Having committed certain crimes which Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Delroy Chuck describes as “an awful moment of madness, a bad discretion, a poor judgment”, convicted individuals who have already paid their debt to society and are rehabilitated have been shunned and denied employment and travel opportunities. He was addressing the House of Representatives last Tuesday as he closed the debate on the amendments to the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act. Eligibility for deserving individuals has been expanded to include those who have served sentences of up to 10 years, previously expungement was only available to those who had served up to five years.

In the Jamaica Information Service report by Latonya Linton, Minister Chuck noted, “…The truth of the matter is that the vast majority, perhaps more than 90 per cent of persons who have been convicted for crime, it is the one and only offence. Therefore, it is really important that those persons who feel that no one should get a second chance…reconsider their position.”

The minister explained that the expungement process is not available to dangerous and unrepentant criminals as “this would send the wrong signal”. The expungement process is no walk in the park. The board has been almost doubled, and several factors will be considered: “the nature and gravity of the offence, social enquiry and psychological reports, demonstrated remorse or restitution, and the age of the individual at the time of the offence”.

Further, another amendment allows for “automatic expungement for certain old, non-custodial convictions. Specifically, it applies to offences with non-custodial sentences imposed and satisfied before January 1, 2005, where no subsequent conviction has occurred.”

The amendments were passed by the House, heralding full freedom for those who can prove that they have turned their lives around and no longer pose any level of danger to society. Please spread this positive news which will open new opportunities for the advancement of citizens who deserve a second chance.

Hardship Pension Withdrawals

Sanya Goffe, president of the Pension Industry Association, is calling for access by Jamaican employees and employers to pension funds so they can fast-track hurricane recovery. This would be made possible if the Government fast-tracks the Pensions Bill, which would allow for hardship withdrawals.

“Hurricane Melissa has placed thousands of Jamaicans under sudden financial strain. Families need immediate support, yet there is still no legal framework that allows controlled, emergency access to a small portion of their pension savings,” said Goffe in a Jamaica Observer report. “These provisions were designed precisely for circumstances like this. We now need the legislation to match the reality on the ground.”

“We are not advocating for unrestricted access. We are advocating for a clear, well-controlled mechanism that gives families temporary breathing room without compromising their retirement security,” she explained.

This sounds like simple common sense, and it would be a shame if our legislators do not act swiftly. Surely, in a time of distress, people should have access to some of their hard-earned funds.

Heroes in our midst

Scean Barnswell, People’s National Party councillor for the Hayes Division in Clarendon and his wife Danielle have been hailed as heroes for rescuing missing six-year-old, Anka Glasgow, last week.

The couple had been driving along the Bustamante Highway when they spotted a man holding the hand of a small child and became suspicious as they had received an alert in their WhatsApp group about a missing little girl.

Danielle said she asked her husband to drive a little closer so she could see if the child matched the photo which had been circulated. When she confirmed, her husband blocked the man and rescued the child, then turned him in to the police.

An interview with the child’s mother revealed how the child behaved while she was taken away from the private prep school that she attended. The child told her mother that she was so frightened that she “lost her voice”. She said she was crying as the abductor led her through bushes and when he told her to be quiet, she began to pray silently. Her prayers were not in vain, as her kind rescuers were sent before any physical harm could come to her.

Congratulations to the caring Barnswells and to the great parents who nurtured their child’s faith.

FFPJ Assists Household Workers

Shirley Pryce, founder of the Household Workers Union, has been reporting on the heart-rending conditions facing her members in the hurricane-affected parishes. We know that household workers live marginal lives in depressed areas. One can only imagine how badly hit they were.

Pryce says that many have been injured, including a member of her executive, who broke her leg as she ran from her collapsing dwelling seeking shelter.

Many thanks to Food For the Poor Jamaica executives Kivette Silvera and Marsha Burell-Rose who responded quickly with hundreds of care packages for the deserving workers.

Communication for protection

Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission Cordel Green shared a video, available on YouTube, which shows UNESCO sponsorship of community radio stations, ensuring that, post-hurricane, citizens were able to receive important information as there had been poor reception of major radio stations.

The UNESCO report states, “We worked very closely with the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica to do a survey and try to assess for the first time this impact. It has been found to be enormous…Radio today remains the medium the most listened to by populations all over the world, particularly in times of crisis. That’s why UNESCO believes in the power of community radio.”

Both Mello FM and More FM received technical assistance from UNESCO. The survey showed that “at least 112 media sector employees were displaced, injured, or otherwise unable to work”. It said that media recovery cost is approximately US$30 million.

In the meanwhile, the same town criers used in political campaigns should be activated to deliver life-saving information on leptospirosis and dengue to isolated communities.

Happy 80th, Simpson Miller

Portia Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s first woman prime minister, celebrated her 80th birthday last Friday. What a journey it has been for this charismatic leader who gained the admiration and trust of her party and the Jamaican electorate to ascend to Jamaica House as prime minister in 2006. She was a role model for fellow Jamaican women who revelled in her radiance on her wedding day to telecoms business executive Errald Miller.

We have learnt about her current illness, but nothing can dim our memories of the bright smile and purposeful stride of the woman who broke the glass ceiling of Jamaican politics. Happy birthday, phenomenal Portia Simpson Miller.

Blessed Christmas

It will not be an easy Christmas for our friends and families in hurricane-affected parishes. Let us give generously this season. Make your Christmas count and have a fulfilling new year.

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

Sanya Goffe

Portia Simpson Miller

Scean Barnswell