Jamaica - Commentary

Selling Dreams & Unrealistic Hope – Jamaicans being pitched to be an Entrepreneur

Jane Nina Buchanan — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:00:02 UT

I'm getting really tired of seeing in Jamaica this endless push for it to be up to the people to create the opportunities. Everyone being pitched "BE AN ENTREPRENEUR". Statistically even in the best economic climates its FACT that most entrepreneurs FAIL. Even with the tools, business degrees etc. How about coupling that with the fact that Jamaica is not set up to support small business.

Farewell to February, Welcome to March

RosiePeppy Parke — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:30:01 UT

I woke up this morning in a state of disbelief. I mean, I know that February is the shortest month in the year but how is it possible that a whole two months out of 2013 are pretty much gone already? I have not even come up for air from my month off in January to regroup with my thoughts and do my Vision Board. Is it just me or can YOU believe that March is literally here already? Where DID February go?

Tags: black history, de-clutter, life, love, peppy, women, yoga

Jamaican Flag Burning TV commercial should be the least of our concen

Louis Davis — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:00:02 UT

I heard with dismay that the whole 'Saturn coffee shop/Jamaican flag' thing is hot in Jamaica and even on the news repeatedly. I can't believe that Jamaicans have nothing else to do. Its like every little thing distracts us. You'd think that a TV ad was our most pressing concern. But worse still, its much ado over a total misrepresentation.

GC Foster College - Repositioning Spanish Town

Carole Beckford — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:30:02 UT

This past week (February 20), the GC Foster College of Physical Education & Sport, opened its Sport and Recreation Museum and held its inaugural Sport Symposium. For a 30-odd year old institution it is a significant stride to make for the College’s overall development and subsequent progress.

The Top 20 Jamaican Stereotypes: Truth or Fiction?

Margaret Bailey — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:42:29 UT

Recently, I had the opportunity to view the “The Get Happy” Volkswagen Super Bowl commercial. In the commercial, there is a white Jamaican in an office setting who earnestly tries to cheer up his co-workers from their everyday problems and mundane workday. The Jamaican’s solution for cheering up, was offering his co-workers the opportunity to take a trip in his red, Volkswagen. He managed to enlist two of his coworkers for a joy ride, however upon returning back to work they arrived late, and the Jamaican in the commercial was perceived as nonchalant and happy-go-lucky when his Boss questioned their late return.

Tags: The Top 20 Jamaican Stereotypes

Student-athletes transfer dilemma in Jamaican high schools

Carole Beckford — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:30:02 UT

As the debate rages on regarding the transfer of athletes in the high schools system for the sake of playing for a coach/team/school there are a number of issues which must be addressed.

Reggae’s Terminal Illness and grim prognosis

Paulet Biedermann — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:30:01 UT

Reggae music is approaching middle age and as such should be enjoying the perks, privileges and entitlements that are part and parcel of middle age status. Is this the case? Even if you are looking at the genre through rose colored glasses, it’s impossible to ignore the remnants of a terminally ill entity that is ravished by years and years of abuse, mistreatment and corruption.

The Language Of Commerce - Patois vs English

Michael Edwards — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:30:02 UT

As expounded on by aspiring social worker and Pre-University student Nikita Connoley, reigning champion of the Honey Bun School days Sing-A-Thon, it seems an elegantly and entertainingly resolved conundrum, affirmed by other recent developments such as the completion of a Patois Bible (New Testament) and the upcoming Language Awareness Day at the Edna Manley College.

Caribbean Americans Voting is Your Power

Marlon A. Hill — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:01 UT

Voting is a fundamental piece of the puzzle of democracy. One person, one vote. Collectively, each of these votes could transform a community, a state, a country, and quite possibly, the world. Despite all attempts to curtail this sacred right across America, no one can take away your right to vote. Simply, if you are a US citizen, 18 years old (not a convicted felon), you can vote with picture ID in most states. It is your responsibility to confirm your requirements to vote in your state and to exercise your right.

Wasting Jamaica

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:30:01 UT

On the morning after the 2012 beach clean up of Ft Rocky by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), one of our staff members went to check on the site. There he found the mountain of waste taken off the beach by over 2,000 volunteers uncollected – the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) had been said to be “on their way” the previous afternoon.

Our Unity Is More Important Than The Remarks Of One Man - A Zimbabwean Response to President Mugabe

Maxwell Mandaza — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:30:01 UT

In the song Africa Unite, Bob Marley sang “How good and how pleasant it would be before God and man....to see the unification of all Africans... we can safely assume that Bob was expressing a yearning for the African diaspora at large.

My Personal Bolt Story: Why For Me Usain Can Do No Wrong!

Totlyn Oliver — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 13:45:01 UT

With the euphoria of the 2012 London Olympics all but waning, I have listened to all the discussion in the public arena about the whys and the wherefores of Usain and his personality, prowess, longevity and the like! But I tell you, none of those discussions hold much weight for me because of my personal experience with Usain Bolt. This story I have shared with a few when I speak in defence of Usain whenever I hear any ill-word about him.

Jamaica's home-based track and field programmes working

Carole Beckford — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:30:01 UT

The success of Jamaica's track and field programme over the last two Olympic Games can almost be credited to the decision of MVP Track Club and in recent times Racers Track Club's decision to keep its athletes here in Jamaica for training.

The Bolt Effect ©

Suzanne Haik-Hynes — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:30:01 UT

We are able to embrace these moments in time with honor and gentle dignity, and respect for ALL, including those who might not have been as kind to us in the past. Let us lead by our finest examples of graciousness, dignity, compassion, and love.

Race and Class Interaction in Jamaica - And its Impact on the World

George Graham — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:45:02 UT

In all my years in Jamaica, I never once was asked to identify my “race.” So I find it discomfiting to respond to the questions I frequently get here in America - when I have to fill out some government document, for example. It seems absurd to describe myself as Caucasian or African-American or Hispanic or Pacific Islander… or whatever. All I know about being Caucasian is that there are some mountains in Russia by that name. I have never laid eyes on the vast continent of Africa, don’t speak Spanish and couldn’t find the Pacific Islands on a map of the world.

Jamaica's National Heroes: Their Legacy 50 Years Later

Reverend Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:30:01 UT

Jamaica is a country in the Caribbean that is well noted for its beautiful surroundings, warmth and magnificent cuisine. However, Jamaica is much more than a sparkling gem within the Caribbean community. The island has been blessed to have been home to notable Jamaicans who fought long and courageously to bring awareness to conditions that still plague our world today. Citizens such as The Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, The Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe, The Right Excellent Nanny Sharpe of The Maroons, The Right Excellent George William Gordon, The Right Excellent Paul Bogle and The Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley. These individuals have been memorialized in Jamaica's History as National Heroes, not because they created one, death defying act of heroism, but because they made it their life's work to promote Heroism each and every day of their lives.

Tags: Jamaica's National Heroes: Their Legacy 50 Years Later

Double Standard for Jamaican Male & Female Athletes & Celebs: Sanya Richard-Ross

Tropicana — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:30:01 UT

One of the realities of being Jamaican is that many of us have had to leave our beloved homeland in search of educational opportunities or employment. For some the decision was made by parents and others have made their own decisions. Reality is we all have to do what we can to survive. A soh it goh. I've noticed something really interesting. No one criticizes Donovon Bailey, Ben Johnson, Lynford Christie, and other male athletes for competing under the flags of other countries. No one dissed Jimmy Cliff or even Bob Marley when they living abroad. Shabba Ranks received a heros welcome when he returned to Jamaica after an extended absence. When it comes to female celebrities and athletes, it's a different matter. Merlene Ottey received a TON of criticism for competing for Slovenia. The latest casualty is Sanya Richard-Ross.

Men's and Women's 2012 Summer Olympic 100 Meters Sprints Preview & Predictions

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:45:01 UT

The 2012 Summer Olympics have finally arrived! If you’re a Track & Field fanatic, you’ve likely spent the last week or so closely following the the Jamaican & U.S. Olympic trials and the European Championships. Whether you’re a sprinter or simply a fan, this is one of those great times to sit back and appreciate the athletic genius and power of these world class athletes. The anticipation and excitement is similar to what an football (soccer) nut experiences when awaiting the World Cup Finals.

Man is born free but is everywhere in chains

Je'Andra Davis-Marcellin — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:30:02 UT

In this day and age, the mind is a terrible thing to waste. The mind encompasses the way in which all things are executed. Most don’t realize the difference between common sense and being book smart. If you think about it an individual can be educated and still make incompetent decisions. Without an open mind one is restricted to what you read in books, or what one has been told. It all comes down to how well an individual can critically think.

Jamaica's healthcare in good hands

Jean Lowrie-Chin — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:30:01 UT

A Jamaican-British friend of mine related an embarrassing episode in her life many years ago. There she was at her busy London workplace, the picture of professionalism, when the police arrived to arrest her! What had she done, she asked in total bewilderment. It turned out that she had not taken her child, about eight years old, for her annual medical check-up.

Clarity-on-charity begins at home?

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:30:02 UT

Upon arrival back from Kingston,Jamaica the immigration officer said “Why where you in Kingston? There’s nothing there. Lots of poverty…” He was somewhat bemused at my insistence of millionaire mansions, private jets, sushi and jazz clubs. There’s a LOT of money in Jamaica! As well as a poverty.

Welcome to America

K. McFarlane — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:30:02 UT

...Jamaicans, it’s a sad reality in America that if your sons immigrate here, they will become the hunted/profiled. What do I mean by that? Your sons, particularly those with dreads (or what they called ‘nappy hair’) will be targeted by people, institutions and systems because they are black and male. They will be seen or treated as criminal suspects or potential criminal recruits even before they have the chance to prove otherwise. Of course, there is an exception to everything, but profiling of black males happens in America; and it is worth addressing at this time.

Jamaica Emergency EXPORT programme needed! We have tried Crash Programmes for 50 years! Time to try real development.

John Anthony — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:30:02 UT

It is past time that Jamaica used the best tasting coconut water in the world to maximize a potential that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations identified over a decade ago. How do I know that Jamaica has the best tasting coconut water in the world?

Whose side are we on?

Jean Lowrie-Chin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:30:01 UT

Before we all descend on the police, let us look a little deeper. Let us examine the surroundings of those distressed mothers and girlfriends on TV news, as they grieve the loss of their loved ones during those recent police operations. Their environment is run down and dilapidated with dusty paths posing as roads. It is broad daylight and young men are milling about, obviously with no gainful employment

Wi Caah Lie Dung An’ Dead

Craig Dixon — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:30:01 UT

As boys, (about ten of us) we did not think of more sophisticated dreams than roaming. We were certain of death and we didn’t ponder the idea of leaving autobiographies or eminent inventions behind. We were content with eating mangoes and catching birds, with running full-speed down hillocks until the wind drained our eyes of our tears or with corrupting the colour of rivulets with our wildrooting, mud-flinging and splashing.

Why our economic growth matters more than debt?

Brian Richardson — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:30:02 UT

Why our economic growth matters more than debt? The real worry is not how will all of us Jamaicans repay foreign creditors but rather what will maintain our creditors desire to keep buying GOJ interest-bearing securities from us? Our national debt recently eclipsed J$1.6 trillion, and is still climbing, with nearly 50% of that debt being added in the first 11 months of 2011.

Whitney Houston: One Moment in Time

Joan A. Muir, Ph.D. — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:30:02 UT

I am saddened by the death of Whitney Houston. I mourn her loss like a sister. I have heard the words “tragedy” and “what a waste “so much in the last five days. I do not share either sentiment. I am not worried about how she died.

How dare you judge! Don’t bad mind!

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:30:02 UT

I’m often slapped with the phrase “Don’t judge!” when I criticize Jamaica. Then the fast to follow “Don’t bad mind!” - Both blanket expressions which also mean, let’s brush this ugly business under the rug. For example, I am swift to criticize the praise/non-accountability bestowed on; Yet another entertainer in jail; Jamaican media over hyping the Marley’s when their record sales are pitiful.

Exposing Public Servants

Margaret Juliet Bailey — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:20:00 UT

There is a growing wave of disrespect for decent, hard working citizens of America in this country by Public Servants. No one is quite sure how it started or where they got their "power" or "bravado" from, however, if anyone has had to deal with clerks, customer service representatives or anyone who provides a necessary service, this article will ring close to home.

Tags: Exposing Public Servants

The Jamaican 1% - CEO'S/Entrepreneurs/Tech Gurus ????

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:01 UT

How has Jamaica become the land of Entrepreneurs/CEO'S yet almost 20% of the population live below the poverty line? Who are the 1% in Jamaica? Spend a few minutes surfing the net and you will soon see just how many Jamaicans are self appointed “CEO's and Entrepreneurs”. If we believed every title we'd be led to think we were reading a Zug phone book!

The people spoke for Portia

Jean Lowrie-Chin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:02 UT

Hearty congratulations to that seasoned campaigner Portia Simpson Miller, President of the People’s National Party, and her triumphant team who reminded us that the PNP are master organisers. Commiserations to JLP President Andrew Holness and his hard-working team. Above all, commendations to us, the people, who conducted ourselves peacefully as we discharged our sovereign duty as electors last Thursday.

‘Groundings’: Peacebuilders and the New Mindscape

Craig Dixon — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:30:02 UT

Perfect peace has no historical antecedents. There has never been a period when the world was not experiencing violent interstate conflicts. More than forty-five (45) or one-quarter of the world’s countries were experiencing wars in 1983 alone, including the small tri-island Caribbean State of Grenada - Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The world’s military budget in 1983 was U.S $ 800 billion, superseding official global development aid forty times over.

The Hero in our Leaders

Jean Lowrie-Chin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:25:00 UT

When we look back at our leaders throughout our history, including our eight prime ministers, we should be proud of the hero in each of them. Our vibrant democracy has given us Sir Alexander Bustamante, Sir Donald Sangster, Hugh Shearer, Michael Manley, and those still with us, Edward Seaga, PJ Patterson, Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller – our first woman prime minister – and Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Jamaica, the Land we love: Paradise or Hell on Earth?

Audrey Reeve — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:30:02 UT

A society can be measured by the way it treats its most vulnerable. The three groups that are most vulnerable in any society are: the elderly and infirm, the young, babies, toddlers, school age and adolescence, inclusive. Lastly, the mentally ill. For our purpose, vulnerable is the susceptibility of certain groups to physical, emotional, and or sexual injury.

The Only Thing That Separates Us Is Us

Jean Lowrie-Chin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:30:01 UT

Caribbean leaders got an eloquent telling-off by Sir Shridath Ramphal when he recently gave the Inaugural G. Arthur Brown Lecture hosted by the Bank of Jamaica in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. Sir Shridath, former Guyana Government Minister, UWI Chancellor and three-term Secretary General of the Commonwealth has spoken on this theme for over three decades, but never before has he captured our collective cowardice so accurately.

West Indian Crickets In The Dark

C. Ghunta Dixon — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:30:02 UT

Barbadian Novelist and anti-colonialist George Lamming is right to think of the Caribbean as a country with parishes strewn about the sea. A claim that Grenada’s ‘father of the West Indies Federation’ Theophilus Albert Marryshow would have approved were he alive today. I was in a land far from my own, in actuality more than a thousand miles away and I did not know the difference. I did not see it, it was not felt. I was at home and, I admit, I would not have had it any other way.

Addictions

S. M. Williams — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:30:02 UT

In the last few weeks, I feel like the issues of weight are bombarding me on every side. In my attempt to get my weight back under control, I discovered an underlying health issue which I need to address and thankfully am able to do so with diet and vitamins. No matter what I ever do I life, I will always be a food addict. Alcohol and drug addictions are insidious, but the good thing with those addictions is that you can simply remove them from your life and do all within your power to avoid them and you may be able to keep your addiction under control.

“Nobody Canna Stop Laughing” - Language, Cultural Anxiety and the Clifton Brown Commotion

Andrea E. Shaw — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:30:01 UT

Several weeks ago, parts of Jamaica experienced extensive flooding after days of heavy rains that rivaled the deluge which set Noah’s ark afloat some millennia past. Bridges, roads, homes and businesses were washed away, leaving residents in various parts of the island stranded, unable to navigate flooded streets, swollen gullies, and overflowing rivers. Jamaican television station TVJ covered the floods in the Mavis Bank area of Jamaica in the parish of St. Andrew, and reporter Dara Smith’s interview with a bystander and resident of the area, Clifton Brown, is now perhaps the most famous TV interview in Jamaica.

The Case for and against Big Love

S. M. Williams — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:30:01 UT

So HBO has a series called Big Love which is about a family of polygamists. Now on the series, you get to see all the advantages and disadvantages of living in a blended polygamist family. The clear advantages to this situation is always having help with children. That alone is worth having a whole host of sister wives.

On Clifton Brown and Community Justice: Nobody Canna Cross It

Kerri-Ann M. Smith — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:45:02 UT

By now, most of us have encountered the viral video “Nobody Canna Cross It (Bus Can Swim)” that has swept the social media newsfeeds in the past two weeks. I, for one, have watched this video over and over again and have shared several versions on my wall. As I was “deading” with laughter, however,

I couldn’t help but pause to reflect on the words of Mr. Brown.

While his twang leaves much to criticize, Mr. Brown actually exemplifies and amplifies larger issues facing the Jamaican community, to which the government has turned a blind eye.

We Can Cross It! - Big Up Clifton Brown, he is a hero in my book

Michael Thompson — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:35:00 UT

When poor people in many countries like Jamaica ask their government for necessary amenities like good roads, clean drinking water, bridges or important community services that can make their lives better, they wait in vain and are often times humiliated or ridiculed, sometimes to get attention they must block roads and demonstrate to get the authorities to listen and do something. Humiliation and ridicule is what Clifton Brown got for asking for a bridge.

To Floss or Not to Floss that is the Question?

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:30:02 UT

Nowhere else is the appearance of wealth and social status more ridge and important for display than in Jamaica in 2011. The need to show ones ability is no longer judged by ones credentials and authority those solid foundations have been replaced with gauche peacock parades of bling and wild grandiose titles they have self bestowed online. “CEO’s” without staff, “Presidents” without revenue and “Tech Guru’s” and “Consultants” who aren’t even bankable by a major brand to hire them as staff. So many, just Kings new clothes….

Jamaica’s Diaspora Representation

Hamilton Daley — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:30:02 UT

Money talks, and with remittance revenues of over US $1 billion dollars per year, Jamaica’s Diaspora should have a loud voice. With the value of the diaspora’s foreign exchange revenue second only to the mighty Tourism industry, no government can afford to leave the proper courtship and engagement of the diaspora community to chance. A dedicated ministerial portfolio is required – no less!

Black no Longer Beautiful? What Is Happening To Our Children?

Audrey Reeve — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:30:02 UT

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds” one of the most prophetic statement by the late reggae superstar Bob Marley. Albeit this statement was most likely intended for the international community, for our purpose, let’s assign it to Marley’s native country Jamaica. What signs and symptoms were apparent in the Jamaican culture as manifested by Jamaicans to warrant such a quote?

Young People are Leaders of ‘Today’ and Tomorrow

Craig Dixon — Mon, 30 May 2011 12:30:02 UT

Many leaders and protectors of the old-guard habitually spew clichéd epithets about youth development at political rallies and during Youth Month which serve to alienate and degrade rather than integrate and inspire young people. Three of these catch-phrases which have attained universal renown with seemingly unchallenged public approbation are; ‘you (youth) are the leaders of tomorrow’, ‘youth are the future’ and ‘youth are the next generation’.

The Residence of Dreams

Craig Dixon — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:30:02 UT

My memory of the Graham-mango tree in the boondocks behind my cottage-home in Pellriver will live on ad infinitum. We were kite and tail; aphorism and sage. I would, when angst or distressed by the internal tales of the day, curl like a fetus in her arms.

Setting the record straight about the Jamaican Diaspora "Convention" and the boycott threat

David Mullings — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:25:00 UT

The Jamaica Observer yesterday finally shed light on the looming boycott of the upcoming Jamaican Diaspora "Convention" scheduled for Ocho Rios, Jamaica from June 15-17 under the theme "One Nation: Jamaica and its Diaspora in Partnership" .

What is Jamaica, the brand?

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:30:01 UT

What are the images your mind conjures when you think of Jamaica? Sunny beaches, ganja and guns perhaps? Or how about laid back work ethic, homophobia or backward banana republic on the brink of civil unrest? Credible words or great misnomers?

Dream-right: What the journey to Rwanda meant to me

Craig Dixon — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:30:01 UT

As a child my sleeves were always soaked with liquid flames, which would hang like Jamaican wis-wis (withe) from my facial monuments. I loathed wis-wis because I suspected they strangled fruit-trees and they were always in my way causing nuisance. In later years, I learned to use them as bands to keep firewood together and as skipping ropes.

Call for action - Improve the accountability and transparency in Jamaica today for better business ethics

Jane Nina Buchanan — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:30:01 UT

As a US business owner I often champion new ventures, I was eager to promote the premiere of the Jamaican Blog Awards, which I felt was a great Tech initiative. I pushed the venture to many of my clients as "a great Jamaican project". Pegasus, LIME and NCB had sponsored so I believed it had integrity.