As he moved his camera around from sea, to sky, to flowering trees, DJ Khaled kept exclaiming, “Look at God!” His family had planned a week in Jamaica, one of his favourite destinations, to celebrate his birthday last week, and joy radiated from the gathering.

Unfortunately, we in Jamaica have become too complacent about the beauty that surrounds us, the few minutes it takes to get to a beach, and now that sweet Christmas breeze.

However, let us ask ourselves, would DJ Khaled’s admiration extend to how we Jamaicans are living our lives, blessed with this treasure of a country and the beautiful children who look to us for love and care?

Recent news of the violent behaviour of schoolchildren is a judgment on not only their parents, but also on the example they see and hear from entertainers, campaigners, and on social media. No wonder Australia last week passed a law banning young people under 16 from using social media.

While we devote ourselves to giving our children guidance, we can only ensure their safety if we extend ourselves to programmes that will address the social challenges faced by too many children. Attendance at school events will reveal trouble spots, and active involvement in the school parents teachers’ associations can be used to promote mentorship, address bullyism, and provide material assistance to children in need.

When we exclaim, “Look at God!”, it should be loudest in our churches. How do we inspire our young people to stay faithful after the mandatory days of Sunday school are over? Celebrating their talents and giving them responsibilities will grow their self-esteem and confidence. Assisting them with life skills to sharpen resumes and do successful job interviews will win them over. Most companies give extra points to applicants who engage in outreach activities.

Politicians are seen at various church services reading from the Bible and delivering pious messages. Yet they trade racist insults on campaign platforms. We Jamaicans, more ‘mix up and blenda’ than people of most countries, are still ranting about ‘white’ and ‘black’ in front of our party colleagues of various ethnicities. These same campaigners are colour blind when they seek campaign donations. The use of racial slurs is sheer hypocrisy.

This environment which inspired DJ Khaled’s praise must be protected. We should have no issues with mediation, but National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), a government agency, should make public the agreement it made with Trade Winds Citrus Limited over the effluent released in the Rio Cobre. The resignation of the NEPA Chairman Weldon Maddan still leaves unanswered questions.

We salute our visitors who praise our beauty. Let us make ourselves deserving.

GARY “BUTCH” HENDRICKSON’S CALL

In a report by Jamaica Observer Executive Editor-Publications Vernon Davidson, National Baking Company Chair and CEO Butch Hendrickson was quoted: “If we truly believe in the importance of education to the growth and development of Jamaica, Education Tax should not be going into the Consolidated Fund. Education Tax should go directly into a bipartisan fund with the appropriate legislative structure promulgated into law for disbursal and monitoring. Achieving this will demand bipartisan support, robust oversight, and transparency at every single step of the way.”

Hendrickson was speaking after receiving the honorary Doctor of Education at last Thursday’s graduation ceremony at The Mico University. An enthusiastic supporter of education, Hendrickson’s company and the National Baking Foundation have poured millions into early childhood and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) teacher education projects, so he is more than qualified to make this call.

Hendrickson called for transparency in the governance of the education fund, through which a monthly operating statement would be publicised. He drew a comparison with the work of the successful Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC): “When faced with economic crisis our leaders sat down, made tough choices, and developed a mechanism for accountability.”

The Major Organise Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency investigation and arrests connected to multimillion-dollar fraud allegations at HEART/NSTA Trust underlines the urgency of Hendrickson’s call.

Animal Advocacy in action

Yesterday, we saw the official launch of the Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG) at Hope Zoo, hosted by Kenny Benjamin and Valerie Juggan-Brown of the Guardsman Group. Founded by Dr Blossom O’Meally Nelson and a group of concerned citizens, AWAG is spearheading a process to promote the humane treatment of animals in Jamaica through a broad-based approach that brings together non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Government of Jamaica (GOJ) entities, the private sector/charitable organisations, and individual animal welfare advocates. They are working to provide a framework for all interested groups and individuals to play a role according to their area of expertise and level of commitment in promoting animal welfare in Jamaica.

Outlining the rights of animals, Dr O’Meally-Nelson noted that AWAG is currently engaged in the following:

1) Preparation and submission of amendments to the Animal Cruelty Act

2) Working with the Jamaica Racing Commission and Supreme Ventures Limited to stimulate action for establishing a haven for retired racehorses

3) Giving support to the Montego Bay Animal Haven

4) Developing a public education plan with the Ministry of Agriculture and
Jamaica Information Service

5) Providing curriculum support to the police college

6) Providing training support for front-line police enforcers

Members of the AWAG executive are Dr O’Meally-Nelson, chair; Dr Paul Cadogan; Dr Sarah Eytle; Dr Sophia Ramlal; Dr Bri Schwapp; Dr Audrie McNab; Dr Barbara Carby; Pamela Lawson; Jessica Munitz; Cindi Scholefield; and Marie Baillie. The AWAG goodwill ambassador is Solomon Sharpe, and I am honoured to be their patron. Please visit their informative website at
www.animaladvocacyja.com and support their noble cause.

Congratulations PAJ Awardees

Congratulations to the fine journalists, photographers, and producers who received top awards at the annual Press Association of Jamaica National Journalism Awards. Journalist of the Year was
TVJ’s Giovanni Dennis and kudos to
Jamaica Observer winners Naphtali Junior, the Junior Dowie Award for Sports Photography; Garfield Robinson, Errol Harvey Award for Human Interest Photography; and Ruddy Allen, Hugh Crosskill/Raymond Sharpe Award for Sports (Print).

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author, communications expert, and seniors’ advocate. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.

Jamaica Observer journalists who won Press Association of Jamaica awards proudly pose with their trophies. From left: Garfield Robinson, Errol Harvey Award for Human Interest Photography; Naphtali Junior, Junior Dowie Award for Sports Photography; and Ruddy Allen, Hugh Crosskill/Raymond Sharpe Award for Sport Journalism. (Photo: Leo Hudson)