We do not deny that Jamaica has major problems, particularly related to crime and violence, but we must applaud the latest Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) report that our economy grew beyond expectation to 4.5 per cent in the first quarter.

I posted a report from the Miami Herald on social media headlined ‘How Jamaica and its prime minister are becoming a mini superpower in the Caribbean’ by Jacqueline Charles. She wrote, “After years of being hobbled by crippling debt, double-digit deficits, and negative growth, Jamaica, the largest island in the English-speaking Caribbean, is showing its ability to weather crises — and its hard-won economic stability is getting noticed along with the leadership of its prime minister.” (https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/article276801351.html#storylink=cpy)

However, it was not all roses. She noted, “Holness acknowledges that plenty of work remains to be done, from doing a better job at addressing poverty to tackling Jamaica’s sky-high crime rate.”

I believe some of the critics who described it as a PR (public relations) piece read only the headline. But for those of us who wish Jamaica well, regardless of our political leaning, we should celebrate anything positive that is published in the foreign press about Jamaica, particularly in view of a recent US warning about visiting our country.

As we look towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) tomorrow, we should be pleased that our country has taken a leadership role in addressing Haiti’s tragic plight. In Charles’ article, she quotes Damion Blake, a Jamaican-born associate professor of political science at Elon University in North Carolina, “Regionally, he has his hands on the pulse of the Caribbean region; he understands about Caribbean unity and integration and the greater development of the region, and I’m very impressed with the ways in which he is leading from the front on the issues regarding Haiti.”

On the topic of regionalism and integration in the wider Caricom, Professor Blake gave plaudits to the People’s National Party (PNP): “That is something that the People’s National Party has done very well… I see where Holness is trying to change that image, that narrative around the Jamaica Labour Party [JLP].”

While PNP followers are tearing down this positive report, JLP followers are tearing down the recent Don Anderson poll showing that the Opposition PNP is five points ahead of the ruling JLP. The cut and thrust of campaigning is well upon us, but we are depending on our leaders to stay civil and set a good example for their followers as the crime we are experiencing was reaped from the seeds of political violence.

Let us as voters look out for the solid improvements that Members of Parliament and councillors are making in their constituencies. We the taxpayers are now paying them well, may they serve us with diligence and integrity.

Project STAR

Keith Duncan is one of those nationalists who refuses to give up on Jamaica. The immediate past chairman of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), current chair of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), and chairman of the STAR Foundation is the main sponsor of Project STAR. It is described on their website thus: “Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal) is a social and economic development initiative created by the PSOJ and the Jamaica Constabulary Force [JCF] and driven by communities to bring about societal transformation through targeted interventions in under-resourced areas of Jamaica.”

At a press briefing last week, Duncan noted that the five-year programme is already reaping benefits after its first seven months. It has been engaged in school-feeding programmes at basic schools, outreach to the elderly, job creation, and sports events in downtown Kingston . “The community is beginning to believe… they are moving to a place of hope,” noted Duncan.

It has now started projects in my hometown, Savanna-la-Mar, and in May Pen.

In a previous column I recounted a frightening endeavour with an area leader when I simply wanted to reach out to children orphaned by violence. He refused me entry to the tenement yard and grabbed the bag of treats from me. This was on Dalling Street, close to Lewis Street, where, as children, we walked in peace to St Mary’s Academy run by the Sisters of Mercy.

I am glad the JCF is a partner in Project STAR because such individuals need to be reined in as they are terrorising the very children we are trying to help.

Duncan shared that the project is partnering with HEART/NSTA Trust; Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), with whom they have signed a memorandum of understanding for infrastructural elements; the Social Development Commission (SDC); and the PIOJ.

As they promote transparency in their spending, Project STAR has joined DeafCan! Coffee on the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange, allowing Jamaicans everywhere to participate in its initial public offering. Duncan also noted that the project is listed on the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) tax-free charity listing for US donors.

The project’s key performance indicators, said Duncan, are “social cohesion, economic development, and community-led action”.

Now this is a programme that every politician should get behind — a good look for all. As its campaign urges, ‘Everybody Fahwud!’

Sheryl Lee Ralph gets her Star

We appreciate that Sheryl Lee Ralph has always celebrated her Jamaican roots and were delighted to hear last week’s announcement that she will be receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Born in the US, the daughter of Professor Stanley Ralph and Jamaica’s legendary fashion designer Ivy Ralph, she spent some of her childhood in Manchester. Last year she became the first black woman in 35 years to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard in the Abbot Elementary sitcom series.

On social media, Ralph enthused, “This extraordinary journey fills my heart with gratitude. Today, I celebrate this incredible milestone… I am forever humbled and grateful.”

Other Class of 2024 honourees include another actress with Jamaican roots, Kerry Washington; Toni Braxton; Brandy Norwood; Darius Rucker; Dr Dre; Angie Martinez; Carl Weathers; and Otis Redding and Chadwick Boseman, posthumously.

Nuchette Campbell’s fine Century

Last Thursday, CCRP team members Donna Singh and Noel Chin visited long-serving educator Nuchette Chambers nee Lewars to congratulate her on her 100th birthday. Born in James Hill, Clarendon, on June 29, 1923, Chambers embraced her teaching vocation, serving at several schools before being appointed director of children’s services.

Chambers is the widow of Richard Chambers, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, who passed away in 2012 after 58 years of marriage. She is proud of their four children, outstanding professionals Claudia, Richard, David, and John. Happy Birthday, Lady Chambers!

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to the US Embassy staff in Jamaica, led by history-making Jamaican-born Ambassador Nick Perry; family; and friends in the US. We are grateful for the generous projects you continue to support in Jamaica and your engagement online.

We hail the board and staff of the American Friends of Jamaica, past ambassadors who give their time, treasure, and talent for the good of our people. Have a wonderful Independence Day!

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder and executive chair of PROComm and CCRP. Send comments to www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com