WHAT the…? What is going on here? Yesterday afternoon I could only wonder how we got where we are, and where do we intend to go from here. Just around midday, a news item was broadcast about an American visitor arriving in Montego Bay who revealed he had got here from the US, having started out in Liberia. Reports are that he ended up being landed in Jamaica and given exit permission from the airport and then went on to a hotel where he was booked. Nuff questions. True or false? How did Immigration and the nursing station verify his status? But, what if…Look yah nuh.

The column was already written before the preceding paragraphs. By the time you see this, we should have, I hope, some explanation given to the nation as to what exactly happened at Montego Bay. I don’t even want to think what may have occurred. What you now share with me, started before…since you’ve been part of my Chicky complainers club, hang on with me…

Look here nuh…This was not supposed to be the third column about the “Chicky thing”. We were supposed to be moving along now, but by this it is evident that we are still in the midst of a very bad dream. Someone has suggested “Chicky” could make a great comedy moment in pantomime, except that I’ve come to realise that it is not always appropriate to tek bad sinting mek laugh. I suppose, though, a laugh could be squeezed from some elements of the nightmare now doing the rounds in town and country.

It is hard to accept some of the foolishness which still persists. How about the recent report that citizens of one parish do not accept that the virus is being spread by mosquitoes and so stubbornly refuse to get involved in cleaning their environment? We’re still hearing other myths about where the virus comes from.

The duppy stories might make a good laugh if that is your style of humour but, for me, this is as unfunny as the sight of a bundle of mosquito blood-suckers lurking in my vehicle the other afternoon, ready to have their late-hour meal as soon as I arrived. I’m not afraid to confess, a well-aimed blow, delivered with murderous intent, made all the difference to my health last evening.

As I had no evidence that the sinister-looking knot of mosquito legs which were left behind after the attack had any other purpose than to prolong my pain and suffering, I had no reason to spare the Chicky assassins. The blow fell, and I’m happy to report that the mosquitoes were history. Unfortunately, there are still many more where those came from.

The political battle over CHIKV having abated somewhat, attention can now be turned to Ebola. This brings no comfort. The stories which are coming through social media and other sources are chilling. The Government now has to face the bigger terror which lurks in what used to be called “heathen lands afar”. They are no more heathen than we are, so let’s go very easy on the name-calling. Already there’s a growing touchiness about the Ebola outbreak. Negative labels are being attached to all things African because of it. The outbreak is spreading. Its presence in Dallas, Texas, in particular, cannot be put aside so easily. We have every reason to be scared. Ebola is no comedy.

Our Government and Opposition appear to be collaborating on what we must do to affect the future. I say “appear to” because it doesn’t take much for us to turn against one another if there is something to be gained. That is the game of politics. Let’s not kid ourselves. We should not be lulled into being caught off guard one day and then have to face disillusionment the next. Election dates have not been announced, despite the poll fever, but we would do well to face the fact that the intrusion of death and disease might force the start of the usual dogfight earlier than usual. Good Lord, deliver us.

Chicky in the garden hiding

The National History Museum of the Institute of Jamaica recently staged a discussion titled ‘Chikungunya Talks’, with the objective to debunk the myths about the virus. I wasn’t at the event, but from the reports, there were scientists, health specialists and others who spoke with authority. A noted microbiologist is said to have stated that the virus was first discovered here in 1779. More recently, somebody else said it surfaced in 1952. What is going on? How come nobody knew about all this before now? Where was Chicky hiding all these years, and what was it up to all that time? Who can verify what has stirred up Chicky to get busy now and give us hell? Serious matter.

By the way, is anyone documenting the new list of cures for Chicky? How about grated avocado pear seed substituting for Kola Nut aka “Bizzy” or paw paw leaf served in Milk River water? Yuh tink wi easy?

Fly di gate

Since we’ve begun talking election, what consolation can politics and politicians offer us now? Will the next Administration be able to assure us that a time will come when this nation will be able to live in healthy harmony? The old pollsters have already begun to reclaim fame, but who besides the boys are getting excited? You know something…on reflection, a round of electioneering might be just what I need to stop me worrying about why my right knee has suddenly started to hurt. I never experienced it in Chicky round one. So, what is its intent and purpose now? This is not a joke.

PS: How so? With the greater economic difficulties, how come so many high-priced speakers are being imported for local lectures? Whatta gwaan? What do the importees know that we don’t? That if we want something we will pay for it, especially in Yankee money. When you got it, spend it.

gloudonb@yahoo.com