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Give Syrian couple asylum

September 17, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) has an area on its website entitled "The People Who Came" which chronicles the arrival of our "Out of Many One People".

In recording our Lebanese/Syrian heritage the JNHT states: "In the last decade of the nineteenth century, immigrants from the Middle East began arriving in Jamaica. The majority came from Lebanon, the others were from Damascus in Syria... Despite being a small percentage of the Jamaican population, this group has played a significant role in the commercial and industrial development of the economy."

It is true the Syrian/Lebanese community in Jamaica is tiny, yet has a disproportionately huge impact on this country, employing thousands, engaging in every area of public life, despite the fact that many of the early immigrants here arrived with nothing except the shirt on their backs.

It is true the Syrian/Lebanese community in Jamaica is tiny, yet has a disproportionately huge impact on this country, employing thousands, engaging in every area of public life, despite the fact that many of the early immigrants here arrived with nothing except the shirt on their backs.

It is therefore unacceptable and disappointing that the Government of Jamaica has not condemned in the strongest language in the ongoing bloodshed and continued slathering of thousands of Syrians by the al-Assad regime, but most importantly where is the voice of the local Syrian/Lebanese community here in Jamaica?

The carnage in Syria continues unabated with no resolution in sight. The charade continues despite the outward movements by the regime, the opposition and the international community. The divergence between international positions on Syria is increasing, as was demonstrated by the recent vote in the UK Parliament and the meeting between the US and Russia.

Already a quarter of Syria's population has fled to camps in neighbouring countries, or left their homes to find a precarious haven in supposedly safe parts of their own country and countries as far as right here in Jamaica. There are even reports that a Syrian couple was seeking asylum in Jamaica having been denied entry into the country.

Indeed this crisis presents a daunting humanitarian problem, with so many lives destroyed or damaged, and a looming political crisis and uncertainty around the US-Russian agreement. Some would have us believe Jamaica is a Christian country, how would Christians and non-Christians feel if we deported this couple back to Syria only to hear they were murdered? Now is the time for Jamaica to play its part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. I urge the Refugee Committee to be on the right side of history and grant the Syrian couple asylum in Jamaica. The stark political reality in Syria is that despite the rhetoric from the United States and others, the policy is that it is better to stay with the evil you know.

Andrew King

Give Syrian couple asylum

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Road Safety council must engage motorists

September 17, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Dr Lucien Jones of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC)wants the new road traffic Act now. This call for the minister of transport to pass the new traffic act — that has been languishing in the pipeline for years --is because the NRSC is embarrassed by the carnage on our roads happening under their watch.

Nothing is wrong with making this call, but I think it is a bit late.

Frankly, I think the NRSC is a failure. A failed entity that only pays lip service and use public relations ploys to fool the motoring public. We need more than gas stations announcements.

I think they can do more to coordinate with the police and citizens to identify hot spots for accidents and to have telephone lines to which the public can report road hazards. Too often we see hazards that can create accidents and the NRSC takes no action to avert the potential crisis from happening.

This road traffic Act should not be foisted on the public without a debate. The NRSC should be educating the public as to what the new Act entails. They should be telling the public of the fines that will be imposed on motorist -- more of a sort of revenue generation for the government.

The idea that someone who want a driver's licence has to go through an approved driving course and be first granted a provisional licence for a year makes no sense and would be an additional financial burden to earn the privilege to drive. Earning the privilege to drive on our roads comes with responsibility and accountability. If new drivers commit infractions of the road traffic law then they should be stripped of their licences. It is only then they should be required to go through approved driving instructions before the driving privilege/licence can be restored.

The NRSC would be on target if they want legislation to make it mandatory for motorists who meet in accidents to be given summons/tickets. People who drive without a driver licence, unlicensed/uninsured vehicles must be assessed heavy fines and/or imprisoned. Motorist who leave the scene of an accident must also be charged heavy penalties and/or imprisonment.

The NRC must have ongoing communication with the public telling of the punishment for committing infractions under the road traffic law. In time it will bear fruit for a safe public thoroughfare.

Authnel Reid

authnel_reid@merck.com

crash-.jpg

The scene of a multi-vehicle crash.

Road Safety council must engage motorists

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Make voting compulsory

September 18, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

We note that in the Australian General Election this month they got a voter turnout of about 77%. How did they achieve this and persistently so?

Australia is one of 20 countries that have compulsory voting with a fine for registered voters, 18 and over, who do not exercise their franchise. Australians, in general, have no problem with this whatsoever.

We note we have been "politically cuddling" our uncommitted voters, who are disrespecting our electoral system and democracy.

This uncommitted set of registered voters need to be taught a lesson in "real democracy". The Government and Opposition, through the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, must instruct their members to articulate a strong position on a Jamaican Compulsory Voting System(JCVS).

Finally, this habit of the Jamaican political parties to try and attract these unpatriotic Jamaicans must stop.

If you are Jamaican and you are serious about Jamaica, you must come out and vote. Any other action in this area must be considered unpatriotic.

Charles Demontaque, PhD

Stafford University

United Kingdom

charlesdemontaque@yahoo.co.uk

Make voting compulsory

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Righteousness exalts a nation

September 18, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

People have always been quick to criticise the Church whenever immorality rears its ugly head, as if the Church were simply some regulatory body of individuals who must be blamed for everything which goes wrong, because it is their responsibility to ensure that things run smoothly.

Nevertheless, if we analyse the Church's mandate from a biblical perspective, especially the New Testament, we will recognise that the Church has been called to speak out against all manner of injustices and sinful lifestyles, while calling men and women to repent of their sinful deeds and turn to God for salvation. This, nonetheless, is not done through the use of force, but by free will.

Sad to say, many people only recognise the presence and focus of the Church whenever their safety and well-being are threatened by crime, violence, and other traumatic occurrences. Nevertheless, whenever the Church calls people to live godly lives, by denouncing the sinful practices of the world, such as smoking, drinking, partying, womanising, gambling, and such other sins, many feel as if their freedom to engage in pleasure is being violated.

What most do not understand, however, is that God has promised to bless people based on their obedience to His entire will (Deuteronomy 28). As such, the nation of Israel, for example, prospered significantly when the people obeyed the commands of God. However, when they walked contrarily, they were tormented by heathen nations and taken into captivity by their enemies. That is why Solomon writes in Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" NKJV.

We cannot, therefore, expect the full blessings of God upon our nation with regard to crime and violence and other nuisances, while blatantly disregarding God's biblical instructions.

So for Jamaica to be a better and a safer place, society must not only look to the Church when things go wrong, but must also constantly heed its teachings on God's words, so that the Almighty might bless our nation and make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

Jermaine F Johnson

Ministerial Student

Northern Caribbean University

jermainefjohnson@gmail.com

Righteousness exalts a nation

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Stop the big yaad behaviour

September 18, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

As a young citizen of Jamaica I am overly concerned with the behaviour of those who are our leaders. Everyone wants to be in control, everyone wants to be better than the other.

Our Opposition Leader Andrew Holness and his Deputy Leader Audley Shaw are almost at each others throat; and Olivia

'Babsy' Grange at it with Joan Gordon-Webley.

They all make politics seem like one big yard with all tenants at each other for who should use the sink.

Where is the unity in our country? If we can't find unity among our leaders where else can we find it? I am yet to see the day when our leaders work together for the good of our country.

I pray for them everyday, but I still can't see the change. Despite all of the disunity I will not give up on our leaders. I believe that one day hopefully we can see a change in our leaders which will at least lead to a better Jamaica.

K R

Concerned Citizen

Stop the big yaad behaviour

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Has anyone thought of Port Royal?

September 18, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

After observing the highly animated discourse concerning a wholesale "modernization" of Portland Bight and Goat Islands, I note that every single environmentalist who is worth his or her salt has come out in the strong possible opposition to this location being used for the purpose.

A variety of reasons have been given by them, not the least of which concerns the foreseeable danger in dredging up to 60 feet below the seabed in an area of hot springs and rich mineral deposits such as are found at Salt River and Milk River, both in that general area.

It was therefore most gratifying to note a suggestion from a retired Rear Admiral proposing that an expanded section of the Kingston Habour, the world's seventh-longest natural harbour, would be a far more practical and less invasive solution. This only triggered in my own mind an idea which I hope will be seen to be most practical for a number of very sound reasons.

This idea involves the rebuilding and redevelopment of Port Royal (Kingston 18). What a gift for the Chinese?! And well deserved, if I say so myself.

First of all, this oldest city in the Western Hemisphere is crying out loudly for this kind of redevelopment. Port Royal has history. Port Royal has character. And, Port Royal has land.

Secondly, certain relevant basic infrastructure comes with the territory. Not only will they benefit from the historic records, but it is certain that the recovery and discovery of necessity, associated with the dredging that will be taking place, will be par for the course of a truly classic, adventurous and highly profitable sequence of events.

Thirdly, it is hoped that environmental complainers will be more or less silent regarding such a scheme, especially since no volcanic activity similar to what may be associated with Portland Bight/lower Clarendon area has been reported in the Port Royal/Palisadoes or Kingston areas.

To the Chinese I would say, Happy Mooring in a rebuilt Port Royal.

Franklin D Hall

Kingston 7

Has anyone thought of Port Royal?

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Let Shearer's pride be your guide

September 18, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

It is a sorely disappointing experience to witness the venomous way in which some JLP stalwarts are publicly uttering disgraceful things about their colleagues who, in truth, have served the party and the country with distinction. Is the prize of power so dazzling as to blind the competitors and rob them of their reason? They ought to be reminded of the words of the late JLP leader Hugh Shearer. He said:

"It has happened quite unfortunately that political campaigns are no longer being fought on principles and policies; but to a large

extent, politicians are indulging in rebukes and bitter character assassination. When that happens, it means that the politicians themselves are contributing to the destruction of the image of the politician.

Forty-seven years later Shearer's words have come to pass. Largely because of their own behavior, politicians have generally come to be held in low esteem. Still the self-inflicted curse continues, to the disgust of well-thinking citizens whose votes they seek. Is it any wonder that fewer and fewer persons are bothering to vote?

The politicians of today should learn another lesson from Mr Shearer and the way he and his team ran the country during that period when Jamaicans were vastly more productive and more imbued with the proud spirit of Independence. He was then telling the nation:

"As prime minister, I have three alternatives in running the country. I can stop and stagnate, go on bended knees to some foreign country and beg, or call upon on my country to face the challenges

and tackle the problems with self-respect alertness and discipline.

"I don't propose to resort to the first. I cannot be and will not be a prime minister under those circumstances. I do not propose to go hat in hand with the problems of my Jamaican people to some of the country to beg grants to bring in handouts to Jamaica. I will never be prime minister under those circumstances; somebody else, not me.

"I propose to succeed or fail on the third; that is, to rely on the self-respect, the alertness, the courage, the self discipline of my own people to tackle the problem and the challenges of our nation."

Strange. Today the very forces that have led us into this state of penury and decay of spirit are urging us to discard our pride, sell our souls and sacrifice our heritage to avoid eating the bitter fruits of their incompetence.

Ken Jones

kensjones2002@yahoo.com

Let Shearer's pride be your guide

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Is Montego Bay aging?

September 19, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Is Montego Bay, as a tourist resort area, aging? I visited Montego Bay twice over the past ten months and my first observation was no different from my second.

These observations surrounded three areas in particular: the airport, 'hip-strip' and the Falmouth to Montego Bay route. My journey to and through these places was neither interesting nor pleasant to my eyes, which may be the concern of other travellers, both residents and visitors.

My main issue with the airport has to do with its external physiographic look. The property was short of depicting a tropical ambience and could do well with additional flora to make it more appealing. This could even transcend into becoming a designated attraction. Some of the buildings on the 'hip-strip' are in need of painting and the route from Falmouth to Montego Bay could be vastly improved.

This is important as research has shown that the physiography of a destination, which speaks its scenery, is the most important attribute for its competitiveness. Likewise, rejuvenation of a destination is important as it does have a life cycle.

Beauty and appeal should not be within the confinements of the hotel properties but should permeate throughout the resort area. I do hope this renowned tourism destination is not being considered a 'cash cow' whereby which it continues to provide the needed revenue, but given little attention in terms of its aesthetic value.

I implore the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Product Development Company, along with the other tourism stakeholders, to have a closer look at Montego Bay and do whatever is necessary to improve and maintain its physical appeal.

Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh

gaunsmar@yahoo.com

Is Montego Bay aging?

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No better herring...

September 19, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

A great nation stands on a solid platform when it can come together despite personal beliefs, political affiliation, race and gender to build its firm foundation. One would have thought that our leaders would have done this considering the shaky and fragile state our country is in.

For years this country have been heading down a path of unwavering low productivity, coupled by corruption and poor decision-making by our leaders. Yet we somehow continue to place our confidence in hands of these politicians who sit on both sides of the aisle.

Despite which party is in power, I give no support for incompetence, excuses, promises, and lack of vision. I give no support to a party that was in power for 18 years, but somehow used it as an excuse to say they inherited the debt and ironically played no part in the huge amount.

Likewise, I share no sentiment for a party and their representatives who, because they are not in power, sit down in Parliament and watch idly as the country runs to wreck.

It's not even a general election year and we have both parties masquerading through the hills and valleys of this country seeking to re-energise the masses to support them.

Now you tell me this, when a mother can't find lunch money for her children or food for the dinner table do you think politics is a priority for her? Or a father who somehow was made redundant because the company he worked for downsized, do you think politics is his saving grace?

Our leaders somehow don't see the importance of fixing the country now, and coming together to balance this land of ours before we capsize. Too long we are sitting waiting for a change to happen, too long we have been hoping that it's going to be one of the political parties. It can happen when the JLP is in Opposition. It can and must happen now with both parties putting politics aside and deciding to make Jamaica work.

Jumoke S Patrick

jamokep@gmail.com

No better herring...

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'Butch' Stewart is speaking for me too

September 19, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I was very relieved to see the column "Overtaxation, red tape strangling Jamaica" in the Jamaica Observer on Monday, September 16, 2013 by Mr Gordon 'Butch' Stewart. I'd like to assure him that he is speaking for me too. For the past two years I have been trying to get my business off the ground and I have just about given up.

Some of the very things Mr Stewart said in the article are what I have been saying too. I totally agree with his suggestion that a politician should accompany a young businessman through the setting-up process to see first hand the red tape that one has to face. I believe that if this is done, the Government would be moved to implement change, without which others like myself are going to give up and just seek to migrate with our ideas, if not our money.

If someone like Mr Stewart can complain about the bureaucracy, imagine what it must be like for start-up businesses.

Sometimes I get the feeling that we are still waiting for someone else to come and fix the problems of Jamaica. I am 27 years old and we have been talking about the disease of red tape from as far as I can remember. Yet little or nothing has changed. I hope the Government will listen to Stewart since they are certainly not listening to the likes of me.

Jordan 'Raphael' Cunningham

riffraph54@gmail.com

'Butch' Stewart is speaking for me too

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Teach citizens how to combat crime

September 19, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The monster that crime represents for Jamaica is painfully evidenced in the efforts, simple to Herculean, that businesses, residents and visitors alike employ to secure life and property.

Our reality is one of criminal activity being part of the fabric of our society. And while most Jamaicans will admit to having a planned interface with crime prevention through private security arrangements, much fewer would unreservedly confess to awareness of simple strategies that impact the national effort.

It is therefore commendable to note recent media postings where at least two activities -- streetside sale of CDs and illegal cable connections -- were highlighted as sources of funding for gang-type criminal activity which accounts for the majority of serious crimes facing the country.

Publicly sharing this information is valuable in so much as it allows the average Jamaican consumer to recognise the financial contribution that seemingly innocent and legitimate business transactions can make to those most responsible for the alarming state of criminality impacting Jamaica.

Undoubtedly the immediate benefit of obtaining an asset or service 'cheap cheap' will not dissuade some from distancing themselves from questionable suppliers, but the greater values lie in firstly getting the message out, that seemingly innocent transactions can engender dire consequences, and the subsequent buy-in that even baby steps by each citizen can help to tackle crime. In fact, it's probably better said that by not doing something (which is much safer than the opposite) every person can help to undermine criminal gangs.

The much-craved crime prevention alliance of the police and citizens could benefit from the dissemination by the authorities of similar business transactions and other activities which each of us can bypass and thereby effectively play a role in undermining criminality.

This innocuous approach to crime control, with its wide subscription potential and simplicity of performance, is palatable and should be encouraged. Let's arm the citizenry with simple strategies and reap the benefits.

Sophia Ramlal, JP

irievet@yahoo.com

Teach citizens how to combat crime

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Hold resignation calls

September 20, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

All those who have been asking for the resignation of Minister Azan have shown neither legal basis nor breach of any convention of the constitution for so asking.

In this context, the learned contractor general has made no decision to charge him, but has merely sought the opinion and direction of the director of public prosecutions, who has not yet given any direction in the matter.

In relation to the convention of the constitution, I think it would be safe to say that if the director of public prosecutions directs prosecution, Azan would be expected to either take leave or step down as minister pending the result of criminal proceedings.

Again, as I see it, our prime minister said she would make a decision after the contractor general has made his report. I think it is fair to conclude that that decision is contingent on what the report says and, in substance, the contractor general is asking for the opinion of the director of public prosecutions and so wouldn't it be fair to expect Mr Azan and the prime minister to stay any call for action by or against Mr Azan until the nation has heard from the DPP.

Do I have to remind the public and all those who have been accusing both our Government and Mr Azan for inaction, inspite of recent widely published decision of our courts that criminal prosecution can be instituted by any citizen. And is not the contractor general not only a citizen, but one who may take action in relation to the contract in question? He has wisely chosen to take the action of asking for an opinion of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Owen S Crosbie

Mandeville, Manchester

oss@cwjamaica.com

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Compulsory voting a waste of effort

September 20, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

We live in a democratic society that respects the rights of its citizens power of choice. If the government decides to make voting compulsory it would be an infringement on my rights to choose.

The author of the article refers to those who exercise their right, when they choose not to vote, as unpatriotic citizens. I would like to point out that when you live in a nation such as Jamaica, where members of both parties have consistently proven themselves to be corrupt, people with dignity will most likely choose not to vote because doing so is a direct show of support of that persons actions.

Australia was mentioned as one of 20 nations who force their citizens to the polls, but it also said that in one election they were able to get 70 per cent to the polls. The author failed to realise that 70 per cent is not all, therefore, even though people in Australia are forced, they were still unable to get everyone to the polls.

We must keep in mind that compulsory voting is not guaranteed to change the results of an election. People with intelligence, if forced, will find ways to comply with the law and avoid prosecution, but still find a way not to vote by manipulating their vote once in the privacy of the balloting booth.

Compulsory voting will only create longer lines and waste time to count ballots which were intentionally manipulated to avoid prosecution. It is also nonsensical to force people to vote for someone they do not see as a good leader.

Brian Lynch

headonwriter2006@yahoo.com

Compulsory voting a waste of effort

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Parents need to take responsibility

September 20, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

It is the parents'/guardians' responsibility to ensure that students get the uniform specifications from schools, and see to it that the uniform is made accordingly. If the adults fail to do this, then they are the ones who are responsible for any harm that the child may encounter when he/she is prevented from entering the school and sent home.

Everyone must understand and accept that it is the principal, along with his/her board, who runs the school. They must be willing to bear the consequences for attempting to usurp the school's dress code and rules. The school is only responsible for the care and protection of students after they enter the school's perimeter fencing. This is how the transfer of responsibility for students work.

Ergo, it is only an irrational excuse for unruly minded adults citizens to say that it is the schools' administrators who are to be blamed for any harm of students who were recently locked out of school due to improper uniform.

Students need to learn from early that it is the same way they will be locked out of work and other buildings if they refuse to abide by the dress code and rules.

Garth 'Sub-Zero' Allen

excellentsub@hotmail.com

Parents need to take responsibility

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Most expensive light bulbs

September 21, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Dennis, The menace, one of my favourite comic strip characters, in a recent episode, enquired of his mother why she has to pay so much for the items she had acquired in the gift shop.

Perhaps Dennis should enquire of the Government of Jamaica why Jose Marti High School, a gift from the people of Cuba, was the most expensive school ever built in Jamaica? The workers were housed at the Forum Hotel on Port Henderson Road.

Shall we ask Dennis, The menace to enquire why the Cuban light bulbs were so expensive?

Delroy McPherson

Mandeville

delroymcp@cwjamaica.com

Most expensive light bulbs

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Ban bird shooting for 2 years

September 21, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The bird season is not yet over, but I am now calling on National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to have a ban on bird shooting for at least two years.

Last week I worked as a "Bird Boy" for my friends. We waited in the woods for the birds to come -- they never did. However, NEPA officers monitoring bird shooting came into the clearing, accompanied by police officers. They wanted to know, among other things, the number of birds and the kinds of birds that were harvested. This was long before the end of the shoot.

This useless agency never fails to show it inefficacy. Why would NEPA have agents going about asking how many birds and the kind of birds that were harvested before the end of the shoot?

Common sense would dictate that after the shoot NEPA officials would be at strategic points where bird shooters would be required to make a declaration.

Laws should be in place to punish dishonest violators of the rules that govern bird shooting. This would ensure 100 per cent compliance.

Fewer birds are in the bushes and this should not be blamed on destruction of birds' habitat. For even with the prevalence of feeding birds with rice and corn has not resulted in more birds.

We did not get many birds but we had a wonderful time cooking in the bush, shooting the breeze.

Authnel Reid

authnel_reid@merck.com

Ban bird shooting for 2 years

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Today is Int'l Day of Peace

September 21, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect. Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity. Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21st September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67PDF document of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.

In 2001, the General Assembly, by unanimous vote, adopted resolution 55/282PDF document, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and ceasefire.

The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

Ban Ki-moon

UN Secretary-General

Today is Int'l Day of Peace

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Leaders must set an example

September 21, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

What is our Jamaica, land we love coming to?

When we look at the behaviour of our politicians are we as young people to be ashamed or should we just sit and laugh believing that everything is going to be OK.

Why are Mr Holness and Mr Shaw both behaving in such an animalistic way? Does leadership make you that arrogant or should it make you one that leads and lives by example.

My God, what are we as young people going to do if we are to live by this example?

It is time for them to get their acts together and stop behaving as if they are bulls in a pen ready to fight.

I am yet to see a party that the leaders live together in the name of love and not in the name of who can become the head.

I pray for them that they will be delivered and come to their senses.

Patricia

Kingston

Leaders must set an example

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Will the real Audley Shaw please stand up?

September 21, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Andrew Holness is being criticised for his non-abrasive demeanour. However, I can't help but notice that Mr Shaw himself has toned down his political persona. He is now closely on par with Holness in terms of political appeal.

In his address to the nation, the "Man a Yaad" showed a softer, more diplomatic side; one which is quite refreshing for me personally. This persona I feel all Jamaican politicians should aim to acquire to replace the rhetoric "rae rae" political style.

While politicians should be able to rile up political rallies, citizens must also have foresight and think about the kind of leader that they want to represent them.

All being said, I am just wondering about the basis on which Shaw has raised this challenge. He is claiming that he would be better able to energise the base of the party. If this is so, I am left to wonder why Shaw has taken on a more diplomatic persona. Does he no longer have an interest in drawing the tongues of the governing People's National Party (PNP)?

Roger Mannings

rogermannings78@gmail.com

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Good job, Mrs Tomblin, but...

September 23, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The president and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company Kelly Tomblin has been in the news expressing concern on the financial state of the company. She was even on the front page of the Daily Observer some time ago with the headline: JPS facing death.

Kelly Tomblin is a breath of fresh air to the company. Appointed to the CEO position in 2012, she knew she was entering a hostile environment, with JPS being public company enemy number 1. In that context she faced the competition head on and has done some remarkable things in a short time. She is changing the company's culture, is out among her troops with a power saw, setting up a energy shop, on income-generating runs, publicly assigning her troops to the parishes, urging better customer relations, and tackling the stealing of electricity and the "freeness mentality" of many Jamaicans.

But we need to be concerned about the health of the JPS, as Jamaica owns nearly a 20 per cent share of the company. Kelly Tomblin staked out the company problem of debt -- with some lender covenants being broken by the company -- and the huge theft of electricity by both small and big. Add to that a huge fine by the OUR -- the organisation that owes its financing to a cess from the JPS and the other utilities! The irony is that when people who have been having 'free light' for years loose that benefit, they will describe the company as being "wicked". This is the cultural problem the company and Jamaica must face.

The public has been fed a number of myths from various sources. Here are some of them.

Myth No 1: JPS rates are among the highest in the region. The Caribbean rate schedules published (mid 2011) by CARILEC the Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation, which serves the regional territories, shows the JPS rates as being mid way on the scale.

Myth No 2: Lowered electricity rates are on the immediate horizon. This is not true, and whether it is stated by the minister or the head of the PSOJ makes no difference. Greater efficiency can help, but a new power plant -- some years away -- are key elements in that equation.

Myth No 3: Breaking up the JPS will be good for Jamaica. Citizens United for the Reduction of Electricity's (CURE) court victory is a pipe dream.

Myth No 4: We can be fully independent of the JPS. For the average householder or business operation, such attempts will cost the proverbial arm and a leg. Yes, it may be possible to reduce the bill and be largely independent for daytime operations, but there will come a time when a utility backup is necessary. One concern is the fact that storage systems (mainly the common battery) is at a technological plateau, so that the power generated in sunlight or with wind has to be stored for darkness or stillness. In addition solar systems have their problems too.

We have to recognise that any reduction of our light bill will require expenditure and two critical personal action initiatives and lifestyle changes:

Expenditure will have to be made on more efficient lighting devices, eg fluorescent bulbs, energy-efficient equipment, or even solar or wind systems

A conscious effort will have to be made to adopt a more disciplined social and operational lifestyle.

It is clear that Kelly Tomblin is a determined, innovative and tough JPS CEO. She is committed to partner with Jamaica in making energy more efficient and less costly. We need to wish her well I for one do so.

Alfred Sangster

President Emeritus

University of Technology, Jamaica

sangsteralfred@yahoo.com

Good job, Mrs Tomblin, but...

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