AT recent fourth of July celebrations, US Ambassador Luis G Moreno remarked on the big news of the week: That his country would be restoring diplomatic ties with Cuba. He was gracious in his comments about the enduring relationship between Jamaica and the US, noting our 54-year call for their re-engagement of our closest neighbour.

We are happy for the Cubans and congratulate them on their dignity and productivity in the face of their many economic challenges. Jamaicans have been visiting Cuba for years and are well versed in those five little words recited to immigration officials on arrival: “Please don’t stamp my passport.” That stamp would have jeopardised an application for a US visa.

Well, no more. Their respective embassies will reopen on July 20. This should focus Jamaicans wonderfully on the fact that conditions in our country are in glaring contrast to those of Cuba, the most educated country of the Americas. They have much to teach us. On our vacation there several years ago we walked the streets of Havana at midnight without fear, and there was no uncollected garbage in sight.

When we asked two Cuban students what they did during their compulsory military training after finishing high school, they promptly replied, “Mosquito inspection.” Yes, they explained, they went from house to house, checking that there were no breeding places in homes or yards. Painstaking work, but certainly not as painful as CHIK-V! These are some of the basics of good governance, and we are hoping that the leaders here will encourage each other to remember their pledge to serve Jamaica with integrity.

Most of all, we have to transform this hope into action. Not only is Cuba, such a clean, crime-free and welcoming country, but also Haiti is attracting more foreign investments than ever before. These countries have the population and the economies of scale to keep us in the shade. Let us hope this opening up of Cuba will shake us out of this complacency that has led to our chronic mendicancy.

It was an embarrassing moment for a Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce representative who overheard complaints from visitors of the insanitary conditions they had witnessed on a tour of the city. In the neighbouring parish of Trelawny, the historic St Peter’s Church, whose members tried to accommodate craft vendors, was forced to close its gates because of threats from unruly vendors.

Matters arising

My beloved birth parish, Westmoreland, is seeing a 100 per cent increase in murders. What is going on? Where are the leaders — from both political parties — who campaigned so energetically for power with promises of a better Jamaica? This column has noted that, for too long, thuggery has been a feature of political campaigning on both sides. The cold-hearts seem to be very useful in controlling yards, hustling people into buses and to polling stations. But what happens to them after elections? Clearly, they expect to be compensated for their ‘services’, and so become the middlemen in such areas as public sanitation and roadworks. After a few strong drinks, one such man bragged, “When we get road money, is only quarter go to the road. Nuff man have to get pay out of it.”

There are rumours about politicians being linked to scammers. It would be such an insult to our democratic system if this were true. Scamming is causing murder and mayhem, the destruction of young lives and the endangerment of older folks, many of whom are not even aware of what is going on around them. We hear the brave statements from members of the police force who are trying to tackle this terrifying monster, but very little from the leaders who have brought us to this pass. The noise is about revved up campaigning as they prepare themselves for the next electoral joust. It must now fall to the private sector, the media, and civil society to call this country to order. While we must get to the truth of the Tivoli operation, let this enquiry not distract us from the fear and suffering in the here and now. It cannot continue this way.

Substantive motion

Over 20 members of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) attended a session with CaribbeanJobs.Com, hosted by Digicel Foundation last Thursday. They uploaded their resumes, having become available, post-retirement, to re-enter the job market on either a full-time or part-time basis. Companies would do well to hire such people. They are qualified and experienced and do not appear remotely old. One chic lady noted, “With our degrees and expertise on the job, we are just ready to tackle even bigger projects!”

Indeed they are. Companies are discovering that such individuals also bring strong ethics to the workplace and are excellent mentors for younger team members. We recently had a data entry backlog at CCRP, and one of our retired members, Donna-Maria Falconer, worked for just a few hours per week, bringing us up to date in no time. More than 80 per cent of our 1,400 members are computer literate, and more than half are on social media.

For smaller businesses, such qualified professionals are a boon, as they can provide services part-time without burdening budgets with hefty salaries and perks. Another interesting observation is that these folks in their 60s and 70s seem to be in better health than the youngsters — they rarely take sick days.

Our younger CCRP members are also volunteering for our Caring Committee, chaired by the evergreen Irene Walter. Inspired by CCRP Chairman Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer’s research, alerting us to the need for greater attention to Jamaica’s “old-old”, they plan to provide support to our elderly members. We are looking forward to a session with consultant psychiatrist Dr E Anthony Allen, who will guide us in making our visits as meaningful as possible, and help strengthen our advocacy for the protection of Jamaica’s elderly.

Farewell to two media icons

We recently lost two important media figures, David Ebanks and Ken Jones. David gave 30 great years to broadcast media, serving as head of news at RJR, and subsequently did brief stints at Power 106 and IRIE FM. We always enjoyed David’s droll humour and were impressed by his thorough approach to every assignment. It was not unusual for David to call requesting more information on an event or topic; he never sacrificed professionalism for expediency. As popular as he became, David was ever humble and approachable.

It was only in April of this year, that the distinguished journalist and author Ken Jones was honoured with a Living Legacy award by the CCRP. Ken had contributed to media for 68 of his 86 years, and in his acceptance speech had reminded us of the importance of the present. He certainly filled his days productively, not only in media, but also as a community activist. He founded the Harbour View Citizens Association, was on the first Jamaica Football Federation executive and was general secretary of the Farquharson Institute. This column has lauded his books, including Marcus Garvey Said…, a distillation of the national hero’s memorable quotes under various headings for quick reference. It is a mainstay for speechwriters in our shop. Ken was predeceased by his wife Gloria, an active member of the Stella Maris prison ministry. He is mourned by his daughters, son, and grandchildren.

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Ebanks and Jones families.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com

Correction

Last week, we incorrectly used an image of Lisa Soares- Lewis and captioned it as that of Lisa Lewis, former chair of Digicel Foundation. We regret the error and apologise for any inconveniece caused. See the correct image of Lisa Lewis.