Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 07 December 2020
By: Jean Lowrie-Chin
So here we are suddenly in December – nearly nine months of practically living online, looking forward to a ‘drive-out’ like a child in a car-less family. Most of us cannot wait for the month to end and to see the back of 2020. But for some of us, this unbelievable year has given us 20-20 vision. We are re-imagining our aspirations, questioning our priorities.
One introvert I know celebrated it, saying he welcomed the excuse to not socialize. Mothers working virtually found themselves torn between office interface and helping their children cope with online school. Delivery services seem to have got a nice bounce with thank-yous being posted to QuickPlate, 7Krave, Pekkish and CutdiLine. The reduction of curfew time by one hour to 10pm seems to have served businesses well. You have to search hard to find parking in the plazas, including the new one on Constant Spring Road. Remarkably remittances have increased.
We have to give thanks that Jamaica made its way into the digital world so that we can continue our operations. Millenials have come into their own during this time, launching YouTube channels, creating and selling products online and synergizing social media platforms. We are watching business gurus emerge – as they say, pressure creates diamonds, and some are shining bright.
Brittany Singh’s online school is getting fine reviews, and parents are thanking their lucky stars that an incredibly young Gordon Swaby dared to start EduFocal. Kadeem Petgrave’s and Simier Lansend’s EducaTours allows you to explore interesting Jamaican places without leaving your home. Our pop stars have not taken a breath; we just heard the resonant ‘Hands Up’ by Beenie Man produced by Dominic McDonald’s Troublemekka Music and Koffee has gone international, representing Mastercard and H&M.
We are banking online and discovering it was not as difficult as we thought and we are grateful that Zoom and Microsoft will record our meetings so we can create good notes.
However, with about 30 percent of students not having connectivity, the JTA has reported that primary school children are falling behind in their studies and they are anticipating the same for high school students. We understand that some students are experiencing mental health issues and worldwide health authorities are concerned that the fallout from Covid will be mental health crises. Rise Life Management is a good resource, so please do not hesitate to reach out to them.
As we try to tough out this pandemic, let us find time to connect with family and friends, to play games with our children and to worship together, whether in person or virtually. We understand that a vaccine may be arriving in Jamaica in March of next year – just in time for Easter when we can celebrate a ‘resurrection’ of gatherings and a new appreciation for the family and friends we have been missing.
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