Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 14, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Dr Lorna Down, co-editor with Thelma Baker of the riveting publication Caribbean Writers on Teaching Literature, has, with co-writer Dr Therese Ferguson, delivered a most timely book for educators, Education for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean. The book offers “real-world” case studies and research-based approaches in education, addressing global sustainable development goals, the challenges of the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and social and economic injustices.

As we promote critical thinking and environmental awareness, this book will help educators to hardwire the mandate of sustainable development in their curricula and instruction.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 14, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has proclaimed March 11 as National Paralympic Day each year.

In his message on the day, Sir Patrick noted, “The recent promulgation of the Disabilities Act, coupled with the Proclamation of Paralympic Day highlight one of the messages of our national anthem: ‘Teach us true respect for all.’ “

It was Professor Sir John Golding, founder of the Mona Rehab Centre, now named after him, who created the Jamaica Paraplegic Association in 1966, laying the foundation for the Jamaica Paralympic Association in 2008, now led by attorney-at-law Christopher Samuda.

As we joined the Digicel Foundation team for work on the renovation of the paralympic court and stands at the rehab centre last Friday, we spoke with President Samuda; Paralympics gold medallist Alphanso Cunningham; Neville Sinclair, who coaches basketball and field events from his wheelchair; and Toto Campbell, who coaches basketball and surfing.

Samuda says they are looking forward to participating in a table tennis tournament coming up shortly in Birmingham, England, and the hosting of regional paralympic events in the upgraded court. Digicel Foundation Special Needs Officer Jeneard Williamson, who coordinates several events from his wheelchair, beamed with pride as he wielded his paint brush.

Folks who use wheelchairs have expressed their disgust at the way they are treated by insensitive members of the public. They are hard-working members of our Jamaican family, who have brought us much national pride. Please show them the respect they deserve.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 14, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

We have had to make tearful farewells to family members and friends during the savage descent of COVID-19 over the past two years.

Some of those who have recovered are suffering from “long COVID” symptoms. We have followed the management of COVID from worldwide newscasts and we are grateful that COVID protocols were never politicised in our country.

There are really no words to thank those who were in the vanguard of the fight: Health Minister Christopher Tufton, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, Permanent Secretary Dunstan Bryan, and Director of Family Health Services Dr Melody Ennis. And we were moved by the dedication of Jamaica’s health-care personnel, many of whom disrupted their family lives to give round-the-clock service.

Jamaica now has a positivity rate hovering around five per cent; however, with reports of spikes in major international cities, let us keep our guard up.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 14, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The JAMP presentation took place on International Women’s Day and Calder reminded us of the heroine of the Kingston dockworkers strike of 1938, Aggie Bernard.

The leader of the strike, Alexander Bustamante, had been imprisoned and the protestors were running out of resources to continue. Twenty-eight-year-old Aggie Bernard, a laundress, used her small savings of five shillings and sixpence to start a soup kitchen to feed them, and inspired others to join in her activism. This kept the strike going until Norman Manley secured the release of Bustamante.

Aggie Bernard remained a dedicated activist all her life, first joining the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union and later the People’s National Party. The African American registry noted, “As late as 1964 Ms Aggie helped to feed striking workers of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation.”

She was a devout Catholic and faithful congregant at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kingston, who married dockworker David McLaughlin, but kept her maiden name; they adopted two children. She died in 1980 and is buried at National Heroes’ Park.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer coloumn published on Monday, March 14, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Let us give thanks for the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) funded by the EU, which tracks breaches of government policy and regulations; the performance of Members of Parliament; and monitors the passage of key legislation in Parliament. Please visit their website at jampja.org.

In her presentation to Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) members last Tuesday, JAMP Executive Director Jeanette Calder reminded us that taxpayers fund an “accountability budget” of $5.194 billion for the Auditor General’s Department, Integrity Commission, Independent Commission of Investigations, Houses of Parliament, Office of the Public Defender, Office of the Services Commission, and Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency. Surely, members of the public should ensure that our money is well spent; the JAMP gives us the opportunity to do so via their interactive functions.

Calder reminded us that Parliament is not the Government by outlining its functions:

• Representing the electorate

• Passing laws

• Overseeing the work of Government

She emphasised that Jamaica has enough resources to ensure good governance: legislation, the Access to Information Act; press freedom, oversight agencies, and civil society organisations; development partners; technology; and a self-driven, young generation of intrepid Jamaicans. At this point, I suggested that she add retirees who, as CCRP honoree Parris Lyew-Ayee Sr pointed out at our event last year, are no longer afraid of victimisation on the job.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 14, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The statement posted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s Twitter page at midnight last Friday was terse: “Late this evening I met with Minister Robert Montague, who tendered his resignation with immediate effect. Minister Montague expressed that it was a privilege to have had the ‘opportunity to serve at the highest levels in Government’. ”

The use of the word minister in this statement is awkward, but the message was clear. After the details laid out in the report by the Integrity Commission’s Director of Investigation Kevon Stephenson, which stated that Montague allowed six people of “questionable character” to be issued with firearms licences, the prime minister had to take this final action.

Stephenson also named former National Security Minister Peter Bunting in his allegations, which have since been denied by Bunting.

It was Bob Marley who sang, “And if your night turned into day, a lot of people would run away.” Well, the day is now 24/7, as digital media has turned nine-day wonders into perpetual pummelling.

The media has pushed some buttons with their repeated use of a photograph showing a close-up of the prime minister and the former minister in what appeared to be an intense discussion. It is regrettable that we did not have this level of oversight in the earlier days of Independence. We know there are still cynical individuals who would have a lot to account for if this country decided to have a Truth Commission.

However, we give thanks for the younger politicians who are taking a clearer path in the service of their country. We applaud Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke’s brilliant budget presentation and the thoughtful response from Opposition spokesman on finance Julian Robinson.

“The Public Spiritedness of Rose Agatha Leon”

Madam Rose Leon dedicated the greater part of her life in Jamaica. One of the many contributions she made to public life was the unique sense of balance for which she has become known. She never failed to point out to her own colleagues as well as others any blemish or shortcomings. This outspokenness made her a credible voice in the political spectrum. It further revealed those two invaluable qualities of genuine leadership, Integrity and Candour.

Rose Leon was a “people’s politician”. Always uppermost in her mind and actions were the underclass, the underprivileged, in our society. She had sincere and genuine compassion for them and they in turn replied with an effusion of popular love. They flocked to hear her speak from the platform and many politicians also listened very ardently to her deliveries and opinions, given publicly or within the closer confines of administrative function. These never failed to bear the stamp of an unusual intellect both by way of substance and of style. People who had the privilege to work with her never failed to recognise the qualities of leadership which she brought to the political field. Madam never failed to reveal her genuine and sincere interest in the depressed section of our society.

She WAS A PIONEER IN MANY FIELDS. She was not only one of the very few female politicians to earn elective honours as a representative of the Government, but she occupied the position in the Cabinet as Minister, the very highest role of the state. What is more, this outstanding pioneer accomplished the record still unequalled in our history of being the first female Minister of Government in both political parties in this country. She sent a clear signal that the women of Jamaica were ready and that the woman’s place was not only at home but in the forefront of national development. This is no mean accomplishment. It not only proved that no achievement of that nature is beyond the ability of women. It also proved that she never sought applause from blind Party supporters. She always deserved the admiration from the public at large as she never was a slave to narrow party interest nor a bigot to any sect. Her record in public life was never influenced by publicity nor governed by personal interest.

This very special lady was also a pioneer in other areas. In the very early stages of her career, she established a school of Beauty Culture which soon became a profession of the highest quality among the women in the land. This she achieved not only by hard work and administrative skill of the highest order but by her insistence in excellence among her students.

Rose Leon never considered her femininity to be a hindrance to her success. Many people may not remember the various areas of public service in which this very able woman took part. She was once Deputy Mayor of Kingston, a vibrant member on the Committees of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, a member of the Local Government Association and the Jamaica Federation of Women. Madam was a Life Member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and a very active member on the National Council for the Aged.

Madam Leon, by her example, revealed a vision of leadership. The message she sends us says “aim for the stars, but if you do reach them, run towards the sun, and if we fail to reach the target, walk towards the Horizon but NEVER STOP MOVING TOWARDS YOUR GOAL!”

Shortly after the 1944 elections she joined the Jamaica Labour Party, and by 1948, at the annual JLP Conference, she was elected Chairman of the Party. With her strong leadership and business skills, she was an active fund raiser and a good organizer.

Mrs. Leon was also a founding member of the Jamaica Federation of Women, along with Lady Huggins and Mrs. Mary Morris Knibb.

As someone with her roots in business, Mrs. Leon also carried that knowledge into policy-making. She was again a founding member of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association and was also the first woman to hold office in that Association.

Later in 1967, she also served a term as President of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association. She went on to become one of the longest serving Directors of their Board and was made a Life Member of their Board of Directors in 1993.

In her own words “something incredible happened”. In 1967, she was welcomed into the ranks of the People’s National Party by the Rt. Hon. Norman Manley, and won a seat in the 1969 Local Government election in the Brandon Hill division of West Rural St. Andrew. She served as Chairman of the KSAC Roads and Works Committee from 1969 to 1972, and Deputy Mayor of the KSAC in 1971.

In 1972 running on the PNP ticket, Madam Rose Leon regained the West Rural St. Andrew parliamentary seat and was appointed Minister of Local Government.

Many honours were awarded to Madam Rose Leon including the National Honour of Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) in 1982 and the award by the Jamaica Bureau of Women’s Affairs of “Woman of Distinction” at the end of the United Nations Decade for Women in 1985. In July 1998 Madam Rose was one of 6 special awardees at an Awards Banquet for long serving Justices of the Peace: she had been a Justice of the Peace since 1949, close to 50 years at the time of her award. Up to the time of her death she remained very active in the Lay Magistrates Association and enthusiastically attended their local and international conferences.

Among numerous other awards were the Keys to the City of New York from Mayor John V. Lindsay in 1971; the City of London Medal from the Lord Mayor of London, Rt. Hon. Lord Mais in 1973; Award from the Bustamante Institute of Public and International Affairs in 1987, for Outstanding Contribution to Caribbean Development in the field of Politics, as the first woman Minister of Government in Jamaica; Award from the St Andrew Business and Professional Women’s Club in 1989, in recognition of Distinguished Public Service and Leadership in the field of Politics; Glen Owen Award as “Model Widow” in 1989; and a Posthumous Award at the 75^th Anniversary of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation in 1999, for Long and Dedicated Service. Madam Rose Leon’s motto was, “Hard work as a way to achievement: envy no one”

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 07, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

An article by journalist Arwen Armbrecht on the World Economic Forum’s website several years ago asked: “In which country is your boss more likely to be a woman?” The data showed that there are three places in the world where you are more likely to have a female rather than a male manager — Jamaica, Colombia, and St Lucia.

Folks, it has not been easy, especially for those of us who are working mothers. We have two jobs — one at the workplace and one in the home.

We salute the supportive partners who have helped us maintain balance, and ask for compassion for single mothers who carry so much of Jamaica’s future on their weary backs.

On International Women’s Day, which is being celebrated today; Tuesday, March 8, Amina Blackwood-Meeks of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has invited three women who were part of the Carifesta 76 team to “ Electric Slide” down memory lane – Vilma McDonald, Lorna Goodison, and yours truly.

Amina reminded me that it was the successful staging of Carifesta 76 which inspired the creation of the college. It should be a great morning. As for the Electric Slide, I will be bringing up the rear.

Let us bask in each other’s reflected glory.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 07, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

We, 1970s graduates of The UWI, Mona, may not have got there were if not for the highly subsidised fees. Since then, these fees have been so steep that I remember speaking to a brilliant young lady in the business of selling motor vehicles, who explained that, after the first year at The UWI, she could not manage the fees so she was taking a break to “hustle” so she could get back to her studies.

And, of course, it is well known that those who take student loans have a rough time with repayment, while having to also take care of their basic living expenses.

Observer reporter Romardo Lyons wrote: “The medical students had to choose between Jamaica, the land of their birth, and Ukraine, which is thousands of miles away from everyone and everything they know. At The University of the West Indies, tuition for medicine is US$28,000… Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the tuition ranges from just US$3,500.”

We took a look at the Report of The UWI Chancellor’s Commission on Governance of The UWI, July 2020. The Commission on Governance of The University of the West Indies is chaired by Sir C M Dennis Byron, former president of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

The introduction of the report noted: “The macro-environmental challenges include the political tension between the regional character of The UWI and its national remit, competition from foreign education providers, underdeveloped funding mechanisms for tertiary education throughout the region, a disturbing demographic shift in the tertiary education landscape in favour of foreign universities… With respect to financial management, the commission identified specific governance gaps which exacerbate the weak financial health of The UWI.”

The report lays out in detail these gaps, which we hope will be addressed to make higher education more accessible for our students.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 07, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

As I write this, Ukraine is experiencing its 10th day of the Russian invasion, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has not left the city of Kyiv, despite offers of extraction from the US. His response: “I need ammunition, not a ride,” will go down in history. Via online platforms, he has addressed crowds of anti-war demonstrators throughout Europe, as well as US senators last Friday. His eyes are those of a sleep-deprived man, but his words remain strong and inspiring.

“Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you indeed are Europeans, and then life will win over death, and light will win over darkness,” he said as he addressed the European Parliament.

The crowds of people in Russia who have been protesting the war are among the world’s bravest.

Emma Lewis shared a Washington Post report on 80-year-old Liudmila Nikolaevna Vasilyeva, who joined a group of young protestors in Petersburg and was arrested. She told the reporter, “We had a delightful crew in the paddy wagon,” and encouraged the group to shout anti-war slogans.

What a lesson for the world and for us here in Jamaica. Too long have we tolerated the invasion of gangs in our peaceful communities. Thank goodness for the increasing efforts of our security forces and our judiciary in bringing these gang leaders and members to justice.

Awakened by the dignity of the Ukrainians, we Jamaicans should keep monitoring all those who put themselves up as leaders, whether in community or country.

I am looking forward to the presentation by Jeanette Calder of the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) to the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) members and friends this Wednesday.

Now that we see how precious our democracy is, let us take personal responsibility to protect it.