THERE is something even the most budget-challenged among us can share: the joy of the season. One of the most precious childhood memories I have is that of my jovial Uncle Melvin giving us piggyback rides. Those were the days when there were far fewer digital distractions. The challenge to today’s adults is to disengage from our gadgets and engage with our little ones who respond so enthusiastically to simple games, jokes, and hugs.

Years ago, we had a learning pause when colleague Milverton Smith related the serious illness of his child and his total focus on her recovery. He said that, suddenly, such things as school reports and GSAT exams became minor, as he and his wife prayed for their daughter’s healing. Thankfully, she recovered.

Milverton’s sharing helped us to be loving, first and foremost, even as we tried to instill the right values in our children. In fact, with generous helpings of love, laughter and affirmation during the season, January will see a more confident child, grounded in your unconditional love and ready to face the challenges of academia and other activities.

Our elderly relatives also require this affirmation. Our mothers, fathers, guardians, once independent leaders of the family, may now be getting unsteady on their feet and a bit forgetful. This is the time to recall all the efforts they put into making our childhood better and our future brighter. As we reflect on their sacrifices, we become moved to embrace them with greater love and understanding.

It is important that our children know the sacrifices of their grandparents, especially those whom we professional folks would call on to do babysitting, knowing that adoring grandma and grandpa would leave no stone unturned to make their grandchildren happy and comfortable (like Grandmother Robinson in the White House). Your children may have been too young to recall those days, and so you should recount them, encouraging patience and respect for their elders.

Prisoners no more

Every year at Christmas and Easter, Food For The Poor pays fines for the release of non-violent prisoners so they can be reunited with their families. Over recent weeks, a total of 68 prisoners in Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica were released through the prison ministry of Food For The Poor. Twenty-nine were released

in Jamaica.

“There are large numbers of desperate people who are locked in jail that have been forgotten because they stole whatever they could to try to feed their hungry families,” said Robin Mahfood, Food For The Poor’s President/CEO. “It is a serious situation. The Gospel message strengthens and reminds us to give a hand up to others who dwell in darkness.”

Now here is a near miraculous story. One of the inmates released from the St Catherine Correctional Centre on December 10 was a 45-year-old Kingston barber. On December 9, bailiffs took him from his shop because he had breached the Debtors Act, an offence that carries a fine or 14 days in prison. The barber and father of three had found it difficult to continue to pay outstanding rent when his business slowed down.

“It happened so quickly, I was not even allowed to call or talk to anyone,” said the former inmate. “When I came here, I begged an officer for a call and contacted my wife and explained the situation. I begged her not to tell my children, especially my daughter in high school, because it would devastate her. I prayed the whole night because I am the breadwinner for the family and I didn’t know what was going to happen to them. I said, ‘God, is this a trial that You are putting me through to make me develop, or is this a way to teach me a lesson? I know You are real, and You have never failed me yet’.”

You can imagine his joy and that of his wife when he learned that he would be one of those whose fines were being paid and that he would be released after one night. Such is the mercy of God, handed out by those who are His earthly instruments of hope.

Kudos SSP Steve McGregor

Years ago I interviewed Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor to prepare his citation after he was selected the very first Police Officer of the Year. At that time, he was stationed in East Kingston and he explained that he was a strong advocate of community policing. SSP McGregor is now head of the Kingston Western Police Station and continues this advocacy.

Last month, his “Police/Citizens Link-Up” at the Denham Town Police Station was a huge success. Jamaica Observer Reporter Kimmo Matthews had quoted Tivoli Gardens resident Sheldon Whyte as saying: “Because of this event, many people who were afraid to venture to some parts of the community were able to do so. People who have not seen each other for years were able to meet up, and we welcome the move.”

SSP McGregor kept his promise that funds raised from the event would assist in treating the elderly in the division. Last week, he and his colleagues went house to house delivering 300 gift packages to the elderly and disabled. Well done!

Gully Bop, Sting, Sean Paul

The new dancehall sensation Gully Bop was trending worldwide on Twitter recently. We were happy to hear that bright young Jamaican dentist Kerisa Harriot-Myrie, now based in New York is offering her services to make this talent more photogenic. She is collaborating with local dentist Dr Emerson Henry on the project.

Once again, reports are that the annual dancehall event, Sting, ended with onstage conflicts and one entertainer in handcuffs. It leads us to wonder if our Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment is engaging with the Jamaica Federation of Musicians to guide our talented performers. Clearly we have many older and wiser heads in the business who should be able to assist in preparing guidelines for such shows.

We heard the disturbing reports of threats against Sean Paul over his planned appearance this New Year’s Eve in the Maldives, where Islam is the only religion that Maldivians may practise according to the constitution of this Republic. Clearly, our dancehall culture would be frowned upon in such a State. Of course, the decision to perform rests with Sean Paul and his team, Whatever they decide, we wish them travelling mercies and a safe return to Jamaica, land we love.

Correction from Jason Henzell

Jason Henzell, chair of BREDS Foundation in Treasure Beach, sent us an email expressing thanks for mentioning the work of his foundation, but pointing out, “Maisie Allen has done significant work for BREDS, particularly as a grant writer, but is not a director. It is important to note that Dramaine Jones also played a significant role in writing the grants received for the Donald Buchanan Sports Tourism Centre.” Good going, Dramaine Jones!

Happy New Year, dear readers … make it count!

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lowriechin@aim.com