Tuesday, 14 April, 2020 – Kingston, Jamaica – Today, Digicel announced that One World: Together At Home – a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic – will air on SportsMax + and Catch on Digicel Home & Entertainment and on the PlayGo, SportsMax and Loop apps on Saturday 18th April from 3pm EST. It will also be available on D’Music the following day.
Launched by international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, and the World Health Organization, One World: Together At Home will show unity among all people who are affected by COVID-19 and will also celebrate and support brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the frontlines.
Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, One World: Together At Home will include performances and appearances by Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Andrea Bocelli, Awkafina, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Celine Dion, Chris Martin, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, LL Cool J, Lupita Nyong’o, Maluma, Matthew McConaughey, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Sam Smith, Shah Rukh Khan, Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, and Usher.
Commenting on the partnership, Digicel Group Chairman, Denis O’Brien, said; “At Digicel, our mission is to help create a world where no one gets left behind. That is manifested in our work to connect people across our markets using world-class technology and to connect communities via our philanthropic outreach activities.”
He continues; “On Saturday 18th April, we will experience a powerful moment of unity as we come together to honour and pay tribute to our frontline healthcare workers who put duty ahead of self each and every day. As we celebrate their heroic efforts, One World: Together At Home will also uplift, inform and entertain the at-home audience, who, by staying home, are also playing their vital part in the fight against the pandemic. The Digicel family is humbled by the incredible strength of the human spirit on display and honoured to be part of celebrating it and sharing it with the people of the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific regions.”
One World: Together At Home is not a telethon – it is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world, with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica yesterday handed over much-needed medical supplies to the National Health Fund (NHF), an agency of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). The items will be distributed to public health facilities across the four regions to assist those most in need. Here, (from right) NHF’s Director of Operations, Keron Mais and CEO, Everton Anderson display one of the items donated while Food For The Poor’s Director, Craig Moss-Solomon and Director of Recipient Services, Susan Moore look on.
In light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica yesterday officially handed over critically needed medical supplies to the National Health Fund (NHF), for further allocation to public health facilities across the four regions.
The donation included 25 cases of masks, one pallet of hospital clothing (scrubs), over 8000 bottles of pain and fever medicines for children and adults, as well as cold and flu medications for adults.
Quantities of medications for chronic illnesses and infections were also part of the donation, in keeping with the charity’s usual support to public health facilities through the NHF.
During the handing over ceremony, Craig Moss-Solomon, Director of FFP Jamaica, alluded to the charity’s longstanding partnership with the NHF, which has contributed to the organization’s far-reaching impact over the years.
“We truly consider ourselves blessed to be able to partner with the National Health Fund over the years. This partnership has allowed us to expand our reach in serving the poor because they get the items to the hospitals and public health facilities in the corners of Jamaica, who in turn, help the poorest of the poor.”
Speaking specifically to its most recent donation of medical supplies to the NHF, Mr. Moss-Solomon added, “Thanks to our donors, we were able to respond to a critical need for medical supplies. We remain committed to providing as much support as we can to the health sector, especially during these challenging times.”
The National Health Fund (NHF) is an agency of the Ministry of Health and Wellness which is responsible for procuring pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for public health facilities island-wide.
Food For The Poor continues to collaborate with its distribution networks and strategic partners to channel food and relief items to those most in need. The charity is currently providing much-needed support in communities that have been declared quarantine zones, as well as to the vulnerable populations that it serves.
Up to press time for this column, we now have 32 confirmed Covid-19 cases and mercifully, still one death. Our calm, knowledgeable Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie continues to share detailed information on the various cases and their locations and we cannot thank our health workers enough for the dedication they are showing in these challenging times.
While our numbers continue to be relatively low, we could hear the deep concern in PM Andrew Holness’ voice when he stated at last Friday’s press briefing, “The biggest threat to our numbers spiking would be from persons who returned to Jamaica within the last 18 days, those who have not kept themselves in quarantine and are symptomatic and are spreading the disease.”
“I use this now, not as a threat, but as advice.” said the PM. “Those who have come into the island between the 18th of March and the 23rd, the police and the Ministry of Health have been instructed to go through the manifests and match names and addresses to determine if you are self-quarantining. If you are not, the ministry officials and the law enforcement will take the necessary steps; if not in compliance when checked a second time, steps will be taken for you to be quarantined in state facilities and you will be charged.”
How can people be so selfish and careless? Now our already overworked police officers must add this to their SOE and quarantine duties.
We are relieved to know that our street people are not being overlooked during this crisis, as Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced at last Friday’s press briefing that they are receiving daily meals as of yesterday. However, I am concerned about the over 50,000 household workers; President of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) called to say that they are losing their jobs and their families are suffering. Minister McKenzie had noted that the Poor Relief division of his Ministry can consider cases not covered by the Finance Minister’s emergency package, so I am hoping that the JHWU will get some urgent assistance
It is encouraging that after a news report about farmers having to dump some of their crops that the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) has published contact information for their parish officers who should be able to assist with the distribution of produce. Nutritionist Frances Mahfood advised on the news last week that the best way to strengthen our immune system is to add more fruit and vegetables to our diet. We hope the precious produce can be purchased for infirmaries and children’s homes and that manufacturers of food products and supermarkets will give them some well needed business.
The order for persons over 75 to stay at home for two weeks from last Wednesday, March 25 should be taken very seriously. Although this allows them to do essential shopping, I hope that family members, friends and neighbours will offer to do such chores; our seniors are a high-risk group, as witnessed by the numbers coming out of Europe. We feel it to our hearts for the bereaved of those countries, with Italy and Spain being the hardest hit.
We have to be like the young woman who related on social media that she barred a would-be visitor from entering her house as she knew he had recently “come from farrin” and she did not want him to go near her “prize prize modda inside.” “Hello!” she said she shouted, “A nuh joke mi a mek”.
Kudos for Jamaica
Last week, the Miami Herald reported that we were part of “a small hemispheric club that includes Jamaica, El Salvador, Peru and a handful of others [which] responded to the crisis with forceful measures that seemed excessive just days ago, but now seem prescient …Jamaica was one of the first countries in the Caribbean to react to the coronavirus, after seeing its first case on March 10. The country barred flights from hot zones, restricted the movement of tourists, enforced quarantines for all new arrivals and cancelled school, among other measures. It also put part of an entire town, Bull Bay, on lockdown.”
Health Minister Christopher Tufton is quoted: “Early in the day we decided it was better to take fairly strong measures — starting with public education, and then graduating into other restrictions in order to at least contain it, even while we prepare our public health system to deal with the inevitable.” There was also reference to a social media post by WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “Thank you so much for your leadership — and preparedness — for #COVID19, @christufton. #Jamaica Being ready for #coronavirus is key to pushing it back fast. Together, for a safer world!”
At last Friday’s digital press briefing hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie noted that we should not get complacent with our comparatively low Covid-19 figures; she described this phase as ‘pregnant’ – who knows what the coming weeks will bring?
This uncertainty is heightened by the fact that over 4,000 Jamaicans who returned to the island after March 18 have not reported to the Ministry of Health. Listen people, Jamaica is a small place and these individuals are known by family members, friends and neighbours. Please convince them to self-quarantine and visit the MOH website https://jamcovid19.moh.gov.jm to provide urgently needed information. If they do not do so immediately, Jamaica Observer reporter Charmaine N. Clarke noted the PM’s warning: they “will be charged when found …They will be slapped with a fine upwards of $1 million and placed in State quarantine if needed.”
One of the charts shared showed Jamaica’s positive status vs other countries in the region, but can change dramatically if these 4,000 persons are not located. They can be in our markets where social distancing is not being observed, they can be walking close to you when you venture out to do essential shopping. They could have just exited the ATM that you are entering. While the security forces try to find these irresponsible individuals, you cannot be too careful with your hygiene regimen.
There is still much discussion around whether one should wear a mask outside. Yes, we need to know that cloth masks have to be washed after three hours of use and that they should be removed from behind the ears to avoid infection, but this should not deter us from wearing them. Countries who have mandatory wearing of masks have seen positive results. Dr Walter Popp, Vice President of the German Society for Hospital Hygiene has stated on Euronews Television that homemade masks can be used: “we say a mask is always better than no mask”. Wearing of masks is now mandatory in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Cuba, following the lead of China and South Korea.
The authorities keep repeating guidelines with good reason – the virus is highly contagious and will enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Never forget: handwashing and hand-sanitizing, remaining at home, not touching one’s face, coughing or sneezing into a tissue. Additionally, if you must go out, leave your shoes at the door when you return, change your clothes and take a shower or sanitize thoroughly. One UK man reported that he made one quick trip to Tesco and brought home the virus, sending his one-year-old son into the ICU. Thank goodness the child and the rest of the family are recovering well.
During a Health Ministry press briefing last week, there was a telephone link with one of the Jamaicans who had recovered from the virus. He was one of the lucky ones, having had mild symptoms, but he reported that he heard some of his fellow patients crying out.
CNN Host Chris Cuomo who has caught the virus, told viewers, “You suffer.” He described headache and sinus pressure that blurred his vision and nightly fever that brings on hallucinations. Most frightening was an interview on the UK’s Channel 4 News with Dr David Hepburn, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine. He described how the virus causes a build-up of fluid in the lungs of the patient, that make them feel that they are drowning. He said while ventilators may save some patients, others may be too far gone to be helped.
Our most vulnerable
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported at the briefing that in assisting our ‘outdoor poor’ and monitoring them during the recently imposed night curfew, the Ministry’s personnel discovered an even larger number of homeless persons than they had on record. The workers have been travelling throughout the island, taking persons to shelters so they can have a meal, bath and change of clothes. He said more shelters are being built to protect these, our most vulnerable. As we turn to family and friends for moral support, it must be a nightmare for these homeless persons who have no one to call and so we salute our workers who are trying to protect them.
Our churches do much good work for the homeless, but with no church services and no offerings, their outreach activities are hampered. Please try to send your offerings to your churches – they need to keep going.
Finance Ministry reaches out to Household Workers
It was with great relief that we learned from Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke that his Ministry was in touch with the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) to offer help. Jamaica has over 50,000 household workers, many of whom do day’s work and have no job security.
JHWU Vice President Nicola Lawson appealed in a recent video: “Domestic workers are feeling the pinch – many of us have been sent home without pay… Please help us to take care of those who take care of you.”
Donations to the JHWU can be sent to the organization’s account at Scotiabank, Account No. 100129079, Half-Way-Tree or online to www.mightycause.com/story/Jhwu-Help-Fund. You can also send donations in funds or in kind to the JHWU office at 4 Ellesmere Road in Half-Way-Tree.
Overseas help coming in
Quarantine for the 140 Cuban health workers who arrived two weeks ago has ended and so they will be posted at various hospitals throughout the island. Welcome and stay well good neighbours!
Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith heads a Committee which has circulated Jamaica’s priority needs to our external partners. At the briefing she shared that the European Union has funded 29 ventilators, South Korea and East-West Power Company have donated 7,500 test kits which should arrive later this month, the People’s Republic of China has sent a sizeable donation of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for health personnel. Chinese philanthropist Jack Ma’s Alibaba Foundation has also sent PPEs and test kits for 3,000 persons. We have received US$70,000 from the USAID, and other donations from the Hubei People’s Association, the UN, PAHO and UNICEF. We hope to have a total of 105 ventilators by May.
Strong for Jamaica
These partnerships are the result of having strong and credible organisations which can respond nimbly to queries, ensuring that the requisite correspondence is professionally handled.
Educated and dedicated personnel are key to our navigation of this national crisis. How will we get stronger for Jamaica? Let’s use our downtime to upskill by registering at the HEART-NSTA website and using the various free apps offered online. Check this helpful link from Kemal Brown at Digita Global on ‘Making Virtual Work, Work’ to learn more: https://bit.ly/DigitaGuide.
The tributes are many and heartfelt for Jamaica’s supreme lyricist Bob Andy. Thank goodness he heard many before he passed. Over 20 top artistes gathered in Kingston in 2011 to honour the great man. They included Marcia Griffiths who had teamed with him as “Bob and Marcia” to cover Nina Simone’s “Young, Gifted and Black”, a rendition which rose to Number Five in the UK and sold half a million copies. Nadine Sutherland, Big Youth, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Denyque, Chevaughn, Protoje, Desi Jones & Friends, Lloyd Parkes and We the People all sang and played their hearts out for the legend.
As I write this, Roy Black is playing the Bob Andy classic “I’ve Got to Go Back Home” on KLAS-FM – it lit up the dance floors of our youths. How we would sing out the trumpet bars when the DJ stopped the music! Now he is playing one of Bob Andy’s strong social commentary “Fire Burning”:
“I was drawn into myself Observing all this time From every angle I could see My people, you’re meeting hell Brothers have turned to crime So they die from time to time We’d like to ask you leaders What have you got in mind
I see the fire spreading It’s getting hotter and hot The haves will want to be In the shoes of the have-nots If the sign is on your door Then you will be saved for sure But if you are in pretence You’re on the wrong side of the fence.” My husband Hubie recalls that the company he worked for in the seventies, Total Sounds, produced Bob Andy’s radical “Check it out”.
“Open your eyes
It’s time you realise
That the rise in the price
Is to make more money
For who’s got plenty
And the trick of the trade
Is to keep all the hungry bellies empty”.
On the Bob Andy website, we learn that, “In November 1987, Bob assumed the post of A&R and Promotions Director for Tuff Gong (the group of companies founded by Bob Marley). … Bob’s stay at Tuff Gong provided him with many opportunities to express his life-long desire for higher standards in Jamaican music, both in its business operations and in the quality of its musical output.”
A great legacy in so many spheres of Jamaican music – rest in peace Bob Andy.
So here we are on lock down, working remotely and watching the unrelenting spread of this global pandemic. Some are describing this as Mother Nature’s revenge. In the wake of warnings about climate change and global warming, they say that skies are clearer. But this is little comfort to those mourning the loss of their relatives and friends. When we have natural disasters, we appeal to developed countries for help and they are generous in their response. Now we pray fervently for them as they grapple with unbelievable challenges to their health services.
We in Jamaica are still counting our blessings. We are heartened by the hands-on approach taken by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Health & Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, Permanent Secretary Dunstan Bryan, other Government Ministers and indeed JLP and PNP MPs, Councillors and caretakers. Our healthcare workers are heroic, working long hours to keep us well. Our security forces are not only on SOE but also on quarantine duties.
Corporate Jamaica has stepped in to provide well-needed support to the less fortunate. Food for the Poor has been assisting with food distribution to the communities in Bull Bay under quarantine. Banks are extending due dates for mortgages and loans and the NWC has assured that they will not be disconnecting water supply for unpaid bills.
The reports of careless behavior on the part of an entertainer are troubling and so we are happy that, as of Saturday night, Jamaica’s airports and ports will no longer receive passengers, though folks are free to fly out. I am concerned that an airport worker noted a lot of hugging taking place on the last few flights in from New York on Saturday. People, we have to understand that this is a highly contagious virus! We each have to take responsibility for our behavior and practise social distancing. Let us have a heart for our health personnel who are working night and day.
As we avoid unnecessary commuting, we are happy that there is a website where one can visit local doctors digitally – www.themdlink.com . Kudos to Dr Mike Banbury and his colleagues for creating this site which we understand has daily visits increasing tenfold.
It is important that our at-risk elderly citizens are receiving special attention. The National Health Fund is extending prescription quotas so they can stock up on their meds. Sagicor who underwrites the CCRP Health Plan for seniors have assured that they will cover illnesses associated with this pandemic.
Our local media have left no stone unturned in keeping the public well-informed. Of course we are riveted by the international reports of this global crisis, but please ensure that you check in with local newscasts to know what is happening closer to home, and to offer any assistance you can, even if it is a phone call to a lonely elder.
Outstanding Budget Presentations
We applaud Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Finance & Planning Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke for their outstanding contributions to the Budget Debate. It was gracious of the PM to acknowledge the work of Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips in our struggle for economic well-being. The PM, a former Education Minister gave us encouraging news on the merger of the Heart Trust and the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning, now HEART-NSTA which will see over 150,000 enrolled this year. Their NVQJ programme offers courses up to graduate and post-graduate levels, an affordable way to get quality education.
The PM noted the significant investment of Michael Lee-Chin and Gassan Azan in agriculture; timely initiatives to shore up our food security. Still, we must salute our diligent small farmers and fisherfolk who have produced consistently despite the hardships they face. We appreciate the timely lowering of asset taxes and the reduction of GCT announced by Dr. Clarke.
Thank goodness for the leadership of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) co-chaired by PSOJ President Keith Duncan and Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles. Their deliberations and reports have helped to keep the various players on their toes and now, even in the face of this crisis, the credit rating agency Moody’s is optimistic about Jamaica.
The Jamaica Observer noted, “the the agency said compared with other Caribbean islands, Jamaica’s vulnerability to tourism is moderate.” The Moody’s release stated: “While we expect growth to slow from declining tourist arrivals, the effect on Jamaica’s external accounts will be partially offset by the high import content of tourism earnings, which will reduce the country’s import bill. Moreover, lower oil prices will also have a positive effect on Jamaica’s current account … We believe that the country has sufficient fiscal and external buffers to cope with a shock in the tourism industry, limiting the immediate credit negative effect.”
We can be proud of the stewardship of our leaders as well as the support of our private sector, and non-governmental organisations. Together, we shall overcome.
Can we do this for crime?
I am seeing calls on social media that we need to use this same emergency approach to our crime problem. We must. There is speculation that some politicians still have alliances with so-called ‘dons’, hamstringing our national security efforts. Well, now that we see all hands on deck for the pandemic, let us see which hands will not come on deck for crime.
The police remain everyone’s favourite beating stick, because it distracts us from those who are under the radar stoking criminal behavior. Why don’t we have CCTV in our crime-ridden communities – is it because there are some who do not want their comings and goings recorded?
The Police Youth Club is the biggest youth club in Jamaica: after their long, dangerous hours of fighting crime, our police still make time for the youth in their communities. If our 63 MPs and caretakers and our over 200 parish councillors decide to support this initiative and strengthen their alliance with the police, we could witness a sea-change in security.
Let us use the same will for Jamaica’s wellness to create the long-awaited peace for our people.
Great partnership! IGT partnered with Reading Owls International’s Jammin’ for Books Celebration in Rhode Island, USA recently. IGT’s team members Brendan Hames (centre), Regional Director – Caribbean, Adrianne Walsh (second right) and Tom Walsh (right) pose for a photo op with the Reading Owls team members Sonia Fife (left), Founders of Reading Owls International Easton Dickson (second left) and Elaine Dickson (third right). Also present was IGT’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Kim Lee.
Reading Owls International, a U.S.-based non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting literacy in Jamaica, hosted its “Jammin’ for Books!” fundraising celebration on March 7. The event, which included a local reggae band and silent auction, was held at the Woodman Family Community & Performance Centre at Moses Brown School in Providence, R.I. IGT was proud to be among the sponsors of this lively and uplifting event.
Brendan Hames, IGT Regional Director of the Caribbean, commented, “We were very happy to partner with Reading Owls International for this event. We are firmly committed to the integration of technology into the classroom experience for students from underserved communities in Jamaica, through our After School Advantage Programme. There should be no barriers to our children achieving their full potential. Books and technology are the tools to enhance their understanding of the world and broaden their horizons. We applaud Reading Owls International for its vision. We wish the organisation all the best in reaching its goals in 2020 and beyond.”
Hames noted that Reading Owls’ goals tie in closely with those of IGT’s signature After School Advantage Programme, which seeks to bridge the digital divide for children who have challenges in accessing the technology required to boost their educational performance. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have established 39 After School Advantage Centres in the English-speaking Caribbean. These Centres provide computers, software, printers and other equipment, and are regularly maintained and updated.
Co-founder of Reading Owls International, Elaine Dickson, observed, “Having a sponsor and partner such as IGT greatly strengthens our capacity to execute on our strategic priorities, making it possible for us to help raise up the next generation of leaders. Also, this symbiotic partnership highlights IGT’s commitment to education and showcases their corporate social responsibility, given their presence in Jamaica. They were a significant help to us as we further our vision of a world in which every child has the resources to help them succeed. We again extend our deep appreciation.”
Founded in 2013 by Elaine and Easton Dickson, Jamaican-born residents of Cumberland, R.I., Reading Owls International’s mission is to improve the literacy rates of Jamaica’s at-risk school-aged children. It seeks partnerships with schools and community-based organisations to provide access to books and other learning resources. To date, Reading Owls has built or supplemented 24 libraries (including infrastructural improvements), donated almost 30,000 books and impacted the lives of over 7,000 children. The organization’s goal is “Fifty in Five” – that is, to support 50 more libraries in the next five years.
Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie
“This feels like wartime,” says my friend, as we discuss our stocks of various meds and supplies. Yes indeed, we are in a war against an invisible enemy, but we can be grateful that the Jamaican government has taken timely steps to safeguard our health.
We have been in Covid-19 preparedness mode for a good two months. Health & Wellness Minister Christopher Tufton, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacqueline Bisasor-McKenzie and team have been sharing prevention information religiously. My friend who has strong connections with the health sector said that in January she knew of moves being made to stock up on the necessary meds and hygiene items. There have been advertisements on traditional and digital media about hand-washing and other precautions to be taken. Press briefings held by the Minister informed us of the first two cases and subsequently, six additional cases.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ press conference last Friday was comprehensive and reassuring. The participation of his Cabinet members demonstrated that he had all hands on deck. We can understand the quarantine measures set up in the Six Miles and Seven Miles area of Bull Bay where ‘Patient Zero’ had attended a funeral, and her father and a close friend have now tested positive for the virus. Let the two-week incubation pass so that, if present, other cases can be identified.
We are particularly impressed with the measures being taken to protect the residents of the 13 Government infirmaries island-wide
. We learned from Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie that of the 3,500 residents, 98 percent were high-risk and therefore provisions are being made for a good stock of medications, hygiene supplies and isolation areas.
Building of additional accommodation will take place at some of these infirmaries for some 50 ‘social patients’ in our public hospitals. Who are these individuals? They are fully recovered patients who have been abandoned by their families. It makes one nervous for the elderly in our communities during these trying times. Some of them may be terrified of commuting to get supplies. We can check on such neighbours to ensure they have their supplies and call them regularly, as loneliness can lead to depression.
Our days worker arrived in gloves last week. We explained to her that it was safer not to wear gloves generally, but to observe a strict hand-washing and hand-sanitizing regimen as gloves will carry germs and can give a false sense of security. As has several other organisations, last Friday we decided to have our team members at PROComm and CCRP work remotely, as several of them use public transportation and we would not want them to have that level of exposure.
It took a while for some church leaders to see the light, but thankfully it is happening. Now pastors are advising their elderly members that they should stay away from church services. My friend in New Jersey says his Roman Catholic Archdiocese has suspended Mass. We have to remember, “God helps those who help themselves.”
We cannot thank the members of our essential services enough for their dedication: medical personnel, the security forces, the fire department, power and telecoms providers. As we gear for the challenges in our health system, we thank the Government of Cuba for assisting with medical personnel. May we ‘flatten’ the curve of this virus by taking personal responsibility in safeguarding ourselves, our families, our workplaces and our churches. Wash your hands and keep your distance.
IDB’s Turner Jones on digital transformation
As we plan to work remotely for the next fortnight, we recall the repeated calls of IDB’s Caribbean Regional Manager Therese Turner Jones that we need digital transformation in our businesses, government agencies and educational institutions to maximise efficiency and keep in step with our global partners.
Jamaica Observer business reporter Kellaray Miles quoted her at a recent event: “Most firms in the Caribbean region, about some 19 per cent or less than one in five, rely on any kind of research and development to grow their businesses — that’s an appalling number!”
“It’s coming,” she declared, “artificial intelligence or over the Internet — we are not applying new and innovative ways of doing things to the ways businesses are operating in the Caribbean.”
Turner-Jones noted, “It’s not about mastering 15 or 23 CXCs as they do in Guyana, that’s not really a good way of educating our kids for the future. Kids for the future need to be global citizens, knowing how to be multilingual, digitally literate, and able to collaborate and work with each other in teams.”
This applies to Jamaicans of all ages. We see constant complaints from seniors about long waits in banking halls, so we need to help them understand the convenience of online banking. CCRP Board Director and retired civil servant Vilma McDonald attests to the ease with which she not only does banking but also pays her utility bills online. This Covid-19 situation should motivate us to download those apps and make good use of our smartphones.
EU-UN Spotlight Initiative
EU Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska and UN representative Michelle Gyles-McDonnough jointly launched Jamaica’s participation in the worldwide Spotlight Initiative last week. This EU-UN programme aims at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. They are turning the spotlight on the importance of protecting women and girls towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, crucial to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The UN website reminds us that:
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.
1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Women and girls are disproportionately subjected to violence, including femicide, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, trafficking and harmful practices.
With strong support from the diplomatic corps including Canada’s High Commissioner Laurie Peters, Honorary Consul for Thailand Thalia Lyn, US Ambassador Donald Tapia, French Ambassador Denys Wibaux, Ambassador Wasilewska noted that the largest tranche of the 500M Euro sponsorship, 7.5M Euro, would be invested in Jamaican programmes.
As we share the distress of the father of UWI student Jasmine Dean, who has been missing for over two weeks, the families who have suffered a similar fate, and those grieving the 20 women murdered since the beginning of this year, we see the urgency of this programme. We have only one shelter for battered women, founded and nurtured by Woman Inc’s Angela Jones and Joyce Hewett, and look forward to the additional three to be built by the government.
We have a transportation system that is overburdened, and no public transportation system outside of the Corporate Area, leaving our girls and women at the mercy of sexual predators posing as taxi drivers. It is a tall order for a small country to develop an islandwide transportation system, but perhaps we could begin with a school-bus project organised by the Ministry of Education.
We have to applaud the efforts of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in piloting the Anti-Harassment Bill through the House, as we are sick and tired of the anti-social behaviour of some men, even those who should be setting a better example. Let us turn the spotlight on these dark corners and clean them up!
The world of technology! Research Officer at the Scientific Research Council, Kemar Rose (left) explains the mandate of the agency to students of Spring Village Development Foundation during a recent IGT Technology Tour of the facility at Hope Gardens. Looking on is General Manager of IGT Jamaica, Debbie Green (second left).
Students from five institutions that are home to IGT After School Advantage (ASA) Centres enjoyed a stimulating educational visit to the Scientific Research Council (SRC) recently. The learning tour was specially designed in partnership with IGT Jamaica, which arranged for the students to visit the St. Andrew-based institution to learn about the latest developments in science and technology.
The group included students and staff from Sunbeam Children’s Home; Mustard Seed Communities – Mary’s Child; Mustard Seed Communities – Matthew 25:40; Spring Village Development Foundation and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation in Spanish Town. All these institutions house IGT’s flagship ASA Centres, where students have access to the digital world and can pursue their studies through the provision of up-to-date computer technology.
Plant treatment: Account Development Representative at IGT Jamaica, Shana Forbes (left) observes plant treatment at the Scientific Research Council (SRC) at Hope Gardens during an IGT Technology Tour of the facility recently. Looking on are: Communications Manager of SRC, Michelle Morris (centre) and IGT Jamaica Global People Services Coordinator, Kellye Barwise.
Coordinator of the visit at the Scientific Research Council, Michelle Morris, explained that the first part of the tour focused on biotechnology. The students observed the process of preparing disease-free, healthy plants, which are propagated in a lab using a soil-free technique in optimal conditions. The group moved on to the shade house, where they participated in planting out activities. The tour also focused on the SRC’s research into eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing wastewater systems, which produce clean water for irrigation and biogas to create organic fertilizer.
The ASA Centre students were enthusiastic about the trip. A student from Mary’s Child noted, “It was fantastic, we learnt a lot about water treatment.” Another student mentioned, “It was a very informative tour, I had no idea that so many things could be extracted from plants.” A student from Sunbeam Children’s Home said, “I learnt a lot about plants.”
Morris said the students’ response was very much hands-on. “We appreciated the young people’s enquiring minds and we were happy to have the opportunity to show them our work. It was an absolute pleasure to host them at the SRC today.”
IGT Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green shared that IGT continuously seeks exciting learning opportunities to widen the exposure and enhance the knowledge of students within its ASA Centres. “In recent years, we have organized visits to the Mona Geoinformatics Institute at the University of the West Indies and the Northern Caribbean University, exposing them to new and exciting cutting-edge technology in 3D modelling and imaging, virtual reality and robotics. IGT Jamaica is proud to be partners in this process of empowerment for our young people and to continue our support for the teachers and administrators at our ASA Centres. We wish to thank our friends at the Scientific Research Council for their very generous hospitality today.”
Check this out! Senior Process Technician at the Scientific Research Council, Olive Chambers (right) shows one of the many pieces of equipment used in their lab for water treatment, to students of the Spring Village Development Foundation. Also enjoying the informative session are: Desmond Whitely, Centre Manager at Sunbeam Children’s Home (left), Kellye Barwise, Global People Services Coordinator, IGT Jamaica (third left) and Owen Campbell, Driver, IGT Jamaica (second right)
Randy Finnikin, Executive Director of Spring Village Development Foundation in St. Catherine, declared that this was a “great opportunity” for the students who attended. “IGT Jamaica has already expanded their world through our ASA Centre,” he said. “The tour helped to expand that world further. They loved it!” The Spring Village Development Foundation is the most recent site of an ASA Centre, opened in November 2019. It administers a Community Centre, Youth Club and a HEART/NSTA Trust Training Institute, in the busy community near Old Harbour, educating rural youth.
IGT has been the online lottery technology provider to Supreme Ventures Limited since 2001. All IGT After School Advantage locations, including the 15 Centres established in Jamaica to date, are supported by regular updates and maintenance programmes.
After women leaders shared their thoughts at an event kindly hosted by French Ambassador Denys Wibaux, Nigerian High Commissioner Janet Olisa extended a challenge. She noted that Jamaican women having made bold strides, should seize the power they have to make the changes we wish for in our country. She favourably compared our record for women’s equality with that of her own country and urged us to maintain our momentum.
Human rights activist Dr Carolyn Gomes, Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn and historian Professor Verene Shepherd reminded us of the heroic struggles of our women in their determination to forge a better future for their fellow Jamaicans – from Nanny (we were told that the correct title should be ‘Nana’), to Mary Seacole, to Louise Bennett, to Rose Leon.
Paula Llewellyn, Director of Public Prosecutions
In acknowledging the continued struggles of women enslaved by poverty, WMW Jamaica co-founder Hilary Nicholson reminded us that they did not choose this way of life and it was up to us to help them find a way out of it. “Have you informed your household worker that there is a Union that she can join?” she asked. She asked us to remember the plight of the elderly poor, that there were generations of women locked in a cycle of poverty, living under the same roof.
In the instance of a teenage mother who was charged for negligence after a fire took the lives of her child and two others, social entrepreneur Yaneek Page asked about the responsibility of the father, to which DPP Llewelyn noted that, in this case, ‘the law is an ass’ for this omission, as responsibility is ascribed only to the caregiver at the time of the incident.
As we consider the number of missing children and young people including the heart-rending case of UWI visually-impaired student Jasmine Dean, the under-age ‘shottas’, the attacks on our teachers, the crime and road crash statistics, we must ask ourselves, how are we going to, as Paula Llewellyn says, “connect the dots” to safeguard our people?
The answer must be a joint resolution for excellence, unity and integrity. Some businesses discriminate against women who are mothers, but those who have mothers in their employment discover that they are the most organised and disciplined, because they are time management gurus.
Then there is the continued issue of sexual harassment. We await the ‘Act to Make Provision for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and for Connected Matters’ aka the Sexual Harassment Act which is being piloted by Minister Olivia Grange. Let us be aware that, like the backlash on women after the #metoo movement, this is not going to be an easy road for the Minister. Those of us who consider ourselves as influencers should step up and strengthen the cause.
Imani Duncan-Price on Patriarchy
Imani Duncan-Price, PNP Chairman of the Central Kingston constituency
Imani Duncan-Price, PNP Chairman of the Central Kingston constituency and this year’s presenter of the 2020 Rose Leon Memorial Lecture last Monday, declared that “patriarchy is alive and well” in Jamaica. She called for more women in leadership, describing the position taken by herself and JLP Senator Kamina Johnson Smith as members of the Joint Select Committee on regulations for the Integrity Commission.
“There was a clause regarding withholding information on an investigation until it was complete – I call it the anti-Greg Christie clause,” she said. “I recall Senator Kamina Johnson Smith and I argued against that clause (along with the then Contractor General Dirk Harrison). But in the end it was maintained by votes from both parties. My memory may be dim, but we were the only voices on that matter and we are female. And today it haunts us in Jamaica and must be changed. This is why a critical mass is important – we need more female politicians so get the ‘backative’ to fight for the things you know are right.”
She described two suggestions as her ‘big ideas’: longer school hours, citing the Finland model, with greater participation of social workers, and ‘reproductive independence for young women’, noting that condom use is still not widely practised. Hopefully, the emphasis on discipline and values she proposes as part of this proposed expansion of our educational system will promote a more responsible attitude to sexual behaviour in all students.
Our responsive NHF
However, we cannot agree with Mrs Duncan-Price’s statement that “the health care system has since fallen apart where people can’t even get Panadol.” At a stakeholders meeting called by NHF CEO Everton Anderson last Friday, we learned that last year the National Health Fund covered 2 million prescriptions at a cost of J$4 billion. They have partnered with 476 pharmacies, and since 2011 have end-to-end operations, handling procurement, distribution and dispensation.
Mr Anderson noted that the NHF same-day card service has been expanded to 21 locations islandwide and that a single digital platform has been created to process the NHF, JADEP and the planned National Health Insurance.
As soon as news broke on the emergence of Covid19, Mr Anderson said the NHF was pro-active in contacting all their suppliers globally to procure certain recommended pharmaceuticals.
Our seniors organisation, CCRP, wrote on behalf of a member to ask that drugs for Parkinson’s Disease be added to the NHF list and as a result, a specialist on the condition has been contacted, so we are hopeful that this will materialise soon. CCRP representative at the meeting Dr Winston Dawes, is concerned that some pharmacies are reluctant to honour the JADEP cards; Mr Anderson said that the NHF will institute performance contracts to monitor unethical behaviour.
“A Force for Good”
Retired DCP, Novelette Grant
At the launch of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Jamaica, Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson noted that the over thirty years of support of our special needs family by the JCF, reminds us that they are “a Force for good”.
In this Women’s Month, let us note that this positive aspect of our security forces is reinforced by the outstanding women who have dedicated their lives to protect their fellow citizens. We applaud the smooth management of the LETR event by Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay and Inspector Natalie Palmer, and recall the contribution of amazing SSP Rosie McDonald-Barker, Supt Ionie Ramsay and DCP Novelette Grant.
SSP Rosie McDonald-Barker
SSP McDonald Barker was head of late PM Manley’s security team. Later, she went on to win the hearts of the residents of Grant’s Pen, quelling political tension, and was so beloved that she was asked to be Godmother of several babies in the area!
Supt Ionie Ramsay, as the first woman motorcycle cop, stamped her courage into the consciousness of Jamaican women. She remains a symbol of strength and determination, now immersed in outreach activities in her community.
DCP Novelette Grant, my fellow ‘Westmorelite’ remains a force to be reckoned with, even after her retirement. She has lectured here and abroad on the issue of domestic violence, and will be a presenter at the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) event tomorrow, on the topic “When Domestic Violence Comes to Work”.
Jamaica Highlights 