Minister Audley Shaw's Voice!

Minister Audley Shaw,
Minister of Industry, Investment
and Commerce

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Audley Shaw in the government of Jamaica, no longer has that booming, baritone sounding voice. Jamaicans have therefore been asking why Minister Audley Shaw's voice has changed so dramatically?   Yes he is loved and that is why persons are asking. He is extremely witty and he can move from a serious point to having his audience in stitches in a minute. There is never a boring moment when Minister Audley Shaw speaks. 

Minister Shaw has had four surgeries over a three month period last year. His vocal cords were damaged by the tubes that were placed down his throat during the surgery. He has been having therapy and his voice is gradually improving.

Minister Shaw says that he gives God thanks and remains hopeful that his vocal chords will continue to improve. We wish him all the best.

Minister Audley Shaw's Booming Voice Roaring Back To Form

Minister Audley Shaw

The Honourable Audley Shaw CD, MP, Minister of government and the MP for North East Manchester, is getting back his booming voice.  He had informed me that he had undergone a number of operations and this had a negative impact on the sound of his voice. Minister Shaw who is known as Man A Yard, is an MP who is loved by many Jamaicans. Jamaicans kept wondering if the Minister was very ill and if he would be able to continue as MP. He granted me an interview earlier this year and I was able to share what he said with you then. He sounded hopeful when I spoke to him earlier this year while many of you felt anxious about his health. Yes you wanted to hear that booming voice again.

This is how he sounded when he was sworn in as Minster:

This is his return to parliament with the booming voice although he is still hoping for more improvement:

This is Minister Audley Shaw's message to Bark Di Trute and the fans:

More Readings

Minister Shaw speaks about his voice.

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CAC Secured Approximately JA22 Millions For Consumers

Dolcie Allen - CEO
CAC

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) secured approximately $22 million in refunds and compensation on behalf of aggrieved consumers who transacted business with product and service providers during 2020/2021. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw, who made the disclosure while making his contribution to the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 11.  He also noted that the Commission handled 1,851 complaints last year, resolving 80 per cent of those complaints. Significantly, Mr. Shaw said as at February 28, 2021, the Commission disbursed some $24 million, representing the payment of 336 claims to consumers affected by contaminated gasolene. He said the Commission “will now expand its consumer protection role after being named in the Microcredit Act, 2021”. 

Minister Audley Shaw

Giving an update on the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), he said the Agency maintains its signatory status as a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). Certification and inspection certificates from a JANAAC-accredited entity are accepted worldwide. The JANAAC Pre-Accreditation Approval Programme (PAAP) for COVID-19 testing was launched on January 21, 2021. To date, 22 entities have been pre-accredited under the programme. In addition, Mr. Shaw said the Ministry continues to place significant emphasis on the Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) Certification of Public Sector Entities. (more) CAC Secures…2 “During the 2020/21 financial year, 17 public-sector entities entered into contractual arrangements with the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) to be certified to the ISO 9001 quality management system standard. To date, eight of the entities have been certified and the rest will shortly be certified,” he informed. 

What's Happening - April 5, 2023

 

L - R Sandra Ramsay from Food for the Poor, Mr. Miller and

Mr. Watkis from the Correctional Services and Mr. McFarlane from Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor is all over the place helping those who need help. Many without a roof over their heads can now sleep well at nights, many have been assisted to assist those who need help. This time Food For The Poor is assisting in making payments for some prisoners so that they can enjoy freedom in this period as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Sandra Ramsay is in charge of the Food For The Poor programme for the prisoners. The organization is also assisting in making payments for incarcerated persons who are unable to pay their fines at Christmas also.

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When Di Spirit Teck Ova Don! - Click to listen

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The Moon

When last have you taken time out to look at the moon or the stars in the sky. Tonight a friend of mine encouraged me to have a look at the moon outside. It was a beautiful sight. Remember to spend some time looking at the moon, the stars the beautiful plants and animal around us and forget the depressing state that we are in sometimes.

Contrails

One day this week I saw these streaks of contrails across the sky and as I looked up  again at the sky, there was another plane at a high cruising altitude leaving another contrail as it headed to another destination. Please ignore the stupid conspiracy messages being sent around on social media about these contrails. The contrails are just icicles formed as the planes make their way across the sky. 

SpotOn

Opal Lee - US Immigration Attorney

Min. Audley Shaw

Opal Lee, US immigration lawyer will be my guest on Travel Matters. Minister Audley Shaw had promised to to join me during My Representative, but I am unable to make contact with him tonight. Wendel Wilkins the people's lawyer might join me at that time. 

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JPS Announcement

Update on North East Manchester JLP Conference

Omar Miller

A reliable source has advised me that MP Audley Shaw has endorsed Councillor Omar Miller to represent the JLP in the North East Manchester Constituency. Audley Shaw has been the MP for over 30 years. This seat could be a tough one to win for the JLP, because after 30 years the electorate might go for a change in the party. Interesting days are ahead.

Although the Hidran McKulsky team must be disappointed, his acceptance of the reality of another person being the flag bearer for the JLP will go a long way in healing any wounds that might exist due to the rivalry that took place to represent the JLP.

 

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What's Happening - November 14, 2024

MP Morland Wilson Replies To Claims That Drains Not Cleaned

MP Morland Wilson

MP Moreland Wilson has emphatically denied rumours claiming that drains have not been cleaned in his constituency. In his press release, the MP did not identify the persons making the claims. I have received a link to a speech by the PNP Caretaker for Western Westmoreland Ian Hayles calling for cleaning drains.

Click the icon below to listen to MP Morland Wilson's response.

JLP Councillor Dies

Councillor for the Olympic Gardens Division in West Central, St. Andrew, Christopher Townsend died tragically last night due to what is believed to be natural causes.

Massive Flooding in Grenada - Over 12 Hours Of Rainfall

On Tuesday, November 12, there was rain for about 12 hours in Grenada and widespread flooding, my On The Ground Reporter says. There has been one report of a death. It is not confirmed if the death is related to the flooding.

JLP Process for Selecting Candidate in Manchester Heating Up!

Hidran McKulsky

MP Audley Shaw who has served the people of North East Manchester for a long time is about to step down from representational politics. There is strong campaigning taking place for Councillor Miller to replace Mr. Shaw, but many others are pushing from Holmwood Technical High School Principal Mr Hidran McKulsky. People see McKulsky as a big ticket for the JLP who would be able to handle a top post with a JLP win.

Cars Being Stolen at UHWI

The following report was received from a supporter:

"They have stolen cars at UHWI, especially when it rains and the Security leaves the gate open while sheltering. You may know they broke ground for the NEW hospital building and so the original parking spaces have disappeared, indefinitely."

 

Click here and register to get information about Jazz In The Gardens, for Sunday, December 29, 2024.

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Making Donations

• CLICK HERE to donate using PayPal. You will need a debit or a credit card.
• If you want to do a bank transfer, send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261 and I will give you the bank information for transferring at least JAD1,000.
• You can also send credit to FLOW cell phone 876 816-5261. Send credit of at least JAD1,000 or multiples of that.

All the best and share this blog with your friends and family members.

Click to see Calendar of events.

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Willard Hylton No Longer At The Transport Authority

Willard Hylton
Former Acting Head of the Transport Authority

I have been reliably informed that the contract of employment for the former head of the Transport Authority (TA) Mr. Willard Hylton, ended on December 2, 2022.

Earlier this year, staff members at the TA showed their support for the former head when he had resigned. Members of the transport sector also showed their support.

It was clear then, that there are challenges at the Transport Authority. Reliable sources have told me that members of the board might hand in their resignations today. It is likely that Minister Audley Shaw might make a statement on the matter soon.

Let us hope that all players will work together to ensure the continued smooth functioning of this important entity. All the best to the former head of the TA. We expect Minister Shaw will make a note of Mr. Willard Hylton's concerns.

More Readings

• Willard Hylton withdraws his resignation.
• TODDS calls for rescinding of TA head resignation.
• Workers protest TA Head resignation.

Dr. Fenton Ferguson's Defence Team?

The chairmen - Calvin G. Brown, Western

Regional health authorities defend Ferguson - A Gleaner Report 2015/11/04

 Dr Andrei Cooke, South Eastern






Michael Stewart, Southern

Leon Gordon, North Eastern



THE CHAIRMEN of Jamaica's four regional health authorities have come to the defence of embattled Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, taking issue with criticisms being levelled at him and the two health-care facilities at which bacterial outbreaks in neonatal wards are being blamed for the deaths of 19 babies.

The health officials' comments came hours after Ferguson expressed support for them during a press conference earlier in the day.

"The boards of the regional health authorities take note that, over the past few days, there have been unwarranted attacks in the media on the minister, as well as our hard-working and exceedingly competent health workers, in relation to fatal bacterial outbreaks in the neonatal wards of two of our major institutions," the chairmen said in their statement, "We recognise that such occurrences are not uncommon in any hospital internationally nor locally, but it is as painful to us as it is to the families to have any resulting death, more so that of a promising infant."

Since June, 42 premature babies have been infected as a result of four outbreaks of the klebsiella and serratia bacteria, resulting in the deaths of 12 babies at University Hospital of the West Indies and seven at Cornwall Regional Hospital.

Ferguson has denied knowledge of the outbreaks before the matter was made public on October 16 and has resisted calls to resign. On the weekend, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw accused the minister of knowing about the outbreak long before.
The scandal that led to fingerpointing has captivated the country for the past few weeks, resulting in calls for persons responsible for the tragedy to be held accountable.

REMEMBER THE FAMILIES

The health officials' statement went on to outline the unhappiness of the joint boards in regard to the "insensitive" manner in which the matter was being dealt with in the public domain.
They said it must be very difficult for the affected families, some of whom are still getting clinical counselling via the health sector.

"Please remember that the families are still under our professional care in terms of clinical counselling, and please remember, also, that there are thousands of patients in our 25 hospitals and more than 300 health centres being professionally attended to by our more than 2,000 health-care workers at any given moment," they said."It is highly irresponsible for elements and agendas to try to undermine this excellent service delivery, which has made us the envy of the world."

The chairmen - Calvin G. Brown, Western Regional Health Authority; Dr Andrei Cooke, South Eastern Regional Health Authority; Leon Gordon, North Eastern Regional Health Authority; and Michael Stewart, Southern Regional Health Authority - said in looking at the global picture, there was nothing unusual about the local situation.

Based on worldwide statistics, they said, neonatal deaths range from 10 in 1,000 live births in Japan to 200 per 1,000 in Mauritania.

Since 2013, Jamaica's rate is 12 out of every 1,000 live births.
"We feel compelled to remind that the World Health Organization (WHO) states that worldwide, the main causes of newborn deaths are prematurity and low birth weight, infections, asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth) and birth trauma," the statement read. "A review of the data at Cornwall Regional Hospital between 2000 and 2015 shows that over the past 15 years, the neonatal mortality rate at that institution has been less than 10 per 1,000 live births. The highest was in 2008 when it went up to approximately 20 per 1,000 live births. This indicates that this medical team is on the cutting edge of medical care and has been doing so over the past 15 years."

In speaking to the impact of Dr. Ferguson on the local health care system, the statement pointed out that the minister has championed the crafting of a five-year plan, which is being used as a road map to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors, which is aimed at reducing by 25 per cent, the burden of preventable morbidity and disability, and avoidable premature mortality, due to NCDs and injuries by the year 2025.

Acknowledging that the RHAs and ministry officials have been coming under tremendous pressure, Ferguson said yesterday “let it not be said that in these difficult times that we failed to carry through with our responsibilities. Let us together continue to work for our people and the citizens of Jamaica.”

 AUDIT REPORT RELEASED UNDER PRESSURE

In the meantime, following increased pressure for the ministry to make public the full Audit Report of the four Regional Health Authorities, which it had commissioned in May, yesterday Ferguson announced that he would be releasing it.

“After consultation, I will be releasing the audits of the RHAs, in order to prevent further misinformation coming into the public and in keeping with openness and transparency,” he said at the Programme for the Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality (PROMAC) contracts signing to improve neonatal and maternal care in the public health sector, at the Knutsford Court Hotel in St. Andrew.

“We took an early position as a team that we would hold these audits. We did consultations with several groups, and coming out of those consultations, we felt that we should hold. But based on what is unfolding, it is very clear that this matter has now become the centre of a political campaign,” he said. “And therefore, in the best interest of our citizens and our country, our fears as it related to the hospitals that were audited still remain, relative to persons demonising our institutions. But we have noted the Private Sector Organisation (of Jamaica) and other organisations have expressed their own views in relation to being open.”

Ferguson added, “It was never our intention not to be open or be transparent. Persons would remember that when we had the press briefing, we spoke to some of the critical issues in the audit and we also gave a summary of the audit.”

The health minister also announced that he will be giving a fulsome response in a public broadcast to the nation on Sunday night, “during that time, I will be making further announcements in relation to the way forward.”

Sources say the report is expected to be released after the national broadcast.

Hibernia Residents Says No Water in Tank

Issues for:

The Honourable Matthew Samuda Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Responsibility for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and the Blue & Green Economies

Hon. Matthew Samuda

Report from Resident of Manchester 

These water tanks have been put in place by RADA for about three years to citizens with water, it has been brought to my attention its one time it has been filled with water, the district is Hibernia in Manchester, Mr. Audley Shaw constituency, the exact location is about a quarter mile from Yander Pand intersection, the citizens are complaining.

Another Report From Manchester

Coleyville, Silent Hill, Tickie Tickie and other areas have been without water in their pipes for a long time.

NWC Report from Kingston

Dear Mr Derby,

The residents of Three Oaks Gardens are now at a point of absolute frustration with the NWC; every so often there is a heavy discharge of sewerage effluent in the gully that runs behind properties spanning Three Oaks Road, which, we believe runs from the Molynes Plant.

Several calls made to NWC have gone unanswered; we have also beseeched a high-ranking public official who is a resident in the neighbourhood & he has not assisted very much; he too says he has tried.

Mr Derby, please help us!

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Elections By Carlton A.Gordon

There is a way for patriotic Jamaicans who are genuinely uncertain how to 'vote in the up-coming national elections, to distinguish between the governing Peoples National Party (PNP) and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP),and thus be better able to choose. -- if they are serious about "being a part of the solution".

That way is simply to carefully study, and  note the abundant available evidence.of the primary economic, philosophical,political,social and spiritual "mindset" of each party and its leaders, whether in or out of government.

Regardless of how blurred the lines may have been in the past, distinct differences between the "mindset" of both major political parties have become increasingly evident, in recent times.

Pay close attention to the body language and the words of the Prime Minister,Mrs Portia Simpson Miller and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Andrew Holness, to Finance Minister, Dr Peter Phillips versus former JLP Finance Minister and current spokesman on Finance, Mr Audley Shaw Then remember that "out of the abundance of the heart "("Mindset") the mouth speaks".

Compare the pronouncements of various spokesmen for the PNP,like Messrs Delano Franklyn,Damion Crawford, Mickail Phillips,et al, and for the JLP, like Delano Seivwright,Dr Christopher  Tufton Floyd Green, Mike Henry, Mrs Malahoo Forte, et al,and the leaders of PNP and JLP "youth Organisations".

One party comes across as having a strong "socialist" mindset -- willing to" tax and share the wealth of the rich" with the "poor", but not appearing to care too much, or to know how to increase wealth.

The other comes accross as being willing and prepared to "take calculated risks" to change the status quo, to increase wealth in a growing economy, etc, while being "confident" to stand on its "record of successful  past performance.".

If you are undecided or uncommitted and you are comfortable with or hopeful about the "mindset" that defends and supports the status quo, there is no need to be undecided or uncommitted.

Nor do you need to remain uncommitted or undecided, in respect of voting in the upcoming election, if you can see and embrace the assertive,confident, free enterprise  "mindset" of the other party.

It may also be important to note that even if it is true that the Eternal Creator is the One who" sets up kings (leaders) and puts them down", and that your/my vote is not what really determines national election results, being stuck  "on the fence" or in the "middle of the road"  is not generally a place from which  the commendation "Well done thou good and faithful servant" is likely to be heard-- except by specific "divine guidance".It is more likely, from here, to find oneself among those who are "neither cold nor hot", to be" spewed out of the mouth", or in the "middle of the road", to be run over by all and sundry. 

There also appears to be a change in the "mindset" of civil society and many others., suggesting that regardless of the outcome of this election, more persons will look to their own efforts rather than to the politicians, while at the same time holding politicians and other public servants more accountable than hitherto... 

Mind-set matters more than ever in this up-coming election, because with the large number of voters who consider themselves to be undecided or uncommitted, observance of this natural phenomenon presents a simple and effective way to distinguish between the "sheep and the goats", and to choose one or the other. 

My Thoughts - Police Federation Demands to see PM!!!

The following release was sent out by the Jamaica Constabulary Force Federation:

‘The Jamaica Police Federation is flabbergasted and blindsided by the comments reported in the media by the Office of the Prime Minister through the Director of Communications Mr Robert Morgan which outlined that they received both letters from the Jamaica Police Federation on Thursday 28 of December 2017’

General Secretary of the Police Federation, Sergeant Cecil McCalla, stated that the first letter asking for a meeting with the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Andrew Holness was sent via fax on the 20^th of December, 2017 and was subsequently hand delivered on Thursday 21st day of December 2017. The correspondence specified, that having met with the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Audley Shaw and his team on numerous occasions, there has been no meaningful consensus as it concerns the salary negotiation for the 2017 - 2019 period hence, the Police Federation is requesting an urgent meeting to attain a timely and reasonable outcome to these lengthy negotiations.

General Secretary McCalla said that the Police Federation is disappointed that the OPM is just responding to the request however, the Police Federation is anxiously awaiting that meeting with the Prime Minister.

He further added that there is overwhelming evidence to prove that the first letter was sent over a week ago and signed for by an employee at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The following are my questions and concerns:

During this time of the year many public servants are feeling the Christmas breeze and hardly any work is being accomplished now. If I was in change of the JCF federation, I would not fax a letter like this to the Prime Minister. This letter would only be hand delivered.

The letter was subsequently hand delivered on December 21, when many workers are not very active and I understand that some might have called in sick. This  effectively gives only one working day which is the Friday to look at the letter before Christmas. Many letters arrive on the PM's desk daily and unless this letter was painted red or it was stated that one or both parent of the PM had died, then I would not expect the letter to reach the PM desk during the Christmas season.

The PM would also need to consult with his staff, the Minister of Finance and his staff to update him on the situation. He would then have to make a decision as to whether or not he should get involved. This is also a busy time for the Minister of Finance & The Public Service, the Prime Minister and his staff..

The PM should not allow any group to put him under duress and demand that he meets with  workers because they are on sickout. That is why the former PM Simpson-Miller made it known that she allows her Ministers to deal with things related to their Ministry. That is a good position to take.

We need to understand that a sick-out should not be used as tool when we are taking industrial actions especially when you are a member of the essential services. It's dishonest to claim that you are ill when you are not. We are not referring to members of the security services.

In negotiations one has to consider very carefully the tone of all communications. A bad tone can can set a bad table for amicable discussions and negotiations.

We need to step back think and come again. We even need to think carefully how we construct letters for the attention of the Prime Minister and also information for public consumption.

Breaking News - Potential JLP Candidate Hidran McKulsky Absent From Party Constituency Conference?

Hidran McKulsky

Possible JLP candidate for the Manchester North Eastern constituency, Hidran McKulsky was absent from the constituency conference today, Sunday, November 17, 2024.

Members of his team are alleging that McKulsky was not invited or involved in the planning of the conference.

McKulsky although recognising the right of the party to select its own flag bearer for the constituency, felt that he should have been allowed to address the conference to put forward his plans for the constituency. Mr McKulsky feels that the action of the constituency planners could give the impression that he was being kept away from the workers and voters. 

It is unlikely Mr Hidran McKulsky will be representing the JLP in that constituency for the next general elections. The meeting is still going on, and from all indications, it seems the councillor for the Craig Head division will represent the JLP for North Eastern Manchester.

Mr Audley Shaw is the current member of parliament for the constituency. More changes are also expected in other constituencies due to the current MPs' age or the loss of support in their constituencies. With the polls showing the PNP leading, it is clear that the JLP has started to take certain strategic actions. 

 

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• CLICK HERE to donate using PayPal. You will need a debit or a credit card.
• If you want to do a bank transfer, send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261 and I will give you the bank information for transferring at least JAD1,000.
• You can also send credit to FLOW cell phone 876 816-5261. Send credit of at least JAD1,000 or multiples of that.

All the best and share this blog with your friends and family members.

Click to see Calendar of events.

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