Author: jahighlights

Senators want focus on mental illness, dementia among seniors

BY ALICIA DUNKLEY-WILLIS Senior staff reporter observer

LONGMORE… we tend to seem to skirt around the very significant impact of not just dementia but mental wellness challenges that our elderly population face

OVERNMENT Senator and psychiatrist Dr Sapphire Longmore, in appealing for members of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association to be included in the deliberations of the special select committee of the Senate mulling legislative protection for Jamaica’s senior citizens, says the issues of mental wellness and dementia amongst that population cannot be avoided.

“We tend to seem to skirt around the very significant impact of not just dementia but mental wellness challenges that our elderly population face; at that time there is significant depression, and long-term effects of trauma, etcetera. You have persons who have interest in Alzheimer’s research, dementia research who are aligned with the association,” Longmore said on Wednesday during the inaugural meeting of the special select committee.

In batting for their involvement, the consultant psychiatrist continued, “We are finding in the medical space that dementia in Jamaica is almost becoming what we call Type 3 diabetes. That is what the latest research is showing. I say this to say that dementia doesn’t start after 65; the processes occur prior to that and so we need to have the measures in place before the age that we are recognising as the direct point of effect. So I would want for us to have those persons who can contribute to the awareness of such preventative measures so we can seek to address it preventatively,” she stated.

Type 3 diabetes is a term used by some researchers to describe the theory that insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor dysfunction in the brain may cause Alzheimer’s disease. Some research studies have suggested that Alzheimer’s disease should also be classified as a type of diabetes, called type 3 diabetes. However, type 3 diabetes is not currently an official medical term and is not recognised by national health organisations or the American Diabetes Association.

According to the National Institute of Health, the exact connection between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes is still in debate. However, poorly controlled blood sugar may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This relationship is so strong that some have called Alzheimer’s “diabetes of the brain” or “type 3 diabetes (T3D)”.

At Wednesday’s sitting of the committee, Opposition Senator Dr Floyd Morris, who had moved the Private Member’s Motion resulting in the formation of the committee, in sharing that a relative of his who has been suffering from dementia has been missing from last Monday, said, “That is one of the reasons I am going to be very relentless in pushing for this legislation”.

He, in the meantime, said at the head of the queue of invitees to address the committee must be Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, executive director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre, who has done extensive work on the welfare of the elderly as well as representatives of the Caribbean Community for Retired Persons, the Council for Senior Citizens as well as the Bankers’ Association.

Meanwhile, Opposition Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns said the input of members of the Medical Association of Jamaica was also necessary “because the general practitioner really, in so many ways, is the first point of contact when it comes on to any medical issue the elderly has to deal with”.

She further recommended that the committee should rely on the guidance of the Jamaican Bar Association given that “there are so many different pieces of legislation that touch and concern our elderly”.

In also calling for feedback from the Household Workers’ Association, given that the care of the elderly is often in the hands of their members, Frazer-Binns said insurance companies should also be part of the conversation.

The motion, originally tabled in 2021 when Morris served as the spokesperson on labour and social security, was approved by the Senate in October this year. The special select committee, which willdeliberate on the scope and details to be included in the legislation, will prepare a report for the Senate’s consideration before it proceeds to Cabinet.

Speaking on the motion in October Senator Morris said, “This is a significant development; our senior citizens, numbering over 350,000 and comprising 13.2 per cent of our population, represent a vital part of our society. They are also our largest voting block.”

Source: The Observer

New smart lab big boost for deaf students

(From left) Student Morsell Weir; communications officer at Digicel Foundation, Kedisha Clarke; principal at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Kingston Campus, Terri Ann Bernard and mathematics teacher, Leah Gregg engage with the smartboard in the smart lab at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf on Monday. Photos: Karl Mclarty

CAROL Robertson, board chair at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, is optimistic that the school’s new smart lab, courtesy of the Digicel Foundation, will create “a more level playing field” for students now and in the future as they navigate and find new ways to bridge the gap for students living in Jamaica with disabilities.

“Technology and the way that it is being used now actually creates a more level playing field because you no longer have to be impatient with the communication barriers of the hearing world,” Robertson told the handing-over ceremony held at the school’s Kingston campus on Monday.

She told the students that they can now adequately represent themselves and participate in the world out there — the global economy — through digital tools, which she said is very important.

Robertson noted that this initiative is important for students as it provides them with a platform to grow and sharpen their skills, despite their challenges.

“There are many persons out there in the world who are performing very skilled professions behind a digital screen and they are having the same results simply because they are no longer viewed as somebody who needs extra assistance. I am a part of your community, and we feel that we don’t necessarily get all open doors because people assume that we can’t,” said Robertson.

She urged students to make use of the devices and capitalise on the opportunity gifted to them by the foundation to maximise their potential.

“Get involved [because] technology will always be scary for somebody. Don’t let it be scary for you. Embrace it, and as the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf and everything that we represent that is godly, it is your responsibility to use the technology in a positive way, honouring God as you go while you use it to serve yourselves,” Robertson said as she encouraged the students.

The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Kingston campus, became the 13th school to receive a smart lab under the Digicel Foundation project to put 21 smart labs into schools.

However, this contribution stands out for more than just providing 12 laptops, 12 tablets, and an interactive smart board like other schools in the programme. According to Kedisha Clarke, communications officer at Digicel Foundation, the room also includes customised features tailored to the unique needs of the students.

“So the space was specially retrofitted to meet the unique needs of our deaf students, [and] the advancements include a visual alert doorbell providing a visual cue for students and staff, a network-attached storage system enabling the recording and storage of large video files, including sign language recordings [and] a high quality webcam facilitating clear and effective communication through video conferencing and online learning platforms,” she said. This smart lab is the second to be established in a special needs institution and the first ever by the foundation in a school for the deaf.

In the meantime, the school’s principal, Terri-Ann Bernard, reflected on the process of building the smart lab, noting that it offers teachers the opportunity to diversify their lessons by introducing students to more interactive learning methods.

“When I bring experiences to them it sticks more. So an interactive board like the one that we’re about to demonstrate definitely goes for that interactive doing, which makes learning happen to a different academia, different learning styles, and the interactive tactile and kinaesthetic where you’re doing things and taking on concepts and making them come to real life is one of the things that Ithink definitely resonates with our students,” said Bernard.

Acting executive director of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, John Meeks, also expressed his gratitude for the smart lab, emphasising how the partnership aligns with the school’s mission of “reaching, teaching, and nurturing” deaf students.

“When you bring two visions together — the Digicel Foundation’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and our mission to reach, teach, and nurture the deaf — the synergy created, the coming together of organisations, foundations with a vision of taking people to the next level only speaks well for the future,” Meeks said.

He emphasised that the smart lab is not just a technological upgrade but a transformative tool that will help bridge communication gaps and empower students.

(From left) Principal at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Kingston Campus, Terri Ann Bernard; student Mackalia Sturlin; Communications officer at Digicel Foundation, Kedisha Clarke; chair of the centre Carol Robertson; acting executive director John Meeks; and student Nathaniel Ross cut the ribbon to signal the opening of the school’s new smart lab.

FFTP assists 24,000 in Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts

Man poses with donations from food for the poor after Beryl

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – More than 100 days after Hurricane Beryl’s passage a sense of normality is returning to affected communities, but the most pressing need remains housing repairs, particularly roof restorations, according to Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFTP).

With a specific focus on Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth, FFTP says over the past four months, approximately 24,000 lives have been positively impacted from various recovery activities. Additionally, up to 5,000 care packages which include food and toiletries have been distributed; and the charity says it directly improved the living conditions of over 700 individuals through roof repair activities.

FFTP Executive Director Kivette Silvera-Stephens said, “We understand the importance of not just immediate relief, but building resilience for the future. Our focus is on ensuring that families, farmers and fisherfolk can rebuild sustainably, and thanks to our many partners, we are seeing resuscitation in the communities and sectors that were impacted.”

The agricultural sector was heavily impacted by the hurricane and is a key focus of FFTP’s recovery initiative. Farmers and fisherfolk experienced severe losses, affecting scores of families and food production island-wide. Agricultural projects are currently being implemented to further the redevelopment of farms, directly benefiting close to 100 individuals and impacting over 300 more. Additionally, over 600 farmers and fisherfolk benefitted from tools, relief packages and training, FFTP said.

Agatha McDonald, a centenarian residing in Portland Cottage, Clarendon benefited from FFTP’s housing repairs. Her family evacuated the premises before the hurricane hit, only to return to a roofless house. Following the renovation, McDonald’s daughter and caregiver shared her thoughts about the experience: “The house top gone, everything gone…we were left empty after the hurricane but thanks to all the donors and Food For The Poor for coming to our rescue and helping to fix our roof.”

Michelle Parchment is a farmer from St Elizabeth. Like other residents in the community, her livelihood was placed on pause following Hurricane Beryl.

“I was doing pretty well…then Hurricane Beryl came along. I had eighty chickens, 4-weeks-old…the hurricane took off the entire roof of the coop and all the chickens drowned…I lost everything,” Parchment said.

As part of the recovery efforts in the parish, FFTP assisted Parchment with a new chicken coop and baby chicks…and today her business is thriving.

“It is a nice and needed gesture and to get the chickens is a great and a big start for all of us who benefited. Whatever I earn from this, I plan to put it back into my business, maybe even expand the business in the future. My family and I are in a better place,” Parchment said.

The organisation’s work has garnered support from both local and international partners, enabling additional projects in greenhouse repairs, back-to-school grants, training for fisherfolk, installation of community water points, mental health sessions, and the restoration of a health centre in Rocky Point, Clarendon.

“We remain committed to supporting families and communities, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainable recovery. With the humanitarian spirit that we have experienced from our many partners, we are confident that better days are ahead, and we are grateful that after four months, a sense of normality is returning to the affected communities,” Silvera-Stephens stated.

Marubeni partners with FFPJ to build houses for families in need

On October 28, 2024, in Bongo Town, Victoria, on the outskirts of Linstead, St. Catherine, Marubeni Power International, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ), provided a new home for Mavadeen Aldred (front, centre), a single mother of three who survived years of abuse and housing instability. Sharing the frame are Marubeni Power International Inc. Senior Vice President Damian Obiglio (third left) and colleagues Takuya Kokawa, associate (front, left) and Keisuke Harada, senior manager (back, left). And Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFPJ) management, Executive Director Kivette Silvera (front, right), Director of Agriculture & Fisheries Nakhle Hado (right) and Development and Marketing Manager Marsha Burrell-Rose.

Since Marubeni Power International, Inc made its entry into Jamaica’s energy sector as one of the major shareholders of Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, the company has not only focused on business growth but also demonstrated its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

For many years, Marubeni has been actively engaged in philanthropic activities aimed at giving back to the people of Jamaica.

On October 28, at Linstead, St Catherine, Marubeni, in collaboration with Food For the Poor Jamaica, provided a home for a family in need. The Marubeni team of Damian Obiglio, Keisuke Harada and Takuya Kokawa were there to hand over the keys to Mavadeen Aldred, a mother of three.

Mavedeen is on a path to a brighter future thanks to the compassion of Marubeni and the dedicated efforts of Food For The Poor Jamaica and ending decades of instability, uncertainty and woe. In 2011, after leaving an abusive partner, Aldred moved into a one-room structure belonging to her grandmother; it was later demolished due to safety concerns. In 2021, she moved to Bongo Town, Victoria (Linstead), into a house owned by a caring friend. It had a deteriorating ceiling that leaked whenever it rained and posed ongoing difficulties for the family of five (Aldred, her three children and her mother), who are striving for stability and safety.

“We have been collaborating with Food For The Poor Jamaica because we see the excellent work they have been doing over several decades. Their values align with the Marubeni creed: Fairness, Innovation and Harmony,” said Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice President, Marubeni Power International Inc. 

He continued: “When it comes to harmony, there is no better place to develop this than in the home. A loving home is the foundation of harmony. It is a place to build family values, a place to study, a place to rest.”

This partnership highlights the importance of community support and corporate responsibility in helping those in vulnerable situations. “Partnerships foster a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. When we unite our efforts, we maximise resources and inspire others to join the cause,” said Food For the Poor Jamaica Executive Director Kivette Silvera.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support we have received,” said Aldred. “This new house will not only improve our living conditions but also bring hope and security to my family.”

EPOC – A model for Jamaica’s progress

Jean Lowrie-Chin/Writer

Finance Minister Fayval Williams cuts the EPOC celebration cake with (from left) Donovan Wignal, MSME Alliance, Courtney Williams, Fiscal Commissioner, Terron Francis, Ministry of Finance and Keith Duncan, EPOC Chair.

Over its 11-year history there have been continuous laurels for the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), born out of the need for close monitoring of our economy while benefitting from an IMF loan. The PSOJ’s crime monitoring committee, CMOC, has been modelled on it, and there have been calls for the Education Transformation Programme to have a similar oversight Committee.

At last Friday’s final quarterly EPOC press briefing, Chair Keith Duncan noted that Dr. Peter Phillips serving as Minister of Finance in 2013, ‘heeded the call of civil society and actively guided and supported the establishment of EPOC’ under the joint chairmanship of Bank of Jamaica Governor (BOJ) Richard Byles and former BOJ Governor Brian Wynter.”

Duncan succeeded Byles as co-chair with Wynter, and in 2019 continued as sole chair. Team members at our shop were inspired by Duncan’s passionate resolve that the people of Jamaica must understand our economic status. He kept reminding that EPOC was monitoring “not the IMF plan, but Jamaica’s plan.” He used every possible mode of communication: his team led by Althea Walters pulled on the skills of Adtelligent and PROComm and the media responded positively to his frank, down-to earth updates. Duncan embraced our suggestion to go ‘Pon di Corner’ to engage ordinary Jamaicans in the understanding of our economic progress. Sharing in refreshments, citizens of our inner-city communities listened and asked questions, taking with them simply worded flyers.

At the briefing Finance Minister Fayval Williams lauded the Committee: “The commitment to responsible fiscal policy and prudent fiscal management by successive administrations since 2013 has delivered a reduction in public debt to 68% of GDP – the lowest in almost 50 years and our debt trajectory is on track to meet the target of 60 per cent of GDP by Fiscal Year 2026/27. Macro-economic stability is now entrenched, and key economic indicators are aligned to create a positive outlook for growth and development.”

We owe a debt of gratitude to Duncan and members of EPOC: Richard Lumsden, David Noel, Septimus Blake, Donovan Wignal, Helene Davis-Whyte, Jason Morris, Lenworth Fulton, Ralston Hyman, members of the Finance Ministry team: Terron Francis and Trevor Anderson and members of the Bank of Jamaica team. 

We need not be concerned at the closure of EPOC. Minister Willams announced that the Fiscal Commission as directed by the Independent Fiscal Commission Act passed in 2021, will come into effect on January 1, 2025, and will be led by Courtney Williams in his capacity as Fiscal Commissioner.  Courtney Willams is a seasoned public servant who held a post at the IMF for three years. She noted: “The Independent Fiscal Commission is a permanent agency with a statutory mandate to assess publicly and independently from partisan influence, a government’s fiscal policies, plans, and performance against macroeconomic objectives related to the long-term sustainability of public finances and short to medium-term macroeconomic stability.” 

As the saying goes, “the reward for good work is more work”, and so Minister Williams announced the Fiscal Advisory Committee (FAC), to be chaired by Keith Duncan. “As it was with EPOC,” she said, “the Fiscal Advisory Committee will have representation from a wide cross-section of society including the trade union movement, civil society, academia and the private sector. Along with Mr. Duncan, the Committee will be served by Helene Davis-Whyte, immediate past president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions; Nancy Pinchas, Executive Director of the Council of Voluntary Social Services; Dr. Patrice Whitely, Head of the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies, Mona and Kareem Tomlinson, Managing Director of GK Capital Management Limited.” Let us continue to follow the progress of the Commission; it should continue keeping stakeholders on their toes, as did EPOC.

Avelo to introduce low-cost flights from Connecticut to MoBay this fall

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Beginning November 16, 2024, Avelo Airlines will operate its first scheduled international route between Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) and Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL).

These non-stop flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing an accessible and affordable travel option for passengers.

Introductory one-way fares between MBJ and BDL start at US$178.

The airline made the announcement on Wednesday.Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between Montego Bay, St James and the capital region of Connecticut.Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has welcomed Avelo Airlines’ announcement.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Avelo Airlines to Montego Bay with their new direct flights from Hartford, Connecticut. This route is of great significance as Connecticut and the surrounding areas represent a major market for visitors to Jamaica. Additionally, these regions have a high concentration of Jamaica’s Diaspora, making this new service a vital link for families and friends. We are confident that this new connection will not only enhance convenience for travellers but also boost tourism and strengthen the cultural ties between our nations,” Bartlett stated.

Avelo Airlines announced this expansion as part of the largest growth initiative in its history, introducing nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to seven new destinations, including its first-ever international flights. Alongside Montego Bay, Avelo will also launch flights to Cancun, Mexico, beginning November 20, 2024.

“The Ministry of Tourism commends Avelo Airlines for recognising the value of expanding their service to Jamaica and looks forward to a successful partnership that will benefit both destinations,” Minister Bartlett added.

Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines has quickly established itself as a leading ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States. With a focus on providing affordable and convenient travel options, Avelo has rapidly expanded its network to include a variety of domestic and international destinations. The airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative service has made it a popular choice among travellers.

IGT extends assistive learning support to Mustard Seed Communities

The Gift of Giving: Rohan Williams (left), IGT senior technology manager, shares smiles with Ann-Marie Parker-Dale (centre), facility manager, Mustard Seed Communities Gift of Hope, and Camille Barnett, matron as he presents the Mustard Seed Communities Gift of Hope with their new iCan Talk communication device for residents with autism.

Children at the Mustard Seed Communities’ Gift of Hope in Mandeville were presented with 15 Start2Learn Handheld Communication devices by International Game Technology (IGT).

Gift of Hope offers a nurturing home to children with disabilities aged two to 34.

The Start2Learn iCan Talk device, recommended by Occupational Therapist Specialists from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), plays a pivotal role in empowering children with communication challenges.

These devices provide a voice for those who need it most, facilitating greater engagement and participation in educational and social activities.

The donation marks the second contribution of assistive learning devices to Mustard Seed Communities as part of IGT’s After School Advantage (ASA) programme, following a previous donation in 2019 of the Tobii Dynavox Speech Case & iPad.

Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica, highlighted the significance of the company’s After School Advantage (ASA) programme in addressing the ‘Digital Divide’ faced by less fortunate children.

“In today’s increasingly digital society, access to technology is essential for educational and economic advancement,” said Green. “Through ASA, IGT helps bridge this gap by providing computer labs and assistive devices for thousands of youngsters in children’s homes and places of safety across Jamaica and the Caribbean.”

The impact of such technology is profound, as evidenced by the success stories from Mustard Seed Communities.

Administrator Ann Marie Parker reported that two students, previously unable to communicate orally, have successfully integrated into school life through the use of the assistive devices provided by IGT.

GAP effects leadership changes at Kingston airport

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), operators of the Norman Manley and Sangster international airports and the PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), has effected significant leadership changes.

These appointments, actualised as of April 1, aim at delivering the best possible customer service and excellence in airport management and operations.

Chiefly, seasoned Mexican aviation professional, Fernando Vistrain, will assume the role of GAP country manager for Jamaica.

According to the Guadalajara-based airport operators, Vistrain brings a wealth of experience to the position. He joined GAP in 2003 and has held various key positions within the organisation, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication throughout his career.

Mr. Fernando Vistrain, Country Manager for Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) for Jamaica

Vistrain’s extensive experience in aviation security, operations management, and strategic leadership makes him the ideal candidate to lead our operations in Jamaica. His track record of success, coupled with his deep understanding of the industry, will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the services and facilities at Norman Manley International Airport.

Fernando holds a diploma in Industrial Processes and a BSC in Aeronautical Engineering from Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico City. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, Vistrain is committed to furthering his expertise and contributing to the continued success of Kingston Airport Limited.

Additionally, Sitara English-Bayfield will take over as CEO at Kingston Airport Limited.

Mrs. Sitara English-Bayfield will take over as the Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Airport Limited.

English-Bayfield is an accomplished professional with a strong finance and administration background. She has been serving KAL since October 2019, functioning as its director of finance and administration, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

With over a decade of experience in financial management and project planning within the aviation industry, English-Bayfield brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Her proven track record of success and dedication to excellence make her the perfect candidate to lead Kingston Airport Limited into its next phase of growth and development.

Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law. English-Bayfield is a certified International Airport Professional (IAP), having completed the requirements of the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP) offered jointly by the Airports Council International and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Nigy Boy welcomed home on arrival at Sangsters airport 

Talented Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy delights fans at the Sangster International Airport on Thursday, February 15, 2024 with a pop up performance of his hit single, “Continent”. 

Rising musical star Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy, received a jubilant welcome home on his arrival at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) on Thursday (February 15), facilitated by MBJ Airports Limited for the Flanker-born son of St James who is now blazing a musical trail internationally.

Born sightless yet undaunted, Hector describes himself as being “differently abled” and is undeterred by the harsh economic conditions that attended his youthful years, first in the Montego Bay Craft Market and then at the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston.

Under his moniker Nigy Boy, Hector has several hits to his credit, all written by him and with his latest recording ‘Continent‘ receiving over five million views on YouTube alone.

Even as he pursues his now bright music career, he disclosed that his greater ambitions are in the legal sphere. “My long-term intent is to go into law and I’m on track, in pursuing a degree in history and political science at the Stonybrook University in New York.”

Speaking more on his current fame, Hector added, “Music kind of come in and right now I am forced to multi-task as best as I can. Education is a powerful thing; it’s the one thing that can never be taken away from you, so I have to fully endorse it and it has to come with me, I’m not leaving it behind,” he said in an airport interview.

Fans gather at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday, February 15 awaiting the arrival of Nigy Boy.

With a message to young Jamaicans searching for their path in life, he said, “As a Flanker man, I’m from a community where youngsters don’t know which direction to take because of how things are. There’s a stigma surrounding the inner-city communities and everybody is locked into a boxed cage so it’s like they see no way up but there’s always a way, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not find that answer that you’re looking for, you may not find that road that you want to walk now growing up, but the path is laid out before you. Always trust the Lord Almighty to lead and you follow.”

Asked if he was committed to keeping his music clean, he made a public promise that while “music is what I’m all about, personally speaking, it’s my mission to toe that line and make music that can resonate with people of all ages, race, ethnicities.” He sees music as a universal language and is therefore not restricted to any one genre.

Heading the list of officials welcoming Hector back home, deputy mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon said he was happy with his progress, adding, “This is how youngsters should operate; even of you are making a move to other places you have to represent Jamaica at the highest level.”

Congratulating him on what he has been doing, Vernon also underscored the importance of music as a vehicle of social change, stating that “when it is used properly you can influence others and you can also change lives.”

Sharon Hislop-Holt, manager of commercial business development and marketing at MBJ Limited, said the airport was overjoyed to welcome and host Hector on his arrival.

Upcoming musical superstar, Nigel Hector, aka Nigy Boy (3rd left), is flanked by (from left), Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon; Manager, Commercial Business Development and Marketing, MBJ, Mrs. Sharon Hislop-Holt and Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board, Mrs. Odette Soberman-Dyer upon his arrival at the Sangster International Airport on Thursday, February 15.

She lauded the success of his musical career and urged him to go on to achieving higher levels of accomplishment.

Regional director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Odette Soberman-Dyer hailed Hector’s life story as “one of inspiration” and observed, “He is also a testimony to us that a disability does not hinder you from achieving your dreams; it’s just an additional reason to push even harder.”

Joe Bogdanovich, owner and CEO of DownSound Entertainment, shared with the audience that Nigy Boy has been signed to perform on Reggae Sumfest 2024.

Source: Our Today – https://our.today/nigy-boy-welcomed-home-on-arrival-at-sangsters-airport/

We are depending on our Diaspora

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 19, February 2024

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Fitz Bailey Garfield Robinson

Members of our Jamaican Diaspora have been the lifeline for communities and schools in their homeland. Jamaicans overseas have organised significant fund-raising events and medical missions, while overseas alumnae and alumni organisations have assisted their alma maters. Their contribution over the years is immeasurable.

Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica, led by Horace “Shad” Daley and assisted by Dr Clover Baker, awards high school and tertiary scholarships. Jamaicans have heeded the call of the American Friends of Jamaica, joining with US Ambassador N Nick Perry and former US ambassadors to Jamaica to pour millions into scores of worthy causes.

N Nick Perry

However, there seems to be negative forces in our diaspora behind the flow of guns and ammunition to the island. Last Friday 64 guns and a considerable number of live rounds and magazines were seized at Kingston Wharves Limited. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitz Bailey, in commenting on the incident and arrest of two individuals, said, “…I want to make an appeal to the Jamaican citizens who actually are creating the significant problem that we have in Jamaica. They are the ones who are sending the firearms and I am appealing to the diaspora to sort of engage the citizens and encourage them to desist from this type of destructive activity.”

So here we are, the majority of us decent Jamaicans, being preyed upon by gangs fuelled by their conspirators in the diaspora. Some years ago at a Press Association of Jamaica meeting with US journalists the suggestion was made that if a local journalist is in fear of uncovering criminal schemes, they could appeal to their overseas counterparts to assist in such investigations. Clearly DCP Bailey has some level of intelligence on the source of the shipments, so a tip to an overseas media house could help us to name and shame these traitorous individuals.

Jamaican Diaspora groups may not have been aware of this blight on their reputation. They are in every sector of the US, including police departments. With their support, we can help to staunch the flow of these murderous weapons.

Expert tips for debaters

My post on social media that I was proud of our debaters as it was a good look for our democracy after last Thursday evening’s Local Government Debate was met with witty criticism. Well, the former debating coach for The University of the West Indies, whose team won multiple international competitions, took me to task for saying that they were “well prepared”, but he agreed that it was great for our democracy.

He happens to be my evergreen uncle, Carlton Lowrie of Mannings School, Munro College, and Irving Hall fame.

“There was too much mudslinging,” he averred. “There was no need to keep putting down the other side and getting personal. The focus should have been on the issues. Jamaicans have passed that stage of being comforted by promises. Our politicians have a duty to educate our citizens who now refuse to be fooled.”

Lowrie said that the only person who stayed with the issues was Richard Creary, though his presentation could have been stronger. He said it was regrettable that neither party’s manifesto was ready and no date was offered for publication a mere 11 days before the elections.

He advised that the best way to handle a verbal attack is to “manage your anger and take the higher ground, finding an issue which responds to the attack and extrapolating on it”.

“When you stay calm and measured in your response, it says a lot about your character,” he said and referred to Michelle Obama’s famous saying, “When they go low, we go high.”

Poor deaf signing at the debate

The deaf community has protested the poor interpreting at the February 15 debate by an untrained signer. In a statement, they wrote, “The Jamaican deaf community, which also included hearing individuals who use Jamaican sign language, were devastated when they encountered the ‘interpreter’ who signed at [the debate], who was not well equipped to perform in the role of an interpreter.”

They alleged that this individual was hired instead of the experienced Antoinette Aiken, “in favour of a low-priced alternative.” This would surprise me as Aiken’s fees are not exorbitant.

This brings back memories of the state visit by President Barack Obama to President Nelson Mandela in South Africa, the so-called interpreter’s incompetence was an embarrassment to the organisers.

Deaf students upskilled in agriculture

Twenty deaf students at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) campus in Knockpatrick, Manchester, recently completed a training programme in Climate Smart Agriculture Greenhouse Production.

The 10-week course was organised by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in collaboration with the Jamaica Red Cross. The courses included introduction to greenhouse production, crop management and nutrition, integrated pest management, safe use of pesticides, and marketing and farm business management.

RADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Winston Simpson congratulated the students: “We are proud to partner with you; I am pleased to see men dominating the numbers, and it’s a big plus for us. Over the 10 weeks we witnessed the convergence of dedication, resilience, and innovation in a unique blend that defined this historic training initiative.”

CCCD Executive Director Leon Samms said the greenhouse currently in operation yields sweet peppers, and cabbage, lettuce, pak choi, and pumpkin are being produced on the property. While the recent COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s drought were setbacks, the centre now operates at higher level of efficiency, having installed an additional 1,000-gallon tank to enhance water supply and a solar-powered irrigation system.

The CCCD property comprises 50 acres of arable land which is used for cattle, pig, and poultry rearing and to grow crops for export.

My deaf colleagues would like me to remind reporters that they do not want to be described as ‘hearing impaired’; our productive deaf community is far from being impaired.

Bob Marley: One Love opened in theatres on February 14.

Get ready for Marley fans

The movie Bob Marley: One Love has taken the world by storm, breaking the US box office record for a midweek release, earning US$14 million last Wednesday alone and some $50 million by Saturday. You cannot scroll YouTube for more than a few seconds and not see an interview with producer Ziggy Marley and the leads Latasha Lynch and Kingsley Ben-Adir or a music video of the legend himself, Bob Marley.

This is going to bring a new wave of Marley fans to tour his birthplace and resting place at Nine Miles, his home at Hope Road, Tuff Gong studios, and Trench Town. The good people at Jamaica Tourist Board and Tourism Enhancement Fund should be collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and the Bob Marley Foundation to upgrade facilities near or at these locations for our food and craft stalls. Marley-themed concerts at our parks, theatres, and auditoriums would attract great attendance.

Let us use Marley’s spirit of excellence, perseverance, and inclusivity to inspire us to enrich our tourism offerings, delivering opportunity to the humblest workers in the industry.

To paraphrase Marley, “So Jah seh, not one of my people should sit on the sidewalk and beg your bread.”

Source: Jamaica Observer – https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/02/19/we-are-depending-on-our-diaspora/