IS THE NEW Minister of Culture and Youth “vindictive, vicious and tribal” by expressing concerns about the state of the accounts and management of the Jamaica 50 celebrations, as is believed by the former minister, who reminds us that she laid the foundations during her tenure? Is she fair in her response to her successor’s call that there will have to be a review and audit of the resources to carry out the programme effectively? What’s wrong with that?

Like just about everything else, we seem ready for one of those outbreaks of cuss-cuss which we enjoy so much. They seem to do something for the adrenalin. The “trow-wud” began almost immediately after the press release from the new minister was made public. On Tuesday evening, the public response varied from “playing politics” to “foolishness”. Miss Hanna’s ability to manage was immediately questioned and as usual we were reminded of her beauty queen past. What has that to do with it? I’ve asked before and ask again – would it be more acceptable if she were ugly? What matters now is whether we are in a good position to mark the important milestone of 50 years of Independence and to do so effectively.

Miss Grange should not be fearful of her place in history. She did what she had to do during her tenure. I have no doubt that she put a lot of effort into her plan for the celebration, but if the resources will not be available to carry it out, then, like it or not, investigations must be made and changes undertaken where necessary. There should be no need for ill-feelings.

One month has gone out of the year. We have plenty work to do if we want to present a programme of integrity and relevance. This is what should be our focus, not dissension. If the plans succeed, they will redound to the glory of all Jamaica. If it were to be otherwise, you can bet that the blame will not be shared. Reasonable people are hoping that the inventories and audits which are being recommended will take place as quickly as possible so that we can get on with the job.

I’ve been asking around as to who has seen the programme which was drafted last year. When I did get one, it was a schedule of a considerable number of events, spread out over the 12 months. There was not much new, but rather a collection of events familiar to us over the years – the JCDC Festival activities; the Gibson Relays; Denbigh Agricultural Show; Emancipation Vigil at Seville, Jazz and Blues Festival, etc.

I assume that the intention is to dedicate them all to the 50th. What I wasn’t clear on was what proportion of the programme will be new events, crafted as a unique tribute to the anniversary. We need to know more. We need to become more acquainted with both contents and intentions of the programme and then move swiftly to get the public involved. Right now, people do not seem to have a grasp of what is to come. By now, the momentum should be growing and growing. It may seem like early days yet, but time has a way of passing and before you say “Feh”, the year done. What will we have achieved?

ONE FEATURE which I would really like to see emphasised is the full participation of communities outside of Kingston. This Jamaica is for all of us. Unfortunately, over the years we have developed a tendency to behave as if Kingston is Jamaica. It is imperative that, like the celebration of Independence in 1962, there is strong parish representation and involvement of their communities.

I, like others, learned on Tuesday that several projects are planned for the UK, Canada and USA, but I haven’t heard much of what is to happen throughout Jamaica. Hear me, right now I am not all that interested in who feel they must be the star of the show. Chatting alone is not going to bring glory. Let us stop the bickering and get going. Who to vex will vex. Who is prepared to work, let them work. Check this – not everything has to depend on money. The volunteer spirit, even if diminished, can be revived. We may be surprised how many people are only waiting to be asked to do their bit and demonstrate their love for this Jamaica.

COME ON…HELP! A friend sent me a letter highlighting the plight of one of Jamaica’s most outstanding athletes of the past who is in great need of assistance, as he battles with advanced age, failing health and meagre resources. Not many of today’s young megastars may know the name of George Kerr. If they took the time by looking into the archives of our sports history, they may be surprised to know the quality performance which used to be turned in by the athletes of the past like Mr Kerr, who set some important records and gained honours internationally and locally.

Many of those trailblazers are gone from the scene but the record of their achievements still stand. Sadly, every now and then we come across one or more for whom the later years have brought none of the respect which they once commanded. George Kerr was one of the history makers. His list of victories is impressive. Among his trophies is the first gold in athletics won in our National Stadium, when it opened 50 years ago. In this way, he became the first of the newly Independent Jamaicans to have created history. The list of his medal-winning goes on and on (in the Olympics and other international meets). However, honours alone are not enough. He needs food, medical care and other support.

George Kerr needs help and needs it urgently. He and others of his generation never earned the endorsement fees and the monetary rewards of victory which are commonplace today. This is all the more reason why we must respond to the call to help him and his wife who has devoted her life to his care in the face of great difficulty. We cannot abandon them. Can you imagine what it would mean to the Kerrs if some of our young athletes took an interest in a hero like him? Imagine what even a visit would mean!

A true champion is one who cares for someone else besides self. The government cannot turn away from this call for assistance either. In his 2011 budget presentation, then Prime Minister Bruce Golding promised a Pension Scheme for Retired (and Needy) Athletes to come into fruition this year 2012. As we know, that story has a different ending. It is not too late, however, for today’s elected to give thought to ensuring that Kerr and other aged and needy athletes might not suffer hunger and neglect. Who will listen? Who will act? Who will make this George Kerr Day?

MIX-UP, MIX-UP: King’s House explanation for how the media came to be excluded from the swearing-in of Little Sallywater is the most ridiculous I have heard in a long while. Better nothing had been said. “Wha gone bad a mawnin, cyaan come good a evening, whoy!”

gloudonb@yahoo.com