Jamaica Observer

A suggestion for TAJ

Friday, May 17, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to Ms Merris Haughton of Tax Administration Jamaica

Good day Ms Haughton,

I would like to take you through what I call the harrowing experience of renewing my driver's licence on May 3rd, 2013, my birthday.

The Journey

I arrived at the tax office on King Street at approximately 8:50 am. The security guard told me to pay the fee in line one and then proceed to the first floor" I proceeded to where the cashiers were, was promptly attended to (where I paid $6,000), and then made my way to the first floor. I was very impressed with the speed at which this was going and breathed a sigh of relief, thinking this should not take me more than 45 minutes max, and I would be back at work by at least 10:00 am.

The horror

As I stepped into the room on the first floor I read the sign as to where individuals dealing with licensing should go and proceeded to join the line.

I noticed a number of persons who were sitting and standing and waiting (of course to my mind I had no clue what for). The young lady instructed me to fill out a form, which I did and returned it.

I was told to "have a seat and wait for your name". So, as directed, I took a "standing seat" as that was all that was available, and based on the number of persons standing I practically had to "rent-a-tile".

It was now approximately 9:00 am. I waited for nearly an hour (standing) for my name to be called. This was after I went back to the young lady and asked if she had indeed submitted my documents. Within approximately two minutes of making the enquiry my name was called

I went into the photography room where there were three attendants, had my picture taken and came out in less than five minutes. I then went back to my "standing seat" and again waited another half-hour to receive the finished product.

Questions

1. Why is it, in the year 2013, I have to wait three hours to renew (not take out a new) driver's licence?

2. After paying $6,000.00 and having to wait, wouldn't it have been better to have done so comfortably?

3. Is it prudent to assume if you are renewing your driver's licence you have to take a vacation day from work?

Suggestion

Seeing that the wait to take the picture is what took up most of the time, I suggest that the Tax Administration Department should give the public the specifications for their picture size, background, etc. The customer can then take the photograph and email it to the tax office of choice and pay by credit card at the time of emailing.

The customer would then need to only go in with a printed receipt and collect his/her driver's licence. I would hope that something like this could be instituted (after you have examined the finer details) soon, so that in the next five years (and I am sure more money) I will not have to encounter such a nightmare again.

Eileen Stewart

my_marj1@yahoo.com

A suggestion for TAJ

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Make Industrial Relations training for managers mandatory

Friday, May 17, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Having read Danny Roberts' edited address: 'Leaders can no longer think outside the box, you have to think there's no box' in the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, and having previously listened to the frustration of three prominent industrial relations practitioners on This Morning on Nationwide (April 2-3, 2013), it seems reasonable to conclude that the industrial relations climate in Jamaica is in a state of rapid decline.

One of the emerging themes from the many discourses relates to the blatant disregard for upholding industrial relations agreements and protocols, and this appears to be creating a massive deficit in trust between 'management' and 'workers'.

If we are serious about a Vision 2030 for Jamaica, then one recommendation is that industrial relations training should be mandatory for all managers across all disciplines in both the public and private sectors. It is untenable to have managers who seem clueless about basic industrial relations issues supervising staff.

Industrial relations stalwarts such as George Kirkaldy (Industrial Relations Law and Practice In Jamaica), George J Phillip and Benthan H Hussey (A to Z of Industrial Relations in the Caribbean Workplace), and Ashwell E Thomas (Industrial Relations Process and Practices: A Caribbean Perspective) have left strong legacies, but it seems they are not being harnessed.

Many managers whho are trained, however, don't seem to care. The Ministry of Labour, the Jamaica Employers' Federation and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions must have an expanded role in addressing these issues if we are really serious about improving the industrial relations climate and, ultimately, productivity.

To this end, these critical stakeholders should work with the Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute to pool their scarce resources and produce more journals and papers geared at strengthening the legislative framework.

While they are it, the disciplinary aspects of the grievance procedure should be reviewed, for it makes no sense for it to be applicable only to lower-level employees but not to management.

To quote from Danny Roberts: "This is where your training must lead you, for if you are unable to create that vision that provides the link between today and tomorrow, serve to energise and motivate employees, and garner commitment towards the future, then your organisation would have nowhere going."

To the trade union movement, of which I was once a part: the paradigm in industrial relations has to be more than 'interest-based bargaining'. How can there be 'win-win' in the absence of equity and justice?

Joan Francis

francisj16@yahoo.com

Make Industrial Relations training for managers mandatory

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Teachers should take vacation during the summer

Friday, May 17, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Are we serious about guiding our beloved country out of this current economic recession? I think not!

Free education and free medical care are only two of the things that we cannot afford, yet we continue to offer them, to the detriment of our small nation.

My biggest pet peeve, however, is the fact that after we pay our teachers to stay home for four to six weeks during the summer break, we turn around and send them on paid vacation leave during the school term.

Public school teachers qualify for four months' vacation leave with pay after serving for five continuous years. Those who have spent 10 years in the classroom qualify for eight months' paid leave per calendar year.

This confirmation came by way of a pronouncement by our then minister of education Andrew Holness at the beginning of the 2010 school year. His statement was that "Over 2,500 teachers would be going on vacation at the start of the new school year". He also said that his ministry was having difficulty "finding the money to pay substitute teachers to fill these positions".

How can we afford to send our teachers on paid vacation during the school term, after they have been away from the classroom for the duration of the long summer holidays with pay? To make matters worse, we now have to find more tax dollars to pay substitute teachers to fill these positions for upwards of four months.

What if the ministry cannot find the money to pay these substitute teachers? Will our children be deprived of having quality teachers in the classroom at these times?

Another point of concern is the fact that some of these teachers, having requested and been granted vacation leave during the school term, remain in the classroom and are paid differently to work as their own "substitute" teacher (locum tenens).

This is absolutely ridiculous!

Our politicians are not serious about making decisions that will be for the good of this country. I submit that they are more concerned with staying in power and will do whatever is necessary to see to that.

I have no doubt that if they make this necessary and prudent move to have all teachers put on mandatory vacation leave at the end of each school year, the country would save millions of dollars, which could then be used to better furnish and run some of these Government schools operated by the ministry.

Would that be too much to ask? Then again, having done that, I am sure they would not see another term in Government. But what are they elected to do? Is it to retain power or is it to make prudent and necessary decisions that will benefit the country as a whole?

Concerned tax-paying Jamaican

myviews50@hotmail.com

Teachers should take vacation during the summer

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No condoms in school!

Friday, May 17, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

I'm responding to the question that was asked on TVJ's Prime Time News: "Should condoms be distributed in school?"

My answer to this idle and trouble-making question, is no.

If condoms are made available, children will engage in sex when the slightest opportunity arises. This can cloud their minds to the real objective of school, which is education.

There are so many places where 'schoolers' can obtain condoms; so why should they be handed out in schools? That's the last place you could and should ever think of.

When they have finished with school, then they can think about condoms, love and babies.

Furthermore, if condoms are distributed in schools and students are caught having sex, the greater blame should be laid on those who handed them out, and not on the 'schoolers'.

Donald J Mckoy

donaldmckoy2010@yahoo.com

No condoms in school!

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Doctors who kill

Thursday, May 16, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Dr Kermit Gosnell, an abortion doctor who was convicted of three counts of murder in the USA recently, brings to mind a book called Nazi Doctors by Jay Lifton.

It recounts for its readers the gradual slide of doctors in Nazi Germany into depravity. In this book, eyewitness and personal testimony is given of how persons were able to talk themselves into doing the most barbaric acts. The fact that the state made these acts legal no doubt made it easier to kill, but gave no excuse.

The eugenic-abortion movement, which was in its heyday just prior to and during the period of Nazi dominance of Europe, originated in the United States and contributed in no small way to the atrocities that were committed in that period. One hopes that we are not once again in that slide towards state-sanctioned barbarism and 'might makes right' totalitarianism.

Kay Bailey

glowilone@yahoo.com

Doctors who kill

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JIM pays tribute to Dr the Hon Joyce Robinson

Thursday, May 16, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Institute of Management (JIM) joins the many other groups who have paid tribute to the sad passing of Dr the Hon Joyce Robinson, OJ, FJIM.

As a Fellow of JIM, Dr Robinson played an important role as a member of the Interim Management Committee appointed by then president of JIM the Most Hon Sir Howard Cooke, to oversee the activities and programmes of JIM, which at the time was going through difficulties. She served on that committee with distinction and saw some important developments taking place.

Among these was the establishment of the UTech/JIM School of Advanced Management at 47 Hope Road, which took over the academic programmes of JIM. It also resulted in the establishment of the professional company, Jamaica Institute of Management (2009) Limited, which deals with professional programmes, Fellows and membership activities and the Manager of the Year programme.

Dr Joyce always brought to JIM's activities her own professional bearing and her outgoing, warm and generous spirit even in the last days of her hospitalisation. Her friends and family could see the strength of her character, which had been demonstrated in the many pivotal activities she embraced in her rich and generous life of 'service above self'.

JIM joins with the Jamaica Library Service, HEART Trust/NTA, St Elizabeth Foundation, JAMAL Movement, Soroptimist clubs of Jamaica and many others in her rich programme of national service.

She also gave strong support to her late husband, Leslie, who served as principal of the Mona, UWI campus and as chairman of the College of Arts, Science and Technology's (CAST) Council.

Her Order of Jamaica was richly deserved and Fellows and members of JIM and the JIM Council express our condolences to her family.

Sandra Shirley,

Chairman

Jamaica Institute of Management (2009) Limited

JIM pays tribute to Dr the Hon Joyce Robinson

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Not quite so, Observer

Thursday, May 16, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

I note with interest the editorial in the Sunday Observer of May 12, headlined 'Paucity of Caribbean citizens in the top echelons', in which you make certain assertions about Jamaicans and Caribbean nationals in international organisations.

It is good that you have raised this important topic, but I would be grateful if you would allow me to correct one aspect of your editorial, and to offer a brief comment on the situation concerning the Inter-American system and at the International Trade Centre of the United Nations.

Specifically, your editorial refers to senior positions held, inter alia, by highly accomplished Caribbean nationals Richard Fletcher at the Inter-American Development Bank, and Gladstone Bonnick at the World Bank (both of Jamaica), as well as Ewart Williams (Trinidad and Tobago) and Sam Stephens (Jamaica) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These Caribbean nationals have indeed given us reasons to be proud. Your implication, however, that Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals are not now similarly placed in senior positions is not correct as far as the IMF is concerned.

At the IMF today, there are four Jamaicans in senior positions, the highest in the history of the institution. David Marston is the deputy director of the Strategy, Policy and Review Department; Jennifer Lester is an assistant general counsel of the Legal Department; Trevor Alleyne is an adviser in the African Department; and Calvin McDonald is a deputy secretary of the IMF.

For the record, David Marston and Calvin McDonald are at the same grade as Ewart Williams was at the time of his retirement from the IMF, while Jennifer Lester and Trevor Alleyne are at the same level as that achieved by Sam Stephens. So, with respect to the IMF, the premise of your editorial is vulnerable to challenge on factual grounds.

With respect to the Inter-American system, your editorial has correctly noted that the recently elected Dr Carissa Etienne of Dominica now heads the Pan-American Health Organisation and Ambassador Albert Ramdin of Suriname is the assistant secretary general of the Organisation of American States.

Jamaica has, in recent years, also supported the election of two members of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (out of seven members), and the country is in the midst of public and private efforts to bring about an increase in the members of the Secretariat of the Commission from Caricom: here, we are significantly under-represented, and we hope that Jamaican and Caricom efforts will bring about change in this area in the very near future.

In closing, please permit me to note also that Jamaica's own Patricia Francis has been the executive director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) since 2006. The ITC serves as the focal point for trade-related technical assistance within the United Nations system. This, I believe, is precisely the kind of Caribbean leadership that your editorial wishes to promote.

Stephen Vasciannie

Jamaican Ambassador to the United States of America and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States

Not quite so, Observer

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Exposure to smoking reduces quality of life

Thursday, May 16, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Smoking marijuana or cigarettes just for fun or as a stress reliever has the potential to become an addiction. Most people begin this dangerous life relationship from a young age, when their brains are not fully developed.

Cigarette smoking is not only dangerous to the health of the smoker, but also extremely dangerous to persons inhaling the smoke. Exposure to smoking can also lead to the development of certain cancers that can reduce the quality of life of those affected and place a burden on the already burdened public health sector.

The management of smoking is a critical public health issue. It was therefore encouraging to hear the health minister Dr Fenton Ferguson, in a Jamaica Information Service report on May 13, 2013, say: "I have a responsibility to protect the health of the people of Jamaica" and, therefore, he plans to ban smoking in public spaces.

The Government's move is a step in the right direction. The real problem with smoking in general is not casual smoking at home; it is smoking as an addiction and non-smokers being exposed repeatedly to second-hand smoke in confined and public spaces.

The proposed Tobacco Control Act must be designed to protect citizens from exposure to tobacco and cigarette smoke, prevent smoking by young people and seek to ban smoking in public areas such as public transportation areas, workplaces, sports facilities, among many other areas. Laws that will result in a healthier society should not have to be debated amongst citizens before the Government takes aggressive action towards the promulgating of such laws. If the majority of the population were against the banning of smoking, which is certainly not the case, it would not change the fact that public smoking is detrimental to the nation's health.

Any such banning will only serve to contribute to the development of Jamaica, with or without public approval.

Andrew King

abking020@gmail.com

Exposure to smoking reduces quality of life

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Kelly Tomblin a breath of fresh air

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

The president and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Co Mrs Kelly Tomblin has been in the news recently expressing concern about the financial state of the company. She was on the front page of the Daily Observer with the headline: 'JPS Facing Death'.

Kelly Tomblin is a breath of fresh air to the company. Appointed to the CEO position in 2012, she knew she was entering a hostile environment with JPS being public enemy number one. In that context, she faced the challenge head-on and has done some remarkable things in a short time.

She is changing the company culture. She is seen out among her troops with a power saw, setting up an energy shop, on income-generating runs, publicly assigning her troops to the parishes, urging better customer relations and tackling the stealing of electricity and the freeness mentality of many Jamaicans.

But we need to be concerned about the health of the JPS as Jamaica owns nearly a 20 per cent share of the company. Kelly Tomblin staked out the company's problem of debt -- with some lender covenants being broken by the company -- and the huge theft of electricity by both small and big.

Add a huge fine by the OUR, the organisation that owes its financing to a cess from the JPS and the other utilities. The irony is that when people who have been having 'free light' for years lose that benefit, they describe the company as being "wicked".

This is the cultural problem the company and Jamaica, for its own moral health and national integrity, face. The public has been fed a number of myths from various sources. Here are some of them.

Myth Number One: JPS rates are among the highest in the region. The Caribbean rate schedules, published (mid-2011) by the Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation which serves the regional territories, shows the JPS rates as being midway on the scale.

Myth Number Two: Lower electricity rates are on the immediate horizon. This is not true, and whether it is stated by the minister or the head of the PSOJ makes no difference. Greater efficiency can help, but a new power plant -- some years away -- is a key element in that equation.

Myth Number Three: Breaking up the JPS monoply will be good for Jamaica. Cure's court victory is a pipe dream and when the lead attorney suggests that the Government sell its shares and take over the distribution lines, we need our heads examined. Furthermore, one government minister is for a split-up, while another senior advisor argues that a monopoly is necessary for a small market like Jamaica. Who do we believe?

Myth Number Four: We can be fully independent of the JPS. For the average householder or business operation, such attempts will cost the proverbial arm and a leg. Yes, it may be possible to reduce the bill and be largely independent for daytime operations, but there will come a time when a utility back-up is necessary.

One concern is the fact that storage systems (mainly the common battery) are at a technological plateau, so that the power generated in sunlight or with wind has to be stored for darkness or stillness. In addition, solar systems have their problems too.

Myth Number Five: We have to recognise that any reduction of our light bill will require expenditure, two critical personal action initiatives and lifestyle changes:

* Expenditure will have to be made on more efficient lighting devices -- fluorescent bulbs, energy-efficient equipment, or even solar or wind systems; and

* Conscious effort will have to be made to adopt a more disciplined social and operational lifestyle.

It is clear that Kelly Tomblin is a determined, innovative and tough JPS CEO. She is committed to partnering with Jamaica in making energy more efficient and less costly. We need to wish her well. I, for one, do so.

Alfred Sangster

sangsteralfred@yahoo.com

Kelly Tomblin a breath of fresh air

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Time for a code of political ethics

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Has the time come for a code of political ethics in the evolution of Jamaican politics? Would the country stand to benefit from an ethically sensitised cadre of politicians? Might governance, accountability, and anti-corruption agendas be enhanced by an upheld bastion of ethics?

Just imagine the acceptance of clear guidelines for all who would seek to represent the people of Jamaica, in constituencies, ministries, Parliament, local government and the international stage. Then it would not be necessary to have a quarrel, if for example, a member of parliament authorised a self-loan.

Commentators and civil society could keep their mouths shut! Talk-show hosts could focus more on environmental issues, and political activists could spend less time and phone credit on calling several programmes per day.

A political code of ethics provides everyone, bar none, with an opportunity to be free from the shackles of the tribal code. Party leaders are free from the burden of quick accusations in relation to their decisions concerning personnel matters since the Jamaican political code is widely understood.

Loyal supporters of a politician can still admire that politician while accepting that he or she has breached the vital ethics code. Any breach thereof is followed by understood consequences.

Accountability would be sacred. The lines of communication, authority, and matters of protocol are without blur. Political sophistry disappears; and there is no doubt about what is truth.

Which would be preferred? A new political order where transparency is the order of the day and all are clear through the common use of this instrument of political ethics, or a preservation of the old way, where matters of national ethical concern roll for the nine-day wonder?

Any takers for open knowledge on the next round of political campaign financing? Or should we just say, "Jamaica, no problem?"

We are a democracy, and so a vote might be a good idea. Which of the following would you choose?

A) People need jobs, so forget ethical considerations for the time being.

B) Politicians are people too, and man haffi eat a food.

C) Civil society can always beat up dem mouth. Dem no have no job fi nobody.

D) The Parliament is the highest court in the land and anything the leaders want should be respected.

E) As long as whatever happens help people get a work, we should try to understand.

F) People can always talk. Let them call their favourite call-in programmes and complain.

Would holding our political stakeholders to a higher level of scrutiny have anything to do with enhancing our fight against corruption? Might the human rights concern for every Jamaican be safeguarded by a more accountable and professionally ethical political praxis? Choose this day where you would have Jamaica be.

Father Sean Major-Campbell

seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com

Time for a code of political ethics

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Why block police youth club members from joining the constabulary?

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Under the direction of a police corporal and a social worker in Hanover, Jamaica, the year 1954 saw the birth of a movement that has withstood the test of time. It has produced some very well-respected and productive men and women who have contributed significantly to Jamaica.

Lawyers, doctors, teachers, nurses and just about every profession in the world have been produced by the Police Youth Club Movement of Jamaica. This organisation is the most, if not the only well-organised youth movement in Jamaica and, I dare say, the Caribbean.

In recent times we have had ups and downs with the parent organisation -- the Jamaica Constabulary Force -- and the Island Special Constabulary Force, but notwithstanding, we remained faithful to that bond between us.

Members of the Police Youth Club, for the most part, have been labelled as police informers and just about all things negatively associated with the work of the police in some communities. It is on this basis that I write this letter, as in recent days many of our members who have served five to 10 years are not being given the opportunity to become police officers.

The police youth club has an approximate membership of just over 10,000, many with professional backgrounds, eight or more cxc subjects, degrees and other qualifications, so I found it rather ridiculous and insensitive of a certain senior police official, saying in a private discussion that he would rather look outside of the police youth club to fill the gaps of the constabulary.

The police youth club, of course, is not a recruitment centre for the police force, but we are already familiar with police procedures. Why not look within your own household first?

We are qualified, even more qualified than the degree applicants you want, Mr senior official. This is called service to country, not self.

Kemar Brown

Kemar.a.brown@hotmail.com

Why block police youth club members from joining the constabulary?

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Minister Hanna doing a good job

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

It is really unfortunate that the minister of youth and culture, the Hon Lisa Hanna MP, is getting so much flak from the public about the poor performance of her ministry. If we are to be true to ourselves we would admit that this minister is one of the most accessible. She spends an awful amount of time meeting with different groups, including youth and civil groups, and lends support to almost all who request it.

Minister Hanna may not be one of those ministers who requests coverage for every single meeting she hosts, nor is she the one to send out a release on every initiative of the ministry, but she is certainly the one getting very important things done behind the scenes.

Minister Hanna is a true leader who believes in building the ministry from the ground up by ensuring that the internal structures are put in place. When last have you heard any complaint from any of the 13 agencies/departments that fall under her ministry? That is because they are pleased with her performance.

The programmes that the ministry will be taking on for the 2013/2014 fiscal year are remarkable. If she gets the support that she needs, Jamaica is poised for great success. Development will be at an all-time high.

Also, with a notable increase in the budget for her ministry, I am confident that the children, youth and the culture of this nation are in great hands.

Walk good, Miss Hanna. A true leader you are.

Tasha Smith

Youth Advocate

purple_rain4u2@yahoo.com

Minister Hanna doing a good job

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The NWC's ineptitude

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

The recent announcement by the National Water Commission (NWC) to apply for a rate increase has elicited various responses from the public. I feel compelled to add a few words to this raging debate based on my experiences with this State agency.

I am still uncertain if the NWC has within its mandate a platform for development or production, as in many instances the commission has been guilty of inept management and non or slow responses to issues concerning water or the lack thereof.

In 2003, I made public, through the media, an issue affecting me which had escalated into a crisis and to which the NWC responded in writing.

However, 10 years later, this problem remains unresolved and, in fact, has deteriorated to a point where I have had to abandon my livestock farm due to the unavailability of a regular and consistent water supply and subsequent disconnection by the NWC.

In 2011, seeing my dreams of expanding my farm literally being dried up by the NWC, along with the inability of meeting the increased demands for my produce, I decided that I would now write the regional manager in Mandeville highlighting my plight.

While acknowledging that my complaints were legitimate, he offered a "very near future" solution which is yet to materialise. Please note this was February 2011. Also, note that by his own admission my farm is located only 2.1 km from the water treatment plant.

I have since ceased virtually all operations on the farm, as acquiring trucked water at $20,000 per load has proved to be both unsustainable and uneconomical.

The ineptitude of the NWC has spawned an industry of water truckers supplying water at exorbitant prices. To add insult to injury, in many instances this water is pilfered from the very NWC system which should be providing the commodity to its paying customers.

As I drove through the community of Lowe River in Trelawny over the Mothers' Day weekend, I stopped to observe pick-up trucks and community members obtaining water from a black tank located at the side of the road. (Black tanks now epitomise the failure of the NWC.) Lowe River and adjoining communities had been plagued for years by the absence of potable water until independent Councillor Paul Patmore came to their assistance.

With a few metres of pipes, water was harnessed from a treated spring to the community. While this may not be regarded as a major engineering feat, Mr Patmore and the community, without the resources of the NWC, have managed to provide a much-needed basic commodity. Perhaps Mr Patmore should be recommended to chair the board of the NWC.

While the NWC seeks to justify a rate increase on the basis of maintaining viability, there needs to be a fundamental mind change in the way this agency operates. The NWC needs to realise, and quickly, that it is a catalyst for growth and sustainable development and not only a water provider.

So, as my investment languishes, I now ponder my next move. I find comfort in the fact that I had not mortgaged my house or sought a loan from a financial institution to maintain my farm.

Our first 50 years of Independence have been a failure. If we choose to spend the next 50 years with State agencies exhibiting this level of service, the boats heading from Haiti to Jamaica may soon be travelling in reverse.

As to whether I believe the NWC should receive a rate increase? I leave you to judge.

Andrew Sinclair

Engineering Unit

North East Regional Health Authority

The NWC's ineptitude

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I'm ready to help fund the Finsac report

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Though the call for a commission of enquiry into the 2010 Tivoli operation may be correct, it is rather curious that the Government of the day is, without hesitation, willing to facilitate such an enquiry but quite unwilling to provide the money necessary to allow the Finsac Commission to reveal its findings.

Could it be, a cynic may wonder, that the Finsac report, though useful to provide answers on factors that led to the financial sector crisis of the 1990s, may likely prove politically embarrassing to the People's National Party that formed the Government then, whereas the proposed Tivoli Commission of Enquiry, though needed to answer some very important questions, would likely prove, as was the Manatt Commission of Enquiry, politically harmful to the Jamaica Labour Party under whose watch the Tivoli operation occurred?

Former Finance Minister Audley Shaw, in his recent contribution to the 2013 Budget Debate, advised that it will take only $10 million to $15 million to facilitate the publication of the Finsac Enquiry report. He has pledged to press on with his 'campaign' to get the Government to release funds to complete the Finsac report.

Noted political analyst and attorney-at-law Patrick Bailey recently suggested that the Government and the Finsac commissioners should meet to determine some compromise on the completion of the report. However, it remains to be seen if the Government will yield.

Should there be no reasonable move by the Government, I wonder if it would be possible and appropriate for Mr Shaw, or any other concerned individual, to lead the campaign towards the establishment of an independent fund to raise the money necessary to allow the Finsac commissioners to complete their report?

Although I was not a direct victim of Finsac, for the love of country and in sympathy for the many Finsac victims I stand ready to contribute to such a fund so that the truth behind the financial sector meltdown of the 1990s can be revealed and the corrective measures taken.

I am sure many other Jamaicans would so similarly stand.

Kevin KO Sangster

sangstek@msn.com

I'm ready to help fund the Finsac report

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Now that we have the IMF loan...

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Many Jamaicans are void of the power of independent thought. Their minds are clouded completely by partisan politics. This imbecilic behaviour has set the country back more than the days of slavery.

Now that the IMF has approved the loan of US$2 billion to a country that has leaders who are bereft of ideas of how to increase production, how will the taxpayers be able to even pay the interest rate on a loan of this size? The Jamaican dollar is now trading for almost $100 to US$1 and poverty is on the rise.

There are 2.7 million people living in this country and most of them are living in absolute poverty unable to provide their children with proper nutrition and the Government expects to put the majority of the burden on the poor. This is ludicrous.

On a practical level, if this money was distributed evenly among the 2.7 million Jamaicans, regardless of their political affiliation, every person in Jamaica would receive J$74,000, which would be enough for a small business.

With the amount of corruption plaguing our island — on both sides of the political fence — one has to wonder how many individuals will benefit from this loan? History has proven that ordinary Jamaicans often do not benefit from these loans and persons are forced to leave the country or become victims of the unjust system.

Rev Tanasha Buchanan

tanashabuchanan@yahoo.com

Now that we have the IMF loan...

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HEART Trust indebted to Dr Robinson

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the board of directors, management and staff of the HEART Trust/National Training Agency, we wish to express profound regret at the passing of Dr the Honourable Joyce Robinson, OJ, an icon and the first managing director of the Trust, who pioneered the development of the HEART Trust/NTA before her retirement in 1991.

Under her guidance, the HEART Trust/NTA gained prominence in Jamaica's training and education system, to position itself as the premier Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Agency in the Caribbean.

The HEART Trust is indebted to Dr Robinson for the grace, humility and fearlessness with which she guided the operations of the Trust during its early development, and today, three decades since its inception, the HEART Trust/NTA proudly stands on the foundation influenced by her, our great matriarch.

We wish to express our condolence to her family and wish for them continued strength and courage during this period of bereavement.

Dr Wayne Wesley

Executive director

HEART Trust/NTA

HEART Trust indebted to Dr Robinson

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J'cans chose scalpel over bitter medicine

Monday, May 13, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express the reason I was willing to accept the bitter medicine offered to be dispensed by then Prime Minister Andrew Holness with a view to righting the economy during the height of the worldwide economic recession.

According to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2011 report, a litany of bitter medicine (otherwise known as economic stimulation action plans) has been dispensed in other countries. Therefore, Jamaica would have been in the company of those other countries.

Before we go forward, let me define the term bitter medicine. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it is "a situation that is unpleasant, but must be accepted".

At the time of Mr Holness' speech on dispensing the bitter medicine, I personally did not believe it would have been that awful, for there are ways to mitigate the bitter taste. One can squeeze one's nose in order to shut off the air flow while gulping the medicine down. This action reduces the potency of the bitterness.

Once ingested, one would eventually start to feel the medicine's curative effects. Eventually, you would have felt elated that you had chosen to accept the bitter medicine, no matter how much it tasted like your grandmother's cerasee tea.

You see, this economic bitter medicine would not have been hard to swallow, but based on the outcome of the general election held on December 29, 2011, you can't tell that to the majority of the Jamaican populace. At that time, most Jamaicans believed that there would not be a need to accept the bitter medicine because they were promised by the present government that an IMF deal would be reached within two weeks of negotiation. Thereafter, we would all be eating "oxtail and curry mutton".

However, the people did not know that by not accepting the bitter medicine, they would instead be accepting a scalpel for an open cavity economic surgery, which is now being performed by Dr Peter Phillips. This surgery entails broad-based tax increases, major cuts in government spending, drawing-down of more than $45 billion over four years from the National Housing Trust and the introduction of the National Debt Exchange (NDX) in order to plug the fiscal shortfall.

We all can agree that most Jamaicans are having their worst nightmare because many chose the scalpel over the bitter medicine. It is therefore safe to conclude that Jamaicans are greedy for punishment.

Patrick Callum

patrickcallum@yahoo.com

J'cans chose scalpel over bitter medicine

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Thanks to MPs Wheatley and Warmington

Monday, May 13, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Windsor Road, located across from the salt factory on the Spanish Town bypass, has been a dust bowl for many years. It was simply awful.

I became aware of it when I had to drop off one of our youngsters who lives in the area and I decided to do something about it.

I set about getting petitions from the school in the area, and from Mustard Seed, but got nowhere. I called the Transport Ministry to speak with Dr Davis on more than one occasion, with no possiblity of ever speaking to him. It was then that I thought about the MP for St Catherine South Central, former mayor Andrew Wheatley.

I asked him to consider the children, the aged, the vendors who sell their wares on those roads, and as an advocate, to help me. MP Wheatley and MP Warmington (South West St Catherine) together fixed the road, which is now a magnificent stretch and now cars, trucks, children and the entire community can enjoy and take care of this stretch of road.

My thanks to these two MPs who understand nation building.

Rosemarie Greene

Spanish Town Citizens Against Gun Violence

rosie_08@cwjamaica.com

Thanks to MPs Wheatley and Warmington

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Where's the sense in handcart licencing?

Monday, May 13, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

I note with keen interest the pending move by the KSAC to require handcart operators to be licensed. I also note that this is not the first time this idea has come up (based on an RJR news report on December 23, 2010).

Some social media friends and I had a few questions with regard to this issue: Will handcart operators be assigned routes and issued licences for those routes? Will there be clearly marked handcart road lanes? Will a maximum carrying capacity be set?

Will a handcart operation manual/driving code be published? Will operators be required to adhere to the speed limit? Will they be required to have insurance? Will there be handcart driver training and a licensing exam?

What happens when I want to sell my handcart? How do I get my handcart to pass the fitness test? Will there be special parking spots for handcarts? Will handicap stickers be issued for impaired operators? If I park my handcart in a no parking zone, will it be towed or clamped? Will those who disobey the rules of the handcart road code be ticketed? Will there be a handcart traffic court? How will one be able to identify the make and model of one's handcart for licensing and registration? Is there a registration hot line number and when is the last day to register?

Will a "loader-man" licence be next? Just thought we'd ask.

Durie Dee

mizd2u@yahoo.com

Where's the sense in handcart licencing ?

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Caribbean nationals not entitled to reparation

Monday, May 13, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Based on the editorial, "Reparations debate needs to be settled", which appeared in the Jamaica Observer of Wednesday, May 8, I would like to say that the only worthwhile thing that will emerge from the reparation debates is a more balanced view of history.

Caribbean nationals are not entitled to, and will never get reparation for slavery because from ancient times until it was abolished in the 19th century, slavery was regarded as a natural institution and was practised by all ancient civilisations. Since the dawn of civilisation, all nations have practised some form of slavery. There was no universal law against it and it was regarded as a natural part of life for humans to enslave humans deemed weaker by virtue of economic standing and military might. As such, it was an unspoken agreement that slavery was right.

Starting in Greco-Roman times, slaves were regarded as "tools with voices", which means that slaves were purchased and used in any capacity their owners desired. Planters in the Caribbean were not slave raiders; they obtained slaves by purchasing them from sellers. Since the planters used their money to purchase "tools with voices", then legally, these "tools" were added to the planters' assets, which would be used to bring them greater wealth.

The first slaves in British colonies were from predominantly Roman Catholic regions of Great Britain and Ireland. Scots, Irish and other poor white Britons were ripped from their homelands and sold to planters in the US and Caribbean. The eventual need for African slave labour arose because European slaves could not handle the heat and died in huge numbers.

Eventually, some black and white slaves in Jamaica and other British colonies obtained their freedom and became planters. They, too, purchased slaves because within that historical context, they were doing what was culturally natural. Planters had to provide their slaves with three meals a day, clothing and shelter, and when slaves were sick or too old to work, planters had to provide for them for the rest of their lives. Planters were responsible for the complete welfare of the slaves.

Edward Long, in 1774, went as far as saying that 20 per cent of the total money in circulation in Jamaica was in the hands of slaves, who were allowed to sell their produce in the Sunday markets.

Two major things happened when slavery was abolished: the governments of the day paid planters, who in turn figuratively handed off their slaves to the government. In other words, governments purchased the freedom of the slaves from the planters. It would be ridiculous for the planters, who were business people, to lose their "assets" without any form of compensation. Not only did the governments purchase the freedom of the slaves, but they also allowed the freed slaves and their descendants to keep all these beautiful Caribbean islands.

If the British are foolish enough to pay reparation, shouldn't Caribbean nations also be repatriated to Africa so as to allow Europeans and descendants of the Tainos to decide what will become of all these islands? I think our Caribbean intellectuals are masters of myopic thinking and wasting time.

Howard Rennis

rehnis@msn.com

Caribbean nationals not entitled to reparation

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Communism versus capitalism

Sunday, May 12, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

It is inconceivable that many intellectuals are still clinging tenaciously to the notion that communism-cum-Marxism, is a viable alternative to capitalism. It should be understood that empirical evidence has shown that in spite of its many shortcomings, capitalism is definitely more enduring than its counterpart, communism/Marxism. The precipitous collapse of communism in the Soviet Union is a good example of the tenuous framework of communism.

It is well known that communism is based on the Marxist theory that advocates a classless, egalitarian society in which property and the means of production are owned collectively. Thus, the concept of individualism is non-existent. However, the notion of a classless, egalitarian society is a hollow theoretical construct that was never practised by its foremost proponent, the USSR.

In the Soviet Union, communism meant totalitarianism, in which the state owned and controlled property and the means of production. The idea of a classless, egalitarian society was always an illusion. It is well known that the Communist Party was the ruling class that dominated the proletarian or working class.

Many intellectuals are led to believe that what happened in the Soviet Union was a perversion of Marxism, and that Marxism in its pure form is still a viable alternative to capitalism. But these intellectuals fail to realise that the concept of Marxism is flawed and impractical. They fail to realise that human beings are basically individualistic. Therefore, they cannot be herded like horses or cattle into a collective corral.

It should be noted that individualism can be repressed, but it cannot be crushed into a state of oblivion. Sooner or later, it will start to emerge and take root.

It is that yearning for individualism that finally brought about the demise of communism in the USSR and it is my firm opinion that the potency of individualism will finally burst forth in other communist countries such as China and Cuba. As a matter of fact, these totalitarian states have started to acknowledge the inevitability of the capitalist creed. A vibrant capitalist class has started to emerge in China, and the Cuban state is now allowing individuals to buy and sell in a capitalist style marketplace.

It is only a matter of time before the rising capitalist class in these countries demand their rightful place in the Government.

It is true that in recent years capitalism has become somewhat of a dirty word with sinister connotations. And it is also true that with the demise of communism in the USSR, capitalism has been linked with sheer greed, exploitation, and insatiable profiteering. Nevertheless, with proper governmental regulations, the dark side of capitalism can dissipate significantly.

Even with all its flaws, it is still a viable free enterprise system in which the individual has the freedom to invest, innovate, and take chances in the marketplace. And there is no doubt that innovation and risk-taking have benefitted human beings over the years.

If former Prime Minister of Britain Winston Churchill were alive today, instead of making his profound comment about democracy, he would have focussed his remark on capitalism by saying: "Indeed, it has been said that [capitalism] is the worst form of [economic system], except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."

Rupert Johnson

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Toronto, Ontario

Communism versus capitalism

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Brilliant cartoon, Clovis!

Friday, May 10, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

Clovis' cartoon of May 7, 2013 — "A nuff milk in deh" — had me in stitches. It presented an image of Mama P milking the big National Housing Trust (NHT) cow for what it's worth, while the poor cow mooed in distress, and prominent Cabinet ministers stood in line, each with empty buckets in hand — some with heavy bang bellies, others with sashes — eagerly awaiting whatever Mama P could deliver from the cow.

It is funny how a simple cartoon, by itself, can convey so accurately the topical news. The facts, merged with irony, sarcasm, put a humourous spin on otherwise very serious issues. They also, more often than not, reflect accurately public perception for quite often, these are the very views of the ordinary man in the street and what we hear as 'verandah talk'.

It is interesting, too, how simple graphic arts can be so effective in translating news using very few words and how images, through body language and interaction, manage to convey and reflect messages, thoughts, and sentiments.

Our leaders could take a cue from many of these cartoons and perhaps strive to ponder their direction and image.

I must commend Clovis on another brilliant cartoon! Let's hope he is not declared an 'enemy of the state' for this one.

On the matter of the additional NHT drawdown, though, I believe raiding trust funds is immoral, desperate and reflects bankruptcy of ideas. We have to be a lot more innovative in finding ways to increase resources and curb expenses.

P Chin

Chin_p@yahoo.com

Brilliant cartoon, Clovis!

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Desmond Allen's defence of Richard Azan in Spalding shops matter

Friday, May 10, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

What is going on at the Jamaica Observer? I have noticed in some of your recent editions where one of your senior staff, Desmond Allen, has spent a lot of time and news print trying to defend Richard Azan.

How can the Observer waste precious time and newsprint trying to defend the indefensible?

Allen, in one of his articles defending Azan, stated that the Clarendon Parish Council knew about the arrangements with Azan and his contractor to build the shops on the market grounds. The Parish Council, at the outset, said it was not aware that the shops were being built.

Minister of Local Government Noel Arscott said on TV that it was wrong for the shops to be built on the Council's lands without its prior approval. Mr Azan himself said permission had not been received from the Parish Council.

How then can Mr Allen justify the action of Mr Azan and in the same breath excuse the prime minister for ignoring the voice of civil society who called on her to ask Mr Azan to step down from his ministerial position until the inquiry is completed?

What is so earth shattering about such a decision? This is the normal practice in situations like the current one in question.

Mr Kern Spencer stepped aside when he was accused of wrongdoing; Mr Joseph Hibbert stepped aside when he was accused of wrongdoing; so why can't Mr Azan?

Mr Desmond Allen also wrote in the article that JLP supporters got most of the shops that were built on the market grounds by the contractor. The big question is: Why is Desmond Allen reducing this matter to JLP and PNP supporters? Why is he politicising and trivialising such a serious matter?

Editor,I would like to know why Mr Azan's contractor would give most of the shops to JLP supporters and not his supporters? Does this make any sense to you? Certainly not to me.

Why did you publish these foolish and nonsensical articles by Mr Allen?

Mr Desmond Allen, as a senior member of your staff, must stop trying to fool Jamaicans. Some of us are not fools, we have brains and yes, we do think and analyse and come to conclusions.

This certainly was not Mr Azan's or Mr Allen's finest hour.

Roy Wilson

royhwilson876@gmail.com

Desmond Allen's defence of Richard Azan in Spalding shops matter

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Why reject the enquiry, PNPYO?

Friday, May 10, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

I read with disbelief the report in the Jamaica Observer about the rejection by the PNPYO of the decision to hold an enquiry into the Tivoli Gardens incursion and the resultant killings. The position of the PNPYO is both alarming and disappointing.

On what basis has the PNPYO rejected an enquiry? Is it because the victims are "labourites" or just poor ghetto people and therefore are not deserving of the effort to clarify for all Jamaicans the entire incident?

I would advise the PNPYO to broaden its perspective and to consider that injustice to one set of Jamaicans is an injustice to all Jamaicans. It may be the sons of Tivoli residents today, but whose son tomorrow?

That being said, we cannot conclude with any certainty if there were injustices carried out unless resources are allocated for unearthing the truth by a non-partisan entity. Certainly, we cannot prematurely close the file on the over 70 people who died and the many other allegations of atrocities.

I am in agreement with the youth organisation's suggestion of providing counselling, private interventions and government support, but it's far from sufficient. This is not about flogging dead horses, as the PNPYO is reported to have said. That suggestion is an insult to the victims and the country should hold the PNP leadership accountable if that language is not condemned.

This is just not distasteful coming from the PNPYO, it is disgraceful. I hope sober members of the PNP establishment move to enlighten these youth on the importance of standing up for those in our society who are disenfranchised.

Vinton Grant

rugsdat@ppeoj.org

Why reject the enquiry, PNPYO?

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No unlicensed cable operator in Jamaica

Friday, May 10, 2013 2:00 AM

Dear Editor,

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) has taken note of the article headlined "Unlicensed Cable Company Lands Ja on IP Watch List", which was published in The Daily Observer on May 9, 2013.

It is unfortunate that many readers have been given the distorted view that Jamaica is on the watch list because of "an unlicensed" cable company. The Broadcasting Commission is not aware of any such "unlicensed" cable company operating in Jamaica and the issue of cable company licensing by BCJ forms no part of the reason that Jamaica is on the USTR watch list.

The "serious concern" of the United States, as outlined at the very beginning of the 2013 Special 301 Report on Jamaica, is "the need to enact the draft Patents and Designs Act". This has nothing to do with the cable sector. However, the report goes on to add that "Jamaica's largest cable operator has not yet compensated performing rights organisations for the public performances of the music".

The following points should set the record straight:

1. The Broadcasting Commission has received no complaint or report from any rights holder alleging that Jamaica's largest cable company has failed to compensate rights organisations for the public performance of music. Were such a report made, the Commission would investigate and take the appropriate regulatory actions. Any suggestion of regulatory laxity in dealing with copyright matters in the cable sector is therefore false; and

2. The public should also be well aware that copyright has a direct bearing on the work of the Broadcasting Commission because of previously widely publicised enforcement actions. Even anecdotally, it should be evident that great progress has been made to bring about copyright compliance by cable operators. Indeed, it is a credit to our work that Jamaica is no longer being cited on the watch list for piracy of cable channels.

Finally, the public is being assured that the Broadcasting Commission will continue to enforce compliance with the Copyright Act, and maintain its close collaborative relations with rights holders, locally and internationally.

Cordel Green

Executive Director

Broadcasting Commission

No unlicensed cable operator in Jamaica

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