Jamaica Is One Big Riverton City Dump - Cleaning up Needed Now!

Prime Minister Holness

I note with interest the statement made by Mr. Dennis Meadows a former Senator about the state of affair at the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA). Obviously he is concerned about the possible cases of corruption at this government entity. I have been made aware recently, that I have had some influence on Mr. Meadows when he was a youngster. I hope that influence has impacted his adult life and his roll in this imbroglio is an honourable one. I have had information from persons connected to the (FLA) and things are not sounding good at all.

I have said before that getting a firearm license legally in Jamaica seems to be a money thing and a big man thing. Those who seem to have good intentions and who want to help in dealing with the state of crime in this country, have a difficult time getting a gun license. 

It is difficult to do well in Jamaica and to get things done but it seems to me that man with

Dennis Meadows

money will go places. Let us not fool ourselves into believing that this is a political party thing, because it is a national problem which needs  national solutions now. Corruption is not a government problem in Jamaica, it is indeed a national problem! 

Think about it, any gun man can get guns easily in this country and they are well armed. It is decent Jamaicans who are generally unarmed and cannot get a gun to protect themselves and others. Gangs and other social misfits all seem to be well armed. Corruption is now at all levels and it is time Jamaicans stand up and say enough is enough! If you doubt me, just think about the various constructions going up in Kingston and find out how many of these construction sites are in breach. 

Mark my word again, when criminals have more guns than decent people and the state cannot deal with the matter decisively, then it is just a matter of time before they will capture Gordon House. It shall come like Nicodemus in the night and then the cry shall be, "How did we get here?"  

Over to you Prime Minister Holness. Remember that Mark Golding is not a challenge to you, it is the situation in the country which is a challenge to all of us! Prime Minister the time to act decisively against corruption is NOW!  My first suggestion to you Mr. PM is that any government official who is involved in any corrupt action should get at least 15 years incarceration after conviction.

Jamaica is in deep....!

Note: This blog has been sent to the Prime Minister, The Leader of the Opposition and to other leaders for them to see your feedback. Make sure to add your comments.

Other Information

• Statement for Dennis Meadows.
• Accompong Chief in breach of firearm license?
• FLA pays out millions for terminations.
• FLA Board resigns amid controversy.
• Jah Cure has a gun license.
• Questionable gun license!
• Gun Racket says Dalling

Browns Town Court On Fire?

Just got a report that the Browns Town Court House in St. Ann, Jamaica is on fire. If you are in the area and you have further information and also pictures please send text or  WhatsApp to (876) 816-5261.

NDM calls for the Reorganization of the Firearm Licensing Authority

Peter Townsend
NDM President

The National Democratic Movement (NDM) is calling on Prime Minister Andrew Holness to immediately commission an overhaul of the Firearm Licensing Authority. The party is of the view that the FLA is denying the Jamaican people their constitutional right to self-defense.  

With the rampant crime raging across the nation, applicants for firearm licenses are being hassled and turned down for frivolous reasons, such as (1) there is no need for a firearm or (2) a person's home is not substantial enough.  

The NDM is suggesting that the Authority is taken out of the hands of political hacks and a non-political Commission appointed by the Governor General and reports directly to Parliament be a replacement. 

The Holness Administration should explain to the Jamaican people the reason why he has appointed a Gestapo type body to oversee this very crucial agency. 

The NDM is reminding the Prime Minister and the National Security Minister that the only people being barred from owning firearms are the law-abiding citizens. The outlaws will go to any means to own illegal weapons, which they have in abundance. The law-abiding who play by the rules are being shafted. 

The constitution gives the Jamaican people the right to defend themselves and it did not restrict that right to sticks and stones. The FLA therefore is not fulfilling its mandate and the Jamaican people are demanding answers.  

NDM

Diabetes in Jamaica

 

How common is it?

It affects over 20% of the adult population (ie >25yrs); but 50% of them don’t know they have it. The figures you’ll see quoted of ~12% with diabetes only speaks to those who have been diagnosed. It is the 2nd most common non communicable disease following behind hypertension.

It is increasingly being seen amongst children and adolescents and this could be associated with the increase in obesity being seen in this population. The story of overweight and obesity requires another forum for discussion.

How is it being managed?

Approximately 50% of patients are seen in the public health system and the other 50% privately, hence data from the government does not completely reflect the true picture of the condition and its management.

Medications and monitoring devices are available through public and private pharmacies and the National Health Fund of the Ministry of Health and Wellness assists in the costs. A major challenge for those living especially in remote areas is access to clinics and pharmacies and the long queues and waiting time.

What are the major complications being seen ?

Heart attacks, poor circulation especially in the feet, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and chronic ulcers.

Is there help for those complications?

Both public and private centres offer remedial services and have specialist expertise in all the areas. However, the government system is hopelessly overwhelmed whilst the private facilities may prove too costly. There is especially a crying need for assistance in obtaining kidney dialysis  equipment and supplies.

What can be done to assist the most vulnerable?

The Ministry of Health and Wellness  has a push to intervene in the occurrence and management of non communicable diseases, of which, diabetes is a major component. A direct approach can be to NGOs which assist in this area, in particular the Diabetes Association, the Heart Foundation and several community groups spread around the island and which could be approached on a parish by parish basis. Assistance is best in supplies, literature and even in healthcare team visits which can be arranged as mentioned earlier via direct approach to relevant groups.

What is the outlook for containing this problem?

Predictions are that over the next few decades there will be significant increases in the numbers affected with an increased burden on the public health system, the public purse and productive man-hours. There is no indication of the condition slowing down and as far as intervention methods can go, it is a matter of reinforcing lifestyle…balanced  meals(quality and quantity), physical activity(at least half an hour walk or its equivalent daily) and regular medical check ups, especially for those predisposed… such as with a positive family history for the disease.

Guest Writer: Prof the Hon E Y St A Morrison OJ, MD, PhD

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Update on Water Supply

Andrew Cannon
Corporate Public Relations Manager

Andrew Cannon, Corporate Public Relations Manager for the National Water Commission (NWC), says the NWC  teams are currently working to restore supply as quickly as possible to Washington Boulevard and surrounding areas.

He went on to say that inflows to the surface water sources have been drastically reduced over the past several weeks.

At the moment, the NWC is in the process of boosting outflows from their treatment plant to effectively meet the demand for water. The NWC is also in the process of restoring the supply of water later tonight, and it is appealing for customers to be patient and understanding. The NWC says that it apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Mr. Cannon says that there is a dramatic increase in the amount of water that flows through the lines which serve Washington Gardens and the affected areas that were without supply, however, the restoration to these areas will not be immediate, but will be gradual. 

Some areas have been without water since Friday, February 11, 2022.

Note:

Please share this post with all the members of  your community who are without NWC water and ask them to add their comments.

Other Information

Water is life - many are dying for a drop of water.

NWC radio programme - February 10, 2021. (Starts 30 minutes after start of programme.)

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Water is Life - Many Dying for a Drop Now!

Water is life, but some citizens have been dying to get a drop of water since last night in Kingston. Constant Spring and surrounding areas are now without water. The National Water Commission says that it expects water to return by 2100 EST today. That is 9:00 pm.

Inflows into the system has decreased and this is negatively impacting the flow to some areas.

Major housing developments are now taking place across the city, and one wonders if the system will be able to adequately supply water to the various new buildings, some of which are high rise buildings.

Interesting days and months are ahead!

Please add your comments below. This blog will be sent to the Minister and the Head of the NWC for them to see your comments. Please share this blog with as many persons as possible.

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Note:

One of my On The Ground Reporters says that Westmoreland most wanted man has been killed. I hope to get further information to verify this.

Time To Get The Date Right

Do you see anything wrong with this TV advertisement?

Persons are now watching and listening to our Jamaican media houses from across the world. I think that it would be a good idea to start using the 24 hour clock and and to also indicate the time zone. We would therefore say 1300 EST rather than saying 1 pm. Let me know what you think.

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Great Cell Phone Tips!

I have found it very useful to log into a new phone using my Google account. You will have your emails, calendar and other Google data backed up on your phone when you do this. Google has a tracker feature which can also be used to locate your phone if it is lost. Your phone can serve as a backup device for you files. This means setting up a Google Drive on your phone. Ensure that you have a phone with plenty space.

If your phone is lost, you can use Google to lock it, shut it down and  to wipe the information from the phone to prevent your confidential data from getting in the wrong hands.

It is very important to know your phone's IMEI. Just enter *#6# on the key pad. It will also give you the serial number. If you purchase a second hand phone it is is important to find out what the IMEI number is. Enter the IMEI number at the website at the link below, to see if your phone has been blocked because it is a stolen phone.

Check IMEI

2022 State Opening of Parliament Marred by Petty Behaviour!

Opposition Leader Mark Golding
and
PM Andrew Holness
 

What A Disgrace!!!

The Official opening of Parliament with all the expected pomp, pageantry, colour and steeped in the traditions of our democratic system,  and this is what we get on a special day like this!

As far as I am concerned, they all should walk in together. What message are we sending here? PNP, JLP and Independent members of Parliament cannot walk together? We have turned this event into a Pappy Show! Next time PM Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding must carry straps to the Opening of Parliament.

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Locks Trimmed or Not - That Might Not Be The Point!!!

DPP Paula Llewellyn

The Director of Public Prosecution is really an outstanding servant of the people. Many of us were not even aware of the importance of the post of Director of Public Prosecution, until Ms. Llewellyn was appointed to that position. She brought a new style of leadership to the position - she started to engage the public and keep the public abreast of the recommendations her department makes regarding the various cases brought to her office. Of course there are challenges to this new way of carrying out the business of the DPP. You now have the risk of some persons putting their own spin on the information and the decisions shared with the public.

Because she continues to educate the public about her work, many of us now understand why some cases are taken to trial and some are not. In that recent case when it was alleged that the police trimmed the hair of detainee Nzinga King, both the DPP and INDECOM subsequently carried out their investigations and they came to the conclusions that due to the various discrepancies in this case, the case would not stand u, in a court of law. Many persons who clearly do not understand the position of the DPP's Office have taken to social media to spread garbage all over the place. We need to understand that taking a case like that to court could end up wasting the courts time and it could also be very costly. All is not lost for the complainant though, because civil action can still be taken.

It is interesting to note in discussing the King case, many are ready to talk about how they love black people and how they support Rasta, yet they are quick to say nasty things about a black woman who has served this country with distinction, because they feel that another black woman was not treated fairly. This is in face of the fact that early in the day, there were rumblings on the ground when it was being said that the complainant's schoolmate gave a different story from that given by the complainant.

Persons are claiming that the complainant in the case against the police was not treated properly, yet they are character assassinating another black woman of the soil. Probably because this black woman is educated, qualified and has served this country with distinction, she is a privileged persons and is now being  seen as an oppressor. Probably if Ms. Llewellyn had 10 children with numerous baby fathers, was a burden to the state, and whose children were now a menace to the society, we would be sorry for here and would defend her even if she was wrong.

I have attached two documents to this post sent out by the DPP's office, and it would help if many of us spend some time reading these documents. You can add your comments to the blog. Thanks. 

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Readings:

From The DPP

• Press Release from the DPP
• DPP recommendions.

News Media

• Police probes allegations of locks - Washington Post.
• Conflicting reports in this locks trimming incident - Loop News.
• Nzinga King could face more charges - Jamaica Observer.
• Commissioner orders probe into base - Jamaica Observer.
• King's case taken higher - RJR.

Palliative Care the Pharmacist’s Role

  

From the 2020 statistics available on the World Health Organization site Globocon, seven thousand one hundred and ninety-seven new cases of persons have been diagnosed with cancer from both male and female genders and all ages in Jamaica.^[1] With the improved healthcare delivery and innovative treatments available the number of cancer survivors are increasing, resulting in some types of cancers being treated as chronic illnesses; cancer is no longer a death sentence. This new developing situation calls for a shift in treatment strategies, one of which is called Palliative Care. ^[2,3]

Palliative Care ^[2,3] refers to that type of patient care that is patient-centered, family centered with the overall goal of maximizing quality of life while at the same time minimizing suffering. When Palliative care includes the use of conventional with complementary and alternative modalities (CAM)it is referred to as Integrative Palliative Care (IPC)^{. [3]} When Palliative care is delivered at the end of a person’s life it is referred to as Hospice Care. IPC is an appropriate intervention at any stage of disease and is important when used along with other measures to prolong life.^[3]

The National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care of the National Quality Forum (NQF) ^[2] describes this Palliative Care as one that optimizes the quality of life throughout the continuum of the illness, it includes anticipating, preventing and treating as well as reducing the suffering. This type of care addresses the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual needs and facilitates patient autonomy, also access to information and very importantly choice; the ability to choose and refuse treatment. The continuum of care provided by Pharmacists who operate as palliative care specialists, includes both the ideas of curative and palliative. When curative care is no longer part of the patients’ plan of care then hospice care becomes part of the extended care.^[2]

Palliative care pharmacists ^[2] therefore may offer support in administrative roles (policy and procedure, formulary management), in a consultative role (order a set algorithm of treatment plan, educational training) and in the advanced clinical practice (medication therapy management services, pain and symptom management consultations and interdisciplinary team participation)

PHC ^[2] pharmacists can bring diverse essential services to the palliative and supportive teams. The most central role for PHC pharmacists is symptom management through participation in direct patient care, providing pharmacotherapy regimens that would support optimal patient outcome. Medication therapy Management ^[4] and the application of transitional continuity of care are the key services that PHC pharmacists provide.  Collaborative practice ^[4,5] opportunities will strengthen the working relationship with palliative and supportive care medical practitioners which will only further PHC pharmacist practice development. In the Collaborative model ^[5] Pharmacists can prescribe appropriate medicines or interventions (non- pharmacologic) once agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary team Physician. PHC pharmacists may also participate in advocacy, research and scholarly activities in palliative and supportive care, furthering the growth of this area of practice.^[2]

The pharmacist as a non-dispensing pharmacist^[6,2] can provide educational activities to student pharmacists, residency pharmacists (interns for the Jamaican setting and those specializing in this area), as well as members of the interdisciplinary team, their peers, caregivers and patients about the medicines needed to be used (opioids, medicinal cannabis and other botanicals) failed therapies those that need to be abandoned, dosages which need to be reduced, ones to be added to the regimen to improve treatment outcome, such as for constipation, nausea and vomiting, pain, delirium, dyspnea or others agents which may be botanicals (ginger, medicinal cannabis, mild laxatives) or otherwise.  A new way of speech has to be adopted for all players in this scenario which emphasizes compassion and understanding, using techniques such as Motivational interviewing ^[7] can be beneficial in assisting this approach.  All these implementations need training and legislation to empower the pharmacist to be fully operational within this team and to create this new specialist role.

In the Integrative paradigm shift a survey ^[8] was conducted of the complementary therapy services provided by hospices.  60% of the organizations who offered such services revealed that the most common services included, massage therapy (83%) music therapy (50%) therapeutic touch (49%) pet therapy (48%) guided image therapy (45%) reiki (36%), aromatherapy (30%), harp music (23%) reflexology (20%) art therapy (20 %) hypnotherapy (4%) yoga (3%) acupuncture (1%) humor therapy (1%). The constraints to this practice were lack of funding, inadequate amount of appropriately trained CAM specialists, lack of staff time, inadequate knowledge about the services and importantly patient and staff resistance to CAM therapies.^[3]

A therapeutic review for a PHC ^[2-4] pharmacist may include reducing the doses of medication needed for care, thereby minimizing side effects. Ensuring the compounding of medicines in suitable manner for consumption by the patient who may need alternative safe ways of taking the required medicines (slow-release preparations may not be crushed, some tablet forms of medicines have to be compounded from injectable dosage forms and not crushed to make liquid forms). Encouraging the psychological and spiritual health and including physical comfort in the end of life care, discontinuing unnecessary therapies, using less invasive modalities in keeping with the goals of the patient and the resources available and patient’s response to them. The ultimate goal is symptom reduction for the patient. A lot of listening and careful assessment and keen observation will be needed. The overall role of the Pharmacist encompasses the Curative care that occurs at initial diagnosis, the need for Palliative Care which may be needed initially or further down the cycle of the disease process, then hospice care, and the bereavement process which is also an essential element of the care process. ^[2-4]

In concluding therefore there is an important desirable clinical role for the PHC ^[2] pharmacist in actively supporting the patient as they transition from aggressive treatment to a comfort-focused care. The pharmacist can assist in evaluating the changing risk : benefit ratio of medications as the patient transitions from a beneficial treatment to one that is no longer tolerable or there is an inability to continue therapy (loss of availability of intravenous access or inability to administer oral medications).

The PHC pharmacist can  assist the patient, family, caregiver, and other healthcare providers in successfully navigating the changes in medication regimens that are necessary to provide a patient-centered, cost-effective, and (when available) evidence-based approach.^[2]

 

Dr. Winsome Christie

President of The Pharmaceutical Society Of Jamaica

Note:

Dr. Christie operates the Sunshine Pharmacy in May Pen which is located at 7 Bryans Crescent, telephone (876) 986-9085.

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References

1. World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Jamaica, Globocan [Image on internet]. [cited 2022 Feb. 6].https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/388-jamaica-fact-sheets.pdf
2. American Pharmacists Association (APHA)Medication Therapy and Patient Care: Specific Practice Areas–Guidelines https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/policy-guidelines/docs/guidelines/pharmacists-roles-palliative-hospice-care.ashx
3. Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine [Internet]. 4^th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier, Inc; 2018. Chapter 82, [cited 2022 Feb 6]. p. 806-817. Available from: https://lcnn.loc.gov/2017000204
4. Roberts S., Gainsbrush, R., Medication therapy management and collaborative drug therapy management. J Manag Care Phar,. 2010;16;67-9
5. Weeks GR, Marriott JL. Collaborative prescribing: views of SHPA pharmacist members. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research. 2008;38(4):271-5.
6. Gibbe T., Hall, K., Lubman D: Facilitating behaviour change in the general practice setting. Australian Family physician  2012 Sept; https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/september/motivational-interviewing-techniques
7. Hazen AC, Sloeserwij VM, Zwart DL, de Bont AA, Bouvy ML, de Gier JJ, de Wit NJ, Leendertse AJ. Design of the POINT study: Pharmacotherapy Optimisation through Integration of a Non-dispensing pharmacist in a primary care Team (POINT). BMC Fam Pract. 2015 Jul 2;16:76. doi: 10.1186/s12875-015-
8. Demmer, C.,A Survey of complementary therapy services provided by hospices . J.Palliat. Med. 2004;7: p 510-516

 

Careful Yu Buy Puss Eena Bag!!!

Battery Back Up Bulbs? No Battery Apparently!

A bulb was bought at a supermarket in Kingston which is suppose to have an internal battery so that when the electricity goes, it continues to give off light for sometime. The internal battery did not work and the bulb had to be taken back to the supermarket. Those bulbs are no longer on the supermarket shelves. Were they sold or they have been removed?

The following are pictures taken of the box which the bulb came in:

Question About The TV Size

A consumer bought an Imperial TV from a someone, under the believe that it was a 50 inch TV, only to find out that is is a 38 inch. The box that the TV came in, states that it is 42 inches. I understand that persons are buying TVs from stores and then reselling them to consumers. Something smells funny!

Consumers should not purchase expensive electrical appliance from individuals. Buy these things from reputable stores and ensure that these appliances are sold under warranty. The following pictures where taken of the box in which the TV was sold.

Are There Other Sub-standard Goods Being Sold?

There are also many other items being sold on the market that are of a substandard level. We need to know if the Bureau of Standards is checking on the standard and the quality of these products coming into the country. I must remind you, that you should not purchase 60 cycle electrical appliances for use in Jamaica. If anything happens to these appliances while they are plugged into JPS mains, you probably will not entitled to any compensation if the equipment becomes damaged due to electrical fluctuations.

Let me know if you have come across any substandard products on the market. Send me a text message to 876 816-5261, with a short report and I will get back to you.

Vernon Derby's Interview On BBC Radio!

This morning, Monday, February 7, 2022,  I was really honoured to be on BBC radio in the United Kingdom, discussing a consumer issue with BBC radio presenter Jonathan Vernon-Smith. Jonathan hosts ‘The JVS Show’ on BBC Three Counties Radio. I have posted a link below for you to click on to lister to this historic interview.

I continue to assist hundreds of Jamaicans locally and overseas each year. I receives between 3,000 to 4.000 emails, and text messages each year. Through my influence in Jamaica nationally, I have been able to lobby many government and private sector organizations to improve their services to the consumers.

I give thanks for my experience in information technology, theatre, international travelling, and my experience in the entertainment industry. I see myself not just as a broadcaster but someone who will give you a unique experience in radio.

Thanks to my listeners who are very supportive of the work that I do,  and thanks to many of you who have contributed to the success of this unique consumer programme in Jamaica. 

What's Happening - February 5, 2022

Fighting Crime

Prime Minister Holness

I commend the government's new initiative to get the guns but the country needs far more than this action. A significant number of Jamaicans will have to stand up with the government and the security forces and say we have had enough. Jamaicans must be trusted to be a part of the fight, Prime Minister. We need a Reserve Community Police Force where community persons are engaged to assist in dealing with the local terrorists.

The Prime Minister has our support and he must transform himself into a no-nonsense PM. Bawl if yu wan' fi bawl PM, because that shows that you feel it like any one of us, but you must be decisive in your actions against these terrorist. The Parliamentary Opposition need's to support a state of emergency NOW! We are indeed in a state of emergency.

We need to have capital punishment for premeditated murders, a minimum of about 20 years for assaulting anyone while carrying out any criminals act. life sentence for kidnapping in any form and if  one is convicted of certain serious offences three times, one should get life sentence at hard labour. Prisoners should be responsible for their upkeep and bear the cost of their incarceration by working in the prisons. 

The nice guy image of the PM will work for elections, but at this time PM we need a no-nonsense and decisive Prime Minister. We need a parliament which realizes that the people are tired of petty politics and we need a security force which is free from any interference and will do their work without fear nor favour. Oh yes the time has come when 'Argument Done and Actions Start' (ADAS).

Disturbing Video of Elderly Men Fighting

I received a very disturbing video showing two elderly gentleman in a fracas while persons who looked like caregivers, stood by enjoying the scene. This very despicable behaviour by the caregivers must be condemned by all. It seems as if this happened in Jamaica and therefore I am asking my supporters that if you recognize the persons in the screen captures shown below or the place, please text me with the information to (876) 816-5261. I have not shown the video because some persons might find it disturbing.

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica

Heart month is celebrated each year in February and it is aimed at making us become more aware of the possibility of getting heart disease and possible heart attacks. Remember that you can be looking quite fine and you have a heart problem. The theme for Heart Month is, 'The Weigh to a Healthy Heart'.  If you are obese, have challenges such as diabetes, high blood pressure and similar ailments, you need to monitor your health very carefully. So long as we are alive we must live the best healthy life possible.

Click Here to view this video on the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

Have a Heart, protect your Heart and check with the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

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Note:

Play you part by sharing this blog and adding your comments. Click HERE and join my support group.

Dr. Michelle Charles Responds To Report Concerning Her Profession as a Dentist

Dr. Michelle Charles has sent out the following statement in response to a report in the Daily Gleaner dated January 30, 2022:

While I was working in my constituency on Thursday Jan. 27. 2022, launching free WiFi in Duckinfield St. Thomas. I received a WhatsApp message from a journalist from The Gleaner Company. He was inquiring of me about an allegation made by complainant SB to the Florida Department Of Health. This was my first time hearing of any such administrative complaint. I do deeply regret any role I have played in not being able to satisfy any of my dental patients needs due to being out of the country. However, all claims being made in this case are substantially false and will be addressed by my attorney. 

The other three claims made mention to in the article have already been disputed and dropped and were all simple administrative errors that were easily and quickly amended by myself and my team in Florida. I have never ever been investigated for fraud and I am utterly appalled by The Gleaner’s distasteful publication and lack of honest journalism. While they did provide factual information they opted to withhold that these claims were always resolved amicably. As for the matter of my Florida dental office, it has been closed since August 2020 and my patients were all notified. Just as required by law patient’s were advised that their records are available and accessible to them for as far back as 20 years. To all my supporters and well wishers I would like to reassure you that though I have no plans to practice dentistry in Florida anymore, I  remain a dentist of good standing. 

I am in fact also fully licensed and certified by the Dental Council of Jamaica to practice as a dental surgeon from 1996, a profession which I love wholeheartedly.

Dr. Michelle Charles - Dental Surgeon

Jamaica Gleaner article published January 30, 2022, about Miss Charles:

Part 1

Part 2

Massive NWC Leaks In Leas Flat In Kingston

 

These are two massive leaks along Leas Flat almost in the vicinity of Leas Flat close in Kingston. This information has been send to the NWC, so I expect this matter to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Leprosy - What Is It?

 

Dr. Winsome Christie

Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) or M. lepromatosis. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa) resulting in extreme damage to the skin and nervous system. With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured.[1,2]

Signs of leprosy are painless ulcers, skin lesions of hypopigmented macules (flat, pale areas of skin), and eye damage (dryness, reduced blinking). Later, large ulcerations, loss of digits, skin nodules, and facial disfigurement may develop. The infection spreads from person to person by nasal secretions or droplets. The disease is termed a chronic granulomatous disease, similar to tuberculosis, because it produces inflammatory nodules (granulomas) in the skin and peripheral nerves over time.[1,2]

There is rarely transmission from other animals like monkeys, and nine-branded armadillos to humans by droplets or direct contact.[1,2]

The susceptibility to getting leprosy may be due to certain human genes hence the reason why it usually appeared in families over the centuries and was believed to be a family trait. Due to its highly contagious nature persons suffering from the disease were isolated on colonies.[1,2] 

Antibiotics can be used to treat leprosy. Due to the increased development of resistance to antibiotics used to treat the disease such as dapsone, The World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced a multidrug regimen in 1981 that includes rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine. Some clinical studies have also shown that certain quinolones, minocycline, and azithromycin have activity against M leprae. WHO recommends the use of the long-term multidrug regimens for both paucibacillary and multibacillary leprosy.

The Multidrug therapy still does not alter the disfiguring effects of the disease which has occurred to the patient.[1,2]

Vaccines against leprosy including those using Mycobacterium leprae, as well as other mycobacteria, are under investigation. Leprosy vaccines are being studied both to prevent infection with M. leprae as an immunoprophylactic approach to prevent disease in infected individuals and as a therapeutic approach via the immune system (immunotherapeutic). The investigation into the creation of a vaccine against leprosy is based on the theory that once the cell-mediated immune response is triggered then this will result in protection against the agent causing leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae). [3] 

A killed vaccine has been developed in India for use as an adjunct to standard multidrug therapy in the treatment of leprosy. Although studies of new vaccines are continuing, quite a few vaccines have been studied including,

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), plus heat -killed Mycobacterium leprae. The findings point to the fact that BCG vaccine, which is inexpensive and widely available, is effective against leprosy and this has important implications for leprosy control.[3]  BCG presently is referenced as a preventative treatment approach for leprosy in areas with high incidences and may be given to infants, children and adolescents.[4] Our Jamaican population is quite familiar with the inoculation of  new-borns at six week clinics.

In Jamaica presently, we as a nation will be pleased to know that cases have gone from nine in 2005 to zero in 2020 according to the statistics obtained from our local reports and displayed by the Global Health Observatory[5] (see fig 1)

Figure 1

Dr. Winsome Christie

President of The Pharmaceutical Society Of Jamaica

Note:

Dr. Christie operates the Sunshine Pharmacy in May Pen which is located at 7 Bryans Crescent, telephone (876) 986-9085.

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JPS Contractor Electrocuted!

 

In a release issued by JPS this afternoon from Audrey Williams, Media and Public Relations Manager, the release states that a contractor, Ainsley Scott, employed to M&O Traders, one of JPS’ Emergency Response contractors, was today injured while responding to a customer issue, in the Trench Town area of Downtown Kingston.

 

The release went on to say that details at this point are still sketchy, but the JPS personnel understand that during the exercise, Scott was injured and taken to the Kingston Public Hospital.

 

JPS is investigating the matter and the company will be able to supply more details as these become available. 

People observe as the electrocuted man is being removed from the JPS Pole.

Editor's Note: I have been bombarded with questions about the man being electrocuted when he is still alive. Electrocute does not mean that you have died. It means that you have been injured or killed by electricity. Thanks for all the responses and please free to point out errors when you see them. We are working together :)

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Interesting Tips - February 1, 2022

Tips For WhatsApp Users

• Enter R#@ while in a group and WhatsApp will display all the members in the group.
• To type in bold enter *This is bold*
• To type in italic _This is in italic_
• To strike out ~This is strike out~

There is a shortcut to all of this. After entering your text you press on the input area. A prompt will appear and you will see other options.

Microsoft Word

Did you know that you can indicate a header row in a Microsoft Word table? Mark the row, Go into table properties, select row and select the options which says Header Row.

You Can Make Videos With Power Point

After saving your Power Point, which should be set up to run automatically, you can save it as a video. It is as easy as that.

Microsoft Documents And Security

You should never send your confidential Microsoft documents via email without saving them with a password. After you have emailed the document, you can then send the password by WhatsApp.

Headings and Microsoft Word

Use you header features in Microsoft Word and that will allow you to move around a section falling under a heading quite easily. Using the Header functions allows you to create the contents automatically and to update the contents when you add new topics under new headings.

Using Excel in Microsoft Word

Did you know that you can add a table of numbers in Microsoft Word by inserting Microsoft Excel in the document. This makes it easy to update totals.

Note:

Please add your comments with some of your own tips. For a private session if you want to learn more tips, send me a text message to 876 816-5261

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Driving through the hills of Trelawny over the weekend when it was very cold.

Contact me by texting me at 876 816-5261 if you were in this vehicle. Let me hear from you if you have any information.

WhatsApp your interesting pictures and videos of interesting places and people to 876 816-5261. Add a description to the videos or pictures.

Let's Stop Financial Institutions From Being Our Dictators

Although this country is a capitalist country, this does not mean that companies and organizations should feel free to increase their goods and services without informing the customers and having consultations with them. Today I will make some suggestions about how the banks should operate in these difficult times, because consumers are extremely upset about the new banking fees. My suggestions are as follows:

1. Banks should give at least one month's notice prior to any increase in fees.  The notice of increase should be sent either electronically or by hardcopy documents to all customers. 
2. When the fees become effective, then customers should be notified electronically or a hard copy document with the increases sent to them. Also, posters with the bank fees should be prominently displayed within the institutions, and also in their automatic banking machines (ABMs).
3. When the increase goes into effect, the ABMs should display a sign stating what the fees for the service will be, prior to allowing you to go ahead with the transaction.
4. Your receipt should show the bank charge that has been incurred at the end of the transaction..
5. The laws should be changed to allow credit unions to compete effectively with the banks. For example credit unions should be able to take foreign exchange deposits.

We do not tolerate dictator governments so why should we accommodate dictators in the financial sector? 

Please add your comments and ideas and share this post to as many persons as possible. Encourage them to add their comments and ideas also. This post along with the comments, will be sent to our leaders in government, the banking sector, heads of business organizations and consumer organizations.

Consumers must unite now and speak with one voice.

Note:

• Let me know if you have received more that one copy of this message.
• Look to the right side of the blog and you will see the links to my radio programme.

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