Quantcast
Channel: Jamaica Observer
Viewing all 9214 articles
Browse latest View live

It doesn't have to all go up in smoke

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

As a father and a smoker, I am extremely proud of the efforts made by the students of Campion College and other high schools to collect signatures on the petition to ban smoking in public spaces.

It is in this light I wish to submit this proposal to the members of the House of Parliament, particularly the Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson as to how the Tobacco Control Act could be improved.

In doing this, however, rather than trying to paint smokers as suicidal monsters who are intent on killing the society, it is important for all to realise that smokers are among the most heavily taxed citizens in this country.

Additionally, it is important to realise that for many micro-business owners, the sale of a single pack or two of cigarettes per day is of significant importance. It is this money which will contribute to the buying of something to eat and sending their children to school.

It is my view that the Tobacco Control Act should:

* Forbid smoking in any and all gatherings where there are non-smokers.

* Forbid smoking in the proximity of children and pregnant women.

* Forbid smoking in shared environments, excluding beer and wine gardens, parks and beaches; the rule against smoking in any and all gatherings where there are non-smokers remains in force here, except in dedicated smoking areas.

* Give the consumer the right to choose between smoking and non-smoking bars and clubs.

* Reduce the costs of spirit licences and other compulsory payments to the State made by non-smoking or smoke-free bars and clubs, while increasing those fees to bars and clubs which permit smoking.

It is my sincere view that such an Act would be supported and enforced by both the smoking and non-smoking public alike, and by club and bar operators regardless of their locations and/or size or invested capital.

It is also my view that an Act so structured could be supported by all members of the House of Parliament, religious or non-religious.

As pointed out elsewhere, the intention of the Act is good, however the approach taken to bring it into force is at best disrespectful and dangerous.

Let us work together to save the good and noble intentions of our children and encourage them to continue their activism in this and other areas. In doing this, we will ensure that when we do good we leave behind a generation which is capable of continuing where we left off.

Basil Fletcher

BasilAksumite@hotmail.com

It doesn't have to all go up in smoke

-->

Let's return virtue to track and field

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I am saddened by the doping scandal involving Jamaican athletes.

Historically, sports was considered to be a virtue-making machine. The values that correspond with sports were considered to go hand in hand with those of a person of integrity and faith. Today, however, sports is increasingly associated with violence, drugs, sex, racism, cheating, and money. Athletes are worshipped today for the money they make, for their on-field violence, for their off-field partying, for their egos and bravado that includes fighting, celebratory dances, strutting and posturing.

Technical and athletic aspects of certain sports have given way to steroid physiques, tattoos and various forms of intimidation. At one time only sailors and bikers wore tattoos. Today, footballers have helped bring these crude images of a decadent society into the mainstream. Our media helps promote and legitimise this mentality by glorifying athletic fighting and violence in a colourful and entertaining way. Vince Lombardi, former coach of the Super Bowl-winning Green Bay Packers football team, spoke for a generation when he said: "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing."

Ultimately, sports should be a vehicle to develop good character; to make people courageous, loyal, generous losers, and gracious victors. We have to recover these original principles of sports so that we can work together to forge greater bonds between people and help overcome the real and terrible social problems of our time such as abortion, homosexuality, pornography, same-sex marriage, genetic manipulation, human trafficking, the depletion of the earth's resources, poverty, famine, and illness.

Paul Kokoski

Ontario, Canada

Let's return virtue to track and field

-->

Give Bustamante High School a chance

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

The Bustamante High School, located in Lionel Town, Clarendon, is trying to survive in spite of the challenges that it faces. The school encounters a lot of problems that I know are not unique.

First, it has a major shortage in classroom space and school furniture. This is compounded by the fact that it is situated in a community where some of the members seem intent on extorting the school in every way that they can.

The school is not well supported by parents as the Parent Teachers' Association meetings have a better attendance from the 50 plus staff members than of the parent population for the over 1,100 students. The teachers contend with class sizes of over 45 students in most cases, but continue to do their best. In terms of academic qualifications, approximately 85 per cent of the teaching staff hold a first degree or higher, so knowledge is not in short supply.

My main reason for writing this letter is that I am sick and tired of the people who know nothing about what goes on at the school, who never took the time to visit the school to acquire information about the school for themselves, spreading propaganda about its staff and students by any means possible. These persons speak with "such authority" that others tend to buy into their false stories. The principal and her staff are making significant strides in changing the school.

The school, just like many upgraded high schools, is faced with some problems, but just like Denbigh High School — the most highly rated upgraded high school in the parish — they are working to overcome the obstacles and to one day shine.

What I would love for these detractors to do is to find a way to support the school and its efforts to make a difference in educating the students, in spite of where they are from. The school gets students who have a lot of challenges, both behavioural and educational, even some with disabilities, and the staff makes the best of the situation.

Also, I would love for the educators in some of the primary schools to desist from encouraging students not to choose Bustamante High as one of their GSAT choices. In the last five years, between 2008 and 2013, the school has received close to 1,500 pupils through GSAT placement, and of that number less than 45 students have an average of 50 per cent and above, and more than 50 per cent are reading at two to three grades below their level. The number of student reading at the pre-primary level is unbelievable considering it's a high school.

But even though the school gets the students at that level, like other schools, there is a success story to tell. In 2009, the school got a number of students passing six CSEC subjects and more, in 2010 there was one person who left with 10 CSEC subjects, another with 11 subjects, and another got nine. There were, too, a number of students passing six subjects. In 2011, a young lady got 11 CSEC subjects along with other successes. The school has done very well in 4-H Club competitions, they have won environment competitions and football competitions at the parish level. And, they recently placed in the top ten of the islandwide i3 Innovation Ideas Ingenuity competition.

So as the school waits patiently for the 2013 CSEC results, the success story is on track for a new chapter to be added. So detractors change your tune and become a supporter and let the educating of the nation's youth at Bustamante High continue.

A Bustamante High School Supporter

bessblesswane@hotmail.com

Give Bustamante High School a chance

-->

JDF Coast Guard urges safety at sea

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard remains committed to its primary role of search and rescue in Jamaica and urges all users of the maritime space to practise basic safety precautions at all times, and especially in this, the hurricane season.

As the designated coordination centre for maritime search and rescue in Jamaica, the JDF Coast Guard coordinates and responds, as required, to all mariners in distress at sea.

International conventions and the local shipping act, with its attendant regulations, prescribe basic safety precautions and requirements for mariners. When these safety precautions are not adhered to however, mariners make it increasingly difficult for rescue coordination centres to execute their duties, and thereby put their lives at risk.

These basic safety precautions include proper preparation for a sea journey by adhering to meteorological and small craft warnings issued by the national authorities, the use of proper navigation equipment, as well as the carriage of personal safety devices such as life vests and other floatation devices. They also include distress signalling devices such as flares and mirrors, as well as radios or fully charged cellular phones.

Notwithstanding the mandated responsibility for adequate preparation for sea journeys, the JDF Coast Guard is committed to saving lives at sea, and will always respond appropriately to distress calls that we receive.

Commander David Chin-Fong

Commanding Officer, JDF Coast Guard

HMJS Cagway, Port Royal

JDF Coast Guard urges safety at sea

-->

Stop playing the blame-game, minister

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I write in response to a report in last Thursday's edition of the Jamaica Observer entitled, "JDIP contractors paid -- Davies", which as far as I am concerned is totally misleading.

Contrary to the scenario presented in said report, it is important to note that China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) can only make payments to local contractors upon the presentation of project certificates approved by the National Works Agency (NWA), the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) and the Ministry of Transport and Works (MOTW). In addition to that, all requests must be accompanied by the Government's contractual obligation to pay a fee of 15 per cent on all contracts undertaken by local contractors. China Harbour cannot and will not forward any request to China Ex-Im Bank for payment unless all documentation from the NWA is properly presented along with the 15 per cent fee.

It logically follows therefore, that delays in executing payment to local contractors are due to tardiness on the part of the NWA, RMF and the MOTW in furnishing the requisite information and payment of the 15 per cent in a timely manner, as required, pursuant to the arrangement.

Indeed, China Harbour has been very helpful to the process by undertaking to discharge advance payments provided that the Ex-Im Bank of China accepts the documentation. This avoids having to wait until the actual payment is received from China Ex-Im Bank, thereby averting undue delays and inconvenience to contractors.

Against this background, it is extremely unfair, if not disingenuous, for Minister Davies to suggest that any delay in payments to contractors engaged in the execution of works is due to tardiness or inaction on the part of China Harbour when, in fact, the fault really lies in his own shop and that of the Ministry of Finance, which has not been discharging its 15-per cent payment obligation on a timely basis.

And if all of this were not bad enough, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) has got stuck. That is to say, it is highly unlikely that any new projects will be undertaken under the JEEP in 2013. The MOTW is operating on a shoestring budget, devoid of any funding to finance the start of any JEEP projects.

In addition, the ministry is strapped for funds to undertake any routine maintenance of roads, gullies or drains in any meaningful manner. And amid this absence of routine maintenance work, no new projects can be undertaken until the existing JDIP projects have been completed.

The public should note with interest that the contract for the widely celebrated successor programme to JDIP, the National Development Infrastructure Programme (NDIP) has not been signed, and is unlikely to be signed this calendar year.

The minister would be advised and encouraged to take greater care in proving updates and other forms of information to the public, while monitoring closely developments within his purview so that the State apparatus can function in a seamless, efficient and effective manner.

Karl Samuda, CD, MP

Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Works & Infrastructure Development

Stop playing the blame-game, minister

-->

Bunting's mistake will hurt us big time

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

Minister Peter Bunting erred in two major ways with regard to the recent aired A&E documentary entitled American Gangster:

1. In being a participant

2. Believing that only the former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his Cabinet would have been negatively affected.

From the minister's statements one can conclude that he implicated:

1. the Government of the 1990s, led by former Prime Minister P.J Patterson, since Christopher Coke came to prominence in 1990.

2. the current Government led by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. The annual corruption index published by Transparency International is 3.3. It has being the same since 2010.

3. all Jamaicans locally and those residing overseas.

Washing your dirty linen in public, especially internationally, is not an activity that our leaders, especially a senior member, should be doing, be it JLP or PNP. It is tantamount to the saying "cutting off your nose to spite your face".

Investors worldwide know that Jamaica is suffering from a high level of corruption, crime and violence, but for a leading member of Parliament, one who has the portfolio responsibility for life and death of Jamaicans, to come out smiling then tell the world that one of Jamaica's important institutions was under the control of a known don is extremely unfortunate. If I was a potential investor, I would be saying to myself, "if shark come from the seabed and tell me that there is a volcanic eruption down there, it must be true."

Jamaica will suffer financially since investors are rational. Many of them may be at this time erasing Jamaica from their lists as a potential location for their investments. The recent Transparency International Report, which measures the level of corruption that exists within a country, gave Jamaica a 3.3 rating, same as 2010 and 2011. This report indicates that nothing effective has been done to reduce the practice of corrupt activities within the public sector. In a recent Latin American study, Jamaica is seen as one of the most corrupt countries in the Western Hemisphere. The leaders of this country must focus on removing this monster from all our institutions by legislating and enforcing appropriate laws. If they fail to do so, we will never achieve economic growth rate above 0.5 in the best of times and negative growth rates in the worst of times.

Kirkland Anderson

kranderson@ncu.edu.jm

Bunting's mistake will hurt us big time

-->

Doping for the gold and the glory

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

"Doping in sport is a cancer; it undermines the credibility of what we see. It unfairly tilts the playing field in favour of those who cheat" according to former head of the United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth.

The call for high school athletes to be tested for drugs by the prime minister recently is not new. As far back as 2006 the then president of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Clement Radcliffe called for the testing of athletes participating in our annual Boys' and Girls' Championships. I wonder now if Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is on to something now, and for Radcliffe then it was mere intuition. This Radcliffe call was never revisited, taken seriously and acted upon in the interest of maintaining the integrity and credibility of Brand Jamaica's track and field. Now the higher profile prime minister's call may be heeded.

I am not fully supportive of this testing as I see it as literally blaming and punishing the victims who are merely poor, ignorant and impressionable students who are interested at this stage in running, jumping or throwing to the best of their abilities. The 21-year-old discus thrower and bronze medallist at the recent World Youth Championship Travis Smikle, who turned in a positive for a diuretic or masking agent, I believe, is a victim, unless otherwise proven.

All our coaches, athletes, parents, interested persons and friends of athletes should familiarise themselves with the World Anti-Doping Agency. Teaching institutions with special emphasis on G C Foster which specialises in the training of coaches must have this as a part of their curriculum. When this is done coaches, physiotherapists, medical personnel, school principals and/or any other concerned persons who are found guilty of aiding and abetting doping, covering up or tampering with investigations should get a life ban. A good example I have seen comes from the sport of horse racing, where the guilty is even banned from going to the race track. Offending sports personnel should be likewise banned from coaching or associating with any sports.

The truth is, being a top-tier athlete, as Justin Gatlin once said, is like "walking on eggshells". He also used to say, "it is possible to stay clean and win." Both messages need to be the substance and part of any education campaign against doping in sports, recognising that there are those who will risk doping for the gold and the glory.

Michael Spence

micspen2@hotmail.com

Doping for the gold and the glory

-->

Let's change JA's name, flag and symbols

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

The name of any country should say something about the people who have always lived in it. A most fitting honour for us, I think, would be to honour the first known inhabitants of this country. I think we should restore the name that our country's first inhabitants gave to this country. Let's change Jamaica's name to Xaymaca.

I also think that our flag should be more representative of who we really are and who we should aspire to be. While the colours and their meanings can remain the same, if we are truly proud to be black, then that colour is greatly under-represented in our present flag. A proud people should want to have their colour being the dominant one.

Also, we should have a national symbol that can be instantly associated with us. Many proud nations adopted a symbol that is instantly associated with them. The Soviets had their hammer and sickle, the Germans had their swastika, the Israelis have their star of David, and the Indians have their spinning wheel. Even tiny Barbados has its three-pronged fork. Our national symbol should be placed in the flag.

I propose that our national symbol be a diagonal cross, coloured green and gold. Each of its four arms should be arrowed at the ends. This will symbolise our desire to grow; not just economically, but in influence, both regionally and global. The cross itself will signify our name — Xaymaca.

We should replace our national symbols like the Coat of Arms with ones that have this national symbol in the background.

I have always thought that our current flag looks too Scottish and doesn't really represent us. This proposed flag seems like a more fitting representation of us.

Michael A Dingwall

Kingston

Let's change JA's name, flag and symbols

-->

Hope Zoo — out of reach

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I was shocked and horrified to see the increased prices to visit Hope Zoo. What can possibly justify this? Where is the reasoning? This seems to be a case of cruelty to humans.

Certainly, I, a die-hard animal lover from birth, will now have to be content with visiting the Hope Zoo about once every six months to a year. And the other day I actually wrote about the Hope Zoo and possible price increases for visitors, thinking that $500.00 was a bit steep, but still manageable for some of us. So much for that! Can't imagine how distant the Hope Zoo dream now will be for most of our population. Such a pity.

I am sure Lucas the Lion, when he lets out his magnificent, yet embarrassing belch every afternoon after his expensive daily meal, will also be glad that: 'Oh, the relief! No-one is here to hear me.

Sadan Tayad

Kingston 10

Hope Zoo — out of reach

-->

Some more equal...

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

It was supposed to be a night of good, clean fun, with maybe a joke or two at the mispronunciation of certain words on Twitterland, as on Sunday most of Jamaica watched the 2013 staging of the annual Miss Jamaica World coronation, and gave feedback on the happenings of the night.

Then it happened.

Dr Dayton Campbell, People's National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for North West St Ann decided he would weigh in on the figure of a particular contestant. With the most ill-placed reference he could have possibly chosen he remarked that the young lady's figure was like that of the Jamaican economy.

What this figure is exactly, he didn't say, but it surely wasn't interpreted as the Coca-Cola bottle shape. Naturally, Twitter 'broke' when this comment made the rounds, and people laced Dr Campbell with harsh criticism for his tweet — especially due to the fact that his party currently governs the country and, in the eyes of the public, should be held largely responsible for the state of ruin in which the economy now stands.

Being a Twitter user myself, I believe everyone has the right to use social media; but I have come to learn more and more — as George Orwell wrote in his book, Animal Farm — everyone is equal, but some more equal than others. Though Dr Campbell later apologised for his distasteful tweet, saying to whom much is given, much is expected, the damage had already been done.

Members of Government and people of high esteem and rank in society ought to use social media responsibly, as their lives are constantly under the country's microscope. Yes, they are normal people like all of us, and are certainly allowed to have and voice personal opinions, but how and where they voice them will not be treated like the rest of society.

If more of these irresponsible tweets keep happening, I'm sure PNP Mayor of Kingston Angela Brown Burke will not be the only one looking on and asking "What the F...?!"

Alwayne Allen

allenalwayne@gmail.com

Not again!

-->

Success requires more than the classroom

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

The Minister of Education seems disturbed by the fact that schools in which the assessment of teachers have been positive, the educational outcomes of students have not been satisfactory.

The truth is that the data showing the outcomes in various schools leads to only one logical conclusion: students can attend any school in the country and and do well. However, it is also true that students can attend these same institutions and fail.

To help him understand why this is so, the minister should revisit the programme he hosted at Campion College while they were celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. During the programme he interviewed a master teacher of English, who explained why her students did well. It was not unusual, she said that when she entered an English literature class on the first day of the school year, she would discover that all her students had already read all the prescribed texts over the summer holidays. She went on to say that on parents' day she would normally be able to meet all the parents of her students. She was not trying to take credit for this, nor was she claiming that some superior type of leadership at the school produced this effect. The point she made was that all her students had a support system beyond the classroom that served to reinforce what she did. I can assure the minister that if he could populate all the schools with such students the outcomes would be just as marvellous.

The observation which he made at the CXC awards ceremony is something else that he should revisit. The students who populated the function came from almost every high school in the country. I would suggest to him that these students differ from their less-successful classmates in that they have support systems beyond the classroom similar to that of Campion College students. What he and the JTA need to discuss is how to help those students who are not getting the support system that their more-successful schoolmates have.

My advice to the minister and his advisors is to spend less time looking at the differences between schools and instead focus on the differences between successful students and their less successful classmates. You will find them in the same schools. The absence of adequate support systems beyond the classroom will not be solved by making it easier to fire teachers, and improving the quality of pedagogy will only marginally improve outcomes if the problem is not solved. He should then revisit a suggestion made by Mr Seaga in an article in this newspaper, that we establish a 'boarding school style' system of prep after school. Such a system would take the form of organising students into collaborative study groups supervised by a few teachers. This is what he and the JTA should be arguing about.

R Howard Thompson

Mandeville, Manchester

howardthompson507@yahoo.com

Success requires more than the classroom

-->

That smoking ban and lewd lyrics

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I must congratulate the Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, for the banning of smoking in public places. That's a good move. It should have been done long ago, but it's better late than never.

Chain-smokers should lift their caps to the minister, for doing such a marvellous thing; and I see it as a positive restriction of their bad habits, of smoking too much. It can also be a stepping stone for them to break the habit. So, don't become very angry or curse any bad word, when you can't get a cigarette to smoke; because, it's for your own good.

Furthermore, the banning of smoking in public places can be an advantage to good health, and a lengthening to a person's lifespan. For example, Tom Jones spends eight hours, every day, at a public environment, doing his business; but during those periods of time, he is accustomed to smoking a whole pack of cigarette, or more, each day — destroying his health — and, quite likely: a certain set-up for lungs-cancer; but now, he cannot do so. You see the difference? He should be glad and happy.

It is said that hard-ears people always feel: smoking is like when a person is gambling with his or her life — damaging your health. The more you become addicted to smoking or puffing away, it's the more you are setting yourself up for serious trouble — or a dreaded disease called lungs- cancer, or death. Am I right?

What make matters worse: some smokers have bad manners. At times, it would seem as if they are going to blow you away, as they purposefully allow the smoke to flow in your presence. So, banning smoking in public places is an excellent move.

Smoking is hazardous to health — don't overdo; or quit the habit; beat the temptation.

Let us take it a little further: There should also be a complete banning on lewd, slack music and videos, in public places. And those who are uttering indecent language in public places should be charged; because, sometimes we hear the dirtiest words being used, by disrespectful people — even in the presence of the elders, who could be their grandfather and grandmother, is a terrible disgrace.

Foul language and dirty music, should have no place, in any society; and these negative deeds are detrimental to children, and will poison their young minds.

Donald J McKoy

donaldmckoy2010@yahoo.com

That smoking ban and lewd lyrics

-->

I am not delighted, NHT

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I have been a contributor to the National Housing Trust (NHT) for years. I have never benefited from the NHT. I recently applied online for a refund. As far as I am aware, every cent that I have contributed since July of 1992 is mine to reclaim with interest, and that the same should be returned to me in short order.

I was contacted via email and was informed that my bank account would have been credited on or before July 5, 2013. I visited the Mandeville branch of the NHT on July 9, after checks with my bank revealed that no funds were deposited. I was told that the process was well underway and that it was likely that I would receive my money by July 12; that did not happen. I revisited the Mandeville branch on July 15; this time I was told that the application was at the verification stage (final stage) and my account would likely be credited by July 19. That too did not happen.

My most recent visit was on July 23. I was told that my application was cancelled. The ridiculous explanation given was that my seven-year application included a year for which I previously applied — never mind the other six years.

I was never contacted by the NHT. I was never informed via any media of this "development". My application was just cancelled.

A quick check on the NHT's website under "What to expect from us" outlined, "We promise all our customers the highest standards of service. Your queries, loan requests, suggestions, and complaints will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, integrity and care. You will be treated with respect by all our staff with whom you come in contact. Our aim is to delight you". I am not delighted.

I was amused to learn that, "The NHT won in 2011 and has repeated that achievement on July 11, 2013, walking away with the public sector's most-coveted Prime Minister's Trophy for the Best Customer Service Entity".

In light of the gross disservice I received from this award-winning agency, I would love to know: Why was there no notification of a cancellation of my application? Why was my application cancelled in the first place? Why will I need to wait "a few" weeks before reapplying? What happened to my contribution over the years? And, should contributors to the NHT begin to panic?

Daren Larmond

optilearn1@yahoo.com

I am not delighted, NHT

-->

Time for action of some kind

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

It is time we see an Egyptian, Brazilian-style protest against our Government to hold elected public officials accountable. Citizens who are disaffected with Government should put aside their green and orange shirts and join against the enemies of the people, ie (JLPNP) parties, special interest/professional groups that feed off the country and the ruling class in the upper crust of society.

Our ruling PNP, and alternately the JLP, governments at time operate like the Muslim Brother government of Egypt. Like the now ex-President Morsi of Egypt, the PNP and the JLP conveniently forgot that democracy is for all citizens and that democracy does not end at the voting booth. In Egypt the democratic elected Morsi government, operates like a dictatorship. They (the Morsi, Muslim Brotherhood

Government) passed legislations into laws that suit only their party and groups with scant regard for the civil and other rights of other citizens.

In our country, time and again, we see public officials from the JLPNP Government(s) blatantly breaking the laws of the land because, as the always claim, "their action is for the good/betterment of the country".

We see the present Minister of Health passing a smoking ban on the nation without a debate in the Parliament. When taken to task about the "no debate" on the law, Minister Ferguson conceded that there were missteps enacting the smoking-ban law, but told all and sundry that he is not backing down. How come?!

Like in Egypt it is time to sign a petition to recall our elected representatives and the Government -- if it can be constitutionally done. And like in Brazil, we should have mass protest against corruption and the non accountability of government and public officials..

Authnel Reid

authnelreid@optonline.net

Time for action of some kind

-->

Lack of regard for Jamaican women

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I am of the firm view that the comments by Member of Parliament Dr Dayton Campbell in response to a particular contestant winning the sectional prize for best figure in the recently concluded Miss Jamaica World Competition were most unfortunate and irresponsible and show a complete lack of regard for Jamaican women.

It brings to the fore issues of gender discrimination and sexism that Jamaican women face every day.

To think, the fact that this young lady displayed the level of patriotism to enter a competition in a bid to represent our country on the world stage, as Minister Hanna did back in 1993, escaped the mind of Dr Campbell, is regrettable. As such, rather than lauding the contestant for aspiring to lift brand Jamaica, Dr Campbell merely saw her as fair game, to be ridiculed.

Dr Campbell must always be cognisant of the fact that 'with great power comes great responsibility', and that as a Member of Parliament, he must always be on his best behaviour and give our Jamaican women the respect they deserve.

Whatever the shape of any Jamaican woman, they remain the backbone of our society, our caregivers, our mothers and the very heartbeat of our nation.

I trust that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, the Minister of Youth and Culture and the other women of the PNP will chastise the MP for his misguided and disrespectful remarks.

Ronique Rhoden

Gender Affairs Chairperson

Generation 2000 (G2K)

Kingston 6

Lack of regard for Jamaican women

-->

University no longer about the enlightened

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

I have spent one year at university already — a year that flew past very quickly. While there I have made some interesting observations and now I am left to wonder at the 'intelligent' people that attend these halls of learning.

I have said to some acquaintances, that if a degree did not have any weight in the world many of these persons would not attend university.

Yes, it is to be more competitive worldwide and elevate one's learning. But what are they elevating? As one increases in age and education, the inclination should be towards the finer points in life. The choice of clothing, music and companions should reflect on a person.

I do concede that people are creatures of habit, which over time evolve into specific character traits and the environment plays a part in this process.

But once a person submits, for example to playing loud, derogatory and lewd music, while walking on campus, from a device audible to all, is not reflective of a change of thinking. The clothing, or absence thereof, in some of these classrooms forces one to wonder what actually goes on in the students' mind, especially females. Do they think they are at home? And the outrageous make-up jobs, nails and hairstyle on persons who are not fully employed or found some questionable means to fund these beauty regimes. I sure hope they do well in their studies nonetheless — or not, just a thought.

The unprintables that are emitted from persons training their minds to become employable professionals are very distasteful. Quite nonchalantly these words have been shouted in ecstasy, anger, enjoyment and tirades against 'the eediat lecturers who don't know nothing' over a 'bad' grade. Some of these persons do it for fun.

I do not want it to be said that this is objective; as there are always complete opposites and anomalies to these facts of which I am proud to be. Maybe I have maladjusted to the environment. Or my world view is different from the reality that exists. However it remains that the prestige that surrounds the university level now seems diminished. Not from mistakes or changes in policies, but from the 'intelligent' academics.

Colette Campbell

rastarjamaica@yahoo.com

University no longer about the enlightened

-->

Thanks, PBC, for your contribution to joy

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

From the bottom of my heart, I want to congratulate the Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) for the marvellous and continuous entertainment, they are always giving us: heart-touching, delightful and uplifting excerpts of Golden Memories.

Going down memory lane with the PBC, on a daily basis, is a joy to watch in enlightening our memories.

Thursday July 18, 2013, was Nelson Mandela's birthday; and we got something special, by watching Mr Mandela giving a speech to the Jamaican Parliament, during his visit to the island in 1991, with his lovely wife, Winnie Mandela. We also saw excerpts when he was freed from prison, among other delightful moments. It was a time to remember.

I raise my right hand, in salutation and respect to the PBC and its crew, for the effort and time they take in organising these wonderful programmes, so that we all can view them on the television. It brings good feelings and a sense of joy, when we can sit back and watch these interesting programmes.

I say many thanks to the PBC, for going the extra mile, in entertaining us with these uplifting and entertaining past events. Please continue taking us down memory lane with excerpts that will gladden our spirits.

If you have friends who are working at the PBC, please send a message of appreciation to them; and give them a word of encouragement.

Please do not become weary in doing the good work, PBC, because it's very beneficial and greatly welcomed to us all. I am in great sympathy with those who do not have access to this channel.

Donald JMcKoy

Email: donaldmckoy2010@yahoo.com

Thanks, PBC, for your contribution to joy

-->

Paying for the need to relieve yourself

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

Public restrooms should not attract a fee. It is becoming the norm for patrons to be required to pay a fee to use public restrooms in various parts of the country - from government health clinics to shopping malls.

I was appalled when I saw a sign in Sagicor Spanish Town Shopping Centre's bathroom on the edge of the food court requiring a $50 fee for use, while nearby at the St Jago Shopping Centre a lower fee is charged for the same service.

There are several eateries located in the various shopping centres.

They should at least provide a token for customers to use the restroom. This is a public health scare! What are we asking people to do, considering how many men already relieve themselves in public spaces?

Does the ministry of health not value our need to be 'clean of germs' and 'free of waste'? Are we waiting on a cholera or other infectious disease outbreak to act? It may be too late then.

Sherrene Bogle

Email: sabogle@uga.edu

Paying for the need to relieve yourself

-->

Smoking ban, addiction and sensitivity

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

With all the present discourse on the implementation of a ban on smoking in public spaces by the minister of health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, RISE Life Management Services has noted that the conversations have not been sensitive to the fact that nicotine does lead to addiction and addiction is a disease.

Certainly the persons addicted to tobacco did not start the habit thinking that they would become slaves to it, and as such the disease component of the addiction must be taken into consideration during the implementation process of the ban.

We want to be clear that RISE Life Management Services does not support smoking in any form as we promote only healthy activities. We are, however, very aware from our 23 years of working in the addiction field, that the majority of smokers will experience great difficulty in their attempt to reduce or eliminate their smoking habit, especially if a strong desire to quit does not exist. We have witnessed many individuals who give up alcohol and even cocaine use, but who have been unable to give up their cigarettes!

We believe that more time should have been given to individuals who smoke to mentally and physically prepare themselves for the cessation of smoking in public.

Given the knowledge that smoking usually leads to addiction and addiction is a disease, the public health approach must employ a measure of sensitivity and support for those desiring to reduce or quit the habit. Persons attempting to quit will experience nicotine withdrawal such as anxiety and irritability.

Professional smoking cessation programmes endeavour to address these issues.

Many individuals will require nicotine replacement therapy along with counselling in order to quit, and therefore should be offered this service. So while we want to protect the rights of the nonsmoker, we must do so in a manner that embraces the rights of the smoker to get help and support in preparation for this new paradigm.

Richard Henry

Addiction Counselling & Support Services

RISE Life Management Services

57 East St Kingston

1888-991-4146, 967-3777-8

www.risejamaica.org

Smoking ban, addiction and sensitivity

-->

Time to test WADA too

$
0
0
Dear Editor,

Far from being embarrassed that six Jamaican athletes have recently been found in violation of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, I am annoyed that the anti-doping zealots at WADA are not being placed firmly in the dock.

Far from enhancing the sport, WADA is giving it a black eye as the bemused public is being constantly bombarded with unwarranted headlines about "cheats","doping", "scandals". WADA's ridiculously long list of "banned substances" needs a long overdue diuretic (purge).

We are not here talking about Ben Johnson's steroids or Lance Armstrong-style blood doping which are serious violations. We are talking about the banned substance allegedly taken by Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson in a supplement, which is okay, if taken out of competition, but, according to WADA, turns you into a "cheat" if found in your body at a track meet. Go figure.

Far more problematic is the assertion by WADA that these supplements, decongestants, energy drinks, among others, actually enhance anything, except the manufacturers' bank accounts. Take high jump, for example. There are so many inputs, so many variables, in a performance to control for, speed and angle of approach to the bar, rhythm, point of take-off, and rotation over the bar.

For these anti-doping zealots to assert that it is banned substances that actually enhance performance isn't science. It is quackery, and they would fail a test if given one.

Even the most celebrated of recent banned athletes, Marion Jones, ran slower after taking drugs than before. That's one of WADA's deep dark secrets. It is true that taking a banned substance (which he thought was better than Viagra) apparently enhanced the performance of US champion 400 man LaShawn Merritt. Alas, the enhancement was only in the boudoir, not on the track. There he has got 'bunned' (sorry burned) by Grenadian Kirani James. Some supplement, indeed !!!

Errol W.A. Townshend

Scarborough, Ontario

Time to test WADA too

-->
Viewing all 9214 articles
Browse latest View live