Sunday afternoon. Add your comments at the end of the session to this blog. Click on the picture below for live music happening now.

What It Takes Just To Give A Refund For Good Customer Service and Goodwill?

The following complaint was received from a customer who purchased chicken at a supermarket: 

I am a public health specialist. I went to Master Mac, the new supermarket in Stony Hill Square on Sunday January 5, 2020.  It was my first time there and this was because they just opened in December and I was visiting my parents who live in the area and their household needed groceries as did mine. I do not live in the area.

I purchased five carton boxes of groceries including a tray of Best Dressed Chicken Deboned Breasts for my household, which cost $1,243.64 (see bill attached). It was the only tray of deboned chicken breasts in their fridge. The chicken was semi-frozen at the time (please see picture of the tray attached) .I deposited some of the grocery at my parents' home and drove straight to my home which is about 5 miles away. The chicken was still semi-frozen. I placed the chicken in the freezer immediately. On Tuesday I asked my housekeeper to take the chicken from the freezer and defrost it. She pointed out to me upon thawing it that as soon as she cut the plastic wrapping away, she sensed a stinking odour. Three of the pieces of breast were greenish-blue. I re-packaged the chicken, placed the package in a clear plastic bag and replaced it in the freezer, because I knew that in this instance I was not scheduled to return to Stony Hill, until ten days later, today January 15, 2020. Any other method of returning it earlier than today (e.g. a taxi driver) would have cost me at least $1,000, so it would be pointless. 

I went back to Master Mac Supermarket in Stony Hill today, and went to the front desk where it seems like they handle customer queries and concerns. Another lady was before me who had just returned spoilt chicken (same brand) and they had refunded her money. I spoke with a cordial gentleman, about my chicken and presented the chicken and my bill which clearly showed the individual entry for the chicken I purchased. He told me that he could not take it back (give me a refund) because I had waited too long to come back. He called his manager (a Ms Anderson I was told) on the telephone to ask her and she said that she would not take it back (refund me) because they do not take back cold items and I had waited too long.  

I appealed to him and he said that if it was him he probably would but based on company policy he could not.

I was shocked. I asked him to let me speak to the manager, Ms Anderson. He went up the stairs to her and she said she would not come down. He tried to call her on the telephone and she refused to answer. His co-worker went up the stairs to her with the chicken and my bill, since the co-worker was the one who had refunded the person ahead of me for stinking chicken too. The manager refused to refund me and she refused to come down to speak to me or to speak to me on the phone. THAT IS THE ACT THAT UPSET ME MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.

I need to understand my rights:

1. Do I have a right to get my money back for the stinking chicken?
2. There is no sign posted, or prior warning or caution given to customers at Master Mac Supermarket in Stony Hill, to the effect that when they buy "cold items" these items will not be refunded. Are the customers mere sitting ducks, who when they buy cold items must take what they get, spoilt or fresh?
3. Is 10 days after purchase a reasonable time within which to return a perishable item, considering that, unknown to me it was already "perished" at the point of purchase?
4. If 10 days is too long, what difference would it have made if I had discovered that the chicken I bought was rotten, 2 days after purchase or 10 days after purchase, i.e. suppose I had not opened the package until 10 days after purchase, and it was spoilt, should I just hug that up? 

The stinking frozen chicken is now back in my freezer, along with the bill. In the scheme of things $1,243.64 is not a lot of money. So why do I write? It is the PRINCIPLE of it all that bothers me. I feel that I have been taken for a ride by Master Mac. I feel that they are dishonest. I feel that they need a new fridge in which to store chicken for sale. I feel that they do not regard their customers highly - Ms Anderson, if she had just come down from the high tower of her office to speak to little me, it may have made a difference.

So you know what - I want my money back! Please advise me.

Note:  This went to the wrong email so I am just seeing it. This should be about giving good customer service. Even if the customer keeps it too long, for good customer service and the goodwill of the business, it seems to me that the common-sense approach is to take back the meat, refund the lady her money, apologize to her and give her a free replacement for the chicken. Invite her to come back to experience far better customer service.

Well I have heard the customer's side so contact will be made with the business owner.

Christopher Seaga - Seeing The Light At The End of The Tunnel???

Christopher Seaga

With all the challenges that we have in Jamaica,  there are some wonderful things happening here. Wonderful things are happening here because there are many wonderful people in this country. When I look back as I approach  my near death anniversary experience, I have to give thanks to the many persons who assisted me. I was told by one lady who visited me at the hospital, that you are sick, you cannot make decisions for yourself  now. Another one said, "Mr. Derby yu can' dead now because wi need yu fi help wi". 😄

Many will recall that things happened so quickly and that my family members were not even aware of what had happened to me. Many of these persons who came to my assistance continue to check up on me and this includes my doctor, Dr. Donovan Jackson who works at Andrews Memorial Hospital and the Kingston Public Hospital.  Many persons too numerous to mention, still continue to send me gifts and continue to check up on me. Dentist, Dr. Andre Foote continues to give me great support. I would not give up that love for neither money nor position.

Mitzy Mian

I was taught that the more you receive the more you are expected to give.  That brings me to the story about Christopher Seaga which I shared with you before on this blog site. I have never met Christopher Seaga. When I use to perform on stage, I met his father Edward Seaga (Former Prime Minister of Jamaica) and his mother Mitzy (Now Mitzie Mian and former Miss Jamaica). His dad had a brilliant mind and his mother a woman who is one of the most beautiful and charming person born in this country. The story of Christopher and his parents is a story about love. 

This story about Christopher began for me when my friend Mrs. Dorothy Carter-Bradford, CD, who has worked for many years with The Most Hon. Edward Seaga, sent me an article written by Christopher's sister, Annabella. The story was about Christopher, her talented brother who has represented Jamaica in swimming and who now had a medical condition. 

Most. Hon. Edward Seaga
(Deceased)

Now there is hardly anything I could do to assist Christopher, but I said to myself, let me post this story on my blog because I am confident that there are good Jamaicans out there who might be willing to help. In a matter of days after the publication of the story, over 23, 000 persons had read the story. The good news is that I understand that there is an offer for the donation of a kidney and Christopher is now on the list for a transplant. He has faced other challenges recently and at one point I felt that this could be it for him but he is a fighter. He is now my inspiration and by the way, I still do not know him. 

Christopher Seaga is now on a mission to help others. His story has highlighted the needs of many other Jamaicans. Since then I have discussed with Minister Tufton the idea of having an organ bank in Jamaica. The Minister has assured me that the matter is actively under consideration. I have also had discussions with Prof. Everard Barton  and also Dr. Adedamola Soyibo at the UWI. I understand that Covid-19 has put a damper on things relating to the organ bank but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Let's continue to hope for the best for Christopher Seaga and others who have similar challenges. You support will help and to motivate our leaders to set up this bank.

There are many persons out there with challenges and many of us really have nothing to give. If you can give a listening ear, a good advice, show that you care, have love in in your heart then you have something to give.

There are good people in this country. Let us find them, support them 'big dem up' and remember that the good you do, will come back to you and so will the evil that you do. Let us play our part in ensuring that more good people have more influence in this country and that would be a good for the country. Have a good day.

All of this progress made in trying to assist Christopher Seaga has been all about good people coming together to help.

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Note: You can play your part in doing good by adding your comments to the blog, clicking on the follow button on the right side to follow this blow and share the blob to as many of your friends as possible.

Let me thank Desmond Allen of the Jamaica Observer who published the content of my blog in the Jamaica Observer. Thanks also to all my supporters who continue to give me moral and other support and who shared this story which has given hope to Christopher and his family.

Other Readings:

• The love of a sister for her brother.
• Eddie Seaga's son Chris urgently needs a kidney!
• Observer readers rooting for Chris.

Seymour Newman....The forgotten Hero of Jamaica's 800m.

The following article was submitted to me by a someone living in Manchester:

Seymour Newman played under 19 cricket for Jamaica. On that team he was the new ball partner for another young man named Michael Holding. He however became famous as the 400/800m runner supreme for Jamaica named Seymour Newman. 

He went to the 1976 Olympics where he came 5th in the 800m semi-finals, and also after running a sterling anchor leg came fifth in the 4 x 400m finals. You must realize that Seymour ran 43.8 secs on this very leg of the relay...and yes we are talking about 44 years ago.!!He won gold in both the 400/800 in the 1977 CAC Games defeating the great Cuban Alberto Juantoreno. In the 1978 Commonwealth Games he gained a silver in both the 800m and the 4 x 400 relay. His battles with Juantoreno in the 400m and with Juantoreno and the Kenyan Mike Boit in the 800m in the 70's were legendary. Seymour still holds the 800m record of 1.45.2 in Jamaica after all of 44 years.

More Readings

• The Olympian
• Seymore on Wikileak

Former PSOJ Head Howard Mitchell, Run From Or Was Dropped From NHF Board?

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

It was reported earlier this year that a newspaper columnist, claimed that she was told that former Chairman of the NHF had suggested to Health Minister Christopher Tufton that Vybze Kartel  should be engaged to write a song for the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. I found the idea to be quite repugnant when I heard about it them.

The former President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaican as far as I know, did not disassociate himself from this suggestion of using Vybz Kartel to promote the Covid-19 vaccine. Like many Jamaicans, I became outraged that the idea could have been conceived of in the first place.

I asked in a blog that those who mooted this suggestion should have resigned immediately. I felt that one could not have someone in a government position and be associated with the idea of having Vybze Kartel being used in the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. 

You might recall that Prime Minister Andrew Holness was asked about his position on the matter of having Vybes Kartel support the Covid-19 campaign. He gave what I felt was a general response to the question about using Kartel in the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. The Prime Minister came under heavy criticism because many expected him to state categorically that he did not support this idea. I don't know the Prime Minister's mind, but I believe his response was a diplomatic one at the time which ended up eroding his political capital. The Prime Minister was being asked to comment on a matter which was the purview of one of his Ministers. We should note also that the Chairman of the NHF Board was reported in the media as having a position on this matter.

Howard Mitchell

Mr. Howard Mitchell has now resigned as NHF Chairman. Did my Barking The Trute along with others, precipitated this action? I am happy to note that he has resigned. He must be congratulated on his contribution to the state, but there comes a time when one has to move on. I wish others who missstep or missspeak would also step aside.

Note: The PM did not say he supported the idea of using Kartel in the vaccine campaign, The article in one magazine said the PM would support the use of any well thinking Jamaican. I don't think that Kartel fall's in that category!!!

Moving forward, public officials must be very careful of their public statements and they should also be careful of those who have a habit of misquoting them!

Other Readings:

• Kartel Backers should resign - Bark Di Trute.
• Carolyn Cooper reports on Howard Mitchell position.
• The article which  could have misled the public about the  PM's position.
• Bloggers slam 'outrageous' Kartel suggestion for vax campaign Jamaica Observer
• Carolyn Cooper | BroGad better beg Vybz Kartel fi help him - Jamaica Gleaner

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Let’s tone down the HYPE, cut out the TRIPE and discuss this COVID VAX TYPE

There is the well known saying…’a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing’,….especially when one does not know that he doesn’t know!

Our immune system

This system is inbuilt in our body to fight and ward off intruders such as all foreign substances including infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The fight is carried out by antibody proteins and white blood cells known as killer T cells assisted by T helper cells.

Between those two sets of attacks we fight off all intruders into our tissues.

What happens is the body recognizes that these foreigners don’t belong and therefore mobilizes the army.

Clearly you would expect that if the body sees only one enemy, its response will be less robust than should it see several enemies or an army of intruders.

Using that basic logic, let’s look at the coronaviruses scenario.

The Coronaviruses

This is a group of viruses that have been around for ages causing sinus, throat and lung infections. Depending on the variant, the symptoms can be a mild runny nose, to sore throat to lung irritation…cough, cold and finally pneumonia….with production of so much fluid and blood that you could drown in your own body fluids. This kind of disastrous outcome has been described from time to time…the Spanish flu 18th century, SARS, MERS  19th/20th century and now Covid 21st century.

Do not for one moment think this is anything new. I have no doubt it has been around for millennia and participated in much of the recorded pestilences as well as beyond historical records.

We only learnt of DNA in the late 19th century (Miescher); and its structure unravelled mid 20th century (Crick & Watson); ….and of the structure of viruses in late 19th century by a scientist studying diseased tobacco plants. The first virus discovered to affect humans was the yellow fever virus, but for thousands of years the measles and smallpox have stalked the earth. 

Looking historically at the worst pandemics recorded, there are the plague(bacterial), Spanish flu(H1N1 virus), the HIV/AIDS virus;  and now the corona virus variant in the form of Covid-19.

DNA/RNA

It is possible that DNA and RNA first appeared around 4 billion years ago and evolved in the history of evolution of organisms to contain the information for the structure of the body. The DNA stores the information and hands it on to the RNA which instructs a whole line up of ‘operators’ along an assembly line to make proteins. The proteins made from our body information are ours. Any others  are regarded as foreign and so fought off by the immune system as soon as they are detected.

Old vs New Technology

The modern fight against viral infection started  when Dr Edward Jenner used cowpox exudate to introduce it under the skin so as to protect against smallpox, then the prevailing scourge. This was late 18th /early 19th century and the name vaccine came from Jenner’s use of the term “variola vaccinae” to denote cowpox. After much infighting by doubting thomases, the efficacy of the use of the relatively mild virus to protect against infection by a more powerful one became accepted; and vaccinations took off as an important tool in fighting diseases.

That old technology was the same principle used in fighting yellow fever, polio, measles, mumps et al. 

Obtain the virus, weaken or kill it, expose it to the body which recognizes it as foreign and the body rejects it. 

The greater the fight, the longer the memory and this long memory is stored more so in the killer T cells group, whereas the quick short term response is greater by the antibodies.

The newest technology to be deployed has been today’s approach to introduce into the body, the DNA and or the RNA for a single protein which when made elicits the immune response of antibodies and T killer cells against that single protein.

It follows that should several protein DNAs/RNAs be introduced then a broader and more robust response would be developed .

What do we have?

The mRNA vaccine is the messenger that carries the information for a single protein, the spike protein on the coat of the virus….Moderna & Pfizer

The Johnson & Johnson as well as the Russian Sputnik vaccines contain a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein…..still a single protein

The Chinese Sinovac and Sinopharm use the killed whole virus which exposes a vast array of foreign proteins to the immune system

AstraZeneca has the DNA for the spike protein in a similar common cold virus known as the Adenovirus…a single protein

The Cuban Soberana vaccine exposes the binding site of the Covid virus so that several proteins therein are eliciting  antibody responses.

Which works best?

Only time will tell. Right now the better marketed has pride of place in the marketplace and results of trials on various populations have not given robust  big data for accurately reliable effects.

On the surface , they should all prove effective and to my mind the one that exhibits several proteins will eventually prove , even if not more effective, at least longer lasting.

So let’s wait to see the results from mother TIME.

Meanwhile, just take any vaccine that’s available. They all work!!!!!!

Guest Contributor Prof The Hon. EY St. A Morrison OJ, MD, Phd.

Note: Prof the Hon Errol Morrison OJ, MD, PhD is a Consultant Physician & Biomedical Researcher. He is the former Director General & Advisor to the Prime Minister National Commission on Science & Technology.