Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, May 1, 2023

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Dr Annette Alexis (fourth left) with members of the Stella Maris Steel Band

In the 1970s we journeyed to his mother’s hometown Aboukir in St Ann, where Harry Belafonte performed. Tickets were the princely sum of $2. He laced his ringing songs with activist messaging, reminding us that we all need to use the voice God gave us.

In the 1990s he performed at a fund-raiser for the Jamaica Medical Foundation and we organised a press briefing at the then Blue Cross conference room. His charisma filled the room, and he wowed us with a few bars of Day-O. His performance at Jamaica House was rich with humour. One line I remember was, “People ask me how I keep so young. I don’t know, but my friend Sidney Poitier drinks Oil of Olay.”

We should know that Harry Belafonte was the first-ever singer (black or any other colour) to score a gold record, which he did for his album Calypso; that he paid the bail for Dr Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) to be freed from the Birmingham jail; that his mother was a strong Garveyite; and that he took his white friends in entertainment to hear MLK’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech. May his great soul rest in peace.

We in Jamaica were blessed when Grenadian-born Dr Annette Alexis made her home here. Dr Alexis was one of the longest-serving directors of the Stella Maris Foundation, giving free eye care to the less fortunate at her Parkington Clinic and as a volunteer at the Foundation for International Self Help Development (FISH Clinic). Dr Alexis was a prayer warrior, always with rosary in hand, and a talented member of the Stella Maris Steelband.

Dr Alexis’s heartbeats were her son Dr Shane Alexis, past president of the Medical Association of Jamaica, and her two granddaughters. The University of the West Indies Seacolite was a cycling buff and had a fabulous sense of humour, which was matched by her radiant smile.

Our Stella Maris family is heartbroken at her passing, but we know all is well with her beautiful soul.

Our deepest sympathy to Shane and the other family members here and in Grenada.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, May 1, 2023

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

You may know her on social media as Andi O, a hilarious commentator. But this is just the way Orelue lets off steam when she is under pressure at the Government Laboratory in downtown Kingston. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared with us her sleepless nights as she and her dedicated team collated results islandwide so we could keep track of the numbers.

In observance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, the Ministry of Health and Wellness presented several awards, the highest of which went to Orelue. Ironically, while there were photos of the awards ceremony, she had too much work to attend and, therefore, the trophies were taken to her.

The MOHW posted, “It’s a big deal. The Director’s Award goes to @Andi_O. Among the criteria … having a reputation for ethical practice when dealing with the public and demonstrating a track record of mentorship of young professionals within the laboratory field.” We are grateful for your service, Andi, congratulations!

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, May 1, 2023

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

JIS Photo

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Hon. Matthew Samuda (Center) being briefed about operations and features of the South Jamaica Power Company plant by Chairman, Mohammed Majeed (left) during a recent tour of the facility in Old Harbour St. Catherine. Also seen here are Plant Manager, Noel Watson (right) and General Manager, Leisa Batiste whyte (in the background).

Acknowledging his keen concern for the environment, my colleagues at the South Jamaica Power Company (SJPC) were pleased to welcome Minister Matthew Samuda to their energy-saving power plant in Old Harbour last week. The minister’s social media post was heartening.

“Today I met with CEO of Marubeni Caribbean Power Company, Mo Majeed, and his team as well as representatives from the @myjpsonline and toured the South Jamaica Power Company today to seek avenues for partnership in the clean energy sector. Currently, in Jamaica, Marubeni operates a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Old Harbour, St Catherine, which has cut emissions by 30 per cent from this plant. From this meeting and tour I saw possibilities for clean energy solutions that will lower consumer energy bills, create ‘clean’ jobs, and build our economy, which can be achieved by accelerating the use of energy-efficient resources, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. “

Prior to the tour of the facility, Plant Manager Noel Watson and General Manager Leisa Batiste-Whyte gave a brief overview of the operation, highlighting key features of the world-class facility which is owned by Marubeni, East West Power, and the Government of Jamaica. This is yet another sign that Jamaica is on a positive path for a cleaner environment.

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, May 1, 2023

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) presents a plaque to president of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union and the Caribbean Domestic Workers Network Shirley Pryce at the GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household Worker of the Year Award luncheon at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel. Sharing the moment is GraceKennedy Group CEO Don Wehby.

he Caribbean Domestic Workers Network (CDWN) chaired by Shirley Pryce reminded us today, International Workers’ Day, that “domestic workers are workers” in its media release.

Somehow, it notes, domestic workers do not enjoy the same rights as other workers, although it points out, “It is because of domestic workers that our societies can function, businesses can run, schools can be open, and doctors at hospitals can take care of the sick. Domestic workers are a critical part of the fabric of our countries!”

Seated beside Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the GraceKennedy (GK) Household Workers Awards event six years ago, Pryce, then president of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU), briefed him on the International Labour Organization’s Convention 189, which calls for the recognition and protection of the rights and decent work conditions for domestic workers. The PM committed to look into the matter, and soon afterwards Jamaica became one of the four Caribbean countries which has ratified the convention, the other three being Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Guyana.

The CDWN urges governments to have laws ensuring that domestic workers receive “pensions, sick leave benefits, injury benefits, overtime benefits, severance pay, and other social security benefits”. In Jamaica, domestic workers have a right to the benefits of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and conscientious employers can assist them in signing up for this and the National Health Fund.

The famous author Malcolm Gladwell wrote about brilliant folks who did not pursue higher education simply because their parents were uneducated and had difficulty navigating scholarship and college opportunities. We should keep check on the opportunities that are available to the children of the household workers in our employment.

I never tire of telling the story of Debbie Williams at the Delves Digicel Headquarters in downtown Kingston. Williams started out as an office attendant and as they noted her efficiency and engaging personality, they decided that she deserved the necessary training to be a receptionist. She aced the job so well that she was asked to be the emcee at one of the company’s anniversary celebrations. This begs the question: Are we encouraging the household workers who serve us to fulfil their potential?

I recall the cheering and dancing of Elaine Duncan’s employer when she was declared a GK Household Worker of the Year in 2015. It was clear that Professor Verene Shepherd was a mentor for Duncan, who last year succeeded Shirley Pryce as president of the JHWU. Among our household workers are some of our noblest Jamaicans, raising their families while supporting ours. Let us show our gratitude by upholding their rights and supporting the advancement of their families.