Emotions are high as both major political parties escalate their campaigning for the upcoming general election. We have heard expletives on platforms from both sides and speculation is rife about who is gaining ground in these crucial final weeks.

As criticisms swirl about the used school buses which have been transporting children in Portland in a pilot programme, we had memories of the “jolly Joseph” buses which we used to go to school. We called the older ones “patty pans” because they were hot. Sometimes the buses were so packed that there was only space for one foot, a balancing act as the bus turned tight corners. Since queues were non-existent, the only way I could enter that Papine bus was to turn sideways! So when I see videos of the orderly entry of the children, finding their seats on the used school buses, I feel happy for them. Of course, there are caring taxi and minibus operators who parents trust, but not enough for our school population.

Meanwhile, complaints are being lodged at the Office of the Political Ombudsman, now a responsibility of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ). A recent release notes, “The political ombudsman is maintaining a watchful eye on the conduct of political parties and candidates as campaigning intensifies ahead of the general election. The ombudsman has taken note of flags, display boards, and other paraphernalia erected, as well as public utterances from political actors.”

It notes that it has been in dialogue with the general secretaries of both political parties, having received eight complaints from party members and advocacy groups, “which are being actively and carefully investigated”.

“The call comes amid increasing reports of political paraphernalia, including posters, banners, and flyers being removed, defaced, and destroyed, allegedly by individuals who do not support the candidates or parties the posters represent,” it states.

“This behaviour undermines the spirit of democracy and peaceful political engagement. We understand the passion that comes with political campaigning, but we must all remember that democracy thrives where there is mutual respect,” said Earl Jarrett, chairman of ECJ.

We saw an interesting collage on Shortwood Road: a Delroy Chuck poster surrounded by orange flags, which seemed to highlight rather than diminish the Chuck photo. The orange-wrapped poles on East King’s House Road look festive, and the Stacey Knight poster is striking — at first, we thought it was a concert promotion.

The political ombudsman advised that, “Each Jamaican has the right to participate in the political process without fear or intimidation. This includes the right to display and promote their political choice without interference.”

Complaints of breaches can be made via the online complaints portal at www.ecj.com.jm (click on Office of the Ombudsman Complaints Form); by e-mail to ecjombudsman@eoj.com.jm, or delivered to the Office of the Political Ombudsman located at 46 Duke Street, Kingston.

The nightly British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) news reports of the deaths and suffering in Gaza leave us to wonder why the world is standing by, watching this modern-day holocaust, perpetrated by some whose own families may have suffered in the Jewish Holocaust. We applaud members of the Jewish community who have called for the end of this assault. Yes, it was a reaction to a heartless attack by Hamas on Israeli citizens, and we can understand the anger and distress. However, there can be no reason for this war to continue, claiming the lives of thousands of innocent Palestinians. As Mahatma Gandhi warned, “An eye for an eye and the world goes blind.”

Last Saturday was the 63rd anniversary of Bob Dylan’s song Blowing in the Wind, and these lyrics are poignant:

“… how many years can some people exist

Before they’re allowed to be free?

… how many times can a man turn his head

And pretend that he just doesn’t see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind,

The answer is blowin’ in the wind”

Happy 75th, RJR!

The Radio Jamaica family and associates gathered last week at the Webster Memorial Church to give thanks for their 75 years in broadcasting, the longest in our country’s history.

For those of us who grew up in the earlier years of the station, the hosts were like family — among them Don Topping, Marie Garth, Alan Magnus, Dorraine Samuels-Binger, Neville Willoughby, Henry Stennett, Radcliffe Butler, Norma Brown-Bell, Barbara Gloudon, Francois St Juste, and Michael Sharpe. The leadership of J Lester Spaulding saw the station grow first into the RJR-TVJ (Television Jamaica) complex and later merging with the Gleaner to become the RJRGleaner media colossus. The current hosts have kept the standards high.

At the service, an inspiring greeting was given by Chief Financial Officer Karla Stephens-Hall, with readings by Diane Spence and Emily Shields. We were transfixed by the strong message of Reverend Alston Carlyle and applauded his reminder to make prayer an important part of our lives, even in the workplace.

Multi-Faith World Theology Forum

Our colleague Elaine Commissiong has shared plans for a multi-faith World Theology Forum to be held in Kingston on August 7 and 8. She notes that, “It seeks to give voice to an urgent concern regarding the growing global divide between faiths and the troubling global consequences that stem from a lack of open love and a peace-centred dialogue.”

The keynote speaker will be Professor Patrice Lumumba and Commissiong notes that “his views on global issues were largely shaped by his experience with colonialism and his vision for a unified, independent Africa”.

Delegates will include members of the Christian, Muslim, Rastafari, and other religions. Concerned members of the public from all walks of life are invited to attend. She says special areas of concern that will be addressed during the two-day forum are personal financial security, world hunger, sexism, governance, freedom of worship, and war.

The forum is being organised by a group of concerned citizens coordinated by businessman Michael Young, chair of the team, which includes Rev J Oliver Daley, Tony Patel, Anjulie McLean, Mark Young, Geraldine Geddes, and Commissiong.

Phenomenal Vilma McDonald

Five years ago, this column saluted Vilma McDonald on her 80th birthday. What a joy it was to celebrate the 85th of this national sportswoman; Jamaica Netball Team captain and association president; Lions Club of Liguanea past president; Carifesta 76 financial controller and long-serving civil servant; founding member and board director of CCRP; wife; mother; and perennial volunteer. Now she also serves on the board of the Ardenne Foundation and is dedicated to the establishment of a wellness centre at the school.

I remember Vilma’s firm hand on the purse strings of Carifesta 76, gaining the respect of the demanding Wycliffe Bennett and Merrick Needham, who engaged her for subsequent locally held international conferences. Vilma’s wise and engaging personality has motivated scores of young people to volunteer for her many causes, finding enrichment from these experiences.

Among the tributes at the celebration was one from Molly Rhone: “If it were not for Vilma, I don’t think I would be here now,” she said, gesturing at the circle of netball greats who joined her to laud her friend. For me, this generous lady, who with her beloved Novar raised three successful children while moving up the ladder of Jamaica’s civil service, is the gold standard of a life of love and service.

May our dear Vilma enjoy many more years of joyful fulfilment.

Farewell, Beloveds

Our family said farewell to two outstanding women, Evelyn Sirjue, who passed away earlier this year, and Dr Janet Johnson-Morris, who left us last week.

Evelyn qualified as a pharmacist early in life, working in both the public and private sectors. After gaining a degree in biochemistry from The University of the West Indies, she joined the staff at the Bureau of Standards, working for years as an education officer. In 1992, she was promoted to senior standards scientific officer and one year later she acted as the Administrator for the western office of the bureau.

After her retirement as senior scientific officer in 1995, Evelyn returned to her home parish Westmoreland, doing part-time stints in local pharmacies and helping others, especially students who sought financial assistance. Her sister Sonia Polack describes her as a gentle person “who radiated grace, love, and other Christian principles throughout her life”. May the soul of the excellent Evelyn Sirjue rest in peace.

Dr Janet Johnson-Morris was a devoted family woman, beloved in her Christian community and the medical fraternity in St James. She was a coach for living one’s best life, as reflected in her social media posts.

Her husband Sean Morris wrote, “Her life was grounded on three unwavering pillars: family, faith, and a deep devotion to medicine. Her absence will be profoundly felt. She touched countless lives with her selflessness, kindness, dedication, and compassion — qualities that defined her and endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.” Of her illness, he wrote, “True to her nature, she chose to face this journey privately, guided by grace and quiet strength.”

Our condolence to Sean and their children Danielle, Zachary, and Jonathan. May Janet’s beautiful soul rest in peace.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV, and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.

Vilma McDonald