In the two short weeks that I have been away from this column there has been a crush of news.

The Olympics wound up with triumphs on the field for our track-focused country. The Roje Stona gold for the men’s discus throw and silver medals from Shanieka Ricketts, women’s triple jump; Kishane Thompson, men’s 100 metre; and Wayne Pinnock, men’s long jump were impressive. Congratulations also to bronze medallists Rajindra Campbell, men’s shot put, and Rasheed Broadbell, men’s 110 metre hurdles.

It was a huge disappointment that Thompson ceded the gold by fractions of a millisecond to USA’s Noah Lyles, who was quoted by
NBC as saying to Thompson, “Bro, I think you got that one, big dog,” immediately after the finish. The guideline for determining a finish, we understand, is not the person with the first foot to pass the finish line but the person whose chest passes first. To Kishane, who appeared downhearted in his post-event interview: We were immensely proud of you; you are on the brink of 100 metres stardom.

Never mind the occurrences which kept Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson from their events, they remain our darlings. I hope the rumours that the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association officials changed an experienced well-equipped sports medicine expert to a newbie the day before the team’s departure for the Olympics are not true.

Strong response from JCF

The Cherry Tree Lane tragedy has shaken us to the core. This is a most unusual occurrence in Jamaica and was followed by a similar but not as devastating incident at a funeral. Our Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake and senior Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) officers for these areas have come out strong in their resolve to tackle the gangs who are showing a frightening level of savagery.

The JCF moved swiftly, arresting five suspects three days after the Cherry Tree Lane incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Fitz Bailey, who will be retiring shortly after a brilliant tour of duty, addressed the media on the progress of the investigations.

A Jamaica Observer report on DCP Bailey’s press briefing noted that “the ongoing feud seemingly stems from a long-standing international dispute between former friends”. He is quoted as saying, “Unfortunately, our findings indicate that these local violent issues have international roots and incorporate local players, some of whom are incarcerated. These individuals, who were once friends in Jamaica, had a falling out in the United States over illegally obtained gains, leading to each taking homicidal contracts to incite fear and terror.”

Innocent people, even children, who have nothing to do with these feuds, have suffered and died as victims of such conflicts. With international collaboration we pray that we can address this and save lives.

Doing Our Part

When there are such thugs living among us, we are called to do our part to divert our young people from their influence. We applaud the work of our schools, churches, and members of civil society in this effort. Regardless of how busy or fearful we may be, there are safe spaces in which we can work.

Mentorship brings hope to high school students at our alma maters who may be living in difficult circumstances. Those of us who have chosen to remain in Jamaica or return to Jamaica have a duty to give support in whatever areas we have God-given skills.

Also, let us remember — if you hear or see something, say something. The 311 Crime Stop Jamaica number is untraceable, and the tips have led to successful outcomes. Here are some of their instructions on giving information on illegal firearms:

*If the caller has seen the weapon, can he/she describe it? Is it a handgun, rifle, submachine gun, or shotgun?

*Is someone in possession of the weapon or is it hidden somewhere?

*If it is in someone’s possession, do you know where he/she can be found?

*Can you give details of the person’s location and the best time to find them there?

Please check the Crime Stop Jamaica website at www.crimestop.org for more information.

Father Jim Bok’s Negril Ministry

After 16 years as pastor of Mary Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Church, Father James Bok will be retiring and leaving Jamaica on September 11.

After arriving at the rectory on September 11, 2008, “Father Jim” said he heard the household worker remark, “It’s Gilbert’s birthday tomorrow.” At mass the next morning, he ended by wishing ‘Gilbert’ a very happy birthday and many happy returns. Father Jim said his greeting was met by stunned silence. So later he asked the worker who Gilbert was, only to find out that he was the hurricane that devastated Jamaica 20 years before.

Father Jim tapped into the goodwill of visitors far and wide who attended mass at the church. He used the funds to purchase a school bus for children in Negril and adjacent areas. He also established St Anthony’s Kitchen on the road from Sheffield to Negril, which now serves 150 meals daily. When the school bus picks up the children, they are first taken to St Anthony’s, where they have breakfast, and then dropped off at school. They are collected and taken home at the end of the school day.

Generous sponsors have also enabled Father Jim to sponsor scholarships to high school and tertiary institutions. My late sister and her husband, Frances and William Beard, were faithful donors, and last Saturday, Father Jim blessed a plaque in Frances’s memory, mounted in the beautiful church.

Father Jim’s congregations extend to St Joseph’s in Savanna-la-Mar and satellite parishes in small districts, so he has been busy attending farewell events. We took Father Jim for a farewell dinner on Negril’s West End and were stopped at a checkpoint by the police. When we turned down our windows, the police officer looked and said, “Oh is Father that! Have a good night.” Father Jim is well loved throughout the town.

Have a happy retirement, Father Jim. Unlike Gilbert, we wish you many happy returns.

Delightful Porgy & Bess

The National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) took a successful turn at drama in their performance of
Porgy & Bess last Wednesday, featuring celebrated international opera performers Sir Willard White and Lady Sylvia Kervorkian-White.

Chairman of NCOJ Christopher Samuda welcomed the supportive audience, including US Ambassador Nick Perry, and remarked on the contribution of patrons Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall, the NCOJ board and Musical Director Winston Ewart.

Members of our National Chorale are all volunteers and have dedicated themselves to excellence. We are grateful to NCOJ board directors Paulette Mitchell and Maxine Brown for their energetic promotion. Thanks also to main sponsor Jamaica National and supporters Atlas Protection, Supreme Ventures, CHASE Fund, and CPJ. It was a daunting challenge beautifully met by NCOJ.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder of CCRP, a legacy project of her company, PROComm. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.

Fitz Bailey (Photo: Joseph Wellington)