Jamaica Land We Love!!

What happened next? Jamaican crime and corruption | Life and style | The Guardian

2010-12-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Bruce Golding must go and be tried for treason! Bruce Golding is the most corrupt politician in the entire world he must go and be charged for treason. Please forward this article to your friend and enemies.

What happened next? Jamaican crime and corruption | Life and style | The Guardian

Jamaica Gleaner News - Jamaica: Energy Future (Part I) - In Focus - Sunday | December 26, 2010

2010-12-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

I think that it is about time Jamaica develops a true energy sector built around alternatives to petroleum.

Jamaica Gleaner News - Jamaica: Energy Future (Part I) - In Focus - Sunday | December 26, 2010

Jamaica Gleaner News - Collywood comes to Jamaica - Entertainment - Sunday | December 26, 2010

2010-12-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

How about Jamaicas own Hollywood guys? I think that is a great idea. I think that the same thing comes out of Hollywood(crap and more crap). I cannot even tell the actors and actresses apart, they all look the same, just kidding.

. Jamaica Gleaner News - Collywood comes to Jamaica - Entertainment - Sunday | December 26, 2010

Significant plunge in murders - Lead Stories - Sunday | December 26, 2010

2010-12-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

So the Gleaner Jamaica is reporting that there has been a significant reduction in the murder rate. I think that obviously the Tivoli incursion proved to the gunmen and the would be gunmen that they are not above the law. All I think think that the people of Jamaica need to do is to demand that all drug lords not be associated with any political party/politicians, more courts and more police officers paroling all communities. The Tivoli incident showed us that either we pay to cleanup Jamaica or we pay to keep Jamaica clean. I know the one that is best for Jamaica.
Here is a link to the article in the Jamaica Gleaner.
Jamaica Gleaner News - Significant plunge in murders - Lead Stories - Sunday | December 26, 2010

First Miss Deaf Jamaica crowned - Jamaica Entertainment: Fashion, Music & TV News - JamaicaObserver.com

2010-12-25T16:44:00.000-08:00

First Miss Deaf Jamaica crowned - Jamaica Entertainment: Fashion, Music & TV News - JamaicaObserver.com

This is some positive news right here. I am really happy for these young ladies here.

Jamaican election held over citizenship dispute

2010-12-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

I am sure that the world thinks that we are complete idiots in Jamaica> how can we sit down and allow things like this to happen in Jamaica.
Jamaican election held over citizenship dispute

Bolt party, travel cost taxpayers millions - Jamaica Entertainment: Fashion, Music & TV News - JamaicaObserver.com

2010-12-25T16:30:00.000-08:00

Bolt party, travel cost taxpayers millions - Jamaica Entertainment: Fashion, Music & TV News - JamaicaObserver.com

What do you think guys? Do you think that Jamaica is spending too much on Usain Bolt for the benefit of the country. I thin that 2.4M on promotion is well worth it compared to millions in the pocket of the governments cronies for free votes.

Drug Lord Dudus Coke Security General?

2010-12-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

Jamaicas politicians are the absolute worst in the world. Can you imagine how much of a free reign those guys (dons) had? I honestly believe that the politicians should be tried for treason. They intentionally delayed the extradition thus allowing him time to get his(Dudus) ass out of Tivoli Gardens and thus gave his cronies time to set up a defense. All the families who lost relatives in the Tivoli Gardens war should sue Bruce Golding and his administration for what happened that faithful day. I think that Bruce Goldings administration knew what was going to happen and they tipped him off about the extradition because they wanted to cover their asses. They are a worthless bunch and they should not even be in charge of a sewage plant.

2010-12-25T13:36:00.001-08:00

Payless Coming to Jamaica

2010-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Jamaica, cheap shoes are coming! Payless will be opening in store in Jamaica early 2011. I am happy for Payless because I know that we spend a lot, women especially! lol.

Here is a link.

Jamaica has No Constitution.

2010-12-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

Have you been following the "recent" events of the various politicians who have sworn allegianne to other foreign governments in Jamaica? It shows how messed up Jamaicas political landscape it. As a matter of fact, I think that we need a new breed of politicians, ones who are actually Jamaicans and love Jamaica. One of the very first things that needs to be done is a total revamp of the courts, security forces and the education system. Here is a link to an article that you may find interesting that talks about Jamaicas political culture. A total mess,these are the reasons I think that we need to have a direct democracy.

Color, Class, and Politics in Jamaica (Third World Series)

Lorna Golding, Jamaica and Wikileaks

2010-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

Newly released Wikileaks stuff via the Guardian proves that the Golding administration has no plans for the country of Jamaica. Here is a link to the article in the Gaurdian.

Christopher Dudus Coke and the Wikileaks Revelations

2010-12-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

Here we go ahead guys. The honey keeps dripping from Wikileaks. Below is a cable relating to Wikileaks and the whole Dudus saga. We all know that the various political parties in Jamaica are in bed with the so-called dons. The dons in the shadows and the dons in the government are the ones who are really keeping the country back. They have proven to be selfish pieces of s#$it if you ask me. They are only interested in their own statue and the influence and control that they wield over their constituents. Did someone say plantocracy? Here is a cable that I lifted off the Guardians website. One of the most important things that is included in this cable, apart from the few incorrectly spelled words are the fact that the media in Jamaica(Gleaner and Observer) have taken sides for the most part with the various political parties. I will not say anymore, here is the cable below.

Wednesday, 02 September 2009, 19:35
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINGSTON 000666
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR (J.MACK-WILSON, W.SMITH, V.DEPIRRO)
L/LEI (C.HOLLAND, A.KLUESNER)
INR/IAA (G.BOHIGIAN)
JUSTICE FOR OIA (P.PETTY)
TREASURY FOR IA/WH (E.NEPHEW)
PASS TO CENTRAL AMERICAN CARIBBEAN BASIN COLLECTIVE
EO 12958 DECL: 09/01/2019
TAGS CJAN, CVIS, PREL, PGOV, PINR, ASEC, SNAR, SOCI, KCOR,
KCRM, JM, BR, XL

SUBJECT: JAMAICA: U.S. REQUEST TO EXTRADITE POWERFUL "DON"
PRESENTS GOVERNMENT WITH A DANGEROUS DILEMMA; KINGSTON MAYOR WARNS OF "SEVERE REPERCUSSIONS"
REF: A. STATE 85807 (181409Z AUG 09)(NOTAL) B. KINGSTON 655 (2821557Z AUG 09) C. 08 KINGSTON 972 (171906Z NOV 08)(NOTAL)
Classified By: CDA ISIAH L. PARNELL, Reasons 1.5 (B) AND (D)

Summary
1. US diplomats in Kingston report on fears of instability in Jamaica if Christopher 'Dudus' Coke is extradited to the US. The mayor of Kingston talks of "collateral damage". The cable adds: "His fears are not unfounded". Key passages are highlighted in yellow.
Summary and Analysis
---------------------
1.(C) The U.S. request to extradite a powerful "Don" with close ties to the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has presented Prime Minister (PM) Bruce Golding's Government with a dangerous dilemma: the requested extradition could spark violent incidents, ignite rivalries among competing gang factions, and unleash a challenge to the state and to Golding's own influence in West Kingston and beyond. The Mayor of Kingston warns of "severe repercussions" and "collateral damage." His fears are not unfounded. End Summary and Analysis.
The Mayor's perspective: severe repercussions
--------------------------------------------- -a
2.(C) The Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew, Councillor Desmond Anthony McKenzie, requested to meet with EmbOff on September 1 to discuss an "urgent" matter; the private meeting was held in his downtown office. The Mayor began by stating pointedly that the Government of Jamaica (GoJ) faced a serious crisis because of Washington's request for the extradition of Christopher Coke to stand trial on narcotics and firearms charges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (reftels A,B). He predicted that there would be "severe repercussions" and "collateral damage" if Coke were arrested, and that this would "risk destroying everything the Government was trying to do on the economy and crime." The Mayor said that in recent years his administration had worked with Coke to reduce crime in the inner cities of Jamaica, particularly in West Kingston. If he now were extradited, this would "leave a vacuum," and matters would be much worse. McKenzie noted that in recent days several of his "contacts in the communities" had told him they "would not take this (Coke s extradition) lying down."
A "grim picture of the reality we face"
---------------------------------------
3.(C) McKenzie then asked if there were any room for further discussions with U.S. officials. EmbOff replied by reiterating that the U.S. expected Jamaica to honor its obligations under the Extradition Treaty, and considered this a case of great importance; however, the Embassy would convey the Mayor's assessment and inquiry to Washington. McKenzie concluded by observing that his views were not only an assessment, but accurately portrayed the "grim picture of the reality we face."
Background: a powerful, well-connected "Don"
--------------------------------------------
4.(C) Christopher Michael "Dudus" Coke is a wealthy "Don" who wields extraordinary power in the West Kingston inner city "garrison community" of Tivoli Gardens, whose Member of Parliament (MP) is Prime Minister Bruce Golding. Coke reputedly is closely connected with leading figures within Golding's Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), including McKenzie. In the island state's tribal political culture, over the years both major parties have developed symbiotic ties of patronage and influence with the "Dons" who control the garrison communities, and whose powers have grown as Jamaica's economy has struggled. Coke's gang provides social and welfare services and turns out the JLP vote in elections, while his business interests profit from lucrative Government contracts. He is the son of the late Lester Lloyd "Jim Brown" Coke, who, together with the recently deported Vivian
Blake, for years master-minded the notorious "Shower Posse" drug gang, which wreaked havoc in Jamaica, the USA, and UK. "Jim Brown" died in prison under mysterious circumstances while awaiting extradition to the U.S. in 1992.
Analysis: a desperate Mayor, a nervous capital city
--------------------------------------------- -------
5.(C) McKenzie's fears are not unfounded: Coke's wealth, power, and influence are pervasive, and his sudden removal could spark violent incidents and/or unleash rivalries among competing gang factions in Kingston, Spanish Town, and Montego Bay. He is easily the highest profile figure whose extradition has been requested in many years, and his long-standing ties to the JLP have put McKenzie, Golding, and other leading Party figures in an extremely awkward position. (Note: The incendiary potential of rivalries among the various gangs with ties to the JLP was demonstrated during the Party's annual conference in November, 2008, when an eruption of gang-related violence at the packed national arena left one dead and several wounded, reftel C. End Note.) Rumors in circulation over recent days have ranged from a false report of Coke's arrest to speculation that he will attempt to flee to Brazil.
Media Perspective: Do the right thing
-------------------------------------
6.(SBU) Local media have focused on the difficult challenge facing the JLP Government in extraditing Coke, but no one (aside from his prospective attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson) seriously maintains his innocence. The "Observer" newspaper, generally sympathetic to the JLP, maintained in an editorial of August 30: "They say he's a 'Don,' a good man who has kept many bellies in Tivoli Gardens full over the years. That may be so, but it cannot be the basis on which to resist an extradition request. We must, as a civilized, democratic society, be prepared to stand or fall with the systems of justice to which our Government has subscribed, bellyful or no bellyful." A Sept. 1 editorial in the "Gleaner" newspaper (generally more sympathetic to the opposition People's National Party), referred to: "the dilemma faced by the Golding administration ) a concern that an attempt to extradite someone whom a community views as benefactor could unleash a challenge to the state and to the JLP's and Mr. Golding's own influence in West Kingston. And perhaps elsewhere," but concluded: "we expect the administration, unswayed by politics, to do the right thing - which Mr. Golding promised would be the hallmark of his leadership. To do otherwise, not only diminishes Mr. Golding, but will hurt Jamaica's interests, political and economic, in the international community." PARNELL

See the Guardian more details about other leaks involving Jamaica

New Wikileaks Capable and Jamaica Cuba Relations

2010-12-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I just found the official Wikileaks capable regarding Jamaica, Cuba , the USA and drugs moving through Cuban waters while the Jamaican police were accused of taking a hands-off approach. Well guys, here is the cable link Jamaica and Cuba Wiki-leaks. Let me know what you think, this is juicy stuff. This just shows how close-knit the Jamaican government and the dons were in bed together. I have also copied and pasted the document below, enjoy!! All I know is I am happy that the Duddus saga's behind us, I just hope that we can become a better country after this.

I guess I beat all of Jamaicas mainstream media to this news. I think that they should send me a percentage of their salaries. What do you think Observer and Gleaner.

Viewing cable 09HAVANA491, GOVERNMENT OF CUBA FRUSTRATION INCREASES OVER LACK

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Reference ID	Created	Released	Classification	Origin
09HAVANA491	2009-08-11 13:01	2010-12-16 21:09	SECRET	US Interests Section Havana

VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUB #0491/01 2231332
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 111332Z AUG 09
FM USINT HAVANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4662
RUCOWCV/CCGDSEVEN MIAMI FL PRIORITY
INFO RUEHKG/AMEMBASSY KINGSTON PRIORITY 0020
RUEHBH/AMEMBASSY NASSAU PRIORITY 0039
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/COGARD INTELCOORDCEN WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RULSJGA/COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEABND/DEA HQS WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEFHLC/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/DIRJIATF SOUTH J2 PRIORITY
RHMFISS/FBI WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ BICE INTEL WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY
RUCOWCV/MARINCEN MIAMI FL PRIORITY
RHMFISS/NAVINTELOFC GUANTANAMO BAY CU PRIORITY
RHMFISS/US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PRO WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEHKG/AMEMBASSY KINGSTON//USDAO PRIORITY 0021
RUEHPU/AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE//USDAO PRIORITY 0011
RUEHDG/AMEMBASSY SANTO DOMINGO//USDAO PRIORITY 0031

Tuesday, 11 August 2009, 13:32
S E C R E T HAVANA 000491 
SIPDIS 
EO 12958 DECL: 08/08/2029 
TAGS SNAR, PREL, SMIG, PGOV, CU, ASEC 
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT OF CUBA FRUSTRATION INCREASES OVER LACK 
OF JAMAICAN COUNTERNARCOTICS COOPERATION
Classified By: COM JONATHAN FARRAR FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) & (D)
¶1. (C) Summary: The U.S. Coast Guard Drug Interdiction Specialist (DIS) assigned to the U.S. Interests Section (USINT) in Havana, Cuba has spoken with Cuban Ministry of Interior (MININT) officials on multiple occasions, as recently as 4 August 2009, regarding their perceived lack of Government of Jamaica (GOJ) cooperation in attempting to curtail the flow of illicit narcotics to the Bahamas and the United States. Cuban MININT officials contend that narcotics smugglers from Jamaica are utilizing both Cuban airspace and waters to transport narcotics ultimately destined for the United States, but their repeated attempts to engage Jamaica on the issue have been ignored. End Summary.
¶2. (C) On 4 August 2009, DIS wrapped-up a two-day trip to Camaguey, Cuba where he received a briefing on the 5 July emergency landing of an aircraft, enroute from Jamaica, that dropped 13 bales of marijuana over a barren field in Cuba located southwest of Playa Santa Lucia in Camaguey Province. According to Cuban officials, the aircraft was destined for a pre-determined location over Bahamian waters where the narcotics would be dropped to two waiting go-fast vessels for eventual shipment to the United States. The crew of three discarded the contraband prematurely when they experienced engine problems.
¶3. (C) On 4 August, the DIS visited Joaquin de Aguero airport in Playa Santa Lucia where the smugglers’ aircraft is located; DIS was provided with further insight from airport officials as to how the case played-out, and how Cuban authorities responded. According to the Cuban Anti-Drug police (DNA), all three traffickers onboard the aircraft are being detained in Cuba. XXXXXXXXXXXX
¶4. (C) The aforementioned case follows a 27 May 2009 case in which a joint-interdiction of a Jamaican go-fast vessel in the vicinity of Playa Guardalavaca, Cuba, that resulted in the Cuban Border Guard seizing 700 kg of Jamaican marijuana. This, after the Cuban Border Guard interdicted the vessel in its waters utilizing real-time information from OPBAT, USCG District 7, and the USCG DIS in Havana. The DIS attended a briefing on this case with Cuban officials, and boarded the subject narco-trafficking vessel.
¶5. (S) While the DIS is often briefed via formal means on the type of cases mentioned above, side-bar conversations during provincial trips outside of Havana with Cuban MININT officials often yield increased insight into Cuban counterdrug (CD) operations and mindset. A prevailing concern and significant frustration on the Cuban side is the reportedly complete lack of cooperation afforded them by the GOJ when it comes to CD information sharing. DIS has spoken to no fewer than 15 Cuban MININT officers whose primary missions/roles are drug interdiction or support to drug interdiction. Collectively and continually, they express frustration over the GOJ’s consistent ignoring of Cuban attempts to increase the flow of drug-related information between the two island nations to increase interdictions and avoid “being surprised by drugs.”
¶6. (C) MININT officers, specifically the MININT’s international relations division and anti-drug directorate,
with whom the DIS communicates extensively, consistently allude to the lengths the GOC has gone to in order to enhance the relationship. Without fail, MININT officials allude to the fact that narco-related information (i.e. information on go-fasts and aircraft transiting to/from Jamaica in the vicinity of Cuba) passed to the GOJ is always translated to English because in the past GOJ officials stated to the GOC that they did not understand Spanish; MININT officers report that despite their efforts, GOJ officials still do not respond.
¶7. (S) In October 2008, DIS attended a counternarcotics meeting onboard the RFA WAVE RULER in the Port of Havana. The meeting was arranged by the UK Defense Attache to encourage greater cooperation between GOC and GOJ over CD efforts; during conversations with the Attache, the DIS learned that the impetus behind the meeting was to bring GOC and GOJ authorities together to encourage greater dialogue, and to quash growing frustration between the two. In comments to the DIS after the meeting, Cuban officials stated that the two Jamaican officers “just sat there and didn’t say anything.” MININT officers mention that Jamaican officials commonly agree to greater information sharing in person; however, that is the extent of their efforts.
¶8. (C) Currently, Cuban officials appear resigned to the idea that they will not see greater GOJ cooperation in the near future. On 3 August, the DIS asked the chief of the MININT’s international relations department if he thought Cuban officials would sit down at a table with USCG, DEA, Jamaican officials, and Cuban DNA officers to discuss CD issues; he said it would be a possibility, but that the GOC does not have a suitable liaison officer at its embassy in Jamaica. DIS responded by asking if an officer or group of officers from the DNA would be able to travel to Jamaica for such talks; he once again stated that it is a possibility.
¶9. (C) Comment: DIS gauges that the GOC genuinely desires greater information sharing on CD issues with Jamaican authorities to serve the GOC’s strategic interests. Should we decide to pursue broader counternarcotics cooperation with the GOC, MININT-DNA may be willing to attend talks with US drug authorities in concert with Jamaican authorities. At the present time, however, it appears frustration is building within the ranks of the Cuban MININT-DNA, especially as CD cases continue to bring illicit narcotics in close proximity or actually to Cuba and its littorals, posing an interdiction challenge for Cuban authorities. Through their constant reminders to the DIS and via press reports to the Cuban people, GOC officials ultimately blame the United States for this problem due to the high demand for illicit narcotics by United States consumers. End Comment. FARRAR

Beaches In Portland Jamaica

2010-12-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

The Most Popular Beaches in Portland

The following beaches are known by everyone as they are the most popular.

Frenchman's Cove
Winnifred
Boston Bay

Less Popular beaches include but not limited to the following beaches.

Shanshy Beach
Ras Johnson's Ranch
Beach behind the College of Agriculture Science and Education (this is where I learned how to swim). I also had some time here. There is not a more breathtaking view. Try swimming to the nearby smaller island, be careful though. I have had friends to spot sharks just beyond the coral reefs out there where it gets must deeper.
There are also some nice beaches when you are leaving Portland on the right. Feel free to stop by one of the roadside vendors and they will show you some secret beaches.

Also, when you are passing through Port Antonio, the capital of Portland look out for Navy Island just off shore. Fisherman will charge you a small fee to take you out there for a swim.

Jamaica Wikileaks

2010-12-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

I wonder what other juicy information is contained in the leaked cables about Jamiaca. as soon as I get the information i will post them here so that you can get the scoop. it is going to be good!! However, guys I have been doing some thinking about Cuba caring about drugs going to the USA. Why would Cuba care? Let me know what you think.

Beaches in Jamaica

2010-12-18T19:11:00.000-08:00

Many readers have been asking me about some of the beaches in Jamaica. Here is a list of some of the beaches in Jamiaca.

To make the posts as short as possible I will be doing different posts and listing the beaches by parishes as we go. Here is some background information for people who are traveling to Jamaica. Actually, the best beaches are "hidden". Hidden means that only the locals know where they are.To get you thinking, the best beaches are actually to the east and south of the island. They are also less crowdy and more beautiful.Don't get me wrong, the other beaches are also beautiful. The main thing that I like about less traveled beaches is that you feel like you own it and better yet, most of them are free to the public. All you need is a ride and some good friends. Stay tuned for the list. I will begin in the parish of Portalnd, where I went to college and learned how to swim. If I left a beach off the lest let me know and I will add it.

Jamaicansmusic.com and Songwrita

2010-12-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

A representative from Jamaicansmusic.com connected with me via this site to inform me that the site is indeed 100% Jamaican own. That means that they are not just Jamaicans living abroad operating under the umbrella of Jamaica like some other sites that I will not name. The site is located and managed from Jamaica. The site is a lot of fun to use and I do hope that you will tell your friends about it.

Jamaicansmusic

Morgan Freeman Dead?

2010-12-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

No! Morgan Freeman is not dead folks. It is just a twitter hoax

New Jamaican Online Game Called Songwrita

2010-12-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

I played the game today, it is a lot of fun. Great flash work guys. www.jamaicansmusic.com has a great website.

This is a quote I lifted from their facebook page about the game. "Grounded in the principle of catching lyrics as they fall from the sky, this action game requires players to select an artiste, based on his or her most popular song. Participants are challenged with various obstacles to put the lyrics of the selected song together before it is skipped. Players have to successfully put the lyrics together to move to the next level."

To play the game users are required to have a facebook account, because the game is basically a facebook application.

I think that the game is a pretty good idea and it proves the point that information technology is an area where Jamaica can do very well because it's people are so creative. Basically the government has to create the environment and the people will move on from there. However, I cannot say for certain where they are located. If you know, let me know

Usain Bolts Early Teachers

2010-12-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

I just wanted the world to know that I was one of Usain Bolt's teachers in Jamaica. I was also his first cricket coach. I just wanted to post that because many people are shocked when I tell them that. I even have some people who think that I am telling a lie.

Bolt tell them I was your cricket coach at Waldensia Primary School In Sherwood Content. I am also really proud of the big man.
I would have been nice to have been mentioned in the book since I taught him how to be a fast bowler after I observed that with his height and athletic prowess he would have been a force on the cricket field even at 11 years old.

However, here is his book for sale on amazon. maybe I am in the credits somewhere.

Bless!

Places To See in Jamaica

2010-12-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Pretty soon I will be talking about some of the must see places in Jamaica. As a Jamaican I am very familiar with the really cool places in jamaica. If it is at the mountain top I know it. If it is in a whole, I also know it.

Also, if there is a questiom that you want to fire at me about Jamaica don't be afraid to ask.

As we say in Jamaica, "no problem" if you ask.

Irie!!!!!

Jamaica A Safe Haven For Drug Lords?

2010-12-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

The Following is a Diplomatic Cable that involves Jamaica and Wikileaks realease. I for one is not very surprised about this revelation. The GOJ is rreally not interested in protecting the land that we love. Here is the cable that I lifted from the pages of the Jamaica Obser. I cannot find it myself. As soon as I find it on wikileaks I will update this post.
Jamaica is still a nice place, we will vote them out and place who in power?

Wikileaks Jamaica Revelation

"11 August 2009, 13:32

SECRET HAVANA 000491

SIPDIS EO 12958 DECL: 08/08/2029

TAGS SNAR, PREL, SMIG, PGOV, CU, ASEC

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT OF CUBA FRUSTRATION INCREASES OVER LACK OF JAMAICAN COUNTERNARCOTICS COOPERATION

Classified By: COM JONATHAN FARRAR FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) & (D)

1. (C) Summary: The U.S. Coast Guard Drug Interdiction Specialist (DIS) assigned to the U.S. Interests Section (USINT) in Havana, Cuba has spoken with Cuban Ministry of Interior (MININT) officials on multiple occasions, as recently as 4 August 2009, regarding their perceived lack of Government of Jamaica (GOJ) cooperation in attempting to curtail the flow of illicit narcotics to the Bahamas and the United States. Cuban MININT officials contend that narcotics smugglers from Jamaica are utilizing both Cuban airspace and waters to transport narcotics ultimately destined for the United States, but their repeated attempts to engage Jamaica on the issue have been ignored. End Summary.

2. (C) On 4 August 2009, DIS wrapped-up a two-day trip to Camaguey, Cuba where he received a briefing on the 5 July emergency landing of an aircraft, enroute from Jamaica, that dropped 13 bales of marijuana over a barren field in Cuba located southwest of Playa Santa Lucia in Camaguey Province. According to Cuban officials, the aircraft was destined for a pre-determined location over Bahamian waters where the narcotics would be dropped to two waiting go-fast vessels for eventual shipment to the United States. The crew of three discarded the contraband prematurely when they experienced engine problems.

3. (C) On 4 August, the DIS visited Joaquin de Aguero airport in Playa Santa Lucia where the smugglers' aircraft is located; DIS was provided with further insight from airport officials as to how the case played-out, and how Cuban authorities responded. According to the Cuban Anti-Drug police (DNA), all three traffickers onboard the aircraft are being detained in Cuba.

4. (C) The aforementioned case follows a 27 May 2009 case in which a joint-interdiction of a Jamaican go-fast vessel in the vicinity of Playa Guardalavaca, Cuba, that resulted in the Cuban Border Guard seizing 700 kg of Jamaican marijuana. This, after the Cuban Border Guard interdicted the vessel in its waters utilizing real-time information from OPBAT, USCG District 7, and the USCG DIS in Havana. The DIS attended a briefing on this case with Cuban officials, and boarded the subject narco-trafficking vessel.

5. (S) While the DIS is often briefed via formal means on the type of cases mentioned above, side-bar conversations during provincial trips outside of Havana with Cuban MININT officials often yield increased insight into Cuban counterdrug (CD) operations and mindset. A prevailing concern and significant frustration on the Cuban side is the reportedly complete lack of cooperation afforded them by the GOJ when it comes to CD information sharing. DIS has spoken to no fewer than 15 Cuban MININT officers whose primary missions/roles are drug interdiction or support to drug interdiction. Collectively and continually, they express frustration over the GOJ's consistent ignoring of Cuban attempts to increase the flow of drug-related information between the two island nations to increase interdictions and avoid "being surprised by drugs."

6. (C) MININT officers, specifically the MININT's international relations division and anti-drug directorate, with whom the DIS communicates extensively, consistently allude to the lengths the GOC has gone to in order to enhance the relationship. Without fail, MININT officials allude to the fact that narco-related information (i.e. information on go-fasts and aircraft transiting to/from Jamaica in the vicinity of Cuba) passed to the GOJ is always translated to English because in the past GOJ officials stated to the GOC that they did not understand Spanish; MININT officers report that despite their efforts, GOJ officials still do not respond.

7. (S) In October 2008, DIS attended a counternarcotics meeting onboard the RFA WAVE RULER in the Port of Havana. The meeting was arranged by the UK Defense Attache to encourage greater cooperation between GOC and GOJ over CD efforts; during conversations with the Attache, the DIS learned that the impetus behind the meeting was to bring GOC and GOJ authorities together to encourage greater dialogue, and to quash growing frustration between the two. In comments to the DIS after the meeting, Cuban officials stated that the two Jamaican officers "just sat there and didn't say anything." MININT officers mention that Jamaican officials commonly agree to greater information sharing in person; however, that is the extent of their efforts.

8. (C) Currently, Cuban officials appear resigned to the idea that they will not see greater GOJ cooperation in the near future. On 3 August, the DIS asked the chief of the MININT's international relations department if he thought Cuban officials would sit down at a table with USCG, DEA, Jamaican officials, and Cuban DNA officers to discuss CD issues; he said it would be a possibility, but that the GOC does not have a suitable liaison officer at its embassy in Jamaica. DIS responded by asking if an officer or group of officers from the DNA would be able to travel to Jamaica for such talks; he once again stated that it is a possibility.

9. (C) Comment: DIS gauges that the GOC genuinely desires greater information sharing on CD issues with Jamaican authorities to serve the GOC's strategic interests. Should we decide to pursue broader counternarcotics cooperation with the GOC, MININT-DNA may be willing to attend talks with US drug authorities in concert with Jamaican authorities. At the present time, however, it appears frustration is building within the ranks of the Cuban MININT-DNA, especially as CD cases continue to bring illicit narcotics in close proximity or actually to Cuba and its littorals, posing an interdiction challenge for Cuban authorities. Through their constant reminders to the DIS and via press reports to the Cuban people, GOC officials ultimately blame the United States for this problem due to the high demand for illicit narcotics by United States consumers. End Comment. FARRAR

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Read-the-US-cable-about-Jamaica-and-drugs---#ixzz18CFYCAue"

A Really Cool Game

2010-12-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

Make games

Teaching Networks

2010-10-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

I was surfing the net and I found a really cool website that allows teachers to connect with each other, the community and even students. I think that is a great way to allow teaching to go back to really focusing on the community, the real back-bone of any society.

I hope that you will join me there to share lessons, strategies and to, just connect.

This is my linkURL at AccuTeach- www.accuteach.com/fbrooks.

See you there

Emancipation Message

2007-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister's Speeches

EMANCIPATION MESSAGE 2007 FROM THE MOST HON. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, ON, MP, PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA

Wednesday, August 01, 2007


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Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller

My Fellow Jamaicans,

I greet you on this Emancipation Day in the name of freedom and in tribute to freedom-loving people everywhere!

Emancipation Day 2007 falls within a very historic year.

It is the year in which we mark the 200th anniversary of the passing of the British Act which led to the abolition of the trans-Atlantic trade in Africans.

It is the year in which we celebrate 45 years of independence as a proud sovereign nation.

It is the year being recognized as the 'Year of Garvey' in tribute to the 120th anniversary of the birth of our National Hero the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

It is also the year of our 15th general elections, which brings to memory 1944, the year in which, for the very first time, all Jamaicans over 21 had the right to vote for their political representatives.

These are not unrelated and unconnected events to be celebrated in isolation. They mark important stages in our historic freedom journey, as people from various ethnic roots.

To serve the cause of "king sugar", we endured conquest, colonization and the evil system of slavery, which robbed our African ancestors of their rights, dignity and respect as human beings and enslaved an entire society.

Our journey has taken us through struggles for emancipation, self-government, political independence and the creation of a democratic society under the rule of law. Today, we forge ahead, purposefully and confidently with economic transformation.

That British Act of 1807 and Emancipation in 1838 did not mean completion of the freedom journey. Colonizers still tried to recreate the mentalities of slavery and to keep our people trapped within systems of inequality. This is the reality that drove and inspired Marcus Garvey and others to embark on a campaign for our mental liberation. The struggle continues.

On this Day as we continue to reflect upon our history, I pray that new insights will bless us with a deeper understanding of ourselves as a people who have survived, endured and triumphed.

There are valuable lessons from the past still clamouring for our attention. These are lessons that we must teach to our children; so that they can feel genuine pride in the achievements of their ancestors, and put a high value on the freedoms we enjoy today and tend to take for granted.

Let us draw on the resources from the memory bank of our experiences to guide us in creating a roadmap that will guide us to a brighter future. We all know that those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it.

On this Emancipation Day and in recognition of those who stood up for our freedom, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust will be unveiling its first Freedom Monument in Montego Bay, honouring not only the leader of the Emancipation Rebellion, National Hero the Rt. Excellent Samuel Sharpe, but all those who fought and died with him.

Many of these, our noble ancestors have been condemned to the footnotes of our history or ignored altogether. Let us remember some of them today; James Anglin, Charles Barrett, Becky, Cuffee, Thomas Daive, John Dunbar, Robert Gardner, Ann Guy, Jenny, George Kerr, Little Robert, Louis, Abraham Peart, Prince, Success and Sharpe's right-hand man, George Taylor.

In their honour and in the name of all freedom loving peoples the world over, we must continue the freedom journey.

The words of a former slave spoken on the 2nd of August 1842, in Mount Regale, Clarendon, echo in my heart today. This is what he said four years after Emancipation:
"But now, no Overseer can come and drive we off to the field. Now we can work when we like, and stay at home when we sick. We can buy our own land, build we own house, and go to we own church."

These were freedoms that slavery denied our ancestors. Emancipation brought a new day, but it did not put an end to injustice.

Emancipation paved the way for freedom from forced labour but left the freed people with limited rights. Bogle and Gordon took a stand for those who toiled. So did Marcus Garvey. So did Sir Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley. Because of the struggles of 1938 and social reconstruction in the seventies, today workers have real rights under the law, including paid sick leave, a national minimum wage, equal pay for equal work and paid maternity leave.

Emancipation paved the way for those who were enslaved to own land but the planters continued to frustrate the efforts of the freed men and women to live and work on their own land. Today we are making sure that sugar workers own homes and have land on which they can put into production.

We are ensuring that families whose ancestors managed to get a piece of land 'back in the days', now have proper titles to their property.

As a result of intensive and sustained efforts to provide housing, we are making sure that many, many Jamaicans are able to own their homes in well-designed communities.

We must continue the work. We must continue to right the wrongs. We have a duty to realize the vision of our ancestors. Let us not squander their legacy by turning away from the successful completion of the journey, or by turning on each other to settle our differences.

History will not be kind to us if we fail to follow the path towards full freedom, by creating a just, loving, peaceful, prosperous and liberated Jamaica for all!

On this Emancipation day, may God bless us all and strengthen our resolve to protect our freedom and ensure a brighter future for all Jamaica.

JCF under construction

2007-04-14T01:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Sir/madam,

I would like to know why is it that when people are charged for a crime or when they are wanted they do not release pictures?
I think that would go a far way in helping the public to identify criminals, and to help the police.
I would also like to highlight the website of the Jamaica constabulary Force, http://www.jamaicapolice.org.jm/index.html. it is a complete mess.
The website has enormous potential that can be modified to be used in this day and age to showcase wanted men. I would like the JCF to fix their website and update it regularly, the site has been showing "under construction" for close to 2 years if not more.
If the JCF wants or needs community help, lets start with utlizing effectively what we have.

The above letter was sent to the Gleaner

SELLING OUT JAMAICA

2007-03-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

I sent this letter to both the Gleaner and the Observer 17/03/2007

The government needs to fire the entire cabinet. I am so ashamed of the fact that whenever people think about Jamaica all they think about is hotels, crime and marijuana.

We have enough educated Jamaicans, where-ever they may be, who can really put the resources of the country to good use, rather than selling out to multinationals whose only focus is on their stockholders.

The leaders of Jamaica must understand that their sole purpose of being in office is to serve the people of Jamaica. We need to look beyond bauxite and tourism. What has tourism done for Jamaica? Nothing!! What’s the average salary of a person in the hotel industry? Working in the hotel industry today, I think is no different from working in the sugar industry. It’s no different from indentured work. It’s not much different from slavery!

What will happen to Jamaica when Castro dies or say Cuba is invaded or Cuban people decide that they want “democracy” and Americans or other tourists that we depend on decide to go to a cleaner and safer country? Tourist are tired of going to all inclusive hotels (not all want that), they want to experience the culture and the people, they are tired of being scared into “apartheid form tourism”.

The people need to be put to efficient and productive use. There are too many unemployed and underemployed people in Jamaica. Look at the Gross Domestic Product of Jamaica! What do you see?

The elections are coming up, it is full time the people of Jamaica stop seeing them-selves as PNP or JLP or NDM. It’s not a party, its Jamaica. Stop and look at the situation critically, look and listen to what the leaders are doing and saying. Vote on issues, not on party affiliations. Don’t allow your democratic right to be bought, don’t sell your vote!

If you sell your vote you are no different from the Africans of over 400 years ago who sold their brothers and sisters into slavery. Jamaicans, be an educated voter, don't vote for someone who is black or white, rich or poor. Instead be an educated voter who votes on the issues, and the government must realize that we are the ones who put them where they are and if they fail to deliver we will kick them out.

Too many educated Jamaicans are leaving the country to go abroad because they had no opportunity to find work, or pay for their studies, or because of the crime, or not being able to get a loan to start a business. Jamaicans must realize that we are a great people, a great country. Look at America or Britain or wherever, they may be richer, more powerful, but they lack a soul, a spirit that Jamaica has, trust me. Jamaica is a wonderful country!

Sister P. wakeup and realize that many Jamaicans across the world would be willing come-back and help the country. The prime minister and the media should preach nationalism and education, we have a great country.

Colour me black - Athletic success is skin deep

2006-11-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

published:
Wednesday | November 15, 2006

Eulalee Thompson

Talented
black people seem to have an edge over other racial groups in a wide
range of athletic activities requiring speed and power.

This issue preoccupied the mind of Professor Errol Morrison, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross of Jamaica (on leave from the position of dean, School for Graduate Studies
and Research, University of the West Indies), when he teamed up with
Patrick Cooper, Jamaican journalist and businessman, now living in the
United States to do research.

Physical
characteristics, peculiar to black people as a result of their
evolution and interface in a tropical environment, the sickle-cell
trait and malaria were some of the factors they found, almost acting in consort, to produce a disproportionate number of successful black athletes over the decades.

Their viewpoint, presented in an essay published in the recent issue of the West Indian Medical Journal 2006; 55(3):
205, places a positive twist on the sickle-cell trait, a condition
which people of African origin seem more predisposed to develop and
malaria, an infectious disease transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Sickle-shaped cells

( L - R ) Simpson and Powell

The
development of sickle-shaped blood cells (relative to sickle-cell trait
and disease) is apparently the body's way of protecting itself against
the parasites linked to the development of malaria. Sickle-shaped blood
cells are not as 'welcoming' as normally-shaped red blood cells to the
malaria germs.

You
may now be wondering, 'so what's the link to between sickled cells and
athletic prowess?' The link lies somewhere in the use of oxygen. One
would imagine that sickle-shaped cells would compromise the amount of
oxygen available to black athletes wanting to perform at the top levels
of their profession.

However,
Morrison and Cooper, quoting from elaborate studies conducted on
Olympic athletes from the 1968 Games in Mexico City, find that there
are 'compensatory mechanisms' developed by the body to take care of
these deficiencies in oxygen intake and use. Some of these
'compensatory mechanisms' relate to differences in the composition and
activity of muscle fibres found in black people when compared to other
racial groups. Black people have a higher percentage of fast-twitch
fibres and lower levels of slow-twitch fibres than white people. This
composition of black muscles is linked to a more rapid conversion of
glucose into energy than in white muscles.

One
of the studies conducted by Claude Bouchard, geneticist and exercise
physiologist, and Jean-Aime Simoneau, exercise biochemist (published
1990), concludes that "the racial differences observed between Africans
and Caucasians in fibre type proportion and enzyme activities ... may
well result from inherited variation. These data suggest that sedentary
male black individuals are, in terms of muscle characteristics, well
endowed for sports events of short duration."

Longer arms and legs

Other
studies point to differences in the lung activities that impact
athletic prowess in black people. Lung volume among white subjects, for
example, was 10 to 15 per cent greater than in their black counterpart
but differences in breathing patterns during exercise and the fact that
black subjects consumed more oxygen at every phase of exercising made
for more powerful performances.

Morrison
and Cooper also point to differences in body type and body proportions
that impacted athletic performance. People of African descent have less
fat under their skin, narrower hips, longer arms and legs and shorter
trunks than other racial groups. These biomechanical advantages, they
say, "influence power-to-weight ratio and stride length."

what do you think?

2006-11-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

Latibeaudiere Upbeat On The Economy

2006-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Al Edwards
Friday, November 10, 2006

With inflation trending down, a continuing reduction in interest rates, a stable exchange rate and no external shocks to derail firm progress, it was an upbeat Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) who reviewed economic developments in the September quarter.

Speaking at the BOJ's Nethersole Place headquarters on Wednesday, the Governor of the BOJ, Derick Latibeaudiere, said economic developments in the quarter were generally positive, continuing the trend of the three previous quarters. These positive trends in the domestic economy was supported by the generally favourable international economic developments in the review quarter.
Inflation

The Governor pointed out that at the end of September, the 12-month point-to-point inflation was 6.5 per cent - the lowest annual rate since March 2003. For the September quarter last year, the 12-month point-to-point inflation was much higher at 19 per cent.

Headline inflation for the quarter was 2.4 per cent-much-lower than the 4.3 per cent recorded for the corresponding quarter in 2005.

Core inflation was estimated at 1.1 per cent for the quarter, slightly higher than was planned for. Nevertheless, the annual core inflation. which is estimated at 3.8 per cent at the end of September, still remains in line with the BOJ's medium-term trajectory of 4.0 to 5.0 per cent.

"Price increases in the Food and Drink category were the dominant influences on inflation in the September quarter, but despite the impact, these increases were not as great as we had anticipated. In fact, the prices of vegetables, which are usually high in the September quarter, were actually lower than expected, due largely to increased supplies.

"For the December quarter, the bank is projecting continued moderation in inflation. We expect that prices of domestic agricultural commodities will continue to moderate and that the consumer basket will benefit from the lowering of fuel prices. In addition, the demand for some goods and services associated with the Christmas holidays could also influence an upward movement in prices. All told, we expect inflation for the December quarter to be in the range of 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent, resulting in inflation of around 8.0 per cent for the calendar year," declared the Governor.
FX market

There was a slowing in the rate of depreciation of the Jamaican dollar to 0.03 per cent in the September quarter, the lowest since the March 2005 quarter. Latibeaudiere noted that the stability in the foreign exchange market was supported by strong private capital inflows, complemented by continued buoyancy in the flows from tourism and remittances during the quarter.

As a result of these flows, the net international reserves increased by US$232 million during the quarter to US$2.342 billion at the end of September. Gross reserves were US$2.4747 billion representing 18.8 weeks of estimated goods and services imports.

Real Growth

GDP grew faster in the September quarter than it did in the June quarter. With the exception of manufacturing, all sectors recorded positive growth. Agriculture and Miscellaneous Services, which include the tourism industry, were the major drivers of growth.

"For the December 2006 quarter, the Central Bank is expecting the macroeconomic conditions to remain favourable. We expect real GDP growth to strengthen as the construction sector rebounds. The mining and tourism industries are also forecasted to record strong growth.

"The bank is anticipating the usual seasonally higher demand for foreign exchange to meet the increased payments for imports for the Christmas holidays. In fact, we are already seeing that the pick-up in demand is putting some pressure on the exchange rate."

However, Latibeaudiere sought to allay fears by forecasting that private capital inflows would remain high, supported by strong flows from remittances and tourism.

"With the NIR now being maintained in a reasonable comfort zone, the Central Bank has the ability and is prepared to augment any temporary shortfall in supplies in the market.

"Consistent with previous years, we are also expecting the usual pick-up in demand for currency in this period to meet the seasonal expansion in consumption expenditure. Accordingly, base money is projected to expand during the December quarter, "said the Governor.

Trafigura and banking confidentiality

The Trafigura affair has placed the local banking sector under the spotlight and raises many questions concerning confidentiality.

Latibeaudiere said that during his 11-year tenure as Governor of the Central Bank, he has never had reason to question the confidentiality of the banking system.
"At the end of the day, you can have the best banking systems in the world but confidentiality breaches are down to the people who manage. In our monitoring of banking affairs we have been very careful in terms of what is done to preserve banking confidentiality.

"It would be of major concern to me if there were breaches of confidentiality at the Central Bank. My staff, whether it concerns prices, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, or whatever we do, maintain a very high level of confidentiality right across the board. I attribute that to the quality of the staff.
It really comes down to a question of the integrity of the workforce. I cannot envisage a system where people take it upon themselves to be judge and jury when it comes to divulging confidential information. That is a recipe for disaster!

"There is no evidence that the systems in place in the commercial banking sector are themselves contributing to a lack of confidentiality. It really comes back to the integrity of the workforce."

FX trading
Still with controversial topics, the Governor addressed the question of investors turning to FX trading in search of higher returns.

"Some very powerful people in the country have been commenting on the concept and what it stands for and the institution involved. I want to take this opportunity to say that I think that investors have to be careful in an environment where they see global rates averaging at a certain level and the returns from one particular source being multiples of that. You have to wonder what other investors throughout the world are doing with their investments and how can people obtain those high rates.

"I want to make it very clear here that we at the Central Bank take no responsibility whatsoever for people who want to invest their funds that way. There will be no recompense or support for anybody who loses their investments."

Latibeaudiere said that for some people there is a culture of living off high interest rates but with the reduction of interest rates, institutions will have to be far more skilled in investments to remain competitive.

"Many institutions, have not made the transition from the high interest rate culture to a situation where interest rates are half of what they once were and that is the issue."

The Governor went on to say that with more mergers of banking institutions particularly commercial banks with brokerage houses, it was time to consider having just one super regulatory body to monitor the sector.

With the economy on a sound footing and encouraging numbers in support, the Governor said that the next challenge was to maintain stability and keep a watchful eye on the country's macroeconomic performance.

Anancy Introduction

2006-11-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

By Marcia Davidson

August 2, 2003

The Ashanti handed down to us brilliant folktales about the trickster Anancy, the spider-man, as the hare is the chief character in the Yoruba folktales and the tortoise in the stories of the Ibo people. Songs often accompany the stories and have inspired many Jamaican folksongs.

Anancy the Spiderman was brought from the west coast of Africa by the first slaves and went into business as the only therapy for three centuries of hideousness. He took on the trappings of the tribal oral historian, with an interpretive addition. As Jamaicans are wont to do, they added innumerable prodigy - Brer Tacoma, Brer Tiger and others to the Anancy folktales.

Anancy is quick-witted and intelligent surviving the odds and tricking those around him. He personifies the quality of survival so admired by Jamaicans. You may see his name spelled in a variety of ways; Anancy, Anance, Anansi (‘Nansi) or even Brer Nansi.

Bra ‘Nansi filled the role of storyteller hero or villain. He was great at disguises, omniscient but nonetheless willing to be chopped to prove a moral. He was something to everyone: his indestructibility, knowledge and wit were an investment in hope. The stories were usually satirical and cynical. They never had a live-happily-ever-after ending. Anancy’s devotees were always on the lookout for the unexpected; everywhere were challenges that must be faced lest they come in at the back of the neck.

The tradition of oral folklore however, is alive and well on the island of Jamaica, and preserved in the pages of children’s storybooks. Children’s folklore and literature thrives in the stories of Anancy. Nearly all Jamaicans tell bedtime ‘Nansi stories to their children, making them up as they go along. But the big storytellers invariably village matriarchs, are much sought after and are always warmly welcomed to the guest seat on the coffee-drying limestone terrace behind the footlights of fireflies. The Anancy stories belong to “evening time.”

As Rex Nettleford states in his introduction to Walter Jekylls, Jamaican Song and Story, "in order to cope with an unstraight and crooked world, one needs unstraight and crooked paths." As a child, playwright and author, Louise Bennett recalls that everything that happened in the world was caused by Anancy." As a child Louise Bennett, at the end of each Anancy story, would have to say, "Jack Mandora, me no chose none." This was because Anancy sometimes did very wicked things in his stories, and the children would have to let Jack Mandora, the doorman at Heaven’s door, know that they were not in favor of Anancy’s wicked ways.

As in the West African stories Anancyi is “craven” (greedy) and, being small and weak, he wins by guile not by strength. It is Anancy “who mek wasp sting, who mek dog belly come hollow, who mek Jackass bray.”

Anancy is an indestructible and irresistible spider who is both, "fooler and fool, maker and unmade, wily and stupid, subtle and gross, the High Gods accomplice and his rival." Anancy is generally a figure of admiration whose cunning and scheming nature reflects the indirection and subtleties necessary for survival and occasionally victory for the Black man in a racist society.

In Jamaica, Anancy, the descendant of a West African deity takes on special significance in a society, which has its roots in a system of slavery. It is as though every slave strove to be Anancy and he who achieved the Spider-form became a kind of hero. Anancy’s greatest attributes however, are his character flaws. Anancy is far from a perfect folk hero, and many of his characteristics are egotistical, selfish, and ignorant. Regardless of the wealth of character flaws he possesses, Anancy has an irresistibility that has been preserved in its most uncorrupted form.

The character flaws of Anancy were a direct link to the problems that the people of Jamaica were facing. It was always necessary for the black people of Jamaica to survive. After slavery, that meant moving into the interior away from the plantations. It is here, that Anancy was created and Walter Jekyll was able to document the stories and songs of a dynamic people. Anancy uses his wit and cunning to survive. In many cases, the larger animals of his stories, the Lion, Snake, and Monkeys are representations of the white man in Jamaica. For example in the tale, "Tiger Story, Anancy Story," all of the history of Jamaica and the animals are told as Tiger Stories. It is not until Anancy approaches the tiger and asks him if the stories could be changed to the Anancy Stories that the true survival begins. The tiger, dismisses the spider’s request, and tells him that if he can accomplish two impossible tasks the stories can be called the Anancy stories. Through his trickery, Anancy successfully accomplishes the two successful deeds and forces the Tiger to rename the tales as the Anancy Stories.

What this represents to the reader and the listener is that the history of Jamaica before Anancy’s accomplishment, was a "white mans history." Like many colonized West Indian and African countries of the early twentieth century, white colonists believed that the history of these individual countries did not begin until the arrival of the white man. What this tale does is take back the history and stories of Jamaica, and returns them to Anancy’s and the black people of Jamaica.

When examining the two impossible tasks Anancy’s was asked to perform for the Tiger, the reader soon realizes that the tasks are representations of the impossibilities that Jamaicans have faced throughout the centuries. One of these tasks requires Anancy’s to gather a swarm of bees to bring to the Tiger. The bees are very dangerous and could sting Anancy’s to death if he were to upset, or disturb their environment. The symbolism of this request illustrates the difficulties of bringing together a large group of people, who are not prepared, or are too content with their environment to face the white man, represented as the Tiger. Only through his cunning can Anancy convince the bees to come with him to see the Tiger.

In Jamaican folklore, this type of symbolism demonstrates to the reader and listener the struggles of the people of Jamaica against racism and slavery. The question that should be raised however, is as children did the Anancy Stories signify the struggles of the Jamaican people, or did they come across to children as simply adventure stories, and not stories of survival. Daryl C. Dance, author of Folklore from contemporary Jamaicans states, "As we look at the Anancy stories, we will find that they appeal to us not only because of their drama, excitement, and humor but also because we quickly perceive that, like most animal tales, these are not really about animals but about human beings, and we realize that a part of our attraction is that we recognize ourselves in the antics of these creatures."

Anancy takes many shapes; at times, he seems to be a man, and at other times, he is an insect, running his web and taking refuge in the ceiling, as author Louise Bennett describes it. What this represents for children is that even though the Anancy Stories are filled with animal characters, their characteristics are so human like that at many times when reading or listening to his stories you begin to feel as though the characters are the same people who are part of your lives and history. The effect of these stories on children was not only morally fulfilling, but pure enjoyment as well. As one interview with a Jamaica youth states: ”But the way I learnt Anancy, I knew Anancy as a child, and it was a joy-y-y! We loved to listen to the stories, we loved to hear about this little trickify man, and you know, and one thing we knew, that this man was magic, and we could never be like him. You know he is a magic man. He could spin a web and become a spider whenever he wanted to [laughter]. You cant do that, so you better not try the Anancy’s tricks, you know, but it was fun!”

This type of "magic man," or prophet in many cases is represented in several histories. Whether it is the magical lyrics of Bob Marley, the powerful speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or the cunning of a small spider named Anancy, different cultures tend to glorify individuals and make them their saviors in a sense. Children see this spider perform heroic and sometimes-foolish deeds and they see a human being. It is interesting that sometimes a society so burdened with racism and subordination turns to a figure, or individual as a representative of the people. In South Africa’s case, that would be a person like Nelson Mandela, or Stephen Biko. In Jamaica, that individual is a fictional spider who for over two centuries has represented the hardships of a nation.

In North America, that type of fictional character, who represents the hardships of a country, is missing. Maybe the reason for this is that today we who live in North America, live in a place that is economically thriving. We are not subjected to the same hardships as the people of Jamaica. The reason however, I believe that a character like Anancy is missing from our society is because we are a country based on technology. Children are sent to school at seven o’clock in the morning and do not arrive home again until seven o’clock at night. There is something missing between parent and child, and in many cases, it is simply communication. I do not mean to give you my own rhetoric on how I think a parent should speak to his or her child. However, it is important to see the fundamental difference between as something as simple as children’s folklore in our society, compared to that of Jamaica to distinguish the importance of a child’s story tale.

Anancy’s presence in politics is sequential a bridge across the gulf that pre-election rhetoric creates. Anancy is an art that woos the loser even as it acclaims the victor.

The anti-fraud ink-dip had hardly dried on the fingers of Jamaican’s honest burghers after the 1980 elections when there appeared on the street a sight not seen since the Socialists had declared, for climate and economy, that the short-sleeved safari outfit could be worn at official functions. To the new “Conservatives”, these casual clothes looked very much like Cuban apparel not at all appropriate for a country making overtures to the United States. Immediately, phalanxes of twitching men losers and winners alike began appearing in the streets sweating and steaming in 3-piece suits. It was Madison-Avenue-under-the-bananas. Without violence, the political statement had been made: adios Cuba: hello America.

On the map, the island of Jamaica looks like a scared puppy swimming in deep water thrashing to escape the Cuban flail and the Florida club. “Stone a river bottom never know sun hot,” is a Jamaican proverb sometimes cited in resentment of the insensitivity of the big political powers. Maybe Anancy the Spiderman is on the ropes somewhere up front.

Why am I so proud to be Jamaican?

2006-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

By Karen Lee
Posted Friday, July 28, 2006

Why am I so proud to be Jamaican? To begin, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I see Jamaicans being recognized for their contributions to society and making mention of their Jamaican heritage. Former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell who was born of Jamaican parentage stood in the thrust of America’s political arena at a time that history will not soon forget. History books document our very own Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a Jamaica National Hero, as a courageous Jamaican that spread his wings beyond the boundaries of our beautiful island. Since then, so many Jamaicans like General Powell has proved that although Jamaicans are birthed from a tiny island, our dreams have taken us way beyond the scope of the world and across all walks of life.

One accomplished Jamaican, Wayne Hewitt, was highlighted in Black Enterprise Magazine, as one of America's successful businessmen. Mr. Hewitt is the General Manager of Petrochemicals and Global Sourcing at General Electric (GE). A recent headline in newspapers around the globe read, “Jamaican creates history/Earns three graduate degrees at one sitting.” It was just a few years ago that Saleem Josephs took on nay sayer faculty and advisors at Columbia University. He proved them wrong when he attempted and earned the almost impossibly difficult two dual degree options at the University. Saleem graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) with a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), and the DDS with a Master's in Public Health (MPH).

In 1998, Jamaican Jody-Anne Maxwell became the first non-American to win the Scripps Howard Spelling. That same year, "The Reggae Boyz" (Jamaica’s national football team) made Jamaica the first English-speaking Caribbean country to qualify for World Cup football. Not only did our football team make international history, we gained greater recognition when we presented the Winter Olympics with our very own Bobsled team. Talk about bold; we don’t even have snow in Jamaica.

Jamaicans excel in so many areas, and their accomplishments are published worldwide every single day making Jamaica a prominent little giant sitting in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

Politicians: General Colin Powell, Marcus Garvey,
Actors: Delroy Lindo, Madge Sinclair, Grace Jones, Shari Belafonte, Sheryl Lee Ralph
Theatre: Oliver Samuels, Louise Bennett, Glen Campbell
Boxing: World Heavyweight Champion: Lennox Lewis
Musical Artists: Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Busta Rhymes, Grace Jones, Harry Belafonte, Heavy D, Notorious BIG
Sports: Patrick Ewing, Donovan Bailey
Models: Naomi Campbell, Stacey McKenzie, Tyson Beckford

Every Jamaican or those of Jamaican heritage, mentioned above has made a considerable contribution to helping put Jamaica’s name on the map. It is no wonder the Honorable Lousie Bennett-Coverley sums us up as, "we little but wi tallawah!"

Jamaica embracing solar power

2006-11-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

published: Wednesday | November 8, 2006

Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

Solar energy has taken a long time to gain popularity in Jamaica.

At last count. there were just 7,000 units on the island.

But recently, in the form of solar water heaters (SWH), interest has grown. SWHs are also zero-rated for GCT and import duties as part of Government policy to encourage renewable energy.

The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) has just launched its latest awareness campaign featuring a mascot, 'Solar Man', targeting children, rather than adults whose indifference has frustrated past efforts.

Still a hobby

Currently, photovoltaic (PV) units, which convert sunlight into electricity, are expensive. They remain the reserve of the hobbyist who wants to be independent from the national grid and free from light bills. Or maybe that person just cares about the damage caused by burning imported oil to foreign-exchange earnings and the environment.

Making your house PV-self-sufficient could cost around $1 million, said Richard Osborne, support engineer for the Automatic Control Engineering company based in Mandeville. But even with these costs, he says, there has been increasing interest.

"They call all the time, I wouldn't say more business, but more enquiries," said Mr. Osborne.

Mr. Osbourne said SWHs are doing a much better trade, buoyed by loan packages offered by the National Housing Trust (NHT) and credit unions.

Assuming that you are using electricity to heat your water, you could save up to two thirds on your light bill.

He believes payback times are estimated at between two to three years. The NHT loan, with an available $100,000 repayable within five years, makes sound economic sense.

Public embracing solar

The NHT has now approved 107 such loans, including one to Guy Wiltshire from Baillieston district in Clarendon.

Mr. Wiltshire had just constructed a new housing unit for his family of four and, when looking to buy an electric water heater, went to his friend's hardware store.

Instead, the friend advised him to apply for the NHT loan and last month had a unit installed.

"One thing I can say is that we are enjoying it. It is working perfectly well and the company that installed the unit was very efficient. So far, it's beautiful," he said.

But for Mikael Oerbekke, president of the Jamaica Solar Energy Association and owner of Bluefields, Westmoreland-based Eco-Tec, those 107 loans are far from beautiful. He acknowledged, however, that more suppliers were entering the market.

More incentives needed

He said that, for PV to really take off, heavy tax incentives offered in countries like Barbados, Germany and the United States would be needed. Additionally, the current net-billing arrangement would need to be converted to net metering - JPS would pay the same rate that they charge unlike the lower rate currently offered.

There may be no bigger fillip for the industry than the draft national building code under which it is proposed that SWH units be mandatory. Some developers have pre-empted that.

Most notably, New Era Homes has installed units on all 950 houses at its Caribbean Estates development in Portmore, St. Catherine.

As New Era told The Gleaner, the decision was part of its policy to lower post-occupancy costs.

Local industry developing

The solar energy industry is in its early stage in Jamaica.

The PCJ is in "advanced stages" of negotiation with one foreign manufacturer to establish a factory here.

Standing in the car park at the Scientific Research Council's Hope Gardens, St. Andrew, headquarters is a machine resembling something out of an old science-fiction film.

Belonging to young St. Mary-based inventor, George 'Helicopter' Douglas, the machine aims to use fewer panels to generate more electricity than more standard PV. He is, however, reluctant to divulge the technology behind it.

Currently, it produces 110 watts, sufficient to power a fridge or any appliance that uses less than one kilowatt in voltage.

Mr. Douglas' ultimate aim is to produce 100,000 watts, enough to provide power to 100 rural housing units. But to do this, he will need financial assistance to purchase an expensive current inverter.

A/C technology

Meanwhile Eco-Tec is also looking into a new, albeit proven technology, solar cooling, which uses solar panels and heat exchange as an alternative to conventional air conditioning. The company is negotiating over two projects, said Mr. Oerbekke.

Jamaica the most homophobic place on earth?

2006-04-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

I just read an article on Time's website and had to reply to the author of the article:
I am a Jamaican, I have read your article and I believe that it is utterly biased in the sense that it portrays all Jamaicans as being homophobic. I believe that to a certain extent gays are afraid to disclose or display their sexual orientation in public. You have to understand that Jamaica is a very conservative country, despite the image that you are trying to portray by saying that we have the highest murder rate in the world. The question you should be asking yourself is. why is it that we have such a high murder rate? Do we make guns? Where are the guns coming from?
You may say that is not your problem, well you are wrong. As you may agree that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Depending on your religious and sexual orientation you may be biased in your judgment towards the homosexuality dispute/s. I personally would never condone the beating or lynching of anyone, no matter the excuse. I think that Jamaica is the way it is because almost everyone on the island was brought up under what you most rightly said are “ultra conservative Christian” values, but we were not all brought up in slums. We do not want our home to become the next Sodom and Gomorrah! In essence what I am saying is that, in Jamaica there is a fair that Jamaica will be overrun by immorality.

In some countries homosexuals are stoned if found to be guilty. So I know that your headline was chosen to garner attention, and it is very unfortunate that only bad news is sensational enough to make the Time Magazine. Well I guess if you want good news you have to pay for it. Nuff luv.

Likkle Ochi Jamaica

2006-01-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Jamaica on a plate

Some of the best seafood in the Caribbean is served from a beach hut - no jacket and tie required

picture of Blackie

Decca Aitkenhead
Saturday January 21, 2006
The Guardian

Make it snappy ... Blackie at Little Ochie.

Little Ochie must be one of the few restaurants in the world where diners schedule their visits according to the moon. It sits on the beach in Alligator Pond, a remote village still untouched by tourism in the south of Jamaica, and for visitors staying along the coast in Treasure Beach it is best reached by boat. At sunset, a fisherman will collect you and take you on a bumpy ride across dark waves, the silvery light of a full moon picking out the skyline of the desolate coastline. After nearly an hour, in the distance a glow begins to twinkle on the shore. Quite suddenly the boat runs aground, pitched on to the beach by the surf, more or less depositing you at your table.
Evrol Christian - known as Blackie - opened Little Ochie (00876 965 4449, littleochie.com) in 1989 as a tiny restaurant serving breakfast for fishermen on their way out to sea. It now seats 400, most in old wooden canoes built on stilts on the sand, thatched with palm fronds and painted Rasta colours - a deceptively rustic aesthetic, for this is one of the most celebrated fish restaurants in the Caribbean.

"You'll never come to Little Ochie and be served on a white tablecloth because that's not our style," says Blackie. "Over the years people hear about the place, and so they come in suit and tie, and when they reach here they're a bit surprised. But our ambience matches the food we serve."

To order your meal, you head up the beach to a spartan wooden building housing a makeshift bar, an old-fashioned cashier's booth, and several massive chest fridges stocked with that day's catch - crab, conch, shrimp, lobster, sea puss (octopus), snapper, turbot, doctor fish, parrot fish, mullet, moon shine, kingfish. You scoop your selection into a battered old pan, a chef hangs it on scales, and you pay for your dinner by the pound. "It's an unusual idea," admits Blackie, "but I think doing it by weight is more appropriate, because the customer gets the true value."

Then you tell the chefs how you want it cooked. "The beauty about Little Ochie is you could come here 10 different times and taste 10 different things," he explains. Lobster can be grilled on an open fire of pimento wood or curried, peppered, fried in garlic, boiled or steamed. Fish can be roasted or jerked - with a fiery home-made seasoning of dried escallion, thyme and a touch of vinegar - or come as "brown stew", simmered until tender in a vinegar and tomato sauce with cayenne pepper and okra. Each order is cooked in a separate pan - vast skillets holding up to 40 fish - and everything is served with either bammy, a kind of fried cassava bread, or with festival, a deep-fried Jamaican dumpling made with cornmeal. Cups of fish tea are served while you wait, flavoured with pumpkin, yam and banana.

Like many Jamaican chefs, Blackie learned to cook from his parents, and some of the island's best restaurants are simple family-run affairs. For fine dining in Kingston, there is Strawberry Hill (Irish Town, Kingston , +944 8400), an exclusive colonial-style hotel high in the Blue Mountains, with views over the city, or Norma's on the Terrace (26 Hope Road, +968 5488), down town in historic Devon House, voted one of Condé Nast Traveller's top 60 new restaurants in 2000. But Blackie prefers Redbones (21 Braemar Ave, +978 6091), an intimate blues cafe where Kingston's fashionable crowd gather in the early evening for live jazz and to enjoy classic Caribbean cooking - callaloo strudel, smoked marlin salad, jerked chicken kebabs with guava dip.

When I ask Blackie where he eats in the big tourist resorts of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, he just looks politely blank. "Um, I'd rather just catch a piece of jerk chicken and go."

Jamaicans are generally unimpressed by the international hotel chains' elaborate pastiche of Caribbean cuisine - but visitors can get the real thing in Negril, Blackie says, if they go to Cosmo's (Negril Beach, +957 4330). Like Little Ochie, its humble appearance belies the quality of the food, and as well as every kind of seafood Cosmo serves red pea soup, goat curry, oxtail stew, brown chicken stew, rice and peas.

These are the ubiquitous staples of Jamaican food, and the cuisine has sometimes been accused of lacking sophistication. Blackie laughs at the suggestion. "But we could use five items and prepare them 60 different ways," he points out firmly with a smile. "So I wouldn't say there's not much variety."

JLP and PNP----Jamaica Depressed!!

2005-12-24T17:36:00.000-08:00

So who do you think will emerge as the leader of the PNP, will it be Blythe, Davies, Simpson-Miller or Phillips? I get depressed thinking about politics in Jamaica and the manner in which the political strive created by Bustamante and Manley has eveloped and created the climate for such depression in Jamaicas current economy. I don't care who really wins and as a mater a fact, I don't care who wins the leadership Of the PNP. I am interested in what is happening within the camp of the Jamaica Labour Party, I must say that I am very disappointed in with the current opposition, I don't see anything that they have done that makes me feel confident in their abalities to lead Jamaica. It is full time that the young people of Jamaica rise up and realise that we are the majority and that we can create our own party and lead Jamaica in the direction that we want it to go.
In a next post I will break down the demographics of jmaica and show how the young peolope of Jmaica can determine their future.

Birthday Today!

2005-12-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hi all! today is my 27^th birthday and I am here in my apartmentment in Whitewater, Wisconsin. its a sacrifice really to be here, but one that I am happy to make as I am sure that when this is all done I will be a better and hopefully a happier person. Despite all the difficulties back in Jamaica, there is no where in the world that compares to jamaica. it is the people of Jamaica that makes jamaica, Jamaica. I give the Lord thanks for ths day and the health and the strength to be able to write about it.

Article By A passionate Jamaican Like Myself

2005-08-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Laza_b i read your website (blog?) i think it is very excellent. I need more than the alloted 300 characters comment space. KEEP GOING I SUPPORT YOUR WORK.
Below is what i posted in News of the Day:

I believe that our country is afflicted in large parts by a criminal and corrupt outlook, in which criminal acts are treated lightly and sometimes called by affectionate names like “bandooloo” etc. Anyone who acts honestly,kindly and with a forgiving and positive Jamaican spirit is treated as a fool. Jamaicans living abroad, especially those who have been long-term residents leading hardworking, honest lives, are seen as idiots who are there to be robbed etc etc. I have come across so many Jamaicans who treat foreign living Jamaicans as an”enemy” because they have lived (despite the great difficulties- racism etc) a dignified life of working hard and standing up for our rights as a collective. This has been achieved without the Jamaican government of any party giving any help whatsoever. Because these people have not been part of the corrupt and criminal meltdown that has taken place in Jamaica, they have kept up some of the best aspects of Jamaican culture and attitude. What Jamaica needs is a large influx of these people to return home to help the vast majority of good people in Jamaica to deal with the fools who have been running the society into the ground.

The idiots who have been running the country have spread their stupid self-serving concepts of getting as much money as possible by any means necessary to buy things like cars, houses, namebrand clothes etc to show off on the next Jamaican. Part of this help is required in all spheres, but in particular we need assistance in law-enforcement, judicial bodies, administrative services.

Corruption in Jamaica has reached a stage now that NO-ONE in position of trust can be trusted. Politicians have been handing out guns to kill other Jamaicans is a well known fact, that is seen as normal. Self-declared criminal gangs are supported by politicians and allowed to carry on with every kind of crime possible etc etc. Policemen in large numbers and at all levels are involved with murders, robbery , drug-running etc etc. Administrators have been stealing large amounts of public funds and this is seen as normal; businessmen have been carrying out illegal activity etc etc. THIS IS WHAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION ARE TAUGHT TO FOLLOW, so why should they bother to learn anything at school. If it wasn’t for the hardworking Jamaicans, honest people, our many young people in the field of sports and some other endeavours Jamaica would be in complete disgrace. The large numbers of corrupt and criminal elements in so-called “top strata” is where the source of our problem lies.

It is this section that needs to be exposed. Imagine if the garrison people and others begin to expose the knowledge they have of the dangerous activity of these people. But there needs to be a movement for a better Jamaica part of which is to DISCUSS the criminal behaviour of this section on sites such as this one. For instance my family have been in a 10 year battle to get our funds from a teefin “big-shot” attorney (retired) called GRESFORD JONES, yes the one whose daughter Sonia Jones was imprisoned for a big fraud a few years ago. Derek Jones is son is that prominent attorney at Myers, Fletcher and Gordon. Having won the case, we still don’t have our funds returned yet and this is precisely because he has friends in the hierarchy in the legal system.

I think such internet message boards like this can be a useful tool to expose and discuss the activity of these FOOLS who are bringing such chaos and death to our lovely little country. AND I AM SURE IT WOULD MAKE VERY VERY INTERESTING DISCUSSION.

Jamaica Excels In Helsinki

2005-08-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jamaica Excels in Helsinki
Kevon Campbell

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By Kevon Campbell
August 17, 2005

Officials and two athletes from Jamaica’s delegation to the recently concluded 10th IAAF World Track and Field Championships held in Helsinki, arrived back in Jamaica yesterday to a warm reception. Jamaica claimed 8 medals at the championships, with only the United States, Russia and Ethiopia garnering more medals. Jamaican Minister of Sport Portia Simpson Miller, in welcoming the contingent, proudly acknowledged that Jamaica finished in the top 10 of three categories - third-place in the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) points standing; fourth in the medal count; and ninth in the ranking of medals
Lets place this in perspective. Of the over 200 countries entering these championships, Jamaica finished third overall. Jamaica, which is 10,991 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Connecticut, won more medals than the likes of France, Spain, Great Britain, China and Australia. It is this same Jamaica, usually no more than a dot on the world map, that was the only country to participate in all four-relay finals, medalling in all but one, where they placed fourth after a photo finish.

In the world of track and field, Jamaica has always been known as the “sprint factory”, producing greats such as Merlene Ottey and Donald Quarrie. This tradition has been upheld with the likes of World 100m record holder Asafa Powell, and Olympic 200m Champion Veronica Campbell
. What is very intriguing though, is that the title of sprint factory, though still applicable, no longer describes the gamut of track and field talent that currently exists in Jamaica. One needs to look no further but at World Triple jump champion, Trecia Smith, another Jamaican.

Many young stars have emerged to fly the Jamaican flag high. Big things are expected of 18 yr old Usain Bolt, the World Junior Record holder at 200m. Despite running out of the dreaded lane one, Bolt seemed destined for a medal in the 200m finals, but pulled up going down the straight. One is left to see how young Bolt recovers from this, and he should no doubt live up to expectations next time around.
Another young star out of Jamaica is Asafa Powell, who has yet to prove himself in a major world final despite being the 100m world record holder. Powell finished fifth at the Athens Olympics, after going into the 100m finals with the best times of that year. To add further disappointment, Powell got injured just before the World Championships, eliminating the sense of anticipation of a Justin Gatlin–Asafa Powell showdown. Of course Gatlin, born of Jamaican parents and coached by a Jamaican, went on to win the 100m finals and add the World Championship crown to his Olympic victory.

That little island just south of Cuba has achieved wonders despite its size and economic capabilities. So much is expected by the Jamaican population whenever an athlete takes the track, that disappointment in poor performances is often piercing. One is left to wonder how much better the Jamaicans could get, if proper training centres and equipment were to become widely available in Jamaica. The island is overwhelmed with talent in many areas, and their wonderful performance in Helsinki, is just a slight indication of the glut of talent that Jamaica possesses.

Federal Communication Commission "Dictating" To Jamaica

2005-08-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

So once again the USA through the arm of the FCC is trying to bully Jamaica. Can you imagine they have trying to DICTATE to our government how our own laws are set.

I am regularly a critic of our government (Jamaican) mainly when they create policies that affect the average person in Jamaica (negatively). Now our government, no matter what, decided to capitalise on the amount of international calls that are made to Jamaica from overseas, so the American telecommunication companies knowing very well that they are the ones who run America have filed a petition to the FCC to get our government to reduce the tax made on calls terminated in Jamaica.

The government implimented the tax in a effort to subsidise the free education initiave that they are trying to re-introduce in an effort to get our people more educated. We are not blessed to have benefited positively from slavely which resulted in countries such as Spain, France, the Great Britain and the British child (the great USA) to be able to build strong economies from the benefits and spoils obtained from slavery. I will not prolong the slavery issue any longer.

So I am upset that they are tying to undermine our countries administration, even though I make frequent calls home. I respect the laws of my counrty(Jamaica) and also that of my host country the "great USA".

SO Mr. FCC please leave our little country alone, we are trying to improve our educational system. I guess it is called capitalism, squeeze the poor to get richer. There is one thing that you forgot. Guess what? we are a capitalist society also!!

"SHOULD SEAGA BE NAMED NATIONAL HERO?"

2005-08-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

I am appauled and disgusted even by the letter that proposes that Edward Seaga should be a national hero. I was so angry when I saw the letter that I felt like not reading the Observer today. I read the Observer on a daily basis.

It is obvious to me that Bloom Harris does not know a darn thing about Jamaicas history, but as far as I am concerned Jamaica has lacked leadership over the last 40 or so years. I am 26 years old and I do not profess that I am a guru as far as it relates to Jamaicas politics but as far as I have read I beleive that Edward Seaga and Michael Manley are to be blamed to a certain extent for the current state of Jamaicas economy. Edward Seaga is more so to be blamed because he is the one that sided with Ronald Reagan during the cold war period when they thought that Jamaica was going to become a communist country, I don't beleive that I beleive that Michael Manley saw an economically independent Jamaica, and that was what he strove for and which we would have been. Due in part to that relationship, guns and ammunition was able to enter our country with help from outside sources to arm Seagas slaves and likewise PNP got wepons through from his sources. I will not name sources here, as I have no solid proof but, the findings are well accepted.

I am disappointed because it is people like BLOOM HARRIS and millions of other Jamaicans who who sit around on their behinds and allow the the Patterson administration to waste hard working poor tax payers money and come talking abot "youthful exhurberance". I am angry, because it is the same PJ that was involved in the Shell Scandal, it is Seaga that borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars and simply forgot to repay.

Our leadsers are a big joke, nonsense! I feel like throwing up with the simple mention of their names, I tell them they better wake up and stop stealing our money, we love Jamaica and we will protect our land and it's interests...JAHMEKYAH .. Don't forget, we are dead serious. Bloom Harris go to sleep and all you other stupid people who feel the same way.

"FIGHTING CRIME IN JAMAICA"

2005-08-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

I hope that the commissioner and other decision makers will take a read and if these methods are implemented I am sure that they will reap success.

How To Stem Crime In Cities

Recruit educated Social Scientist from the University to analyze the crimes committed and by what means (for example if guns type of guns). Once that is identified the police need to then develop a strategy to curb such violence. Since most of the crimes are committed in cities, the police need to set up a strategy to identify all routes leading to and particular communities and then set up rigid road blocks and search vehicles. Say a community is known to commit crimes. They should find out times crimes are most likely to be committed, by whom, what are they using etc, so as to paint a good image of the type of persons and what mode of transportation is normally used among other things.

The police should also utilize computer educated personnel to join he ranks or utilize the institutions who provide computer learning such as UTECH to design computer programs to help in their policing efforts. The police high command can put in a program encouraging persons, who say have developed the best computer program that assists in law enforcement can get a reward and if the computer programs is/are applicable it will be leased or purchased. We have all the resources in place to help ourselves and generate employment for our people at the same time.

Criminals that are caught should be thoroughly interrogated by trained Psychologists to solicit information from suspects and the suggested plea bargaining method can be used as a tool, to even acquire more information.

Use more intelligence, the Police themselves can act as undercover drug pushers or gun purchasers and identify the source of such weapons and they can utilize small cameras recorders and whatever technology that is out there as means for obtaining proof.

Since we don’t make guns in Jamaica and some of the weapons I see featured in crimes are high powered weapons, Government needs to put in place an intelligence network to reach the suppliers of such weapons, which most likely the roots are in the USA and bring suit against such persons, who are implicated in the export of such weapons.

Crime In Rural Areas
The authorities should move now, there is no reason for such to be allowed to escalate, almost every community in Jamaica is covered by at least one of the major cell phone networks. People should be encouraged to call the Police and report suspicious looking individuals and the police must act so as to send a strong signal. We have to end the type of policing we have in Jamaica where we only act when our “behinds” are under fire and not when the various elements are being put together.

Highways and criminal networks

The authorities should also put in place methods to deal with increased inter-parish commute and the ease at which criminals can move from one end of the Island and commit a crime and move back undetected. Therefore, I am suggesting increased border patrol and highway patrol especially at exits and entrances to the major thoroughfares and again more research needs to be carried out so that the police develop an accurate picture of what they are dealing.
I also believe that with the Government should look at installing spike strips on some of the major highways as a means fro catching criminals and shortening high speed chases.
We need to utilize the brilliant minds in our society we can help ourselves to overcome any obstacle we may face. As my mom would say, “…trust in God, everything happens for a good reason”. Jamaica, we will overcome. Congratulations to Asafa Powell, we feel even prouder to be JAMAICAN.

This is my opinion © 2005

"IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP, OH BEAUTIFUL JAMAICA"

2005-08-15T01:20:00.000-07:00

I am longing for the time when all of this nonsense in Jamaica will end. It is time for Jamaica to end the stupidity of “don-man-ship” politics. I have long been a fierce critic of any politician that controls garrison communities, as we Jamaicans know what is taking place there.

It is time that Jamaicans let all the politicians know that once they are supporters of these criminal and terrorist networks, which goes far beyond the shackled communities that they have created and of which they have lost control, they will not be tolerated by the Jamaican public. Jamaicans here and abroad are FED UP and DISGUSTED.

Strategies
I am no social scientist or trained professional in area of criminal Justice, but I believe that we Jamaicans need to be prepared and should be willing to surrender some of our freedom. In the sense that the Government should implement measures so that monies entering our country can be traced, also individuals who are caught with exorbitant amount of cash should validate where they got their money; by valid documentations such as receipts and proof that they are paying their taxes. Suspicious account holders should be monitored to see the activities that they are carrying out. From where are these murderers getting their money? We need to set up a system so that we can track money that is entering and flowing in peoples hands and where that money is being spent. We can’t have guys who do not work riding around on bikes costing near $1,000,000 JAD. Where do they get the money? Extortion?

When these menaces are caught with money that they cannot account for and are convicted, the money that was seized should be either plowed back into the communities are be added to strategies to combating crime, such as the purchasing of new technology. They should also amend the constitution so that all that individuals assets will be seized, such as land, house etc. The authorities need to send a strong signal to the people that they will not be tolerated.

We need to have better security. Why it that so much pressure is is being put on persons carrying a few “vegetables” with them overseas yet the bearers of guns go “scotch free”? Do we make guns in Jamaica? We barely make plastic!

We need to educate our people and make sure that they understand the economics behind their actions; whether they are law-abiding citizens or people who create a safe haven for these criminals. I am sure that some of them (criminals and terrorists) do not care about what they do because they are prepared to die. The truth on the other hand, no one really wants to die.

These criminals carry out their illegal activities with the confidence that they will not be caught. We need to create a more intelligence driven policing. We need to get rid of the notion that someone can do one or two exams and become police officers. We need to encourage and want police officers to go to college and be trained in courses such as sociology and psychology. We need to utilize the brilliant minds that are being wasted. The mind, as we all agree is an infinite resource. We should strive to develop educated and achievement-driven individuals.

More entrepreneurship is definitely needed in Jamaica, but with the current climate of crime, extortion, high interest rates and fear, it is not conducive to such activities. We have so many people who could have turned their ideas into opportunities, for the creation of wealth and well being in our country that are forced instead to see these [ideas] as mere delusions and for the many of us who are aspiring, shed tears and bleed in our hearts because of what is happening.

Taxes
Mr. Politician, corporations, partnerships, mommas and papas we need to pay our taxes. I am in agreement with Mr. Surrige that everyone should pay his or her taxes. It is appalling how importers are cooking the books to cut the taxes that they should pay and also those who are collecting GCT and not paying it over. I am disappointed because it always “Mr. Poor” who has to pay for the inefficiencies of our elected officials. Mr. Davies, it’s not only a matter of collecting more, it should be a matter of collecting what is owed to you and to be efficient at it. Since we all want better schools, better policing and better amenities that comes with the “good life” then we all need to play our part in remaking Jamaica.

Jamaicans
Law abiding Jamaicans, we have nowhere to go, let’s take back our country, good always triumphs over evil. We the law abiding people of Jamaica need to put our hearts and minds together. It should not matter whether you are in Arnett Gardens or Cherry Gardens; we are all Jamaicans and we want to feel good about our country. We are proud to be Jamaicans and I am sure that with peace and unity, prosperity and security guaranteed for all we will make Jamaica the envy of other nations