Tag: Jamaica

Reggae Heartbeat of Jamaica

As we celebrate Reggae Month, we reflect on this cultural treasure, evolving from the ska beat and then the mesmerizing rock-steady. As an engineer with Total Sounds Ltd, a record manufacturing and distribution company of the seventies, my husband Hubie Chin interacted with legends like Rita and Bob Marley, Burning Spear, John Holt, Johnny Clarke and Bob Andy.

I remember the evening when Hubie brought home a sample record. He said Bob Marley wanted a handsome advance and his boss, Herman McDonald wanted my opinion – at that time I was theatre reviewer for the Jamaica Daily News. On listening to the record, I immediately suggested that he pay him double. It was ‘Rat Race’ and it was Number One on the charts for six weeks.

While serving on the Board of Alpha Boys School (now Alpha Institute), I learned much of the history from the legendary Sister Mary Ignatius Davis of the Sisters of Mercy. Founded in 1880, Alpha Boys School became the cradle of Jamaican music. It was to have been ‘a school for wayward boys’, but became a sought-after music school with a rich history. Johnny “Dizzy” Moore, who was a member of the legendary Skatalites, said that he wanted so much to study music at Alpha, that he played pranks at home just to be sent there.

When Sister Ignatius passed away in February 2017, this column celebrated her 60 years, graduating two hundred students per year, titled “The Mother of Many Sons”. I wrote: “I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw a music video a few years ago on TVJ showing Sister Ignatius shaking hands with one of her many sons, reggae singer Leroy Smart. When I called to tease her, she said in her slightly dry tone, ‘My dear, Leroy came by to visit and as I greeted him and looked up, there was the camera!’ But you could hear the pride in her voice – yet another of her boys had done well.”

Sister Ignatius’ “children” include the late great Lennie Hibbert, Don Drummond, Tommy McCook and Leslie Thompson who conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, Cedric “Im” Brooks, “Dizzy” Moore, Bobby Ellis, Eddie Thornton, “Sparrow” Martin, who taught at the school, and the dance hall sensation, Yellowman.

‘Alpha Boys School – Cradle of Jamaican Music’ by Heather Augustyn and Adam Reeves

Reggae boosts ads

Of course, reggae sells everything well, so at our agency, PROComm we collaborated with several amazing artists. We learned that Flourgon had mentioned Lasco in his lyrics, so we collaborated on lyrics for the first Lasco Food Drink ad. The jingle was so popular that he had to get cases of the product to distribute at his shows. Lovindeer sang a popular Lasco Whole Milk jingle for us, and Freddie McGregor and young Stephen (Di Genius) gave us a lively Lasco LaSoy jingle.

For the Electoral Office of Jamaica, we promoted voter registration with Lovindeer and Dean Fraser in a singalong by over fifty leaders from every walk of life. We commissioned “Peace Love and Unity”, Tony Rebel’s inspiring composition for the 1997 General Elections. The music video featured our Reggae Boyz, Coach Rene Simoes and Olympic Gold Medalist Deon Hemmings lip-syncing the lyrics. Louise Fraser-Bennett, the late President of the Sound Association said selectors would play that song to ease political tension at dances.

For another General Election, we wanted to affirm good behaviour at Elections with Jimmy Cliff’s “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. We asked our church brother Dwight Richards if we could get a call to the iconic composer. I nearly lost my voice when Dwight called and said, “Hold on for Mr. Cliff.” I asked if we could use his song for the Elections and he immediately agreed. When I asked if there would be a fee, he replied that there would be no charge. Bless his great heart.

Then came the launch of Digicel in April 2001. Marketing Director Harry Smith called us to help find talent, as the singer they planned on was not available. The year before, I had been in talks with Sly Dunbar about a project and found him to be good-natured and approachable. He agreed to meet us at our Kingsway office and as we put our case to him, his eyes lit up. “Let me call Maxi Priest,” he said. Then and there, he called him and confirmed that the star agreed to appear at the launch. What a magical night it was!

In my talks with Sly Dunbar, he related that he and Robbie Shakespeare were invited regularly to TV and movie studios in the US and elsewhere, to create music for themes and continuity in a variety of movies and TV series. Listen closely – you will hear those recognizable beats in the most unexpected places.

We also engaged Tessanne Chin and Agent Sasco for the peppy and instructive Road Safety Council music video, ‘When You’re On The Road’.

Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore after receiving the 2025 CCRP Living Legacy Award with fellow honouree Joan McDonald.

Memorable day with Cat Coore

Last November we met our ‘Reggae Ambassador’ Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, when he was celebrated by CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) as a recipient of the 2025 Living Legacy Award. He was in good spirits and got into a party mood when our songbird CCRP member Sandra Crawford sang the Third World hit “Rhythm of Life.”  

His Citation reads, in part:

Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore is a legendary Jamaican musician whose career spans over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaica’s cultural and musical heritage worldwide. Born in Kingston, his musical journey began early when he performed at age ten for Princess Anne on her visit to Jamaica.

He later joined Inner Circle, before co-founding the iconic Third World Band as Artistic Director, guitarist, cellist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. Under his leadership, Third World achieved international acclaim, blending reggae, soul and funk, touring globally, signing with Island Records, and releasing hits including “Now That We Found Love.” The band earned nine Grammy nominations, the United Nations Medal of Peace, and multiple lifetime achievement awards.

We are glad to have given him his flowers when he could enjoy them.

Jamaica Stays Strong on Diplomacy

Jamaica has been wisely restrained during the recent news from the US regarding closures, deportations and tariffs. We welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness’s message to prospective returnees to Jamaica – they have a home here, as citizens of our country. Our collaboration with the USAID had been focused on development and education, projects that we understand can still attract assistance from the US State Department. In response to the recent announcement of tariffs, our Government response to concerned exporters was that they would initiate talks with the US Government.

We hope for a positive outcome, having enjoyed cordial relations with the US, thanks to Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, former US Ambassador Audrey Marks and the brilliant team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade led by Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith.

The recent American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)  Hummingbird Gala reflected the supportive relationship which endures between our two countries. In the presence of PM Holness, the AFJ recognized Elias “Lee” Issa with their International Achievement Award and Paul Issa with their International Humanitarian Award, described as ‘two Jamaican born iconic leaders; one a stalwart in Tourism and the other a trailblazing Humanitarian’. 

The AFJ, comprising current and former US Ambassadors and friends announced grants totalling US$740,000 which were awarded to 54 grantees to support several initiatives  here. These include education, music, sports, homeless, health, skills training, gender-based violence, arts, coding, veterinary care, environmental protection, school-feeding and peace-building programmes, among others.

Grant Certificates were presented last Tuesday at the US Embassy here in Kingston. In the JIS report, writer Judana Murphy quoted Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, who addressed the event:  “For over four decades, the American Friends of Jamaica have remained a pillar of support for our country. Their legacy is etched into the walls of our hospitals, the classrooms of our schools and the hearts of our people. Whether responding to hurricanes, expanding educational opportunities or modernising public health infrastructure, the AFJ has consistently shown up for us.”

Charge d’Affaires, Amy Tachco, also remarked on the ‘generosity and dedication’ of the AFJ. which has been supporting Jamaica’s non-governmental organizations with millions of US Dollars since 1982.

Whether or not we agree with the current political situation in the US, let us remember that we are intrinsically joined through family and friends and applaud our diplomatic ties.

EXPO Memories

Jean Lowrie-Chin

The JMEA Expo, which ended yesterday, brought back memories of its early days and the dedicated volunteers from the then JMA (Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association) and JEA (Jamaica Exporters’ Association).

There was Gloria Millwood, with her impeccable knowledge of protocol, who hosted the Hospitality Suite and Horace Abrahams, both gone to their rest. The longest-serving member of the Expo Committee, Deryck Rose, is still there, though now playing a less active role. Paulette Wong Rhoden of blessed memory was a dynamo, quickly completing her Crimson Dawn display and then running from booth to booth to help them make the deadline for the opening.

One of the most dramatic scenes was of a business owner who arrived the night before opening and was so disappointed with the appearance of his display that he destroyed it single-handedly! The contractors worked all night to get it right, and they did. The best booth competitions were filled with drama and intrigue, with rumours of expensive gifting.

The most amazing displays were sponsored by Butch Hendrickson’s Bold One of Manufacturing programme. They showcased an avenue of displays of upcoming manufacturers, with all the reusable promotional materials created for their ongoing marketing programmes. Visitors were introduced to Lacey-Ann Bartley’s All in Wood, Michelle Smith’s Chocolate Dreams, and Devon and Nayana William’s Lifespan Water.

As we were enjoying our locally grown breakfast, including the best coffee in the world, we heard a call for an Eat Jamaican campaign from a JMEA representative at Expo 2025. Our shop had run an Eat Jamaican campaign about 10 years ago and the logo we created continues to be used. It features “Doctor Bird” complete with stethoscope, a mascot we created, which featured in our cross-island road show with Ity and Fancy Cat. A highlight was a visit to the culinary arts final of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) with a young Shelly-Ann Fraser. The fact that our home-grown athletes are world leaders should tell us something about the great nutrition offered by our produce.Sure, we saved a few dollars running abroad to shop, but we need to save our economy by supporting the top-class Jamaican-made products which were on display at the JMEA Expo. The business of manufacturing creates employment and the most delicious and enjoyable products. They say the closer to home that you source your food, the healthier it is. Paulette Rhoden used to emphasise also the ready markets in the Caribbean and Central America. The US tariff may focus us more wonderfully on the opportunities that exist outside of the USA.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Messi Euphoria

Jean Lowrie – Chin

Lionel Messi

When we first heard the news, we only half-believed that the great Messi, my husband’s pick as best in football, was coming to Jamaica. It was a chance we could not miss and we booked our tickets while he was pondering which Messi shirt he would be wearing on the big night. We had journeyed to the Barça Camp in Barcelona with hopes of catching sight of the legend, so, yes, he decided on the Messi-Rakuten T-shirt he had bought there. Of course, I would be in my black, green, and gold, no question about that. Messi-mania became apparent on Thursday morning when there were traffic snarls all over Kingston. The entire Jamaica was descending on Kingston — teams from clubs and schools as well as “diehearted” fans.

The traffic to the stadium seemed interminable, but as we opted for special tickets, parking was well organised. This was not the case in the designated area, however. The bracelets we wore were no guarantee for seats and where we saw vendors comfortably ensconced. There was not an usher in sight to assist us, so we had to find separate seats.

However, once Messi arrived on the field for his warm-up, all was forgotten, as we were on our feet chanting his name. The goal from the greatest of all time (GOAT) had us enthralled — we had actually seen a Messi goal right here in Jamaica!The social media posts have been funny and feverish right up to Friday with the hashtag #Messiinjamaica going viral. One suggested that none of our Caribbean neighbours could come close to Jamaica, as our bragging rights had reached new heights.

We saw a video of the fan who got Messi’s shirt and his friends taking turns to pose with it. We saw a security guard who got a clap from Messi almost brought to his knees with joy.The only stadium event in Jamaica which exceeded this was the 1998 World Cup qualifying match. That day, on our way home from the match, elderly folks were at their gates waving the Jamaican flag and cheering. If we had social media then, we would have broken the Internet.

A big thank you to all the organisations which made this event possible, bringing high occupancy to our Kingston hotels and Airbnb locations. Thank you also to Inter Miami CF for embracing Jamaica and flying our flag on its social media posts.

Messi was quoted as saying that he loves Jamaica and, yes, indeed, we love him back!

Source: Jamaica Observer

The Glory and the Grief

Jean Lowrie-Chin

Cedella Marley and her brother Stephen Marley are all smiles during their late father’s 80th birthday celebrations at Bob Marley Museum on Thursday, February 6, 2025.Garfield Robinson

Euphoria filled the air as we joined the throng to celebrate Bob Marley’s 80th birthday at Emancipation Park. The concert was laced with television interviews with the legend himself, who dropped lines such as, “Possessions make you rich? I don’t have that kind of richness — my richness is life forever.” We could see his ‘forever’ in the fans of all ages, dancing and singing along to his music.

His ‘forever’ echoed from the stage with surprising acts like Jah Fabio and Antidoping from Mexico as well as Nonpalidece from Argentina declaring their love for Bob Marley and Jamaica. We heard the clean creations of Aza Lineage, Warrior King, and Bushman, taking forward the icon’s legacy of lyrical wisdom. We embraced Bushman’s appeal to our broadcast media to refrain from carrying vulgar lyrics, noting that the “bleeps” do not help, as young people will mentally fill in those blanks.

The Julian Marley we saw and heard was an impressive artiste, matured from his earlier years and projecting his father’s charisma. A Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) release quoted him on his recent tour with brothers Ziggy, Ky-Mani, Stephen, and Damian: “What we all walked away with was how our father’s music was really a godsend. Despite the passage of time, it still resonates with audiences in a powerful way…” Grandson Skip Marley, son of Cedella Marley, had the young ladies in the audience mesmerised with his love songs, reminiscent of Marley’s Turn Your Lights Down Low. They honoured Marley’s genius well.

This led us to ponder Marley’s challenging lyrics calling out hypocrites and ‘talking blues’. From Timothy White’s biography of Bob Marley, Catch A Fire: The Life of Bob Marley, we learn of the early trials of young Marley when he was sent to Kingston from Nine Miles, St Ann, for what his family thought would be a better life with a wealthier side of his family. He lived with and did chores for an elderly woman. When he was sent by her to Coronation Market, he saw a friend of his mother and tearfully begged to be sent back to Nine Miles. He was taken back to St Ann where he enjoyed harmonious family life until he moved to Trench Town as a teenager. White related the marginal conditions under which Marley lived, including the ragged bed which was provided for him at Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s studio.Marley’s lyrics on inner-city living and society’s indifference to the poor’s suffering may have moved some in authority, but certainly not enough. At an event held last week, former Trench Town resident Owen “Ity” Ellis bemoaned the conditions of the community made famous by Marley in Trench Town Rock and
No Woman Nuh Cry. These are laden lines:

“… I remember when we used to sitIn the government yard in Trench Town

Oba-obaserving the hypocrites

As they would mingle with the good people we meet.”

Such conditions there and in other poverty-stricken communities became a breeding ground for gangs, attracting desperate young people from fractured families. I give Prime Minister Andrew Holness credit for being one of the most vociferous leaders in condemning gang violence and Project Star, brainchild of Keith Duncan, for giving us hope for a more peaceful and equitable future. Let us have faith and realise Marley’s Redemption Song:

“But my hand was made strong,

By the hand of the Almighty

We forward in this generation, triumphantly.”

Source: Jamaica Observer

The Price of Mental Slavery

Jean Lowrie-Chin

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.”

As we celebrate Marcus Garvey’s words made famous by Bob Marley, we ponder how, as we celebrate President Biden’s pardon of Jamaica’s first National Hero, we still have communities living under the whip of mental slavery, in the form of gangsters.

“They carry my son to the barber,” declared a community member who protested Police action against gangs in Spanish Town last week. Roads were blocked after an alleged gang leader was killed in a shootout with the Police. Our courageous JCF officers, supported by JDF soldiers were able to bring calm to Spanish Town in 24 hours. Their biggest enemy however is the mental slavery imposed on our poor and illiterate by these gangs, initially supported by politicians on both sides, now beyond their control and dictating to the most vulnerable among us.

One school principal said a student explained that he has to pretend to be tough when he returns from school to his gang-controlled community, or he would be a laughingstock. For decades, admirers of Garvey have been petitioning the Government to include Garvey’s teachings in the school curriculum: his messages of discipline, dignity, self-reliance, self-esteem. While we sympathise with PM Dr Andrew Holness as he pleads for peace, we ask again that we immerse our children in Garvey’s philosophy so these values can be foundational in their formation.

Ken Jones curated Marcus Garvey’s quotes, presenting them under various headings in his book, “Marcus Garvey Said ….”  That book should be required reading for every Jamaican high school student. Garvey was a voracious reader. We have fine librarians in every parish of Jamaica, ready to guide our children in skilled reading. My love of literature started at the Savanna-la-mar Library where our shopkeeper mother would send my sister and me regularly. Librarian Miss Ottey would make reading exciting. When my mother remarried and we were leaving for Kingston, Miss Ottey invited her two little fans (seven- and nine-year-old) to dinner, so close we had become.

Our libraries are free and welcoming. Could our MPs please encourage their inner-city constituents to send their children to the library and sponsor reading competitions for them. This is a national emergency and as Education Minister Dr Dana Morris-Dixon explains, it is a challenge for every single Jamaican. However, we elect our leaders to lead. The invective coming out of tribalists on social media calls for better monitoring. What kind of example are we setting for our young people when they see actual vulgar words being  used in these posts? Garvey used no curse words yet became the leader of millions in the Jamaican and African Diaspora.

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.”

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.

Sangster to get $3-billion immigration hall

Photo by Janet Silvera
From left: Audley Deidrick, president and CEO of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ); Mark Hart, AAJ chairman; Transport Minister Daryl Vaz; Senator Janice Allen, opposition spokesperson on tourism; National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang; Richard Vernon, deputy mayor of Montego Bay; David Pratt, principal, PRT Group Inc; Shane Munroe, CEO – MBJ Airports Limited; and Odette Dyer, Jamaica Tourist Board regional director, break ground for the new immigration and security halls at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Ground has officially been broken for the expansion of a new immigration hall at Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St James, valued at US$18 million (J$2.88 billion).

The project is part of the final phase of the overall US$300 million expansion efforts undertaken this year. The previous stages involved lengthening the runway, realigning the entrance and exit for departing and arriving passengers, and the creation of a new shopping concourse.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang underscored the urgency of this expansion during the 20th anniversary celebration of MBJ in Montego Bay.

The existing facilities face challenges coping with the influx of visitors and workers, particularly during peak periods. With some 30 flights arriving daily between noon and 3 p.m., the immigration hall’s capacity is stretched, processing 5,000 to 6,000 people within a limited space.

Chang emphasised the imperative of ensuring a seamless experience for visitors to Jamaica, urging contractors to prioritise efficiency.

Acknowledging travellers’ frustrations during peak hours, he explained the cyclic nature of tourism, where numerous flights converge during specific time frames.

The expansion aims not only to alleviate congestion, but also to enhance processing speed with the installation of six-seater gates and electronic gates.

Chang stressed that creating a more spacious arrival area is crucial for efficient crowd management.

Since MBJ assumed management of Sangster, the Government has invested $500 million to bring the airport up to international standards. The immigration and outgoing security expansion represent the concluding phase, with Chang expressing gratitude to immigration and customs officers and the MBJ team. He affirmed the commitment to creating a better working environment for them.

New master plan

Looking ahead, plans include increasing the number of desks, seater gates, and eGates for Jamaican nationals returning home. Anticipating the growth in tourism and airport traffic, a new master plan is in development, extending Sangster’s capabilities beyond 2033, as shared by Audley Deidrick, CEO and president of the Airports Authority of Jamaica.

Deidrick emphasised the successful partnership between MBJ and the Government, noting improvements in service levels and operational efficiencies recognised by the Airports Council International. Sangster International Airport currently serves more than 45 direct destinations globally, playing a pivotal role as a tourism hub.

Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, reflected on the airport’s history, citing milestones such as the installation of boarding bridges, expansion of the terminal, and ongoing construction of retail areas. The retail programme, comprising food and beverage locations and duty-free shops, continues to evolve, enhancing the overall passenger experience at SIA.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner – https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20231216/sangster-get-3-billion-immigration-hall

We’re feeling the heat

Jamaica Observer column published Monday 4, December 2023

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Jamaica registered its highest temperatures on record in 2023.

When our children were little our Saturday ritual was an early morning visit to Hellshire beach. Our little ones would play in the sand, wade at the edge of the water, and enjoy the soft morning sun.

That beach has now disappeared. The hut where we bought fish and festival, several metres from the shoreline, is now at its edge. There are similar stories all around the island and yet we continue to be cavalier about climate change.

Environmentalists like Eleanor Jones, founder of Environmental Solutions, and Diana McCaulay, founder of Jamaica Environment Trust, have been schooling and warning us about Jamaica’s vulnerability as a small island developing state (SIDS).

It is encouraging that Jamaica and our Caribbean neighbours are well represented at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties, happening now till December 12 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). COP 28 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international climate summit, which has been held mostly annually over the past 30 years.

The conferences have yielded steps towards mitigating the effects of climate change, including the Kyoto Protocol for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in 1997 and the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. With 195 signatories in the following year, the Paris Agreement mobilised global collective action to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100 and act to adapt to the already existing effects of climate change.

COP28, with its theme ‘Unite. Act. Deliver’, is taking place as our planet and our own Jamaica have been recording the warmest temperatures. This is the harbinger of forest fires, floods, a clear and present danger to food security. After a long, dry summer and two days of heavy rains and flooding in November our farmers are suffering from repeated bouts of damaged crops.

Developed countries are responsible for some 98 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions but it is the developing countries that are suffering from the impact. Billions were pledged over the past four days to address this, while several large fossil fuel (oil/gas) companies pledged to reduce methane emissions to a minimal level by 2030.

“Extreme weather is destroying lives and livelihoods on a daily basis — underlining the imperative need to ensure that everyone is protected by early warning services,” said Professor Petteri Taalas, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization, which has raised an alarm at the rapidly melting glaciers around Antarctica, resulting in rising sea levels.

With our resort towns, farms, and fisheries at risk, Jamaica and our faithful investors have an important role to play in holding the countries and companies to the pledges made at COP28.

Jamaica rates high for tourist safety.

On a positive note, Jamaica has been rated as one of the safest Caribbean and Latin American destinations by the renowned Gallup. According to its findings from a survey conducted in 141 US states, Jamaica scored 75 out of 100, “coming slightly ahead of the US territory of Puerto Rico at 74; followed by Brazil, 73; Argentina, 70; Mexico, 66; Venezuela, 66; the Dominican Republic, 64; Peru, 61; and Ecuador, 59.”

The report published in the Jamaica Observer also noted: “According to [Tourism Minister Edmund] Bartlett, 1.05 million airline seats have been secured from nearly 6,000 flights coming into the island out of the United States — Jamaica’s biggest source market — during the winter season, which begins on December 15. The surge in airlift, he said, represents an increase of 13 per cent over winter 2022/2023, when Jamaica recorded 923,000 airline seats.”

Posting on social media over the weekend, a euphoric Bartlett wrote: “Jamaica wins big at World Travel Awards 30th Anniversary Banquet in Dubai tonight. Minister Bartlett received, on behalf of Jamaica, two awards: World leading Family Destination and World Leading Cruise Destination! So proud of the great piece of Rock I represent — JAMAICA.”

With our continued success in the industry, last Friday MBJ Airports Limited welcomed the inaugural flight of Norse Atlantic Airlines from London (Gatwick), UK. Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports, remarked that Jamaica was “one of their first international destinations. Our aim is to foster your growth. Recognising that you are a new airline, we are thrilled to partner with you and establish a mutually beneficial relationship going forward”.

The inaugural flight had 185 passengers on-board, including notable representatives from the UK and Nordic consumer press, commercial director at Norse Atlantic Airways, Baard Nordhagen, and Torrance Lewis, Jamaica Tourist Board’s UK district sales manager.

Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport noted: “This is a significant milestone in the relentless and collaborative efforts that have gone into connecting two diverse, culturally rich regions by the key stakeholders in the aviation industry.”

Renewed interest in Guyana

All was quiet around the border shared by Venezuela and Guyana until the latter struck oil and gas, then a deluge of investors descended on the country. Suddenly, Venezuela announced that it was contesting a previous ruling on the legal border between the two countries and would be holding a referendum on December 3 on the matter.

Last Friday the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN’s highest court, ordered Venezuela not to take any action that would alter Guyana’s control over the disputed territory, the 160,000 square kilometre Essequibo territory, but did not order a ban on Venezuela’s planned referendum on the territory’s future held yesterday.

Both Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez described the decision as a victory. By the time this column is published we would have heard the results of the referendum, which has neighbouring states and Caricom on tenterhooks.

In an Observer report Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith was quoted as saying, “The Government of Jamaica remains firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Jamaica fully supports the work of the ICJ and its ability to deliver justice where there is breach of the United Nations’ founding principles in an impartial, transparent, and independent manner. In this regard, Guyana can continue to count on Jamaica’s support of the Caricom position in defence of its sovereign rights and territorial integrity.”

Mercy for Haitian refugees

The responses from Portland residents regarding the treatment of Haitian refugees have been interesting. Erica Curtis was quoted as saying that we should have a more Christian-like approach to the Haitians and accept them as, “That’s what Jesus says.”

One can understand the resistance of some Jamaicans to this approach as there have been frightening reports on gang warfare in Haiti. However, please remember that headlines do not always tell the full story on a country and its people. Haiti is far ahead of us in art, craft, and iron works. They carve expressive figures even from the smallest pieces of wood, and one is greeted by exquisite iron designs at the airport.

With Jamaica facing a labour shortage, perhaps there may be promising workers among those who are fleeing Haiti. They should be given a chance.

Groups of Haitians have been arriving on Jamaica’s shores in recent times. Photo credit: Everard Owen