Christmas is around the corner, the highly anticipated season of joyous celebration and happiness. This time, however, the focus has been not so much on occasions of merriment, but of contemplation brought on by the passing of two noted members of the media profession — Lester Spaulding and Ian Boyne, who both played an important role in the development of the communication industry in the nation.

On December 9, at Webster Memorial Church, the service for Spaulding was well-attended by members of his family, representatives of Church and State, media colleagues, and staff of the organisations which he led. There was reminiscing of the many years “a man of learning and courage” developed not only himself but the members of a new generation who became committed colleagues.

Earlier this week we were met with the news of the passing of Ian Boyne. He trod his way as a print journalist, moving later to radio and television. He was celebrated particularly for the television programme Profile, which captured inspiring stories of Jamaicans from home and abroad who were doing tremendous work to make their families and country proud.

The media fraternity and the wider Jamaica have lost two outstanding colleagues who will be missed.

‘Life’ and times

During this special season of the year there is no avoiding the reality of the times that there are different journeys which come with this life. So, while there are some who are shedding tears for whatever is bothering them, there are others who reflect on the view that life will go on in its peculiar way. We have come to the realisation that there is much to learn and memories to preserve.

So, who is the innocent? Who is the guilty? No matter the sweet music or the “nice time”, you have to admit that real life is real life, and, whether we want to or not, even at Christmastime, there are challenges which cannot be ignored. Among the issues which need contemplation is the question of what kind of life we in Jamaica want to have for the future?

Take the matter of the recent court sentencing of dancehall artiste Ninjaman. The court handed down a life sentence as a result of a conviction for murder. He will be serving as much as 25 years before being eligible for parole. There have been conflicting responses to this sentence. Some feel the sentence is too harsh, while others feel it is justice served.

The response raises the question: In our society, where so many people lose their lives or are severely hurt, why do some take sides against the victims who may have been severely injured or deprived of their lives?

In recent days, we have been seeing in the news outbursts of sympathy from the ‘kind hearts’ for those whose actions have caused pain and suffering. This, by itself, is deserving of some contemplation. To each his own.

In differing scenarios others are decrying what they see as sentences which are “too lenient”. Is it because of the circumstances of the case or the reputation of the accused? I don’t quite understand the logic of some of it. Is that why “jackass seh de worl’ nuh level”?

Information Overload

How many are giving thought to what lies ahead in the new year? My friend says I should introduce you to a most interesting item of communication shared with me. The subject she is pursuing now bears the title: “Brains of older people” and the challenge which comes with ageing.

Some scientists have discovered that brains of older people are slow because they know so much. It just takes them longer to recall facts because they have more information in their brains. WOW! There’s much more to discover, and I bet you that right now there are young people laughing to scorn information like this. But hear me now, ‘millennial youthie’, my favourite sign says, “Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skills.”

A happy and safe Christmas to you and yours. One love!

Barbara Gloudon is a journalist, playwright and commentator. Send comments to the Observer or gloudonb@yahoo.com.