Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 19, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

I remember the evening of April 19, 2001 when, after months of planning, Marketing Manager Harry Smith and I were going over the programme for the launch of Digicel at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

“Oh, my Lord, Harry,” I exclaimed. “We don’t have prayer on the programme!”

“Alright,” said Harry, “If you write it, I will say it.”

I wrote the words purposefully, asking God for His blessing on this brave new company.

I believe God heard us, and indeed that through His grace, Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien became the answer to many prayers.

Overnight, even the humblest Jamaican could afford a phone; live-in household workers could stay connected to their families, seniors could call for assistance in emergencies.

It was exciting to attend the launch of Digicel in Trinidad, Barbados, and Haiti, and to see the energy of the teams, including our own Jamaicans rolling out the networks in the 32 countries in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific.

The Digicel Foundation was launched in 2004 and has funded islandwide projects for education, special needs and community development to the tune of over $60 billion. The most moving area of its operations has been the building of special needs schools which ensure that no matter what learning challenges our children face they are given a chance to achieve their full potential.

In addition to Jamaica, Digicel Foundations have been established in Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad & Tobago, and have contributed to positive outcomes for over three million people to date.

O’Brien was inducted as an honorary member of the Order of Jamaica and received an honorary doctorate from The UWI in 2015.

“The proudest part of all of that we have achieved over the years is that, as a company, we have our roots here in Jamaica,” he said in the graduation address on the occasion. “Without hesitation, Jamaica is the cornerstone of Digicel growth and development of all our 32 countries.”

Here’s wishing Digicel a happy 20th anniversary and many more great years.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 19, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Our environmental predicament is as serious as the social. Our very existence is threatened by both. We are one of the many small island developing states (SIDS) worldwide which are vulnerable to the deterioration of our environment.

Global warming may lead to rising seas that may obliterate our shorelines; consider the loss of our business districts, airports and resort areas. It pains me to see the thoughtless use of plastics in developed countries while we are here trying to do our part.

I remember our friend Professor Trevor Jackson, of blessed memory, remarking that Eleanor Jones would have been a professor of geology if she had not given up her position at The University of the West Indies (UWI) as a lecturer to start her business. Jones related that she had attended several conferences on environmental issues and decided, exactly 30 years ago, that it was time to stop talking about problems and begin to address them, thus founding her company, Environmental Solutions Limited (ESL).

The company’s mission “to harmonise development with environmentally sustainable practices through the application of science, and standards of excellence” has been invaluable to the built environment here and throughout the Caribbean. The company’s anniversary coincides with Earth Day 2021 to be celebrated this Thursday. ESL will mark the occasion with climate action, environmental health in schools, reforestation, and webinars.

Said she: “What a joy it is to have come this far and to have inspired many professionals, public and private sector leaders, and civil society to have contributed to the design and construction of environmentally sound projects in road, seaport, airport, sanitation, water supply and energy infrastructure, housing and resort development. To have championed international certification for health and analytical services in chemistry and microbiology.”

Congratulations to Eleanor Jones and her 30-strong staff of top professionals.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 19, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

NEWS of a video allegedly showing a Member of Parliament (MP) in a physical altercation with a woman first came to my attention from a statement by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange. When it made the rounds on social media I was shocked at the thought that any Jamaican lawmaker could possibly beat a woman so badly.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has announced that George Wright is no longer their representative, noting that he will be sitting as an Independent in the House. Our Jamaican laws state that, unless an MP is found guilty of a crime and is sentenced for more than six months, he/she cannot be removed from Parliament.

The police say they have interviewed Wright and a woman, Tannisha Singh, who had filed a complaint that she had been in a physical aaltercation with Wright. However, the decision is to take the case no further.

This issue of gender-based violence (GBV) is at endemic proportions in Jamaica. And, there have been heartbreaking stories of the abuse of our children, sexually and otherwise, in locations ironically described by the State as places of safety.

Then there are the monsters on our roads, killing and maiming innocent passengers. They are either ignorant or uncaring of the rules of the road. Indeed, I ask anti-vaxxers, why are you even going on the road when the possibility of your being injured in a crash is far greater than having a serious adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Breakdown of family life

The root causes of some of these deadly issues are the breakdown of family life, the tolerance of indiscipline of the boy child, the normalising of criminal behaviour by clever gang leaders and in some popular lyrics. It is so sad to see talented musicians imprisoned as they fall victim to their own dangerous propaganda.

Family does not need to be a nuclear unit, as so many have been raised well by fierce and loving single parents, grandparents, and other responsible seniors.

We must be sympathetic to those Jamaicans torn between remaining with their families and seeking a decent living abroad. One particular Jamaican woman of whom I am aware worked hard for years in the US, sending home funds for her children. However, the individuals who had been entrusted with care for the children fell short. By the time she was ready to take them to live with her they had got into trouble with the law and could not apply for residency in the US. She returned home to try to pick up the pieces, but it has not been easy.

Our pathetic minimum wage and the lack of adherence to the decent work agenda, now facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is creating anger and frustration in our nation. What message does upper St Andrew send to the children of the inner city when they hear the reports of disrespect and see the frustration of their hard-working parents? There is no easy fix, but if we want to live safely in this Jamaica we had better step up to the myriad challenges as Government, private sector and ordinary citizens.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer Column published Monday, April 12, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Kathleen “Kay” Wilson, the driving force behind the establishment of the Jamaica Women’s Hockey Association, celebrated her 100th birthday last Monday, joined virtually by family members and friends worldwide. Her niece, Jamaican poet Christine Craig, sent us notes on her amazing life.

Wilson was herself a national hockey player from 1956-1966, playing in tournaments in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Jamaica. The national team travelled extensively and played in many regional and international tournaments.

For her services to the development of sports she was invested into the Order of Distinction in 1994.

Wilson was recently feted by the Hampton Old Girls’ Association, celebrated as their oldest-living alumna. Happy Birthday to a spirited centenarian!

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 12, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

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The Food For the Poor family is mourning the passing of one of the organisation’s co-founders, Joseph Mitchell “Joe” Mahfood. He was not only a remarkable philanthropist, but also an industrial pioneer, building with his brother Sam the Wisynco Group of Companies.

His son, William Mahfood, who is now chairman of the Wisynco Group, says he remembers his father’s research and the long hours he put in to grow the company. Despite his entrepreneurial successes, William said his father always regarded as his crowning achievement the founding of Food For the Poor with his brothers Ferdinand, Sam, and Robin in Jamaica in 1982. The organisation has grown into one of the USA’s biggest charities, serving 17 countries in the Caribbean and Central America.

The staff of Food For the Poor Jamaica remember his compassion for his fellow Jamaicans and shared his mantra: “The most useful asset of a person is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, with ears open to listen, and hands willing to help.”

May his beautiful soul rest in peace.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 12, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

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Jamaican master chef Colin Hylton passed away suddenly last week. His enthusiasm for his art took us on journeys of wondrous flavour. His Guilt Trip Restaurant was popular for his unending range of exquisite cakes. His culinary adventures were world-class and his joie de vivre contagious. Heaven must be a delicious place now.

We explored Norway with Hylton and fellow master chef Anthony Miller on their prize-winning trip from the Norwegian Seafood Council. In the rough seas of Saltsraumen, Hylton and Miller managed the boat on their own, caught the fish, and prepared triumphant dishes outdoors in a snowfall.

We miss you. Rest in peace, my friend.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 12, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

As one would expect, there were all sorts of remarks on the messages of condolence sent to Queen Elizabeth II by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the passing of her husband for 74 years. It was the right and proper thing to do, whether we believe that Jamaica should become a republic and have our own head of State or not.

In 1966 when the prince attended the Commonwealth Games here, my sister Fran and I, mischievous teens, decided to call him. She dialled the number of his hotel and handed me the phone. I asked for the prince and was shocked when he took the call. I abruptly said, “Goodbye!” but he asked me my name and thanked me for my stuttered welcome to Jamaica.

Rest in peace, gentle Prince.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 12, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

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We extend our sympathy to Caribbean neighbours in St Vincent, where nearly 15 per cent of their population— 16,000 people — have been dislocated by the terrifying La Soufrière volcano.

Residents are dealing with heavy ashfall as well as small hail-like stones. The ash cloud has travelled as far as Barbados, where the national airport had to be closed for a part of the weekend due to poor visibility.

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves tearfully thanked neighbours in Grenada, as well as Antigua and Barbuda, for offering to take Vincentians into their homes.

Our own Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been in talks with Gonsalves offering our assistance.

Food For the Poor has airlifted emergency supplies to St Vincent for the evacuees and has been liaising with partners in Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and St Lucia, who are housing the Vincentians. Donations for this cause can be sent via http://www.foodforthepoor.org/vincent.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published Monday, April 12, 2021

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Day after day, her fellow teachers joined with the police in their search for Nattallie Dawkins, who had gone missing on March 30.

A video of her singing as she started a virtual class showed us a woman who had joy in teaching, having served the profession for over 20 years.

Her car was located — one of the thugs trying to make a quick cheap sale was killed. As a result of keen police action, four individuals are now in custody.

As we get news of so many people going missing, we are on edge about the safety of our family members. Let us try to link with friends when going on the road.