The Anti Vaxxers VS The Vaxxers

Spragga Benz - Dancehall Artiste

I just got a link for a publication in one of our sister island's newspapers featuring  Jamaican artiste Shagga Benz, singing about vaccination and corruption in Jamaica. While different persons have their own position on Covid-19 vaccination, I believe that this artiste creativity could be better spent giving people hope especially at a time when the cost of living seems to be rising daily and crime continues to stand in the way of progress. Click HERE to hear this controversial Spragga Benz song.

I would advise the minister no to waste time getting into a controversy with this performer, but continue to do what is right in an effective and smart way.

Read More

• How Spragga Benz feel about the killing of his son. 
• Story on Spragga Benz - Jamaica Observer.
• St. Vincent News comments on Shagga Benz.

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Remember to click on the links under Radio Programmes in order to listen to my radio programmes for the past 10 days.

Too Much 9 Day Talk Says Veteran Journalist/Business Woman Lois Grant

Lois Grant

When I worked in the newsroom many many years ago as a young budding and enthusiastic journalist, we had a small desktop cabinet with 3 drawers, one of which was labelled STAND UP. As the acting chief editor ..one of the youngest ever in the history of the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation,  I would go through the newscasts each day and check to see what stories were in need of follow-up and further investigations. 

These Standup stories would be assigned to different reporters depending on whether they fell within their BEAT, as each reporter was given different areas to cover. They too were expected to keep their own file  to ensure that a story was  fully signed off on. At our meetings, a reporter would be asked for an update of the stories and this would continue until the final chapter was closed..just like a book..THE END...

This practice of follow-up of ‘Stand ups’ seems to have died with this new generation of journalists. In fact, they don't even seem to know the term, not to mention, even consider this practice. This is despite the advancement in technology where everything is just a click away and the computer actually can give you the reminders. If they did, why are we not hearing more about the many unsolved cases of child abuse, abuse of women, murders and robberies.? Yes, journalists used to work closely with the police, the security forces, the people in business, bankers and lawyers, teachers. They had their contacts or their sources and those connections were based on trust, loyalty and integrity from both sides.. 

There were no under  the table, or under the  counter  deals or, write-offs. Journalists back in the day did not take money from their sources in exchange for giving them exposure on the electronic or print media.

It was the greatest pride of any journalist worth his or her salt to follow through on a story to find the answers to the questions that needed to close off a story. They were objective, fierce and furious in their investigations. Out of these practices emerged  programmes that afforded the time for even further investigations and debates outside of a limited  news time  presentation . These practices gave birth to popular and respected talk shows which  became the avenue for feedback from the public. Our generation cannot forget talk show hosts such as  Mutty Prerkins, John Maxwell, Aggrey Brown, Beverly Manley, Joan Williams and others. .Although there are numerous radio stations, talk shows and hosts, who are the journalists that have taken the batons and are running with them?

Back then journalists could never be bought. It would be the greatest insult to dare to offer payment in order for these journalists to do their investigations. They lived their ordinary average lives. No fancy cars, or big mansions.  

How things have changed. Today we see young journalists with name-brand cars far exceeding their pay package. They live certain lifestyles that others who are struggling can only imagine. Payola has moved from just getting your music aired, to getting your stories told. 

Meanwhile, the 9-day talk continues with issues that mirror the high levels of corruption that has taken hold of our society.

So who is doing the Standups on the unsolved murders, the rapes that have taken place in the various churches by Pastors over the last 5 years like the the 52 year old pastor who raped and impregnated the 12 year, the pastor who raped the 11 year old , incidents of abuse of children, women and members of the LGBT community? 

Then there are the unsolved mysteries of government corruption, the scandals at Petrojam involving a Minister who still holds a government position, the scandal at the Caribbean Maritime Institute, and we are not just pointing fingers at the former Minister of Education, Ruel Reid, or the Permanent secretary Grace McLean,  the scandals  at the labour ministry, Ministry of Transport,  the guns coming into the country which seemingly are not addressed to a receiver

Yes there is the National Integrity action led by Dr Trevor Munroe, but is there an alert media and yes there have been resignations by various government heads. But it's time for heads to roll, as it did back in the day when the Minister of labour JAG Smith, served prison time some 30 years ago. Let heads roll and abandon this soft treatment of a slap on the hand and a resignation while taxpayers continue to bear the brunt of this corruption and scandals. 

No more 9 day talk!

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Editors Note:

Ms Lois Grant- JP, MA, BA.(Hons) Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London. Lois Grant's involvement in the communications and creative industry began in the newsroom at the now-defunct  Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) . She then went on to head the  Public Relations unit, at the now-defunct Grimax Advertising. From there, Grant went into 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... the firsts in the history of entertainment in Jamaica. At the start of the '90s 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 of Jamaica from 2007-early 2013.

Emancipation Park Needs To Be Emancipated!!!

Statue in Emancipation Park

I received a report that the bathrooms at the Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica are in a deplorable state. Many of the toilets are not working and some toilets have a large cone over them. Based on reports it is clear that many persons have not been socialized into how to use a modern bathroom and they have therefore deposited some foreign objects in the toilets.  The bathrooms are messy and none of the coolers outside are working. 

Emancipation Park was a beautiful space located in the busy district of New Kingston with walk ways around the park, ornamental trees providing a cool resting spot to relax under, after walking a few laps around the park. There were also well kept  bathrooms where one could go and utilize the facilities to freshen up ones self before heading home.

It seems that Emancipation Park, just like St. William Grant Park, Mandela Park, Tom RedCam Avenue and others are fast deteriorating to the point of  reflecting the general state of indiscipline in the country. Jamaica is indeed a beautiful country but by the time this generation is finished with it, Satan and his angels will be very pleased with the transformation.

I am told that many persons now have to find a little corner to relieve themselves at the park.  One of my On The Ground reporters told me  that she had to clean up the bathroom herself before using it. She noticed that the person who cleans the place, simple left the soap water all over the place. In the past, students and other persons could go to the park  and use the WIFI, but now the WIFI no longer works.

My understanding is that the National Housing Trust is responsible for maintaining the park. Years ago the Emancipation Park was like an oasis in the heart of New Kingston. One could go there, have a walk, chat with a few friends, play table tennis, take some picture before heading home after the heavy traffic was off the roads.  When that park was established and the way it was maintained, it was a clear reflection of the type of management that lead the NHT then. How things have changed. Even the statues no longer reflect the sexy appeal of the park. We should probably transform it into a cow pen and rename it Emancipation Cow Pen!

Eternal Father Bless our Land

Guard us with thy Mighty Hand.

Non-functioning water fountain.

Messy counter top!!!

The floor looks like a 
storm has just passed through.

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Hyacinth Gloria Chen's Funeral Service - Thursday, January 13, 2022

 

Mrs. Hyacinth Gloria Chen

The funeral service for Mrs. Hyacinth Gloria Chen will take place tomorrow, January 13, 2022, at 1100 EST. She was married to Vincent Chen. 

Her children in order of age are Michael, Colin, Wayne, Jody, Robert, Lisa (only daughter), Charles, Richard and Jeremy.

To the family I say, please be strong. 

Mrs. Chen and her internationally known
billionaire son, Michael Lee-Chin

Click HERE to see the funeral service which will be streamed via the Internet. 

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Prof. Albert Reece, Holding His Own in a First World Country.

E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA

Jamaicans continue to make their mark internationally, and this is indeed good for our nation of proud Jamaicans. One such Jamaican is The Dean of the University of Maryland Medical School, Prof Albert Reece, who is a former PhD student of Professor Errol Morrison. Prof. Albert Reece did his PhD in Biochemistry at the UWI.

For more about this breaking news story about a heart transplant using a pig's heart to transplant it in a human being, please click HERE.

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Launch of Don Reid's Album

Judgement Is Here? Another Covid-19 Wave!!!

You might have seen this POST which I sent out in December 2021, with the warning about the Covid-19 spike expected for January 2022. 

It is sad to say that some of my friends have not decided to take the vaccine but at least they are following strict Covid-19 protocols. Other friends have taken the vaccine and the vaccine has saved their lives. There is another significant amount of my friends who feel that this Covid-19 thing is a plan by some countries to control the world.

The big wave is here! The feedback that I am getting is that we had many love affair Covid-19 parties for Christmas last year and also for the New years.  We also had the situation of stupid leaders giving the go ahead for the Maroons celebrations in January. I understand that not even the local police were aware that permission was given. This was a major state blunder and it is clear that no one will pay for this blunder. This impasse between the maroons and the government of Jamaica, could morph  into a little war between the government and some of it's citizens. Covid-19 could be the winner of this war. 

My friend sent his three children out to school this week and Covid-19 has sent them home. Their parents now have to remain at home because home is now a hospital.  Grandpa is now close to 80 I believe, and with Covid-19 swirling around in the family he could be moving closer to........

Money is important, education is important, wealth is important but it is your health which will determine whether or not you have any of these. Covid-19 seems to be the deciding factor these days of our health. We could be just seeing the tip of the iceberg and Covid-19 is just waiting to show us who run things. Many were expecting judgement in the form of fire and brimstone but this Covid-19 is indeed Judgement. Judgement is at hand. Heed the word of the doctors. All the conspiracy theorist you must repent and heed the call because our end could be nigh.

Those who have ears to hear let them hear. Persons are not wearing masks in the offices, nor in public places. We seem to think that because we are Jamaicans wi badder dan Covid-19. Trouble lies ahead. If your child is back at school and with the low take up of the vaccine, I expect more Covid-19 deaths to stalk this land!

Be ye careful Jamaica, judgement is indeed at hand.

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A Trip To The Land Of Egypt

Dr. Opal Palmer Adisa

When I was ten years old my mother's brother, Lloyd Walcott—an artist, came to live with us. Many evenings when he set up his easel on the front lawn to paint I would spend time watching him as he talked to me about Egypt. It was then that the desire to visit Egypt was planted. Thus, when in 2006 I was awarded a biannual Fulbright to spend a semester in Cairo researching and interviewing Egyptian woman writers and artists about their life and condition, I was ecstatic.  

I was overjoyed by the enthusiastic welcome  by Egyptians, many of whom love Jamaicans and almost all could sing a verse or so of a reggae song. They called me cousin, particularly when we went to the Valley of the Kings and Queens where the Nubians, the Black skinned Egyptians reside. They readily embraced me as their sister. Although I was a single woman, I felt safe in Egypt, except for crossing the streets. Believe it or not, Egyptian drivers are worse than Jamaicans. Egypt has a population of 102.3 million. Cairo is a city of 9.5 million people with 5-lane traffic, and it appears that nobody abides by the traffic rules—or creates their own. 

The first time I tried to cross the street, I stood for more than 20 minutes trying to figure out how I could navigate it without being run over. An old man selling by the side of the road must have been observing me because after a while he took my hand, as he didn't speak English, and indicated that he would help me across. He pulled me hurriedly as we crossed one lane, then stood like others waiting in the middle between the swerving cars until we could scurry again . We repeated that action until I was safely across all five lanes. Eventually, I learned to do that on my own, but each time I felt I was endangering my life.

is a historical landmark and landscape.  Evidence of the past is everywhere, including being able to see the Giza pyramids from many points in the city. In addition to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, (The first in the African/Arab world focusing on the first civilization ), there is also the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities that has an estimated 120,000 items.  I went there 3 times during my semester stay and did not see everything. Moreover, there are about 20 other museums in Cairo.

 

During my stay, I had the opportunity to bring my three children and my 79-year-old mother who had always wanted to visit Egypt. One of our most memorable outings was to the Pyramids of Giza. I cannot find the words to explain the amazing architecture of the pyramids. Still, scientists are fascinated by how the Egyptians managed to role tons of stones one on top of each other without all of the modern machinery we have. The ancient Egyptians mastered creating pyramids like they mastered mummification and other phenomenal things. My mother and I rode a camel together, along with my children who each rode their own, at the site of the Giza pyramids. It was a thrilling experience . 

Another highlight of the trip was visiting the Alexandria Library, which has been modernized, but is an astounding structure. It is the sixth largest library in the world with the potential to hold 8 million books. I donated three of my books, which I hope are still part of the collection.  

I had read and known about female mutilation and I had assumed that it was no longer practiced. However, one of the female artists I interviewed shared her experience with me. When she was nine years old, she was called inside, and was pinned on the kitchen floor by her mother and her aunt who was the one in the community to cut girls labia. She was not given anesthesia nor placed in a bed on a clean sheet. Her mother used her open palm to cover her screams. Her aunt lifted up her dress and using a regular kitchen knife, sliced the lips of her vagina. She said the tears were acid in her stomach. Afterwards her mother lifted her off the bloody floor, bathed her, fed her tea, and her aunt bandaged  her vagina and she was put to bed. She said for weeks it hurt, especially when she had to urinate. 

She is still haunted by that memory. She was working with other Egyptian women determined  to prevent her younger sister from the same fate.  She was still trying to convince her mother not to do it to her younger sister, but her mother, to whom it was done, said it was for cleanliness and to ensure she would be eligible for marriage. Many of the older women insist on this practice. I also met a man who asked me to talk with his wife who wanted to do it to their daughter, as he didn’t want it done.

The labia or lips of the vagina are cut so  most women have no sensation nor experience pleasure during intercourse,  which  is part of the goal so that woman will be passive. The Egyptian Health Ministry issued a decree on June 28, 2007, that officially banned female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM) or female genital cutting (FGC). However, it is still being practiced. Many young activists are educating and fighting to ensure that it is eradicated from tradition and practice. Like any larger and ancient society, Egypt has its share of problems. FGC is one of the issues of concern that some of the women artists shared with me. This sharing often happened over meals. 

I love Egyptian food. They eat a lot of eggplant prepared in a wide variety of ways.  Falafels are analogous to our patty; Kushari (rice, macaroni, chickpeas and lentils) is my favorite and is similar to our rice and peas. Fruits are abundant everywhere and Egyptians, like many Jamaicans,  stop to buy fruits or fresh fruits juice on their way to work and throughout the day.  

Their folk music has Sufi influences, and features the Tabla drum. It is soothing and intoxicating— it pulls you in.  There are many genres of Egyptian music, and two of my favourite musicians are Mohammed Abdel Wahab, known for his romantic and nationalistic songs, and  Moustafa Amar.

In Cairo the majority of the people look middle eastern and I am told that is a result of Cleopatra who was biracial, Black and white,  who brokered a deal with Mark Anthony, that brought in Europeans and sanctioned intermarriage. Egypt is connected to the Arab world by the Sinai Peninsula, and there has long been interchange between Egypt and the Middle East. However, the heart of Egypt civilization resides in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, known as Wādī al-Harīm, along the western bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. The Nubians are decidedly Black.

I encourage all Jamaicans to visit Egypt to witness the legacy of a great civilization that our ancestors  helped to create and from which the whole world has benefitted. I found its people to be friendly and embracing, and I enjoyed my semester-stay there. It is certainly a place where I think I could live if I am able to master the Arabic language. 

Wherever I am 

i am home

walking on the red hills road or

lounging  in a felucaa

gliding on the nile in cario

or walking half a mile into the sea in itaparica

i am home

recognized

embraced as cousin

sister 

daughter 

wife returned

my feet remember

every path

i’m not bound by geography

nor governments

i wade through the ocean

bypassing man-made boarder

betweeen ghana and togo

families divided

by colonial power

that cares nothing of

lineage or tributary of waters

i am this place

those and that people

i’m everywhere

the wind

the shadow

the memory

the breath of life

living

always and forever

in the zeal

that pushes life

onward…

Note:

Opal Palmer Adisa is a writer, cultural activist, gender specialist and the Principal Director of Adisa Consulting Limited, and the former University Director for the Institute of Gender and Development Studies, RCO at The UWI.

Sidewalk Parking - Pedestrians Walk on the Road

The indiscipine continues all across Jamaica and it seems as if no one is in charge.  Have a look at the pictures of the cars below, taken at the corner of Seaward Drive and Olympic Way in Kingston. Pedestrians now have walk on the streets.

NWC Leak Damaging Maxfield Avenue in Kingston

In Kingston at the top of Maxfield Avenue in front of Cargill Avenue, there is a NWC underground water leak which is damaging the road. This could create challenges for vehicular traffic heading to Halfway on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Actor Michael Everett Has Died

I have received information from a few persons that Jamaican actor, Michael Everett, a graduate of Excelsior High School,  who later returned to his alma mater to head its drama department, died on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. This information was post in a few WhatsApp groups and was sent in a message by one Duane Coombs

Michael the message says was a resident of Miami Gardens in Florida, Everett first lived in New York after immigrating from Jamaica, and  later relocated to  South Florida, where he had lived for the past few years.

Michael appeared in a number of stage plays and also in Trevor Rhone's play which was later made into a film, Smile Orange.

More Readings

Michael's appointment to Jamaican to chair Broward County Diversity Advisory Council

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DUCK OR EAGLE? You decide

Eagle

Duck

I was at the airport when a taxi driver approached me.  The first thing I noticed in the cab was a phrase, which said," Duck or Eagle? You decide."

The second thing I noticed was a clean, shiny cab, the driver well dressed, white shirt and well pressed pants, with a tie.

The taxi driver got out, opened the door for me and said, "I am John, your chauffeur. While I'm putting your luggage away, I'd like you to read on this card what my mission is."

On the card was written, John's Mission, "To get my clients to their destination quickly, safely and economically, while providing a friendly environment". 

I was impressed. The interior of the cab was equally clean.

John asked me, "Would you like some coffee?" 

Joking with him I said, "No, I'd rather have a juice". 

He immediately replied, "No problem. I have a thermos with regular juice and also diet juice, as well as water," he also told me: "If you wish to read, I have today's newspaper and also some magazines." 

As the race began John told me, "These are the radio stations I have and this is the repertoire they play." 

As if that wasn't enough, John even asked me if the temperature of the air conditioning was good.Then he told me what was the best route to my destination and if I wanted to talk to him or if he preferred that I not be interrupted. 

I asked, "Do you always serve your customers like this?"

 "No," he replied. "Not always. Only in the last two years. My first few years as a taxi driver I spent most of my time complaining just like the other taxi drivers. One day I listened to a doctor who was a specialist in personal development. He wrote a book called, Who you are makes the difference!"

He said, "If you get up in the morning expecting to have a lousy day, you certainly will. Don't be a DUCK! Be an eagle!  Ducks just make noise and complain, eagles soar above the pack." 

"I was all the time making noise and complaining. So I decided to change my attitudes and be an eagle. I looked at the other cabs and drivers. The dirty cabs, the unfriendly drivers, and the dissatisfied customers. I decided to make some changes. Since my customers responded well, I made a few more changes. In my first year as an eagle, I doubled my turnover. This year, I have already quadrupled it.

John said, "You are lucky you took my cab today. I am no longer at the cab stand. My customers book through my cell phone or send me a message. If I can't pick up, I get a trusted "Eagle" taxi driver friend to do the job."

John was different. He offered a limousine service in a regular cab. John, the taxi driver, decided to stop making noise and complaining like ducks do and started flying over the group like eagles do. It doesn't matter whether you work in an office, with maintenance, a teacher, a civil servant, a politician, an executive, an employee, a freelancer, or a taxi driver!

How do you behave? Are you dedicated to making noise and complaining? Or are you elevating yourself above the others? 

Remember: THE DECISION IS YOURS! That key only opens from the inside!  YOU HAVE LESS AND LESS TIME TO CHANGE! 2022 will be nothing new if we don't have new attitudes!

May we be better fathers, better husbands better wives, better mothers, better children, better friends, better Christians!

May we not repeat the mistakes of the past!  May we pray more, praise more, thank more! May Jesus Christ Almighty give us the wisdom we need to be eagles, so that we can fly high and live in a better world of peace. !!!!

LET'S BE EAGLES 🦅 IN 2022 !

Happy new year ! Happy 2022 !

Writer not known

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Translating All School Books To Patwa!!!

Sometimes people believe that things make economic sense because it sounds good.

As a bookseller at the time when the Patois Bible idea was conceived of, I gave the BS people my opinion based on the sociocultural realities of my people. Christianity in Patois was considered ungodly. I nevertheless stocked some which hardly ever sold. Call It embedded racism if you will,  'The King James Version', is the people's mass choice to date.

Patios Bible sounded good but it made little economic sense.

The global population is just over 7 billion. 2 billion speak English, 1.5 speak Mandarin approximate 900 million speak Spanish. Other significant languages are Arabic, Russian and French.

Patois both at home in Jamaica and in the diaspora is about 5 million which is a tiny percentage of the world population, therefore has insignificant  economic impact on science, mathematics for example.

If you force patois on the people via educational institutions would be a regressive move and economic waste in a sense. I do agree though, for all institutions being able to communicate with all citizens whether in Patois or in English and that should be made official.

Teachers are already trained in colleges to use either mode to communicate with students. The courts in the administration of Justice do same. Even Courts in Canada, USA and UK sometimes employ  interpreters in the system.

Money would be better spent to make Jamaicans multilingual in English, and in Spanish,

Mandarin compulsory  with French ,Russian and Arabic available. That would make economic sense for trading, tourism, manufacturing. The foregoing pragmatism is what should be applied instead of handing money to friends for translating books which may all end up like the patois Bible - unused.

Don't get mi wrong mi luv mi Patwa.

Fr micspen 🖊️

Prime Minister Andrew Holness Must Act Decisively Now!!!

PM Andrew Holness

The calls are growing louder about corruption in Jamaica. Corruption has been taking place in Jamaica for far too long now. It seems that corruption is everywhere. The talk on the street is that it is the worst it has ever been. This might be perception rather than reality, but if we ignore this, we could end up with further deterioration in the level of confidence that the people have in the political directorate. Persons who support both major political parties seem to be losing confidence in the leadership of the parties. I have always said, "Perception is real, and reality is not real unless perceived." The perception or the reality that Jamaica is very corrupt is a matter that has to be dealt with now!

One source called me today to inform me that there are numerous police files dealing with fraud cases, which are just locked away in a store room in Downtown Kingston. I would like the agencies of the state to say how many fraud cases were being actively investigated in 2021 and how many have been brought forward to this year? I would also like to know how many fraud cases we have had since 1972 which can be classified as cold cases? The Integrity Commission needs to state how many cases they have completed investigation into for 2021, and how many cases  have been brought forward to 2022. We need to know what action has been taken to deal with those cases for which investigations have been completed?.

The nation hears about the Auditor General Reports annually, but little is heard about actions taken against those who are responsible for the breakdown in the system. Say what you want to say about INDECOM, the nation is aware of the work being done by INDECOM. We are aware of police officers who have been indicted and have been convicted in our courts of law. We are also aware that some officers who have lost their cases have  had to pay the penalty.

Many cases of corruption and poor financial management which have been taking place in the country, sometimes are not mentioned in the traditional press. There are plenty discussions now taking place on social media about corruption in Jamaica and some are very damming.

Further erosion in confidence in the political leadership of the country, and also other arms of the state, will lead to further deterioration in law and order, We could end up facing similar challenges being faced by Haiti. The annual murder rate is a barometer for the state of affairs in the country.

The Prime Minister, is losing his sheen after winning the last election handsomely. Persons still love him, but frustration and hopelessness is impacting negatively on the spirit of the people. We have reached a stage where the Prime Minister must act now, not only to save his political future but also the country.

The following are some changes that are needed now and not tomorrow:

1. Make major constitutional changes to transform  this country into a modern, democratic, productive country where accountability is the hallmark of all that we do. 
2. Those leaders and state officials who betray the trust of the people should pay dearly for their deeds.  
3. In Jamaica we have been in the habit of shuffling Cabinet Members, but now is the time to not just shuffle the minister, but to shuffle out some. 
4. We need to transform the police force into a well organized and trained body of persons under the leadership of a strong Board, to deal with the crime.
5. We need to overhaul the justice system so that no case takes more than six months or less to be dealt with.
6. Govt need to make salaries more attractive in key posts to engage the brightest and the best to move the public sector forward.

Let us not be fooled that Jamaica's problem lies only at the political level, because many public servants by their performance, come across as if they are sabotaging the system.  Many in the private sector also need to take a long hard look into themselves.

The water is dirty at this time...very dirty. Social decadence and decay is eating away at the core of the society. Failure to act now to halt this slide, could result in this country heading down the road to be a failed state. Those who are fighting for political power should not believe that Jamaicans are stupid. Many persons feel that it is a case of no better herring no better barrel. 

We need bold and decisive leaders, leaders who will not flinch to deal with corruption, and who will have no fear in dealing with criminals and local terrorists. We need leaders who will transform this country back to the loving and caring place it was in the 1960's. The nation must now stand up and say in one voice that we will not continue like this. Jamaicans will not be impressed with the display of public relations activities aimed at bolstering popularity, but with the will of our leaders to make this a better country and a better place. 

PM, it is time to start the National Discussions For Change. A change which will see decisive action by you Mr. Prime Minister leading to improvements in the country. We need you to inspire good Jamaicans to work together to make this place a better place, This action could change the history of this beautiful country, Jamaica Land We Love. 

Many years ago when you just entered politics I had strong words for you Mr. PM which you have not forgotten.  Today once again my words are strong but in a different way. The people still love you. and they want you to succeed because they want their country to succeed.

Note:

Add your comments to this blog so that the PM, the Leader of the Opposition and other leaders will see it.

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Hyacinth Gloria Chen, Mother of Jamaican/Canadian Billionaire Michael Lee-Chin Has Died

Hyacinth Gloria Chen

Hyacinth Gloria Chen the mother of Michael Lee-Chin Jamaican billionaire, Wayne Chen and other children has passed on. She died at about 0500 EST in Jamaica. She was born December 15, 1932 which makes her 89 years old.

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Is Your JPSCo Bill Going Through The Roof???

New Kingston in Jamaica

General

There are a number of issues that are top on the minds of many Jamaicans for 2022 and these issues are brought forward from 2021. The way things are going it seems that the problem of Covid-19, crime and high utility bills will be carried forward to 2022 and beyond. In this post I will take a look at the cost of electricity.

Many Jamaicans are now finding it difficult to pay their monthly electricity bills and this has to be the year when government has to take a look at this matter and come up with policies which can result in the benefit of the consumers. The following are some of the costs that will have an impact on our JPSCo bill. These are:

• Cost of fuel.
• Tariff structure
• Exchange Rate
• Taxation
• Fuel Charge
• Stealing of electricity
• Inefficiency in the system

I will not attempt to go into details about these costs because I believe that there are state agencies, consumer groups, lobby groups, the university and other institutions which should educate the society about this matter. They have the resources and the expertise to carry out the required research. 

The Various Factors Making up That Cost

We should note also that for usage above 150 KWh the GCT kicks in at 15%. In recent months the exchange rate has not moved significantly so this has not had a significant impact on our JPSCo bills.

Based on the tariff structure for the usage of  100 KWh and below, the rate per KWh for December is JAD7.32 and above that usage, the rate per KWh is JAD21.03. It means that if you use 100 KWh in December the energy cost will be JAD732 but if you jump to 200 KWh the cost will increase to JAD2835.00. This gives you an idea why your bill can increase significantly in one month as a result of the tariff structure. If you use twice the amount then you would expect the energy cost to move to under JAD1500.00 but this is not so due to the increase in cost above the usage of 100 KWh.

The fuel charge per KWh moved from JAD25.878 in November 2021 to JAD33.008 for December 2021. That is a whopping 28% increase.

It is interesting to note that the Independent Power Producers (IPP) charge move from JAD9.640 in November 2021 to JAD11.270 in December 2021.

Conclusions

Based on this basic analysis it should be clear to you that even if you consumed less electricity in December you would end up paying more for your JPSCo bill.

The stealing of electricity is not shown on our bills but in 2020 it is reported that the company lost over JAD200 million due to electricity theft. 

We certainly as a country need to do all that is possible to reduce the cost of electricity to both the commercial and residential users. The continued increase in electricity will force persons to get it illegally and there are major social problems with that. Economically, the cost of electricity will impact negatively on the production of goods and services which will make us uncompetitive in the world market. This matter is deteriorating by the day and just like crime, it needs Covid-19 like attention in a far more superior way.

Recommendations

The following are some suggestions for the government to consider, Note that the matter of electricity cost has to be treated with priority. 

1. Get all householders who now receive electricity illegally to have their homes wired and approved for the supply of electricity. Subsidize electricity so that all residences pay a flat rate of 2000 for electricity up to 150 KWh. All these persons should register using the NIDs under a plan to have all persons on the JPSCo grid legally.
2. Encourage the use of prepaid meters
3. Have social workers work with and offer counselling  to families who are now stealing electricity.
4. Remove the monopoly on the distribution of electricity.
5. Remove all restrictions so that the independent power producers (IPPs)  can equip themselves to produce electricity at a lower costs.
6. Review the fuel taxes with the aim of reducing the taxes on fuel. 
7. Commit persons to at least five years hard community work for stealing electricity in the first instance, 5 years imprisonment if convicted a second time with hard labour and a third conviction should lead to life sentence in prison.

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IMPORTANT

Download the JPSCo App on your cell phone and monitor your JPSCo bill by the hour, the day or the month. You will be glad you did. Click HERE to get the link. You can use your own initiative to reduce your electricity bill.

More Information:

• Stealing of JPSCo electricity affects the reliability of electricity supply.
• JPSCo lost USD61 million in 2020 due to electricity theft. 
• Global electricity prices.
• Listen to Cecil Gordon, Acting President and CEO of Jamaica Energy Partners, speaking with Vernon Derby. Discussion start at 0900.

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What's Happening - January 6, 2022

This Police Run Tings!

One of my On The Ground Reporters sent me this video of police officers carrying out an operation. Readers, I appeal to you not to look at this video and then come to the conclusion that the whole constabulary force is bad because that is far from the truth. It is a small minority I believe that is giving the constabulary force a bad name. I know quite a few police officers who are doing a great job. Some are my friends, my relatives and one is a former employee of mine who is a senior member of the force now.

We must support any move to clean out the bad eggs from the force, because we cannot live without a good police force. Having a bad police force amounts to not having a police force. Click on the picture below to view the video.

Click to see this shocking video!

More Readings:

How Police treat another police!

How We Litter our Streets

One of my On The Ground Reporters sent me the picture shown below. It was reported that someone in the taxi threw threw 3 plastic bottles from the car on Orange Street  in the  vicinity of the fire station.

That Hilarious Kaka Fart Video

I sent out a video this morning of a women doing a take on how we communicate about Covid-19. The video was hilarious. The woman in the video is the talented Don Reid. His acting in the video shows you someone who is naturally gifted as a performer. Here is a young professional who played a part of the woman in the video. His timing, his interpretation of the character and his delivery was flawless. One could not call that acting because it seems so real.

Don Reid is also a singer and he plans to launch his album soon. I plan to play one of his records on my radio show At Your Service tomorrow at 0830 EST. You can listen to my past radio shows by clicking on the links located on the right side of this page.

Click on this link and see this hilarious skit with Don Reid.

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Keep It Simple Stupid

One of the interesting things about those of us who have become intoxicated with our academic achievements, is how we are able to confuse the educated and the uneducated with literary fluff and the spitting out of impressive data. The aim it seems to me, is more about impressing our audience with our level of education rather than getting them to understand what was presented.

The video below was not intended to implicate anyone specifically but I hope that we all get the message. 

I would really like to know who is the lady in this video. I hope that you find it as hilarious as I did. Remember to Keep It Simple Stupid - KISS.

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NOTICE

During AYS with Vernon Derby on Nationwide 90 FM, from 0830 to 1000 EST, Thursday, January 6, 2022, I will be talking  about your JPSCo bills. Give me a call then.