As we drove into the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) campus last week, Hubie and I recalled our first formal date for his graduation ball at his beloved College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), UTech’s former name.

Arriving at UTech to speak on behalf of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) at their retirement ceremony for their College of Business and Management (COBAM) led by Dr Andrea Sutherland, I could see Hubie glowing with pride at its impeccable security and protocol arrangements. As we complimented the organisers on the programme, decorations, entertainment, and catering, Dr Sutherland explained that everything had been done in house, giving students practical experience in their fields of endeavour.

The retirees of COBAM had served as lecturers and administrators in their four schools: School of Business Administration; Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership; School of Hospitality, Tourism and Management; and Graduate Studies School of Advanced Management.

What moved us all were the contributions of the retirees, whose years of service totalled 238. What an impact they have made on Jamaica’s business and tourism sectors. A couple of retirees mentioned to me the cordial greetings they get from former students when they meet them in their workplaces. The witty citations prepared for each retiree were laced with references from the Bible, William Shakespeare, and John Milton as well as heartfelt recollections from their colleagues. Dr Lockley Henry’s emcee banter added to the warmth of the occasion.

These are Jamaicans of distinction who still have much to offer. In some cases they had served as senior executives in various fields before joining the UTech faculty. The challenge now is to ensure that they can continue to make their contributions, particularly in the training and mentorship of young Jamaicans.

These individuals have built strong families and have set a sterling example for their students and communities. Let us ensure that, having given so much of their lives to this country, our retirees enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

JA Lester Spaulding Lecture

It was a special honour to attend the JA Lester Spaulding Inaugural Lecture at the historic Studio One in the RJR-TVJ complex last Wednesday, World Press Freedom Day.

Dr Patrick Prendergast delivered the lecture, after Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and Gary Allen shared their recollections of this remarkable business leader who contributed significantly to philanthropic causes.

Spaulding was a founding director of CCRP, somehow making the time to set up our accounts and give guidance in our development. Another attendee at the lecture, Clyde McKenzie, recalled how Spaulding would take the time to counsel him. Spaulding would carry a little note holder in his breast pocket and once he committed to something he would make a note and you could be sure that he would get back to you, as promised. This is how he built that important level of trust with his staff and colleagues as a man of his word, always going the extra mile to help others.

As a media visionary, Spaulding would agree with Dr Prendergast that media plays a significant role in national development. We were disappointed to learn that our rating on the press freedom register had moved down from the number 12 spot to number 32. We are challenged to keep our place in this changing media landscape, with print and broadcast competing with digital media, where click bait will skew stories and skilful editing will misrepresent pronouncements.

The Press Association of Jamaica has been strengthening its presence, guiding young journalists to keep their standards high. I remember my Features Editor George Graham telling me to give him my copy as the deadline loomed, “Stop re-editing, Jean, remember tomorrow it will wrap fish!” Now, we know our copy may wrap fish, but it will remain eternally in the digital space. It is as challenging as it is dangerous as the recent lawsuit won by Dominion Voting against Fox News reminds us.

In respect of the call for more investigative journalism, remember one may engage the international media to keep us watchful while protecting us on the ground.

On Board with Constitutional Reform

Most Jamaicans agree that there should be constitutional reform so Jamaica can have a native head of State. We welcome the news that there have been regular meetings of the Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) comprising Government and Opposition representatives as well as leaders in civil society.

I had a chat with Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte recently, who said, “The people of Jamaica will be proud of the high-quality deliberations at the CRC meetings when they see the records. CRC members come to meetings well prepared and very mindful of the enormous work ahead of us as a nation to repair and rebuild trust, especially in our political leadership … I know that we need a better government bureaucracy to consistently deliver results to the people. This reform work will get us there over time.”

She concluded, “I remain optimistic that Jamaica will soon cross the finish line in a journey we began many years ago to become a republic. We have travelled through rough patches along the way, but we will make it.”

As expected, the political brickbats have been flying, so let us have more public engagements to clarify any misconceptions.

Bitter Sweet Child Month

This May we have a programme of activities to celebrate Child Month, and we commend the parents, teachers, and sponsors who are making this special.

On May 1, the Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” community at South Camp Road celebrated the 223rd anniversary of the day when Jamaican Jessie Ripoll took in the first orphan to Alpha Cottage. In 1890, the Sisters of Mercy joined her effort and expanded Alpha beyond its original location, establishing the St John Bosco Home and Vocational School, the St Catherine High School, Mount St Joseph Academy, and Sister Benedict’s Laws Street Trade Training Centre. Alpha became the cradle of modern Jamaican music and now the Alpha Institute is open to both male and female students.

On a sad note, yesterday the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Secret Garden Memorial in memory of the innocent children who were violently taken from us. What a loss, not only to their grieving families but to Jamaica, robbed of their promise.

On Tuesday we celebrate Read Across Jamaica and it will be a delight to visit Alpha Primary School with my Digicel Foundation colleagues, board Director Danielle Stiebel-Johnson, and Project Manager Miguel “Steppa” Williams.

Let us keep in mind that reading is of the utmost importance to our children as the artificially intelligent ChatGPT may threaten the jobs of those who are not culturally aware and creative, critical thinkers. Let us make this a Happy Child Month, Mother’s Day, and Teachers’ Day — we are all in this together.

Congratulations, Dr Hardie

Congratulations to Dr Milton Hardie, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology who was recently elected chairman of the Medical Council of Jamaica. This dedicated council registers medical practitioners and regulates the conditions of their practice islandwide. We are grateful for all its members who volunteer their services.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com