Jamaica Observer column published Monday 27 November 2023
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
We emerged from the storm, and in the days following, the blue skies, freshly washed trees, and blossoming shrubs refreshed our spirits. My friends in the hilly parts of Jamaica had a few scares, but thankfully, they can now joke about them. However, our farmers and citizens who have been left with losses and expensive repairs.
According to the old saying, “Every crisis is an opportunity,” and we now have a clearer view of what needs to be tackled to minimize a repeat of these crises.
We can learn from our tourism interests who reported no damage despite sustained rains in the west. Just as they continued to fill their rooms without a hiccup, we can strengthen the resilience of the building and agriculture sectors.
The introduction of tougher penalties for praedial larceny and a Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) app for the farming community are significant steps for a sector in which crops and products are gaining momentum worldwide. A Jamaican in New York told me of a distributor who is ready to distribute any Jamaican food he can get his hands on – be it produce, sauces, or our Christmas cake.
Our Jamaican Diaspora, spanning the US, Canada, and the UK, is estimated to be two million – two million who yearn for our flavours and warmth. We understand that there is a growing Jamaican cohort of tourists, and when you watch the food channels you see food trucks are sought after not only by Jamaicans but by a fast-growing number of converts.
The building industry is racing along and, for the most part, producing long-needed housing solutions and opportunities for the Airbnb sector. The recent landslide in Jacks Hill is a teaching moment for developers and the authorities. There is still a considerable amount of undeveloped land, with fewer risks, so let us take the necessary steps to avoid costly mistakes.
The highway systems are opening up development opportunities islandwide. I met a charming, retired couple who had lived all their lives in St Catherine. They opted to move to Trelawny and have no regrets.
The most pressing need is to find decent shelter for the poor. Food For the Poor has made this a priority in its 40th year. There are guidelines for qualifying for these homes, the first being ownership or long lease of the land on which they want to build. It was heartening to hear that land titling is moving apace as this will promote eligibility.
We understand that modest schemes and apartment buildings are also being spearheaded by the Government. Economists see homeownership as one of the driving forces for a robust economy. Indeed, it is a right of every Jamaican, especially with more frequent climate incidents occurring.
As we watch the growing refugee camps, wars, and starvation around the world, we in Jamaica have much for which to be thankful. Our problems seem small in comparison, and we have the wherewithal to solve them.
Election Season
Election season is here, and the 360-degree use of media is impressive. The “Greens” are currently outpacing the “Oranges” in social media. The postings of constituency conferences show impressive attendance. The Oranges are yet to show their marketing hand.
We should appreciate this splendid acknowledgement of our democratic system. I saw a few offensive remarks being traded but on the whole, it has been a pretty decent campaign. Let’s keep the light of democracy shining and respect each other’s political choices even if we do not agree with them. The most important place for your voice to be heard is in the ballot box.
A chance for juveniles
Instead of allowing them to learn from the wrong influencers, Agent Sasco’s Banks of Hope Foundation and the Forward Step Foundation initiated by Miguel “Steppa” Williams have been nurturing the talent of juveniles in correctional facilities.
Digicel Foundation partnered with Agent Sasco’s Banks of Hope Foundation to supply musical equipment for the wards ar the Metcalfe Street Juvenile Centre for the building of a music studio at the facility. They were assisted by the ever-generous Music Mart owners.
In August, Forward Step Foundation conducted Creative Expression Workshops across four juvenile correctional facilities, involving 200 juvenile offenders. Their music and shared experiences gave hope. The initiative aims to benefit citizens in remote areas by creating jobs, improving living conditions, and facilitating social transitioning.
Creating a blue zone for cancer
The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) held a seminar last week titled Creating a Blue Zone for Cancer. Dr Owen James, one of the facilitators, as well as an award-winning family doctor and CCRP board director shared thoughts on the discussion.
“The seminar was essentially to share, collect, collate, and later disseminate information from/to interested parties relating to making Jamaica one of the places enjoying longevity (Blue Zone), controlling prevalence of diseases like cancer, by modification of lifestyle.”
He continued, “To this end there were presentations on occurrence, severity, and costs of management of certain cancers, including cancers in children and the very difficult disease of multiple myeloma.”
He said the seminar shared sources of sponsorship and the valueable role of the National Health Fund (NHF), which recently extended its list of diseases eligible for coverage, including multiple myeloma.
A statement on cancer from the World Health Organization noted, “To achieve the target of reducing premature mortality from cancer and other NCDs (non-communicable disease), these gaps must be filled with evidence-based and cost effective programmes that facilitate early diagnosis and access to treatment and palliative care for all.”
IDEVAW #NOEXCUSE
Today is the third of the 16 days of activism, which started on Saturday, November 25, for the International Day for the Eliminiation of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).
We in Jamaica are distressed at the horrific acts of violence committed against our women and girls. The statistics from UN Women tell a harrowing story:
- More than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.
- Almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life.
- 86% of women and girls live in countries without legal protections against gender-based violence.
Let us join with government and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness of this blight on our country. Share widely the contact numbers on this page so women in danger know where to turn for help and shelter before it is too late. Please use the #NoExcuse slogan in all your social media postings on the protection of women and girls during these 16 days of activism ending December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Jamaica Highlights 