Those of us who are independent of mind and have voted for various parties over our lifetime can look unblinkered on the positives and negatives of our leaders.

Regrettably, even when we give our honest opinion, it is viewed as politically biased. But I am willing to risk being accused of such to give my thoughts on Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s budget presentation last week.

I believe the presentation addressed the widening gap between the poor and more fortunate Jamaicans. I will never forget a tour I did of Frog City in downtown Kingston where the maze of walkways was lined with rusty zinc fences, pieces of which jutted out dangerously. We were shown a ‘study room’, an old desk on a dirt floor with a battered wooden chair. This would be a perfect haven for criminals who would know how to bob and weave to elude police officers. Multiply this community by the dozens throughout Jamaica where so-called community leaders must give you permission to enter.

And so this need for decent housing was extensively addressed in the prime minister’s presentation, noting a partnership with Food For the Poor, increased National Housing Trust (NHT) benefits, and planned partnerships with the private sector to provide decent housing for their workers. This is urgently needed in the tourism sector in which housekeeping staff must keep luxury hotel rooms shiny, then return home to tenement yards and squatter settlements.

Economists have long associated home ownership with national development. One-room living leads to early sexualisation of children, creating a cycle of poverty. These new NHT benefits should make a difference:

• Previously only available to government workers, the NHT will allow all contributors in the system for 10 years to access home-improvement loans of up to $3.5 million.

• A Smart Energy Home Improvement Loan will be available to install solar panels and batteries, solar water heaters, solar insulation, and other renewable energy technology, rainwater harvesting, water tanks and pumps. Pensioners who had been earning less that $30,000 weekly will also be eligible for this benefit.

• Over 15,000 housing solutions for low and middle-income NHT contributors

• Over 300 units at Barracks Road in St James will be available to workers in tourism and other sectors. Another $500 million is being invested for them by The Tourism Enhancement Fund and the new social housing project.

• Young people have a tough time becoming homeowners and 10 per cent of the housing solutions will be allocated to NHT contributors under 35.

• 14 homeless shelters will be built on government properties by the NHT.

The planned distribution of land titles to farmers, and plans for better road and water supply will bring hope and dignity to this hard-working cohort. The opening of savings accounts for children born since 2022 in Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education households is another initiative which aims at levelling the playing field for the poor.

This reminded me of the late Mama “Joy” Baker, an inner-city dweller who cleaned bars and stores for a living and was a protector of children in the community. Over a 30-year period it is estimated that with the help of outreach organisations she helped some 300 children to open savings accounts.

The establishment of water management solutions are long awaited. In this land of wood and water, with countless springs and many rivers, there should be no reason that our people should not have a reliable water supply. The plan includes Negril, where there is an embarrassing water issue.

JCF Highlights

Congratulations to Dr Kevin Blake on his appointment as commissioner of police last week. He succeeds Major General Antony Anderson who, in his last official event, lauded his charges at the passing out parade of 148 new recruits.

A
Jamaica Observer report quoted him: “We have onboarded technologies that make us as good as any force anywhere. We have onboarded quality systems so that we are one of very few forces anywhere that is ISO 9001 certified. It means we have decided to hold ourselves to a high standard.” General Anderson said he was proud to have led “a force for good”.

There are grand expectations of Commissioner Blake, who holds postgraduate degrees in information technology. It is hoped that his expertise will see high-tech crime fighting and road safety solutions.

Congratulations to the strong women in the Jamaica Constabulary Force who are celebrating their 75th anniversary of service in the force. Continuing their commemorative programme, they will join with Janet Silvera’s Sarah’s Children outreach project for an anniversary luncheon at the S Hotel in Montego Bay tomorrow. Guest speaker is my friend Dr Clover Baker-Brown.

Haitian orphans rescued

Viewers watched tearfully the news report of the arrival of Haitian orphans and their caregivers at the Port Antonio pier. It was a reminder of the value of each and every human being, regardless of his/her disability. They will reside at Mustard Seed’s Jacob’s Ladder in St Ann, a veritable village of caring.

Visitors to Mustard Seed residences throughout Jamaica have remarked on the loving attention given to such children. Congratulations to Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed communities, for accepting the children and former US Ambassador to Jamaica Luis Moreno for supporting the operation to rescue them.

There has been so much talk about bringing peace and security to Haiti, while their terrified citizens await action against the gangs who are making their lives a living hell.

Champs fever

I remember Teddy McCook of blessed memory saying in the early 2000s, “If you know what is coming for track and field, your head would hurt you!” Well he must be euphoric, watching from up above, the performances of our high school athletes at our girls’ and boys’ athletics championships, the biggest event of its kind in the world.

Congratulations to winners Edwin Allen High School’s girls, Kingston College, and their competitors for a feast of great performances. Gratitude to the parents, coaches, and the school communities who have guided and nurtured our splendid young athletes.

Remembering Marcia Erskine

Because she was more focused on ensuring the smooth implementation of her projects, Marcia Erskine drew little attention to herself. Yet her sparkling smile and Trinidadian sense of humour always lifted her colleagues. Few knew that it was through her dedication that the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) was able to arrive at its 20th anniversary, the celebration of which was planned by her and was held, painfully, just four days after her sudden passing.

There was no question that the event would take place as that was the spirit of Erskine, unruffled by challenges. The event was addressed by WLI founder Ambassador Sue Cobb, author of the must-read biography
The Lady of Silk and Steel, so dubbed by former Prime Minister P J Patterson. She congratulated the media honorees — Simone Clarke-Cooper, Dionne Jackson Miller, Christene King, Novia McDonald-Whyte, and Susan Simes — who must have been carefully selected by Erskine and her committee.

Deepest condolence to Erskine’s beloved family and close friends. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder and executive chair of PROComm and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.